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Victoria Street Edinburgh: One of My Favourite Streets in the City

If I had to choose one of my favourite streets in Edinburgh, Victoria Street would definitely be near the top of the list.

Tucked into Edinburgh's historic Old Town, Victoria Street is one of those places that seems to change character depending on the weather and the light. Its sweeping curve, colourful buildings, cobbled street and quirky independent shops make it one of the most recognisable streets in Edinburgh — and one that I never seem to tire of visiting.

It is also one of the places in Edinburgh most often associated with Harry Potter and Diagon Alley.

Is Victoria Street the inspiration for Diagon Alley?

Victoria Street is often said to have been an inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling has never confirmed that Victoria Street was specifically the inspiration, but it is easy to understand why the connection has become so popular.

The resemblance is hard to miss: a narrow, winding street lined with colourful shopfronts, unusual little businesses and historic buildings, all tucked into the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh's Old Town. Edinburgh's official tourism organisation also notes the strong association between Victoria Street and the fictional magical shopping street.

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, Victoria Street has a wonderfully atmospheric quality all of its own.

Did you know Victoria Street was designed in the 19th century?

There is more to Victoria Street than its colourful appearance.

The street formed part of an ambitious plan to improve Edinburgh's southern and western approaches to the Old Town. Architect Thomas Hamilton was responsible for the plan, which included the route connecting George IV Bridge with the Grassmarket.

The development of Victoria Street began in the 1830s, with buildings along the street following the steep slope and distinctive curve. Historic Environment Scotland records several of the buildings dating from around 1838–1843, giving the street much of the historic character we see today.

So that famous curve isn't simply there to look pretty. It was part of a practical solution for creating a route through Edinburgh's challenging topography — and, fortunately, it resulted in one of the city's most beautiful streets.

A street full of colour and character

What I particularly love about Victoria Street is its colour.

The painted shopfronts stand out against the old stone buildings, while the curve of the street creates constantly changing views as you walk through it. There are independent shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés tucked into the buildings, making it a lovely place simply to wander and take everything in.

For me, as an artist, it is the combination of architecture, colour, atmosphere and light that makes Victoria Street so interesting.

It is the kind of Edinburgh scene that makes you want to stop, look up and notice the details.

And perhaps that's why it has such an enduring appeal. You can visit Victoria Street as a tourist looking for Harry Potter connections, as a visitor exploring Edinburgh's Old Town, or simply as someone who loves beautiful streets — and there is always something to notice.

Visiting Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Victoria Street is in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, linking the Grassmarket with George IV Bridge. It is an easy street to include when exploring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket.

Take your time rather than simply walking through it. Look at the colourful buildings, browse the independent shops and look back down the curve of the street from different viewpoints.

And if you're interested in photography or art, take a moment to notice how the light changes the colours of the buildings. Victoria Street is a particularly wonderful subject for anyone who loves painting Edinburgh.

It is one of those places where Edinburgh's history, architecture and modern character come together in a very small space.

And for me, that is what makes Victoria Street one of my favourite streets in Edinburgh.