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I visited the street in Edinburgh that's thought to have inspired Diagon Alley, and it was far more magical in real life
I visited the street in Edinburgh that's thought to have inspired Diagon Alley, and it was far more magical in real life
Mikhaila FrielAug 11, 2021, 17:21 IST
My visit to Victoria Street.Mikhaila Friel/Insider
I visited Victoria Street in Edinburgh, thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
The alley in the "Harry Potter" franchise is where witches and wizards buy their Hogwarts supplies.
In real life, the colorful winding street looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairytale.
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Diagon Alley is featured in the "Harry Potter" books and movies.
Diagon Alley is located in London. But the real-life inspiration for the street is thought to be Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city.
Victoria Street in Edinburgh.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider
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I visited Victoria Street, located in the city's Old Town neighborhood, during a public holiday last week.
The street was filled with people during a public holiday.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider
There were sadly no cauldron or wand stores to be found on this street, which instead contained tourist shops, clothes stores, and cafés.
The buildings looked magical.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider
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Before it was named Victoria Street, this part of Edinburgh was home to Major Weir, a man who was executed for witchcraft in 1670.
The street has a dark history.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider
I soon discovered The Enchanted Galaxy, a "Harry Potter" inspired gift shop.
The "Harry Potter" themed store.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider
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I spoke to one of the sales advisors, who said she believed Victoria Street was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley.
The store interior.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider
This street may be meant for muggles instead of wizards, but it still felt magical.
My visit to Victoria Street felt magical.
Mikhaila Friel/Insider