Few streets capture the charm and character of Edinburgh’s Old Town quite like Victoria Street. Winding gracefully from George IV Bridge down to the Grassmarket, its cobbled curve lined with colourful facades has become one of the city’s most popular and photographed locations.
Originally designed to improve access between the lower Grassmarket and the upper Old Town. Built between 1829 and 1834, Victoria Street was part of a wider effort to modernise the city’s historic core. Architect Thomas Hamilton designed Victoria Street with a mix of styles that flow naturally with the Old Town’s medieval character. The street replaced the steep, narrow West Bow, which once served as the main route up the hill.
Hamilton designed the street with a graceful curve, terraced shops, and tall tenements, giving it an Old Flemish look that adds to its charm. Today, the street remains a fine example of 19th-century urban design and a much-loved part of Edinburgh’s heritage.
Over time, Victoria Street has grown into one of the most vibrant parts of Edinburgh’s Old Town, lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and small artisan stores that give the street its charm and local character.
The bright mix of blues, reds, purples, and yellows makes it one of the most recognisable streets in the city — often seen on postcards, travel guides, and social media.
Walking down the curve, it’s easy to picture the days when traders and horse-drawn carts made their way up and down between the Grassmarket and the Old Town. These days, it’s just as lively, with both locals and visitors enjoying its mix of quirky shops, design stores, and small businesses that make it feel truly unique.
Victoria Street holds a special kind of magic. It’s widely believed to have inspired Diagon Alley, the enchanted shopping street in J.K. Rowling’s famous series. The narrow, twisting layout and colourful buildings make it easy to see the resemblance.
Midway down the street, you’ll find Museum Context, one of Edinburgh’s most popular themed stores. Set over multiple floors in a historic building, it’s filled with wands, robes, collectables, and decorations that celebrate the wizarding world. Even for those who aren’t Potter fans, the atmospheric setting is worth a visit.
Adding a playful modern touch to the street’s mix of shops is The Squish Edinburgh, the only one of its kind in Edinburgh. Located near the Grassmarket end of the street. Its bright, cheerful window display is hard to miss and always draws curious visitors.
Victoria Street sits directly beside the Grassmarket, one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most historic quarters. Once the site of bustling livestock markets and at times, public executions. Today, the Grassmarket is a lively hub filled with pubs, restaurants, and outdoor terraces. The street’s gentle curve connects this vibrant area to the upper Old Town, creating one of the most scenic walking routes in the city.
It’s also conveniently close to several top attractions. Edinburgh Castle towers just above, and the Royal Mile is only a few minutes’ walk away.
How long is the walk from Edinburgh Castle to Victoria Street?
It takes around five to ten minutes to walk from the gates of Edinburgh Castle down to Victoria Street. Follow the Royal Mile to George IV Bridge, and you’ll find the street curving down toward the Grassmarket.
Where is the Harry Potter shop on Victoria Street?
The most popular Harry Potter-themed store is Museum Context. Found about halfway down the street. You’ll find magical merchandise across several floors, making it a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.
Where is The Squish Shop in Edinburgh?
Squish Edinburgh is at the lower end of Victoria Street, closer to the Grassmarket. It’s the only official Squish Shop in Edinburgh, known for its bright display and wide range of fun, scented squishies.
Who designed Victoria Street, and when was it built?
Architect Thomas Hamilton designed and built Victoria Street between 1829 and 1834. It replaced the old West Bow and became part of a major 19th-century plan to improve access across the Old Town.
