Edinburgh isn’t just a city—it’s like stepping into the pages of a book. The streets are lined with history, magic, and mystery, and for us, it was a dream come true. As a family that shares a deep love for Harry Potter, we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in the magical landmarks that inspired J.K. Rowling’s famous series. And the best part? We did it all for a fraction of the cost, thanks to our points and miles strategy.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how we used points and miles to book flights, hotels, and activities in Edinburgh. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to plan your own magical Scotland adventure—and how you can do it too, using the power of points!

Flights: How We Booked with Points and Miles

We flew from Kansas City (MCI) to London (LHR) on American Airlines using points we earned through credit card welcome bonuses. For the return trip, we used United miles to fly back from Edinburgh (EDI) to Kansas City.

💡 Total cost for our flights: Just under $400 in taxes and fees.

✈️ How You Can Do It

If you’re looking to book flights to Edinburgh, start by earning points through credit card bonuses. Check out my guide on using points for flights to get started. Some of my favorite credit cards for earning miles are:

• American Airlines miles (easy to earn with the right card)
• United MileagePlus (perfect for return flights)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (transferable points that open up tons of options! Here’s the rundown on Chase Transfer Partners)

Where We Stayed: Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

For our stay, we booked three nights at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, a stunning hotel right along the Royal Mile. We used Hilton Honors points to book our stay, which saved us hundreds of dollars.

🏨 Why We Loved It:
✔️ Prime location, making it perfect for exploring Edinburgh’s magical sites.
✔️ Our family of four fit comfortably in one room, making this a great use of points.
✔️ Free breakfast, thanks to my husband’s American Express Platinum Card, which granted us Hilton Gold status.

💡 How You Can Do It
Start earning Hilton Honors points with a credit card, or sign up for Hilton’s loyalty program to get perks like free breakfast and room upgrades. Want to know more about booking hotels with points? Check out my post on using Hilton points.

Getting to Edinburgh: Train from London

After spending a couple of days in London, we hopped on the train at King’s Cross Station to head to Edinburgh. As huge Harry Potter fans, this felt like stepping into the magic of the series. It was so exciting to see the station where Harry and the gang board the Hogwarts Express. The journey was smooth, scenic, and easy—especially since the Hilton was only a short walk from Waverley Station in Edinburgh.

💡 Tip: Use points to cover travel costs whenever possible! You can often earn travel credits or use points for transportation like trains.

Things to Do in Edinburgh (Especially for Harry Potter Fans)

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for any Harry Potter lover, and we made sure to visit as many magical spots as we could. Here’s a list of our favorite Harry Potter-inspired activities:

Potter-Inspired Highlights

🪄 Potter Trail Walking Tour – A must-do for any Harry Potter fan! This pay-what-you-want walking tour takes you to key locations around the city that inspired J.K. Rowling, including places where she wrote parts of the series.
🌈 Victoria Street – Known for its colorful buildings, this street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. It’s like stepping into a page of the series!
👻 Greyfriars Kirkyard – This eerie graveyard is home to many gravestones that inspired names in the series, including Tom Riddle. It’s definitely worth a visit for any Potterhead.
⚡ Edinburgh Castle – Learn about Scotland’s rich history while walking around this magnificent castle—Edinburgh Castle is even said to have inspired some of the Hogwarts architecture!

Free Activities and Magical Sights

🎨 National Museum of Scotland – Learn about Scottish history and culture with diverse exhibits. The museum is free to visit, making it an ideal stop for families.
🏰 St. Giles Cathedral – A stunning Gothic cathedral with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
🌳 Dean Village – A peaceful, picturesque spot away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for quiet moments and photos.
🏞️ Princes Street Gardens – Located below Edinburgh Castle, these gardens offer beautiful views of the castle and are a perfect spot to relax after a busy day.
🌳 The Meadows – This expansive park is perfect for a stroll or a picnic, and it’s an ideal place to let the kids run around.

Where We Ate: Local Favorites and Budget Eats

Eating in Edinburgh was a treat—especially with so many cozy spots that felt like something straight out of a magical world. We tried traditional Scottish fare as well as local favorites:

🍽️ The World’s End – A classic Scottish pub with hearty dishes. The name alone makes it sound straight out of a fantasy novel!
🥪 Bobby’s Sandwich Shop – A perfect stop for a quick, delicious meal. Don’t miss the local favorites like the haggis sandwich.
🍖 Oink – Famous for its pulled pork rolls—this is a must-try in Edinburgh!

Quintessential Scottish Pub Experiences

🍻 The Last Drop – A spooky pub near Grassmarket with great food and even more intriguing stories.
🥃 Whiski Bar & Restaurant – A cozy spot to try traditional haggis and Scotch whisky, perfect for unwinding after a day of magical exploration.

Two More Local Favorites

🍔 The Dog House – This charming restaurant is a local favorite for burgers and craft beers. The laid-back atmosphere and delicious menu make it a perfect stop for a hearty meal.
🍲 Mamma’s Anstruther Fish Bar – A bit off the beaten path, this local gem is perfect for a casual meal of the freshest fish and chips, served with a side of Edinburgh hospitality.

Day Trips from Edinburgh (Without Renting a Car)

If you want to take your adventure beyond Edinburgh, consider one of these day trips. These are easy to book, and no rental car is needed (which means no driving on the left side of the road)—just hop on a guided tour and let someone else do the driving!

Alnwick Castle and Rosslyn Chapel Day Tour from Edinburgh

🕰️ 9 hours
💸 From $132
Alnwick Castle is famously known as the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. This day tour also includes a visit to the Rosslyn Chapel, which is a beautiful and mystical site, often tied to the world of Harry Potter.

Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

🕰️ 8 hours
💸 From $974 per group
For those looking to experience the stunning Highlands in a private setting, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through the rugged Scottish landscapes—no better way to immerse yourself in the magical feel of Scotland.

Round-Trip Transportation to the Braemar Highland Games

🕰️ 1 day
💸 From $59
If you’re visiting during the summer, the Braemar Highland Games is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can witness traditional Scottish sports and culture.

💡 Why These Are Worth It
These day trips allow you to see more of Scotland’s enchanting beauty, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan looking for some real-world magic. Plus, booking through my Viator affiliate links helps me keep providing useful travel tips for you—at no extra cost!

What We’ll Do Next Time

There’s so much more to explore in Edinburgh and beyond. Here’s what’s on our list for next time:

🥾 Hike Arthur’s Seat – An extinct volcano offering spectacular views of the city—perfect for Potterheads looking for a bit of adventure.
🏰 Holyrood Palace – Dive into royal history and explore the beautiful grounds.
🏞️ Scottish Highlands – We can’t wait to make our way to the Highlands for even more breathtaking views, castles, Scottish games, and magic.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Edinburgh Using Points & Miles

Edinburgh truly felt like a magical world. From exploring Harry Potter landmarks to experiencing Scotland’s rich history, it’s a place that feels both familiar and otherworldly.

🎟️ Total savings: Thousands of dollars on flights and hotels!
💳 Key takeaway: Points and miles made this dream trip affordable and accessible.

Ready to create your own magical adventure in Scotland?

Whether you’re looking to book flights, hotels, or unforgettable tours, start using points today—and check out my guides to learn more about booking flights with miles, Hilton stays, and more! Start earning points today.

Thank you!

As you plan your incredible Edinburgh adventure, remember that using my affiliate links when booking activities I recommend or opening credit cards helps support Points and Miles Teachers at no extra cost to you. Ready to open you next card? Send me a DM on IG or visit my best offers page located at the top of my site.

This simple step allows me to continue providing the insider tips and resources you need to embark on big adventures without breaking the bank.

Your support means the world and keeps this valuable information coming your way, so thank you for helping me keep the dream of affordable travel alive!”