12 Must-Visit Harry Potter-Themed Locations Around the World
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This is a theme park inspired by the world of Harry Potter, created by Universal Studios. The park is located in Orlando, Florida, as well as in Osaka, Japan, and Los Angeles, featuring attractions and shops directly from the Harry Potter stories.
2. The Leaky Cauldron
Do you know the “celebrity wizard” Gilderoy Lockhart? A pub in Toronto has taken his name and decorated the venue in the style of Harry Potter. This will be a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Canada.
3. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hogwarts is modeled in Poland, complete with classrooms for spells, potions, and transformations, just like in Harry Potter, except of course, the students can’t actually perform magic there.
4. Quidditch Matches
In England and many other countries, Quidditch has become a real sport. It resembles the game in the stories, except players must keep their feet on the ground and… cannot actually fly (though some wish they could). Soon, there will be Quidditch tournaments (mocked) happening in England.
5. Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London
The exhibition rooms at Warner Bros. in England recreate the iconic sets from the Harry Potter films, allowing you to step into this magical world.
6. Alnwick Castle
If you’ve ever watched the Harry Potter films, you’ll immediately recognize this impressive castle, as it was used to recreate Hogwarts in parts one and two. Visitors can also learn about the famous broomstick rides here! Just remember, this ride doesn’t actually involve flying…
7. Glenfinnan Viaduct
One of the most iconic scenes in Harry Potter is the Hogwarts Express traveling over a tall bridge. This bridge is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a real location in Scotland.
8. Hogwarts Dormitory Rooms
The dormitory rooms of the students at Hogwarts are designed in the vintage style of England, and you can find a similar room in a hotel in London.
9. Edinburgh City
In the Harry Potter films, many scenes were shot in Edinburgh, showcasing its historical architecture, cobbled streets, and ancient buildings that resonate with fans of the series.
10. Muggle Towns
If you visit London, make sure to check out the Muggle Towns, locations used in the Harry Potter films. How exciting would it be to encounter real-life places that inspired the magical world?
11. King’s Cross Station, Platform 9¾
In London, there is a real King’s Cross Station, and here you can find Platform 9¾ just like in the Harry Potter series. Visitors can even take a selfie with a luggage cart stuck in the wall as if they’re about to run through to the magical world.
12. Harry Potter Exhibitions
Currently, there are traveling exhibitions occurring in cities like Boston, Toronto, Seattle, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Paris, and now in Brussels. In these exhibitions, you will see a lot of magical elements from the Harry Potter series.