The magical world of Harry Potter lives on in all of us, but sometimes a peek into the “real” wizarding world is an unforgettable experience for Potterheads. From official Warner Bros. parks to magic-themed hotspots that capture the spirit of the books and movies, there are a lot of places around the world where fans can revisit J.K. Rowling’s creation. Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin, these Harry Potter experiences around the world will take you back to the good old days of Hogwarts.
Elephant House Café in Edinburgh, Scotland
Pay tribute to the birthplace of Harry Potter. The charming Elephant House café in Edinburgh, Scotland is rumored to be where J.K. Rowling sat to dream up and create the wizarding world we all know and love. If you’re a writer, the coffee house is an inspiring place to work on your manuscript while sipping on a delicious cup of joe. Or perhaps to re-read the Harry Potter series?
Address: 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 6 PM
Website: https://elephanthouse.biz, Facebook
Warner Bros. Studio England
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter movies at the Warner Bros. Studio in Watford, England. Fans will marvel at the backdrop, props, and costumes in the actual movie sets, from the Hogwarts Express to the Great Hall. Even just for a day, this tour will make you feel like you’ve been magically transported into the world of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Get a great deal on the Warner Bros. Studio Day Tour here.
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, England
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 10 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Website: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk, Facebook, Instagram
Harry Potter Film Locations In London
Some of the best Harry Potter places are hidden in plain sight in the heart of Muggle London! A tour through the city will take you to amazing Harry Potter film locations, such as Honeyduke’s, Leaky Cauldron, and King’s Cross station. As a bonus, you’ll even get to see some of the popular London landmarks, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Tourists can take the Harry Potter London walking tour, private taxi tour, or bus tour, depending on their preference.
Address: London, England
Website: Book here.
Georgian House Hotel London
It’s not an official Harry Potter destination, but Georgian House Hotel is a bucket list experience for Potterheads. The stunning hotel features seven painstakingly authentic Hogwarts-themed bedrooms, which are located on the lower ground floor behind a secret door. Dubbed as the Wizard Chambers and Enchanted Chambers, these mysterious rooms are filled with four-poster beds, cauldrons, and other wizard knick-knacks. There are also traditionally designed rooms available—but where’s the magic in that?
Activities like Wizard Afternoon Tea and Magical Wizard Cocktails are also available for guests who want the full Potter experience.
Address: Georgian House Hotel, 35-39 St. George’s Drive, London, England
Website: https://georgianhousehotel.co.uk, Facebook
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Los Angeles or Orlando
Step into the wizarding world from across the pond and visit Universal Studios in California or Florida. Potterheads will find both theme parks absolutely spell-binding with endless opportunities to live the Potter experience, from drinking delicious butterbeer and shopping for wands at Diagon Alley to soaring above Hogwarts on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.
Get your ticket to the Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando for the ultimate wizarding experience.
Address: Los Angeles, California, and Orlando, Florida
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM; Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM; Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM (Hollywood); Daily, 9 AM to 9 PM (Orlando)
Website: Hollywood, Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka
For Harry Potter fans in Asia, there’s no need to Apparate across the world for an unforgettable Hogwarts experience. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Osaka in Japan is a little closer to home and it’s definitely worthy of a spot on your Potter bucket list.
The magical world has all the Wizarding World essentials, like the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hogsmeade, and Ollivander’s. But Japan’s take on the Potter world also has a number of unique features, including a realistic depiction of the Great Lake and a smattering of real owls around the park.
Address: Universal Studios Japan, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 7 PM
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/areas/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter
Alnwick Castle England
Not receiving a letter from Hogwarts on our 11th birthday is a heartbreak that every Potterhead has experienced. Still, anyone can walk the halls of Alnwick Castle where the Harry Potter crew filmed large parts of Hogwarts in the earlier movies. Most memorably, this beautiful 700-year-old castle is where Harry had his very first flying lesson—and you can even learn how to ride a broomstick, too!
Address: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 5:30 PM (Castle Grounds)
Website: https://www.alnwickcastle.com, Facebook
Czocha College of Wizardry in Poland
The Czocha College of Wizardry is a dream come true for hopeful Muggles who never got to become wizards. It’s not a film set, but a live-action role-playing set as a Hogwarts-inspired magic school where aspiring wizards can get lost in an immersive experience. Here, guests can attend actual classes like Herbology and Alchemy, then explore the dungeons, secret passages, forest, and other parts of the castle. Pre-booking tickets are recommended.
Address: Castle Czocha, Sucha, Lesna, Poland
Website: https://witchards.com/czocha, Facebook
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*Featured photo via KKday Supplier and Georgian House Hotel Facebook page
