20 Places Every Harry Potter Nerd Must Visit

5-Minute Read

I'm a proud Potterhead. It's just absolutely astounding how the whole wizarding world stemmed from the mind of one individual (J.K. Rowling). For quite some time, I've known that there are places devoted to the series. But I'd thought I'd have to wait until I visit the United Kingdom to visit them. However, there are restaurants, stores, hotels, filming sites, etc. all over the world.

Here are the ones I've found: 

1) Always Cafe 

(Photo Credit: vagabomb.com)

"After all this time?" asks Albus Dumbledore. "Always," replies Severus Snape. And thus, the name of this cafe is born. The restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam consists of Butterbeer, Tarot Nights, book giveaways, and more. 

2) Bad Owl Coffee Roasters

(Photo Credit: Las Vegas Weekly)

I can't think of a bad owl in the Harry Potter series. I mean, poor Hedwig's wing was broken by Dolores Umbridge and then she, less than two years later, is hit by a killing curse. Regardless, it looks like a cool place with three locations in Nevada (two in Las Vegas and one in Henderson). 

3) Balmoral Hotel

(Photo Credit: therowlinglibrary.com)

This hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland is where J.K. Rowling finished writing the series. Thus, they have dubbed Room 552 the "J.K. Rowling Suite" and, yes, you can spend one or several nights in it. 

4) College of Wizardry

(Photo Credit: The Guardian)

This is the closest you'll get to attending Hogwarts. The College of Wizardry at Czocha Castle in Lesna, Poland is a live-action role playing (LARPing) experience of being a witch or wizard enrolled in a magical school. For four days, you'll attend classes, meet magical creatures, compete for the House Cup, and more. 

5) Felix Felicis & Co.

(Photo Credit: Mente Argentina)

Named after the potion that brings the drinker good luck, Felix Felicis & Co. is a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is mostly known for its coffee.

6) Georgian House Hotel

(Photo Credit: booking.com)

The Wizard Chambers and Enchanted Chambers in this London hotel are similar to the bedrooms at Hogwarts. There's also a wizard afternoon tea menu and the opportunity to create your own potion (cocktail). 

7) House of MinaLima 

(Photo Credit: the-magician.co.uk)

Also located in London (plus a site in Osaka, Japan), the House of MinaLima is the company behind the graphic universe of all eight Harry Potter films. Its offices now serve as a gallery and store of all things magic to the public.  

8) Incantatum

(Photo Credit: Time Out Mexico)

Incantatum is a snack bar known for its Butter Beer in Mexico City. There are a variety of dishes, potions, and activities all within the eatery's magical theme. 

9) Jacobite Steam Train

(Photo Credit: westcoastrailways.co.uk)

This is the train that was used as the Hogwarts Express in the movies. You can take an 84-mile round trip in Scotland (from Fort William to Mallaig and back). It is described as the greatest railway in the world, as you are able to view Britain's highest mountain, both the deepest freshwater and saltwater loch, and the shortest river. 

10) Livraria Lello Bookstore

(Photo Credit: Business Insider)

This bookstore in Porto, Portugal has been called the world's most beautiful by several media outlets. It's also a bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling, a frequent customer, to write the Harry Potter books. Therefore, there's now a room dedicated to the series on the first floor.

11) Platform 1094

(Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)

Platform 1094 is Singapore's version of Platform 9 3/4. In addition to an atmosphere resembling the wizarding world, the cafe offers Harry Potter memorabilia, potions, magic classes, and more. 

12) Platform 9 3/4 King's Cross Station 

(Photo Credit: the-magician.co.uk)

And here is the Platform 9 3/4 in the same place as in the books (King's Cross Station in London). Despite the picture above, you can't really run into the wall. But this spot and the nearby Harry Potter Shop are great places for Instagram photos. 

13) The Cauldron 

(Photo Credit: Pinterest)

The Cauldron is a magic-themed bar with locations in Dublin, Edinburgh, London (pictured above), and New York City. Its main event is potion (cocktail) making, but they also offer wand interactive projects and "wizard swag." 

14) The Elephant House

(Photo Credit: pottertour.co.uk)

This restaurant may offer the tastiest tea and coffee. It may give patrons a view of the beautiful Edinburgh Castle. However, its famous writer patrons have given The Elephant House its main claim to fame. One was J.K. Rowling; she wrote many of the early novels here. And, as you can see above, this is where you can join Dumbledore's Army. 

15) The Lockhart Cocktail Bar

(Photo Credit: The Lockhart Bar)

If only Gilderoy Lockhart could remember who he is... The most egotistical character in the series would've loved this place. Located in both Montreal and Toronto (pictured above), this bar offers magical cocktails, full catering services, firebreathers, and more. 

16) The Perfect Spell

(Photo Credit: 102.9 WBLM)

This restaurant is a little different than the others, as it's also a theater. This two-story eatery in Freeport, Maine serves a variety of dishes and puts on a variety of performances. However, I should note that reservations must be made in advance and that the theme relates to all magical movies, not just Harry Potter. 

17) The Shop That Must Not Be Named 

(Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)

Don't worry; Lord Voldemort doesn't own the store. After all, it's a gift shop that sells the official merchandise of his rival. You can buy wands, jewelry, collectors' items (like the Marauder's Map), toys, and games. 

18) University of Oxford 

(Photo Credit: experienceoxfordshire.org)

If an area within the University of Oxford's campus wasn't used as a filming site for the Harry Potter movies, it inspired another one. For example, the Great Hall (pictured above) was the inspiration behind the look of the Hogwarts Dining Hall. And where did they shoot some scenes on these English grounds? Bodleian Library, New College Cloisters, and the nearby Christ Church. 

19) Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter 

(Photo Credit: secretldn.com)

Warner Bros. is who brought Harry Potter to the screen, and they now let the public see behind the scenes. This tour reveals sets (like Diagon Alley), props (like potion jars), and costumes (like the Weasleys' sweaters). You can also see the artwork and special effects that helped bring this story to life.

20) Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios 

(Photo Credit: Huffington Post)

You can find the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Studios amusement parks in Orlando, Florida (pictured above); Universal City, California; and Osaka, Japan. You'll get to roam around Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade while riding rides and eating food. Hopefully, I will get to visit the Orlando location in January 2021!

If anyone has been to any of these places, let me know what you think. Are they truly magical or are they squibs? 

- Liv