harry potter walking tour nyc

NY’s Luminous ‘Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience’ Is Ending Soon

Explore a magical forest inspired by the wizarding world, while you still can. "Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience" is only here until Jan. 22!

The forest hides many secrets…

A woodland trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series will be closing on Jan. 22nd in New York’s stunning Hudson Valley. After announcing its U.S. debut in Leesburg, VA, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience made its way to Westchester County and took fans on a journey that illuminated some of their favorite Forbidden Forest moments! Only an hour and a half from NYC, at the expansive Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Westchester County, NY, the incredible experience makes for a perfect getaway if you’re looking to escape the city.

With radiant sets, atmospheric lighting and magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series , there is plenty to discover along the way.

Plus, we’ve found out that Fever is offering a holiday discount for some of its best plans, including Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Use code XMASNYCFF10 when purchasing tickets!

Transforming the beautiful location into a spectacular outdoor light trail inspired by the wizarding world, guests are invited to step into a magical woodland filled with curious creatures and characters from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series taking up residence in this Forbidden Forest. 

An interactive experience packed with surprises — aspiring witches and wizards will come face to face with Centaurs, bow to a Hippogriff, cast a mesmerizing Patronus, and even spy some cheeky Nifflers. That is, all before stumbling upon a charming village where guests can enjoy food and drinks under the stars and shop official Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise.

Created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators — Thinkwell, Unify, and Fever — Harry Potter fans will be able to enjoy plenty of awe-inspiring activities, interactions, and photo opportunities. The entire family can expect something new to uncover at every turn. 

This holiday season, use code XMASNYCFF10 to enjoy Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at the best price. This code is a discount only for Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience and can only be used once per user. The code is valid until January 6, 2023.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Westchester

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Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

A nighttime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ films.

Set in a beautiful woodland, this experience has been brought to life by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators.

Find your nearest city and enjoy Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience now!

Little Elm, TX

Leesburg, VA

Groenenberg

Westchester, NY

What the Press is Saying

“The fantastical tour is full of interactive moments where visitors will be able to conjure up a Patronus and cast spells”

Keely Bastow

“Visitors will walk a trail through the mysterious and magical Forbidden Forest peppered with interactive moments, light shows and theatrical illusions”

Anna Tingley

“Have you always wanted to be part of Harry Potter’s unbelievably cool world of wizards? Now you—sort of!—can”

Anna Rahmanan

“Then, the trek begins through the illuminated forest, the trees and lighting creating an almost ethereal atmosphere as music from the films plays throughout”

Heather Clark

Hogwarts and its magical surroundings might be closer than you think. This fall, you can step into the iconic Forbidden Forest”

Serena Tara

“Grab your wand and work your magic at ‘The Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience”

News 12 Staff

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‘Harry Potter: The Exhibition,' Immersive Magical Experience, Coming to NYC in 2023

By nbc new york staff • published february 16, 2023 • updated on february 17, 2023 at 9:20 am.

Want to be transported to the magical Platform 9 3/4?

Well, Potterheads, you soon will be able to in New York City as an immersive exhibition centering around Harry Potter and the Wizarding World is set to open in the Big Apple in 2023.

The exhibition celebrates iconic moments, characters, settings and more from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, showcasing costumes, propres and imagery.

As visitors explore each gallery, RFID wristbands will capture interactions in order to deliver unique experiences for each visitor.

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Among the exhibition highlights are:

• From Page to Screen Gallery: A gallery that showcases a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone encased in a Gringotts-inspired vault and is surrounded by video and quotes, allowing guests to become reintroduced to the story as they enter the exhibition. 
• Hogwarts Castle Gallery: This gallery is an immersive multimedia experience featuring Whomping Willow, Dementors, and the Marauder’s Map, as well as a personalized experience.
• The Hogwarts Houses gallery sets the foundation for the exhibition experience, where guests will experience more personalized moments with the Hogwarts house they select during their preregistration. This area is set to be the spot for photo ops.
• Hogwarts Classrooms are filled with iconic props, creatures, and costumes. Additionally visitors will be able to brew potions in the Potions Classroom, predict the future in Divination, pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse, and use their digital wand to defeat a boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts. 
• An exclusive collection of Harry Potter: The Exhibition merchandise will be available in the onsite retail shops.

The popular Harry Potter: The Exhibition , first opened in 2022 in Philadelphia, welcoming more than 750,000 visitors and fans. It is currently showing in Atlanta, Georgia and Vienna, Austria. The exhibition is also set to open in Paris in April.

This article tagged under:

Discover iconic behind-the-scenes moments from some of your favorite Harry Potter™ movies for a celebration of the film-making magic.

Get up close with authentic costumes, props, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look for an unforgettable, multi-sensory fan experience.

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is a touring experience that delights fans worldwide with authentic film props, exclusive behind-the-scenes looks, and fun interactive surprises. Feel the nostalgia and the magic while celebrating some of your favorite moments from the Harry Potter series.

The Exhibition brings together an incredible collection of authentic movie props, costumes worn by the actors, and recreations of iconic scenes and settings to create a fully interactive journey for fans to explore.

Discover the magic of Harry Potter™ as you earn points for your Hogwarts™ house, brew potions, cast spells, and practice your Quidditch™ skills! You’ll explore locations inspired by the cozy haven of Hagrid’s Hut and the lush Herbology greenhouse—but keep an eye out for nesting dragons, fantastic beasts, and hidden Boggarts™.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition creates magical memories for all witches and wizards through powerful storytelling and interactive technology.

Discover more as you seek the Golden Snitch™ medallions that will customize your experience based on your wizarding profile. Using your wristband, collect points for your Hogwarts house as you complete activities, like brewing potions and casting spells!

Explore some of your favorite scenes!

The Exhibition seamlessly blends innovative elements and storytelling for a personalized and unforgettable fan experience. With interactive displays, hands-on activities, and unique in-depth set pieces,  the Exhibition is designed to be explored through sight, sound, touch—and even smell.

See where you can visit the Exhibition, and where it’s going next!

New York City

An Exhibition That Was Made to Be Shared

The Exhibition showcases multiple themed photo opportunities. Bring your robes and wands, sport your favorite Hogwarts house colors, and charge your device—you’ll want plenty of photos to remember your visit!

See what creative fans have shared from their time at the Exhibition! Use the hashtag #HarryPotterExhibition for a chance to be featured after your visit! *

*read our full UGC policy here

Use the hashtag #HarryPotterExhibition for a chance to be featured after your visit!

See what creative fans have shared from their time at the Exhibition! Use the hashtag #HarryPotterExhibition for a chance to be featured after your visit!

Hear what fans are saying about their experience. Get a spoiler-free peek at what to expect from your visit!

Absolutely loved it! I am so glad that we were able to make it to this event while we were in NYC a few weeks ago. Go if you can! It was totally immersive and extensive. Sign up at the beginning to participate in tasks along the way! The exhibits were broken up by themes like Houses, Wands or Quidditch! Every room was loaded with props and costumes from the films. The room decor followed along with the themes as well. Test your wand skills, make a potion, defeat a boggart! I took so many photos, I cant imagine picking a few for this review! Again, if you love HP and you have a chance, go!

– Edward Z.

WOW !!! This exhibition was completely surprising for us. It was so amazing, the staff were super nice and we had the best time there. Everything was on point, from the beginning to the end. There are so many things to see and so many room and things to explore. It is a dream for Harry Potter enthusiasts and also for people who are just into movies in general because there is a lot of behind the scenes information, props and original outfits that were super interesting. We loved if!

– Shira B.

My son’s teacher introduced him to the world of Harry Potter. He loved this exhibit and it was interactive and lots of fun. The price to enter was reasonable too.

– Jack

It was a very good experience, the same vibes like we see in the Harry Potter movie. From Harry’s iconic glasses to Hermione’s elegant robes, the exhibition showcases an extraordinary collection of costumes that instantly transport visitors into the realm of magic. Each character’s attire beautifully captures their personality and essence, allowing fans to feel a deeper connection with their favorite heroes and villains. Whether it’s the intricately detailed robes of Dumbledore or the mischievous outfits of the Weasley twins, the exhibition immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of the Harry Potter universe, leaving them spellbound and craving for more.

– Varun S.

It was such a great interactive experience. Would recommend to any to Harry Potter and Non HP fans to try!!!! And seeing Hogwarts Legacy come to life. Even if you’re not a fan you’ll still enjoy it!!!

– Tonette G.

In The News

Lifestyle asia.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Londoner Macao is your access to the wizarding world

The all-new, behind-the-scenes, interactive touring exhibition is the most comprehensive exhibition ever presented on Harry Potter and the entire Wizarding World.

Fox 5 New York

Step into the wizarding world: Harry Potter Exhibition enchants Herald Square

Filled with costumes and props from the beloved Harry Potter film series, Fantastic Beasts movies, and the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Broadway show!

Yahoo! Life

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now in NYC and we got a first look

You play Quidditch. You see a Time Turner. You see a giant golden snitch. We really spend a lot of time trying to satisfy every fan.

Shop the Exhibition Collection!

Meandering through the shop is part of the fun. You’ll find exclusive merchandise only available at Harry Potter: The Exhibition, so stop by the retail shop onsite or  visit the online store * to browse for Hogwarts™ house scarves, mugs, jewelry, and other fun gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

*Please note that shipping is currently limited to the contiguous United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. We cannot currently ship outside of the United States at this time. If you’d like to be notified when shipping becomes available to your country, sign up for our email list!

Explore the Shop

Meandering through the shop is part of the fun. You’ll find exclusive merchandise only available at Harry Potter: The Exhibition, so stop by the retail shop onsite or  visit the online  store to browse for house scarves, mugs, jewelry, and other fun gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Join the email list to get ticket reminders and be among the first to hear when we announce a new location. You’ll also get updates about exclusive merchandise and fan events you won’t want to miss!

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is coming to South America!

• NORTHERN IRELAND
• TRAVEL TIPS

Harry Potter in NYC: 13+ Magical Harry Potter Things to do in New York City

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Accio Potterhead!

If you are a Potterhead, looking for Harry Potter things to do in NYC, then you’ve come to the right place!

When we think of Harry Potter in the USA, the first that comes to mind is generally the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, but that’s not all there is!

Harry Potter in NYC isn’t a rarity since the books and movies are still hugely popular in the whole of the US and as we know, New York City is the theatre capital of America.

⚡🧙 LOOKING FOR THE BEST HARRY POTTER THING TO DO IN NYC? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of the best plays on Broadway. It’s such a magical experience! Prices here.

Harry Potter has a strong following in NYC. There is even a fan group that exists with 3000 members, called “Harry Potter NYC – The Group that Shall Not be Named” and they check out the best Harry Potter experiences in New York City.

But you don’t have to be part of the group to discover the best Harry Potter places in New York. We are here to tell you everything about them!

So, pack your broom and let’s explore the Big Apple Harry Potter version!

🔎 Table of Contents

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child NYC

Let’s start with the most obvio us and best Harry Potter activity in New York City: the Harry Potter and Cursed Child play.

As you probably know, Harry Potter didn’t end with the Deathly Hallows. In 2016, J.K. Rowling released another part of the story (once Harry, Hermione and Ron have kids).

This book was different from the others as it’s not a novel but a play.  

It was later on adapted so every Potterhead can see it live! It premiered in London at the Palace theatre but is also available in New York City!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child NYC is an iconic 2-part play written by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne is a Broadway show running at the Lyric Theatre NYC… The show is so well made, award-winning, mesmerizing, filled with theatrical magic and has great critic reviews.  

As I swore to “keep secrets” I won’t be telling you too much about it but it is really awesome! The special effects are fantastic and the actors great! By the time the first part finishes, you will be so impatient to see the second one that you will have a hard time waiting!  

For a Harry Potter fan, the show is completely worth it but even if HP is not your thing, you can only love the play. It’s so well done!  

Harry Potter Broadway tickets NYC are available on the website and through a ticketing agency. They generally don’t have the same availability so it’s worth checking both.

That way you make sure to see everything.

The tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. You can buy them in person, call the New York Lyric Theatre and book and there are group booking plans available as well.  

That being said, the play is extremely popular and sells out very fast! Sometimes up to 6 months in advance. For that reason, I highly recommend that you book in advance and online. It’s very hard to get them last minute and they can be very expensive.

To avoid any disappointments, booking online will be your best shot.

Harry Potter on Broadway is one of the best Harry Potter experiences in New York and you are going to love it!  

Click here to see the latest prices and availability.

Harry Potter Store on Broadway

The Harry Potter Store in New York City is a fairyland for Potter-lovers because it is not just a store, it is a huge dream sequence in itself!  

Warner Bros opened a huge Harry Potter store in NYC in 2020 and that is something you cannot miss.

It’s located between the 5th ave and Broadway but the entrance can be found at 935 Broadway. It’s only 1 minute walk from the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park so it’s very easy to get there.

The Harry Potter store NYC is the largest store dedicated to the young wizard and other characters in the world.

It may not be as good as visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London but it’s definitely well worth a visit.

Whether you are a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, the Harry Potter store is something to behold.

Apart from amazing Harry Potter merchandise, the store has infinite interactive experiences and millions of photo opportunities which can prove to be a treat for fans.

The perfect Harry Potter Instagram spot in New York!

Every Potterhead will love visiting the Harry Potter NYC store to buy authentic merch and have a lot of nothing but Pure Magic!

PRO TIP: If you have any Harry Potter-themed outfits, it will be the perfect time to take them out since you’ll take loads of photos there.

Butterbeer Bar

Want to try a real butterbeer? Then the Butterbeer bar right by the Harry Potter store will be the perfect place for you.

While you can find loads of ‘butterbeer’ in the city, the only place where you can actually buy and drink a real butterbeer is at the butterbeer bar.

The recipe of the butterbeer is secret and only official Harry Potter places know it and can sell it. This means that there are only a handful of places in the world where you can find them.

You can find bottled butterbeer in the store but if you want to have a true muggle experience, head straight to the butterbeer bar.

There is an actual bar serving it in cute glasses. It’s very well decorated and feels so magical.

The Harry Potter Exhibition

Attention all witches, wizards, and muggles! Starting May 19th, New York City is offering a magical treat you won’t want to miss: The Harry Potter Exhibition . This is the ultimate Harry Potter NYC experience.

Conveniently located at Herald Square, at the corner of 34th and Broadway, it’s a mere 10-minute broomstick flight (ok maybe not, sorry guys, you’ll have to walk for that one) from Grand Central Station .

Tickets start at a reasonable $29 and the exhibition stays open every day until October, meaning you have plenty of time to experience the wizarding world.

What awaits you, you ask? Get ready for a trip down Diagon Alley as the exhibition features a multitude of behind-the-scenes props and immersive recreations of famous scenes.

It’s not just a look-see exhibition, either. It’s highly interactive, making you feel like you’ve apparated straight into the magical universe.

They’ve painstakingly recreated plenty of places from the movies, offering a great alternative for those who can’t make it to the studios in London .

Of course, no trip to the wizarding world would be complete without some magical memorabilia. There’s a shop stocked with exclusive products that’ll let you bring a piece of the magic home.

Time to dust off those wands and step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter in NYC!

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest

Tickets will be on sale soon

There’s an enchanting adventure awaiting you a stone’s throw from the concrete jungle of NYC and while we appreciate that this article was about NYC, it would be a shame not to mention this amazing Harry Potter activity near New York.

The ‘Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience’ located in Westchester, just an hour’s drive from Manhattan, is a must-visit for fans.

It’s not technically in the city, but it’s too magical to leave out of this guide!

Just a heads up though, this captivating experience is only open in winter, and while tickets aren’t currently on sale, they will be soon.

It’s a magical journey that’ll transport you straight into the world of Harry Potter, and at the same time, let you enjoy a spellbinding outdoor activity.

Upon your arrival, park your car and head to the entrance where your tickets will be checked.

From the get-go, you’ll find photo ops and shops brimming with Harry Potter merch.

Though tempting, it’s a good idea to hold off on drinks until midway through your walk.

The walk itself isn’t too long and the trail is flat, making it kid-friendly. However, you’ll probably end up spending about 2 hours because there’s so much to see and do!

A friendly staff member will introduce the experience before you embark on your journey through the beautifully lit-up trail. Bathed in enchanting lights, the trail is a sight to behold.

The Forbidden Forest is laden with Harry Potter references and props – look out for the Weasley’s car! You’ll even hear snippets from the movies as you walk.

The highlight, though, is its interactive nature. There are games along the way, including a thrilling wand battle and a playful encounter with giant (albeit fake) spiders.

You’ll come across numerous creatures from the Harry Potter universe, providing countless photo ops. Prepare to flood your Instagram with magical snapshots!

The experience culminates with a mesmerizing spectacle on the pond, a fitting finale to a magical journey.

The ‘Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience’ is an unforgettable adventure that marries the charm of the outdoors with the enchantment of the wizarding world. So, grab your wands and prepare to step into the magic with this awesome Harry Potter experience in New York!

The Cauldron

Harry Potter theme bars can be a great idea to enjoy some boozy evenings, Potter style.   If you want to give Butterbeers and Fire Whiskeys a go, visit The Cauldron.  

This magical little bar located in the financial district of Manhattan is a must-see for any HP fan!

The look and feel of the bar are complete with shady corners, a fake tree in the centre with a wizard guarding it and interesting drink options.

There are working wands which act as beer tabs. The wands can be tapped on the taps placed around the tree and the beer would pour! Also, there is a potions workshop area on the second floor.  

The Cauldron is a famous chain of Harry Potter bars and also exist in London , Dublin and Edinburgh !   Going to the Cauldron is the perfect Harry Potter experience in New York City.

They also offer a “Supper & Spells” menu that includes 2 mains, potion making and spell casting!

If you want to have a Harry Potter afternoon in NYC, you should consider booking a potion-making workshop! It’s a pretty cool thing to do and you can take many great photos!

You can also visit Barcelona Bar which has a Harry Potter lookalike bartender and sets the shots on fire using his real and working wand!

Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Walking tour

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, there’s a magical journey awaiting you in the heart of New York City!

The ‘ Harry Potter & The Fantastic Beasts Guided Tour ‘ is a treasure trove of fascinating filming locations from the Fantastic Beasts series, which unlike Harry Potter, was partially filmed in NYC.

The adventure begins in Lower Manhattan and concludes in the iconic Central Park.

During the tour, you’ll have to hop onto the subway at some point, but don’t worry, your guide will be with you to ensure you don’t apparate to the wrong location!

This is your chance to step into the scenes of your favorite movies, with plenty of fascinating landmarks to explore. You’ll not only see an array of filming locations but also learn a cauldron full of facts about the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts universe.

So, get ready to trace the footsteps of Newt Scamander and the Golden Trio in this magical NYC tour!

Click here to see the prices.

Harry Potter Restaurants in New York

A certain café called Steamy Hallows is located in East Village serving Harry Potter themes hot and cold beverages and snacks.

This is a cosy little place, ideal for grabbing a hot magical mug of chocolate or some smartly made snacks. It is a small café, just about enough to rest your mug and snack, take a swig and take off rather than sit down, linger and drink.

Even the servers are in houses and ask which one are you in before serving you! Please note, this is a popup cafe.

If you want to find the original, you will need to head to Pennsylvania!   In Brooklyn, a pasta restaurant based on the Harry Potter theme has opened up. It’s called Pasta Wiz .

The hall is designed to look like the great hall at Hogwarts and the food is also inspired, like, Magical meatballs and Dragon’s Blood smoothie.

A sorting hat sits on the counter and you can get your dish in under 5 minutes. There are plenty of vegan and organic options too.  

Harry Potter Escape Rooms in NYC

The best Harry Potter escape room is located in St Jones, New York where the players have to break out of Azkaban and return to the school.

There is another task to collect the Horcruxes in an hour and defeat Voldemort. The fun exercise is engaging for the whole family. This one is called Harry Potter Escape .  

There is another in Buffalo, New York called The Wizard’s Keep , wherein the game begins with you being sorted into a house and then being given an hour’s worth of puzzles and riddles to solve. This can be played in a team of 4 people to 8 people.

These escape rooms also offer digital versions! Wander through Hogwarts and have your own adventure.

The digital escape room in NYC gives you a lot of riddles and puzzles to solve, while there is social distancing in play.  

Harry Potter Trivia in New York City

Trivia nights happen in NYC around the Harry Potter theme regularly. The details of this are posted on social media.

They can be attended for some extended fun, even more importantly, as ways to connect with other Potterheads as well as do some cosplay!

Belvedere Castle in Central Park

This one is not technically related to Harry Potter but exactly like John Rylands library in Manchester, it has a Hogwarts feel and for that reason, Harry Potter fans always love it.

Located in Central Park, the castle is perched on a rock, like Hogwarts! It really looks like something straight out of Harry Potter so if you were looking for a spot to take beautiful photos, this might be just the one.

Also, it’s important to mention that it’s free to visit!

Past Harry Potter events in NYC

Unfortunately, the following events are not on anymore however, we left them in the article for two reasons.

Firstly, we get asked about them so that way you get to know what they are and the fact that they are not currently on.

Secondly, it’s not because they are not currently running that they won’t in the future so it’s worth keeping them so we can keep YOU updated.

Harry Potter Brunch NYC

Not currently on. We will update you if it comes back!

This happened on one weekend in May 2019 at Pier60 in NYC, where hundreds of people enjoyed the scrumptious themed meals in the day and night.

The entertainment and food combo is held in various cities like Denver, Colorado, and Houston, TX in the US and also Melbourne, Australia and Liverpool, England. It is an amazing event to attend for even the shyest Potterhead.  

Puffs the play in New York

The Puffs play in NYC is a hilarious and innocent play, a must-watch for a Potterhead.  

The play is jovial, fun and revolves around the Hufflepuffs, the most underrated house in Hogwarts.  

While Harry was doing heroic deeds, the Hufflepuffs were adding to the charm in a harmless way.  

The lovable people in this house and how they survived all the school years makes for an endearing story.  

Unfortunately, this play showed last in 2019. But if it happens again, it will be a treat to the viewer! Stay tuned!  

With all these Harry Potter things to do in NYC, you should keep yourself busy for a long time! If that’s not enough for you, you should check the other Harry Potter locations in the world ! There are so many!  

You may also be interested in: 

• Harry Potter places in the world
• Harry Potter Airbnbs in Florida
• Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the USA
• Harry Potter London
• Harry Potter in Edinburgh
• Harry Potter at Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Eight Harry Potter experiences in NYC

Step into the wondrous world of The Boy Who Lived with these activities that bring Hogwarts to Gotham

Whether or not you were able to score tickets to Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child   (our theater critic listed it as one of the best Broadway shows ) , NYC offers plenty of other ways to experience J.K. Rowling’s spellbinding stories. From museum tours at the best museums in NYC to bar specials a couple of the best bars in NYC , these are the top ways to get your Potter on.

An email you’ll actually love

Harry Potter experiences in NYC

1.  Down something way stronger than Butterbeer

• Hell's Kitchen

Accio , alcohol! Barcelona Bar is well known for its long list of elaborate pop-culture–inspired shots (more than 100!), but its most famous is the Harry Potter. Order one of these wizarding bad boys and stand back as the bartender dons a full Potter look—complete with a scarf and round glasses—then lines up the shots along the bar and repeatedly sets them on fire while casting spells with a wand.  $8

2.  Take a magical tour of the Met

• Art and design
• Central Park

With soaring granite domes, statue-packed rooms and a fair share of hidden treasures, the Metropolitan Museum of Art could easily be mistaken for Hogwarts. Leaning into those similarities, the Fable & Lark: Storied Adventures tour “ Griffins, Goblets and Gold ” museum tour highlights objects in the collection that recall J.K. Rowling’s books, including castle staircases, stone Gryffindor-esque lions and Horcrux look-alikes.

3.  Meet up with your fellow magic-loving Muggles

Gather with other Potterheads at one of the monthly events put on by The Group That Shall Not Be Named , which boasts more than 3,000 members. Past trips have included everything from a Diagon Alley–inspired cosplay excursion at the Oddities Flea Market to wizard-attired ice-skating and crafting nights. (Currently, there are no outings to Hogsmeade on the schedule.)

4.  Witness the New-York Historical Society’s transfiguration

• Upper West Side

If you’re anything like Hermione, you already have “ Harry Potter: A History of Magic ” on your calendar. Starting October 5, the immersive exhibit brings wizardry classes and mythological artifacts to the New-York Historical Society. On display are a reputed philosopher’s stone, J.K. Rowling’s original scribbles and drafts, and even a 17th-century invisibility incantation (way better than a cloak).

5.  Catch that other play about a certain boy wizard

The Off Broadway play Puffs  tells the tale of a certain boy wizard—no, not that one. Years before the arrival of Cursed Child , this comedy by playwright Matt Cox reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the lesser-known, yellow-and-black–clad students at a certain school of magic. Cursed Child and its Gryffindor stars are much flashier than the characters in this adorable tale, which features jokes about Voldemort’s stand-up routine and Ron Weasley played by a mop.

6.  Nab cheap tickets to Cursed Child without waiting all day

• Theater & Performance

Does it seem like you have a better chance of getting a Hogwarts acceptance letter than getting tickets to  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ? We’ll help you sort it out. We have three proven ways to make sure you get tickets to the hottest show of the season.

7.  Here’s what it’s like to play real-life Quidditch in NYC

• Things to do

You don't have to to possess magical powers to play the wizarding world ’s sport of Quidditch. Muggles can try their hand at the game by participating in one of the regular New York matches put on by US Quidditch . (Yes, that’s a real league, with more than 4,000 members around the country.)

8.  Study for your OWLs

To help you study, we stopped by one of Trivia A.D.’s monthly Harry Potter nights to ask die-hard fans what tricky questions stumped them. Does reading them feel like being hit with an IRL stupefy spell, or are you able to answer them as well as Hermione Granger would? Try your luck with these 10 tough questions .

Can’t get enough of Harry Potter?

Check out the seven places in NYC that make you feel like you’re Harry Potter

Want to go to Hogwarts? These places in NYC are the next best thing, from an actual castle to the Ministry of Magic.

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24 Jan The Best Harry Potter Experiences in NYC for Kids

NYC is always ready to unfold enchanting surprises and magical journeys for every young person, especially if you’re an ardent fan of Harry Potter. And, yes, it has everything, from the tantalizing wizarding shops to magical walking tours that are entirely family-friendly. This list is specially curated for all the little wizards and witches in the making. So, parents, take out your note-taking quills (or just your smartphones), and jot down these enthralling must-do activities in the heart of NYC!

1. Discover the Harry Potter Store on Broadway

The Harry Potter Store is a must visit. As you enter Harry Potter New York, you will be transported to a world of magic, surrounded by a vast collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products. You’ll immediately be greeted by a breathtaking sight of a magnificent Fawkes the phoenix model perched high above the store, inviting you to explore further. Inside, you’ll discover a range of unique products, interactive experiences, and opportunities to snap photos that are exclusive to this store.

2. Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

It’s never too early to get enchanted by the theatre’s magic! The breathtaking spectacle of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ will immerse your young one into the magical realms of Harry’s universe. Witness iconic scenes come to life, such as battling a Dementor or the infamous sorting hat ceremony.

3. Forbidden Planet for Potter Fans

This classic NYC comic store, Forbidden Planet, stocks an abundance of Harry Potter merchandise. Treat your young Potterhead to this shop filled with action figures, games, clothing, and even broomstick pens!

4. Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Embark on an adventure through the Wizarding World at Harry Potter: The Exhibition and experience the enchanting film-making magic and more. At every turn, explore iconic moments from the Wizarding World and engage with interactive elements, authentic costumes, props, and endless photo opportunities.

Learn to conjure your Patronus, come face-to-face with a Hungarian Horntail, test your Quidditch™ skills, and brew your own Skele-Gro in Potions class. Take your time and delve into the behind-the-scenes details of how the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts™ film series, and the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child™ play are brought to life.

Begin your personalized journey by choosing your favorite Hogwarts™ house, wand, and Patronus. Savor immersive experiences such as lounging in Hagrid’s™ giant chair, squeezing into the Cupboard Under The Stairs, and practicing your Quidditch™ skills by throwing a Quaffle, while also learning about the intricate details of filmmaking.

5. Experience Magic at Tannens Magic Shop

Tannen’s Magic Shop in NYC is an ideal destination for Harry Potter fans. It carries an extensive collection of magical merchandise that transports you into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. From replica wands and Harry Potter themed magic sets to illusions, tricks, and even books on spell casting, Tannen’s Magic Shop perfectly encapsulates the charm and mystique of Harry’s universe. Plus, the store frequently hosts workshops, magic shows and even offers magic classes, reminiscent of Hogwarts. So, whether you’re aspiring to be the next Dumbledore or just looking to relive Harry’s adventures, Tannen’s offers an immersive experience unlike any other, making it an enchanting escape for all Potterheads.

6. Enjoy Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts Walking Tour with Go City®

Experience the enchanting world of Fantastic Beasts by embarking on a tour that brings Newt’s thrilling adventures to life in real-life locations. The journey begins at One New York Plaza and takes you on a fascinating trail to well-known landmarks featured in the movies such as the Second Salem Church, Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall Subway Station, and more.

Witness the actual buildings from the films, such as Jacob’s Cake Shop and Tina and Queenie’s house. Seek out the elusive Niffler in the Diamond District and then track down Newt’s Demiguise, Dougal, at Macy’s. Finally, conclude your expedition in Central Park where Newt triumphantly captured the Erumpent.

Alongside movie clips, this tour offers an intriguing peek into unheard tales of these locations, enriching your experience. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone passionate about magic, witchcraft, and film, regardless of their level of expertise. This our is long and involves a lot of walking so it is better suited to older kids.

Remember, these magical Harry Potter experiences are not just for kids. After all, magic knows no age! So whether you are residents or just visiting the ‘Big Apple’, each of these suggestions promises a magical journey that will make you feel as if you just stepped off the Hogwarts Express. Immerse yourself and your little witches or wizards in these magical adventures in NYC!

By exploring all these locations and attractions, you will be casting your spell on an unforgettable journey. After all, who doesn’t love the Harry Potter universe’s charisma, that’s only augmented in a city as splendid and as vivacious as NYC! Happy journeying in the magical world of Harry Potter, right here in the heart of New York!

For more fun things to do with kids in NYC, why not check out our what’s on diary !

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How to Get Tickets to Harry Potter: The Exhibition in NYC

Harry Potter fans in NYC have something to be excited about because Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be here from April 6, 2024, to August 11, 2024.

This post covers ticket prices, directions to the exhibit, and what you can expect when you visit.

If you are looking for other things to do with kids, read our post about family-friendly activities in NYC .

The exhibition is open 7 days a week. Entry starts at 9 am and the last entry is at 7:30 pm (hours may vary by day).

Ticket prices vary by the day of the week. Mondays and Tuesdays are the least expensive.

Prices rise on Wednesday/Thursday, again on Friday, and the most expensive days are Saturday/Sunday. 

The ticket prices listed below are the lowest prices available for that type of ticket and include taxes and fees.

Audio guides are available for an additional $8.

Tip from the Tourists

Mostly, people raise a budget-conscious question about whether the exhibition is worth the money. A member from Our Facebook Group , responds affirmatively, highlighting the exhibition's interactive nature, including a bracelet that visitors scan in different rooms.

Timed-Entry Tickets

• Adults (16+) / $29.99 - $43.50 
• Children (ages 3-15) / $25 - $27
• Children under 3 are free
• Select a date and an entry slot time (ex: 12:30 - 1 pm, 1 pm - 1:30 pm, etc)
• You can enter any time during the 30-minute time slot you selected
• Late arrivals are not guaranteed entry but will be accommodated if space permits

Purchase Timed Entry tickets here .

** Save 10% on adult tickets on weekdays in July with this promo code HPXNYCGO or by using this link to make your purchase.

Most of the people inquire about the time spent at the exhibition. A member from Our Facebook Group , sharing her experience, mentions spending over an hour there, noting that the duration can vary depending on personal interest and crowd levels.

VIP Timed-Entry Tickets

• $ 75.00 per person (children under age 3 are free)
• Enter at any time on your selected date
• Skip the line via a dedicated VIP entry 
• No fee to change dates
• An exclusive, collectible lanyard
• A free audio guide (an $8.00 value)
• $10 off of one purchase in the gift shop

Purchase VIP Timed Entry Tickets here .

People wonder if visiting the exhibition is worthwhile than just going to the Harry Potter Store. A member from Our Facebook Group , informs her that the exhibition has its exclusive store within the building, offering unique items only available with the exhibition.

Flex Tickets

• Choose the month you would like to visit and you can enter on any date and time
• $ 61.50 per person ages 3 and up (children under 2 are free)

Purchase Flex Tickets here .

Getting there

The exhibition is located at Herald Square at the corner of 34th and Broadway ( map ).

By subway: M/B/F/D and R/Q/N/W to “34th Street” station.

By bus: M5, M7 and M55 to “Ave of the Americas/W. 34th Street” stop.

Check out our post on how to use the NYC subway .

What to Expect

This massive exhibition, spread over two floors and 30,000 sq. ft. is a fantastic immersive experience that transports guests into the Harry Potter universe.

As you walk through a series of galleries and exhibit spaces, you’ll enter the Wizarding World of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The exhibition is filled with authentic props, artifacts, and costumes.

Before entering the exhibition, you will attend a Sorting Hat ceremony where you will receive a ‘magic wristband’ which unlocks most of the interactive displays.

You will also choose a favorite Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus at a touch-screen kiosk. 

The first exhibit you will pass through showcases a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone encased inside a Gringotts-themed vault. Videos and quotes re-introduce the story.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend four Hogwarts classes: Divination, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions. 

The exhibit also features several setpieces like Harry’s ‘cupboard under the stairs’,  Newt Scamander’s suitcase, Hagrid’s hut, and Professor Umbridge’s office. Perfect for photo ops! 

On the Quidditch Pitch, toss a Quaffle through a series of elevated hoops. Take a look through a peephole next to the pitch for a view of the Quidditch World Cup.

At the end of the exhibition spaces is the Pensieve Theater which stores Harry’s memories. On an enormous screen, you’ll relive moments like Harry’s first steps inside Hogwarts and his first Quidditch game.

On your way out through the Exhibition Store, you can pick up exclusive merchandise like hoodies, hats, t-shirts, sweaters and scarves, a stuffed owl or cat, or a magical chess set. 

Potterheads, why not make a day of it? After the Exhibition, stop by the Harry Potter flagship store , and then Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway!

Read more about Harry Potter: The Exhibition .

People ask if the exhibition is a permanent feature or its just seasonal. A member of Our Facebook Group clarifies that it is seasonal and only available until October.

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Harry Potter things to do in New York City

June 1, 2019 | sarah funky.

26 AUTHENTIC HARRY POTTER EXPERIENCES IN NYC

As a true Harry Potter fan, I was stunned to discover that in a city filled with things to do there are not many Harry Potter experiences. It was depressing but I refused to give up. I reached out to “ Harry Potter NYC – The Group that Shall Not be Named ”, a fan group with almost 3000 members to get all the details on what there is to do to support the boy who lived. After chatting, we came up with a list of 26 magical experiences including food, drink, trivia, live musical performances and much more. Together my three girlfriends and I, dressed in proper Potter gear, and went off to do as many as we could in one weekend.

WATCH MY HARRY POTTER NYC THINGS TO DO VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBE!

If you prefer watching a video instead of reading then enjoy my new video version of this article! I will show you all of the magical things to do in NYC. Also, if you’re from NYC or visiting then you might like my NYC YouTube series showing you hidden gems, local tips, tourist traps, and more. Subscribe to my channel here! 

HARRY POTTER IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

The reason you’re reading this article is because secretly you want to live in Harry’s world. Here are 8 interactive activities that can be done in New York to experience the magic first hand.

1.  PUFFS, OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC ,

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic , gives you a front row seat to the sidelines of the world’s most famous magical journey. This show is spellbinding (literally). Named one of Hypable’s top five plays of 2015, Puffs “exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry” (The New York Times) as it follows the story of a young wizard named Wayne Hopkins and the Puffs–a group of well-meaning, loyal rejects with a thing for badgers. The show is now on stage at New World Stages. Get your tickets today! Tickets have to be reserved in advance at [email protected]

2.  THE WIZARD SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNT :

Hogwarts is supported by magic (unable to be maintained or constructed by any other means) and a good example would be the moving staircases and disappearing rooms (The Room of Requirement). Exploring the Met on a Harry Potter scavenger hunt will make you feel as if you’re following the mysterious footsteps that wander around Marauders Map. On this 1.5 hour challenge, you’ll search for art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. Be prepared to track down a powerful sorceress, a Snape-like potions master, flying owls and dragons, Hagrid-like giants, centaurs and unicorns like those you’d see in the Forbidden Forest, strange mermaids and sharks that seem straight out of the Triwizard Tournament, fierce knights in armor, and cloaked and masked figures as scary as any Death Eater or Dementor. We did their “ Murder at the Met ” hunt and it was a blast.

3. HARRY POTTER TRIVIA NIGHTS

Test your knowledge with Harry Potter Trivia Nights at one of the many bars that host them in NYC. Can you defeat New York’s best wizards and claim victory? Warning: no muggles allowed during trivia nights. To see upcoming Harry Potter trivia nights (or even brunches!) visit TriviaAD.com. 

4.  POTTERCON :

Join your fellow Pottheads on for PotterCon, the official annual NYC day-drinking & mingling destination for Harry Potter fans ages 21+! Discover your Hogwarts house once and for all in a live sorting ceremony, show off your witchy digs in Madam Malkin’s Robes For All Occasions Costume Contest, and don’t forget to bring your Remembralls for their super-stumping trivia. To learn more check out their current news here . 

5.  MAJOR LEAGUE QUIDDITCH :

Quidditch is a wizarding sport played on broomsticks. It is the most popular game among wizards and witches, and, according to Hagrid, the equivalent to Muggles’ passion for football. As unbelievable as it sounds there is a Major League Quidditch team in NY. It is a national league that runs from June 1 to August 30. Their season features 16 teams from the United States and Canada. NYC’s team is the New York Titans! Every team plays three games against every other team in its division, for a total of nine games.

6.  HARRY POTTER IN CONCERT

On August 4, join your fellow wizards at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to watch Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone to a live orchestra. Tickets are on sale now so get them before it’s too late!  Keep an eye on their site because they are constantly adding events. 

7. FANTASTIC BEASTS MOVIE SERIES

Have a magical movie night with friends while watching Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them or head to theatres on November 16th to see Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ! The year is 1926, and Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in NYC for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

8. SEE THE NEW BROADWAY SHOW HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD PARTS 1 & 2

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, the critically acclaimed play has won 22 major theatre awards in the UK and is the most-awarded production in the history of Britain’s prestigious Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards earlier this year including Best New Play and Best Director. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child previews begins on Broadway March 16th at the fully renovated Lyric Theatre in New York. The official opening will be on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Seven members of the award-winning Original West End Company will reunite on stage for the Broadway premiere. Tickets are hard to come by, and can be pricey. A better option if you’re looking to save some dollars is to sign up to win their Friday Forty. This is a lottery to get $40 tickets every Friday. 

9.  THE MET’S HARRY POTTER THEMED TOUR

Step away from the Quidditch broom and make your way to the MET to find places and spaces reminiscent of the ones in the Harry Potter books! “Griffins, Goblets and Gold” is a new wizarding-themed tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. NYC Potterheads can marvel at items in the collection, and parts of the museum that might remind you of the ones from J.K Rowling’s books. From a staircase part of an actual castle, to ‘dark magic’ objects, get tickets to leave the Muggle world behind! To get tickets click here. 

10. MUSEUM HACK’S THE COMPLETELY UNOFFICIAL & DEFINITELY UNLICENSED BOY WIZARD TOUR OF THE MET

Perfect for witches, wizards, Squibs, and Muggles alike. They can’t guarantee that the portraits will talk, but you’ll certainly need a Quick Quotes Quills to keep up with the awesome magical knowledge their Potter-loving guides will drop on the tour. During the tour, Museum Hack guides delve deep into the secret history of the Met, a building with just as many mysteries and wonders as Hogwarts itself. They’ll also point out representatives from each Hogwarts House throughout the museum and search together for wands, robes, and pets, all to prepare for one of the most important events in every witch or wizard’s life: the Sorting! Click here to book. 

11. TAKE A SELF WALKING TOUR OF FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM FILMING LOCATIONS

This new Harry Potter series is filmed throughout NYC, which makes it the perfect movie to theme a walking tour on. Right now, none are available, however, my good friend Jennifer created one! Watch and follower her video below to see all of the movies filming location in real life.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to her channel and mine ! 

12. HARRY POTTER: A HISTORY OF MAGIC

Journey to where magic and myth began! Join the NY Historical Society in October 2018 for Harry Potter: A History of Magic, a British Library exhibition. Capturing the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories, Harry Potter: A History of Magic unveils rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from the collections of the British Library, New-York Historical Society, U.S. Harry Potter-publisher Scholastic, and other special collections. Visitors can explore the subjects studied at Hogwarts and see original drafts and drawings by J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter illustrators Mary GrandPré and Jim Kay. Get tickets here. 

13. HARRY POTTER INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA – AN IMMERSIVE POTIONS CLASS

New Yorkers are invited to attend Potions Class at the Wizarding School of Alchemy – a wizard inspired Afternoon Tea in the heart of NYC. Wannabe Potion Masters will make an assortment of drinkable potions (using such ingredients as Mermaid Scales & Unicorn Tears) under the watchful instruction of the School’s Potion Professor. Pupils are encouraged to dress accordingly – donning their best robes, glasses, beards and geek chic looks. House points will be awarded throughout, with a special prize for the best dressed! The two hour Potions Class will take place in a secret Manhattan location during dates in June, July & August. Classes will be available at 11am, 1:15pm, 3:30pm & 6pm. Tickets cost $45, with the price including class admission, endless tea & coffee, unlimited potions, miniature sandwiches and tasty wizarding baked goods. Click here to see the dates or buy tickets. 

14. A MAGICAL HARRY POTTER-THEMED BRUNCH

The Wizard Brunch will transform a secret venue in NYC into the Hogwart’s Great Hall with floating candlestick, and sorcery. Guests will be spellbound by this enchanting atmosphere and will get the opportunity to get their fortunes read, listen to a live band, and indulge on a delicious 3 course meal. There will be two sessions on Saturday, October 19: A family-friendly brunch from 12:30–3:30pm and a 21-and-over dinner from 7:30pm–10:30pm. Tickets start at $60, and go on sale starting April 29.  Get your tickets here.

HARRY POTTER THEMED COCKTAILS, SHOTS & BARS

What better way to experience the sorcery of Harry Potter than with the magic of alcohol. I searched far and wide to uncover hidden gems in the city that would be perfect for potions hour — I mean cocktail hour.

15. HARRY POTTER SHOTS AT BARCELONA BAR

Barcelona Bar has famous Harry Potter shots that are filled with theatrics. Order it and you’ll see your bartender “transform” into Harry, complete with circular glasses, a Gryffindor scarf and all. Beware this shot involves waves of fire!

16. POTION CLASS INSPIRED COCKTAILS AT APOTHEKE

Harry dreaded potions class with Snape and although Apotheke  has a potions class like feel , this is one bar that you won’t hate. Here, the presentation of the cocktail is just as important as the cocktail itself. Similar to a potions textbook, they organize the menu based on what effects the cocktails will have. Choose from health & beauty, painkillers, stimulants, aphrodisiacs, euphoric enhancers and stress relievers.

17. THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC STYLE ENTRANCE AT PLEASE DON’T TELL

The Ministry of Magic uses a telephone booth as the visitor’s entrance that transports visitors from ground level to the Atrium. To activate the entrance, one dials 62442 (spelling “magic”) on the telephone. Please Don’t Tell , a speakeasy, has a Ministry of Magic phone booth like entrance and incredible craft cocktails that are so good you’ll think it’s magic.

TIP: Make reservations in advanced to get in. It’s very tricky to get reservations, to learn the secret watch my video on “secret spots in NYC” here. 

HOGWARTS EXPERIENCES IN NEW YORK

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was everything to Harry. It was there that he found the Sorcerer’s Stone, courageously entered the Chamber of Secrets and foolishly crashed a car in the Whomping Willow with Ron. Relive your favorite moments at the castle by visiting the following New York destinations.

18. RADEGAST HALL IS THE GREAT HALL IN HOGWARTS

Harry has Hogwarts, but we have Radegast Hall , the New York version of the enchanted castle. The interior has a striking resemblance to the Great Hall with a Medieval feel.  On the walls and ceiling you’ll see crests that look similar to the Hogwarts seal. Radegast Hall is an authentic Biergarden (or shall we say Butterbeer garden) with delicious German cuisine. Stop here for an enchanted lunch (no house elves included).

19. THE HOGWARTS LIBRARY – BOOKS OF WONDER

Interested in exploring Hogwarts a bit more? Head to the Hogwarts library look alike, Books of Wonder . It is New York City’s oldest and largest independent children’s bookstore, as well as the city’s leading specialist in children’s literature both old and new. One of the premiere locations for Harry Potter midnight book launch parties, BoW would offer magicians, live owls and other magical entertainment. BoW also contains a gallery of original and special edition signed works by Mary GrandPre, the artist for the American editions of the HP books. In the special collections section you can see rare and antique copies of famous children’s books including editions of Wizard of Oz and other classics.

20. THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT – EVOLUTION STORE

In Hogwarts, the room of requirement is a magical room that can provide whatever is needed to those who know how to look for it. Although NYC can be considered one big room of requirement, a more specific example would be the amazing Evolution Store . Home to every manner of curiosity and specimen you can imagine.

THE BOY WHO LIVED INSPIRED EDIBLE EXPERIENCES

Harry, Ron and Hermione planned many of their adventures over a meal. Take part in the best of New York’s magical scene with these 5 bewitching edible experiences.

21. DOLORES UMBRIDGE’S OFFICE – LADY MENDL’S TEA SALON

Dolores Umbridge ’s office was draped in lacy covers and cloths. On the walls were a collection of ornamental plates, each decorated with a large technicolor kitten wearing a different bow around its neck. Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon conjures up a similar look. Here they serve a five course British brunch that tastes as magical as it looks. What better way to immerse yourself in Harry’s world than having the cuisine to match?

22. A TASTE OF MAGIC DINNER SHOW

Experience an evening of conjuring and culinary excellence at A Taste of Magic . A magic show dedicated to combining two beloved and spellbinding pieces; fine food and great closeup entertainment. Performances are set at world-renowned restaurants around NYC: Tout Va Bien Bistro, Gossip Restaurant, Docks and now Ben and Jack’s Steakhouse. Between each course, world-class entertainers will astound and delight you with a close-up magic show right at your table. Dumbledore would be proud.

23. HOGSMEADE – FIDDLESTICKS BAR

Hogsmeade is the only all-wizarding village in Britain. Mainly, students frequent the High Street in the village which contains the named specialty shops and pubs such as Zonko’s Joke Shop and Honeydukes. To experience dinner with a Hogsmeade feel, head to Fiddlesticks Bar and order favorites such as Bangers & Mash or Shepherd’s Pie.

24. HONEYDUKES – DYLAN’S CANDY BAR

Harry Potter has Honeydukes , but New York’s Dylan’s Candy Bar can give it a run for its money. This is a three-story shop dedicated to every conceivable sweet, confectionery, and candy imaginable. They offer over 7,000 varieties to choose from!

25. CRAVING BUTTERBEER? GET IT FROM STARBUCKS.

It’s not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by witches and wizards. Beware this is only available during the holidays because of the ingredients! The secret mix for butterbeer is a creme frappuccino base with 3 pumps each of caramel and toffee nut syrup. Top with more caramel syrup and magically you have butterbeer!

26. DIAGON ALLEY

Diagon Alley was a cobblestoned shopping area for the wizarding world. In some ways, NYC is one massive Diagon Alley. There are several shops selling charming Harry Potter merchandise that will surprise and delight fans of all ages. A few of my favorites are: 

– William Sonoma offers a high-end of culinary goods, such as aprons, spatulas, cookie cutters, and more. I’m sure Mrs. Weasley would love to have this in her magical kitchen! Click here to go to their website. 

– Pottery Barn has an enchanting collection of bedding that Harry would have loved to have in his room at Hogwarts. Click here to go to their site. 

– Alex and Ani make a gorgeous collection of gold jewelry that a niffler would love to get his paws on. Go to their site here. 

– MinaLina has stunning line of cards and stationary. Click here to see their collection.  

– Moleskine has a beautiful collection of Harry Potter themed notebooks that kids and adults will love. See their collection here.  

– The Primark collection has a variety of affordable home goods and stationery that Hermonie would love. They have a store in Staten Island.  Click here to see their full collection. 

Update: I try to keep this article as updated as possible. It was last updated in July 2018. If you know of a Harry Potter experience or something that is like Harry Potter in NYC that is not in this article and you think it is worthy, please email me with your suggestion at [email protected]. Thank you!

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• new york city

7 Magical Harry Potter Themed Activities in NYC!

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: October 22, 2023
• 6 minute read

If you’re looking for Harry Potter-themed activities in NYC, then you’re going to love this list!

NYC isn’t actually the home of Harry Potter, but there are still lots of fun things around the city you can do to channel your inner wizard.

So, if like me, you’re fond of the Harry Potter books and movies, and you want to indulge in some wizard-themed fun during your trip to NYC, hopefully I can give you a few ideas here!

Now, some of these Harry Potter activities in NYC are ‘official’ and run by the ‘Harry Potter Official People’ but some of them are just made-up, by me. And I’ve included them, because to me, they feel a bit Harry Potter-esque.

Anyway, let’s get into it and delve into some wizard-themed fun in NYC!

Here’s a helpful map of everywhere featured on this list!

The Flagship Harry Potter Store

• Website: www.harrypotterstore.com
• Address: 935 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
• Closest subway station: 23 St / Broadway
• Entry cost: FREE!

The flagship Harry Potter store is located in the heart of NYC, so it’s perhaps the most obvious thing I can recommend to you!

And this store is amazing! Literally, I’ve been in many Harry Potter gift shops and stores, and this place really does take the crown.

The store is set across different floors, has lots of different themed rooms, and there is so much merch in there that I’ve never seen anywhere else!

There are parts of the store themed like the Forbidden Forest, a mini ‘Honeydukes’ candy store, and even a basement with their own giant snake.

The attention to detail is so impressive in the Harry Potter store, I actually think it feels more like an ‘experience’ or museum!

Overall, I recommend checking this place out first, which is why it’s at the top of my list!

The butterbeer bar at the Harry Potter Store

• Entry cost: $12 per butterbeer (which includes a free souvenir tankard)

Another place to check out in NYC for Harry Potter fans, is the butterbeer bar inside the Harry Potter store. I really recommend checking this place out, it’s so much fun – and really great for both adults and kids.

Lucky for you, this fun activity is located inside the store (mentioned above) so it’s super easy to check both of these off your list at the same time.

The butterbeer bar is a little bar, on the edge of the store, where you can buy real butterbeer (the famous beverage mentioned multiple times in both the Harry Potter movies and books).

They even pour it from a draft tap too – so it feels super authentic!

The butterbeer is a soft drink (so available to all ages) and contains to alcohol, and it’s so tasty! It tastes creamy, sweet and reminds me of shortbread biscuits!

In the warmer months, they even have some outdoor seating outside the butterbeer bar, so you can sip your butterbeer in the sunshine!

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

• Website: new-york.harrypotterexhibition.com
• Address: 50 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
• Closest subway station: 34 St-Herald Sq
• Entry cost: Tickets are between $29.40 – $43.55

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a relatively new attraction in NYC, and it’s a good option if you want to delve a little deeper in the Harry Potter universe whilst visiting NYC.

Honestly – I think the Harry Potter store (which I mentioned above) is a more fun experience (and free!) but I wanted to include this on my list, in case you’re looking for something more.

Disclaimer here: I personally wouldn’t visit here again. It wasn’t as good as I had hoped, and I don’t know if I can give it my 100% approval. But some people might love it – and each to their own. Which is why I’m still including it here.

The Harry Potter exhibition is essentially a walk-through museum / immersive experience, which houses costumes, props, set-design and all kinds of wizarding-world related challenges.

One thing I really enjoyed about this attraction, is that you’re given a ‘magic’ wristband when you enter, which allows you to participate in different ‘magical’ lessons and tasks throughout the experience. Every task you complete, lets you collect points for your Hogwarts House.

The tasks aren’t exactly difficult for adults (I found them a bit basic), but for children they’re more entertaining – which makes this a really great family-activity.

You can read my full, in-depth review by clicking here.

The Cursed Child Broadway show

• Website: broadway.harrypottertheplay.com
• Address: Lyric Theatre, 214 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, United States
• Closest subway station: Times Sq–42 St
• Entry cost: Prices range from $67 – $420 (depending on the seat)

Booking yourself tickets for the Cursed Child Broadway show has to be one of the ultimate Harry Potter themed activities you can enjoy in NYC.

If you didn’t know (but I bet you already do), the Cursed Child is the Broadway show that is the sequel to the Harry Potter stories. It centers around a grown-up Harry Potter, and his son.

The play is wonderful, and features some wonderfully magical and spectacular effects, and it’s well worth seeing it, if you can afford the ticket price.

It’s a really unique and immersive theater experience, but do keep in mind, that it may be a little frightening for young children. Older kids and teenagers should be fine though!

Tip: For the best experience of the ‘magic’ I think the Dress Circle and Balcony seats are probably best. There are some special moments in the play, where it really pays off being in those seats.

Westsider Books

• Website: westsiderbooks.com
• Address: 2246 Broadway, New York, NY 10024, United States
• Closest subway station: 79 St
• Entry cost: FREE

My next suggestion for Harry Potter-themed activities in NYC, is the wonderful and magical Westsider Books.

This place isn’t officially affiliated with Harry Potter in any way, but it’s one of my favorite book shops in the city – and it reminds me of the kind of stores you’d expect to find in Diagon Alley.

The book shop is the tiny little place, with books piled high, right up to the ceiling, and old rocket ladders leading you to the highest shelves.

Honestly, it’s a special place, and it’s somewhere that has always reminded me of the wizarding world, just because of how it looks and feels inside.

If there was a wizarding bookshop in NYC, this would totally be it.

The Cauldron NYC

• Website: https://thecauldron.io/nyc
• Address: 47 Stone St, New York, NY 10004, United States
• Closest subway station:
• Entry cost: Prices from $49.99 per adult for ‘potion making’

The Cauldron is my last suggestion for Harry Potter things to do in NYC, and OH MY GOSH, this place is amazing.

Whilst not ‘officially’ linked with Harry Potter, this place offers so much joy and so many references to the magical wizarding world.

The offer several different experiences at the Cauldron, from ‘potions making’ (which is essentially a cocktail-making class), to a magical afternoon tea (which is the experience I’ve personally done, and really recommend).

The staff here are fully committed to making the experience amazing for you, and they known just about everything there is to know about the wizarding world, and Harry Potter’s many adventures.

During the experiences, you’ll be tested on your Harry Potter knowledge, and you’ll even need to learn some of your knowledge to unlock and discover certain surprises along the way.

They also do random events throughout the year too – such as pumpkin carving at Halloween!

This place is genuinely fun, super unique, and would be perfect for a special occasion. We took my friend to the magical afternoon tea for her baby shower – and we had so much fun.

Tip: You’ll definitely need to book in advance for this place, so make sure you get to action if you want to visit.

Central Park Zoo

• Website: centralparkzoo.com
• Address: East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States
• Closest subway station: 5 Av/59 St
• Entry cost: Adult tickets are $19.95, Children tickets are $14.95

OK, you might not recognize Central Park Zoo from any of the Harry Potter movies or books, but you will recognize it from the Fantastic Beasts movie! Which is also part of the wizarding world universe!

Newt Scamander  and  Jacob Kowalski  are the characters in the movie that visit Central Park Zoo, after they realize that one of Newt’s escaped magical creatures might have gone there.

The famous pair also encounter one of Central Park Zoo’s Lions later in the movie too!

Even without the magical-links to the wizarding world, Central Park Zoo is a pretty lovely place to visit and enjoy, and it’s one of those iconic NYC locations that you should probably visit anyway!

So make sure you check this place out, I don’t think you’ll regret it. I love it there and it’s a great activity for a sunny day.

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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Harry Potter & The Fantastic Beasts Tour - Kids Half Price

• Local guide
• Walking tour of the film location sites
• Magical sites of the city
• Lunch & Drinks (please bring something to sip and nibble on)
• Subway Journey
• State St/Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004, USA We meet outside the One New York Plaza. Next to the Whitehall Street exit of the Whitehall Street Subway Station. Your guide will meet you by the steps to Fried Frank. Your guide will be waving a wand or sign and holding a folder.
• Central Park, New York, NY, USA We will finish the tour in Central Park next to Gapstow Bridge.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at State St/Whitehall St New York, NY 10004, USA We meet outside the One New York Plaza. Next to the Whitehall Street exit of the Whitehall Street Subway Station. Your guide will meet you by the steps to Fried Frank. Your guide will be waving a wand or sign and holding a folder. See address & details
• Pass by Woolworth Building Central Park Zoo Diamond District New York City Hall
• You'll end at Central Park New York, NY, USA We will finish the tour in Central Park next to Gapstow Bridge. See address & details

• Sez94 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thanks for New York city tour Thanks Amanda is good guide we are seeing the New York City funly has a good experience for us and we remember this activity Read more Written April 20, 2024
• patrickbS6081HV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very good tour - enjoyed it! Andrew was the perfect guide. We were shown a lot of interesting places with very good explanations including general information about New York (areas, "how to live in NY", fun facts etc.). Special: we had the eclipse during our tour and Andrew managed to integrate this in the tour. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• 436lauray 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great! What a great tour with Akash. We had a small group so was even better as we could ask questions along the way and were able to go to specific places we wanted to see that were not on the tour plan. Would definitely recommend! Read more Written April 17, 2024
• patricksF5865BZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour We really liked the tour and the way Andrew gave us insights of a New Yorker. This was quite fun going through Manhattan. We really liked it. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• regisc822 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ghosbusters we were so lucky to see the firetruck in front of Ghosbusters we visited neighbourhoods that we would not have thought to see Read more Written April 10, 2024
• kristens768 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So much to see and so fun! So much fun! Interesting information and friendly guide! There’s no way we could have seen and learned so much about nyc on our own. We loved it! Read more Written March 21, 2024
• Roam61283363111 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Love fried dumplings Great tour guide John! Hope you will be seen in the movie with Lady Gaga :) Thanx for so much information and good food! Stefanie from Germany Read more Written March 19, 2024
• katl952 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Andrew super guide Andrew was fantastic! So knowledgeable funny sarcastic such fun. I loved every bit of the 5 hours spent with him. Highly recommended this tour! Such a sociable man I walked and chatted with him nearly the whole way. Read more Written March 13, 2024
• kouamem701 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing round trip First stay in New York City in March 2024. I was concerned about my visit plan because NYC is a large city with a many tourist attractions. I chose to join this tour since its provided a all-in-one experience with a varieties of sigths to visit or see in about 5 walking Hours. This is a wonderful starting point for a 360° view of the city; then plan your vacation. The host had such a factastic tale that I was completely captivated and immersed. Strongly recommended. Read more Written March 7, 2024
• Companion22227049291 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles ‘There's nothin' you can't do…Now you’re in New York’ We did the tour on day 1 of our stay in NYC. It was a brilliant introduction to the city and Andrew was an excellent guide. Would definitely recommend. Read more Written March 5, 2024
• Companion43930754110 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles New York City Tour with the great John It was so lovely with John, he was so nice to us and we had lots of fun on our tour in New York City. John showed us a great mix from well known Sights and some we would not have thought about. After all this was one of the greatest experiences we had on our trip in New York City. We hope John stays healthy and can do this tour to many other’s. Read more Written February 22, 2024
• jes_sbF1970WH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A highly recommended tour! The tour was great and the guide was excellent. We could enjoy New York with full details through the streets with Jhon (The guide) and his explanations. He told us a lot of anecdotes and curiosities about the places that made the tour very nice. 100% recommendable. Read more Written February 13, 2024
• Big_Lench 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A tour of New York history, sights and tastes. Booked on this tour to see what new parts of Manhattan we could experience. We were prepared for the day’s activities (several hours walking, few underground trips) in the cool February morning. Our guide was very knowledgeable and approachable with any questions and queries the group had. The start of the tour was in the south of Manhattan - Wall St, Fulton St, across to the World Trade Centre and The Oculus. this was my surprise of the tour as I had no knowledge of what the Oculus was and how far it stretched underground. The tour took us through Chinatown (dumplings sampled) and Little Italy (cannolis sampled) before travelling underground to Union Square, walking up to Madison Square then underground up to Grand Central Terminal eventually walking all the way up to 58th St on 5th Avenue. It was a long but enjoyable and informative walk. The weather was sunny but cool so it was good to be kept moving at the start of the walk. Overall a pleasant way find out more about Manhattan. Read more Written February 12, 2024
• chadv586 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour I have been on! Yury was a great tour guide and we got to see so much in the 5 hour tour! Definitely worth the money thanks so much! Would definitely recommend doing for at least 1 day while visiting NYC. Read more Written February 8, 2024
• seleenaj2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour of NYC!! John was an amazing guide. It was bitterly cold to start but his enthusiasm was still high! Was great to learn about the important parts and the history - so many interesting facts about the city! NY is a real vibe and this was a great way to actually get our bearings before we started exploring in our own! Highly recommended! Read more Written February 5, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Harry Potter & The Fantastic Beasts Tour - Kids Half Price provided by Top Sights Tours Group LLC

London Harry Potter Walking Tour: An OG Fan Review

Are you a Potter fan heading to London and want to check out all the London Harry Potter locations you can? 

One of the most time-friendly ways to see Harry Potter filming locations in London in a short period of time is to take a Harry Potter walking tour. On a recent trip back to London, I made a point of getting to every Harry Potter attraction London has to offer, and I succeeded in getting to almost every single one. 

As part of this ultimate Harry Potter London tour, I signed up for a London Harry Potter walking tour to check the many filming locations and learn about some Harry Potter film trivia. I’ve written up this detailed review of my experience to help other Harry Potter fans decide whether a Harry Potter walking tour is worth the time and money during your trip. 

After all, I’m one of the OG Harry Potter fans, you know, the fans who went to midnight book release parties and stayed up all night reading the latest installment. The kind who’s gone to Harry Potter festivals and owns a set of official robes.

Don’t forget to pin this post to come back to later when you’re planning your Harry Potter London itinerary ! 

In This Post

As always, this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, shopping from them may generate small commissions to support the operations of this blog.

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org , because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

Harry Potter Walking Tours London: What’s Available? 

When I was planning out my itinerary of the ultimate Harry Potter trip to London, I knew I wanted to try a Harry Potter walking tour, but how to choose? There are several available, including: 

• Original Harry Potter Locations Tour — London ( OHPL )
• The Best London Harry Potter Tour ( BLHP )
• Harry Potter in London — Private Tour 
• Original Harry Potter Locations by Boat — London ( OHPL-B )
• Harry Potter London Walking Tour ( HPLWT )

And a few more. All of the above tours range from $20-$90 (the most expensive being the private tour, of course). 

Assuming you want to join a group tour and don’t want to shell out fo r a private Harry Potter walking tour , let’s take a quick look at the similarities and differences among the top 4 options for Harry Potter walking tours in London. This information is up-to-date as of January, 2024.

Hopefully this table helps you do a quick and easy comparison of the top London Harry Potter walking tours to help you decide on which tour is best for you. While you’ll see similar Harry Potter locations in each of the tours, there are important differences to note, including the languages available, tour duration, cost, and start and end points. 

After comparing the tours, I decided on the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour . The time and locations fit really well into my schedule (taking me right to the Palace Theater right before I had tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ), it has the best and most reviews, and perhaps most of all, because they offer a friendly House trivia competition during the tour. 

So from here on out, I will be reviewing this specific London Harry Potter walking tour . 

Related : Looking for more Harry Potter activities in London ? Why not try out a Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea , one of the many themed afternoon teas in London.

London Harry Potter Walking Tour Review

I signed up for a 10:30 am tour on a Sunday morning for the Original Harry Potter Locations walking tour . The meeting point was easy to find with Google Maps, and conveniently, it was right next to Southwark Cathedral, which has some very cool literary stained glass windows inside and a fun William Shakespeare statue outside. 

The tour guide did not hold a sign but did call out for “anyone here for the Harry Potter walking tour” enough times that it would’ve been impossible to miss the meeting point. 

Over the next 2.5 hours, we did a good bit of walking around London. It is important to note that the tour did in fact take 2.5 hours, despite it being listed as 2 hours on Viator. The tour guide told us right from the beginning that it would actually be 2.5. That meant we had to leave the tour about 15 minutes early to catch our reservation for the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play, but we were still able to participate in the vast majority of the tour.

What is the tour like? 

Our guide was named John but informed us we could call him Hagrid if we liked. He fit the part, a substantial, bearded gentleman with a certain rugged friendliness about him. 

John was great with the kids on the tour, easygoing, and obviously passionate about Harry Potter. He even showed us a photo of him cosplaying Hagrid for some event or other and proudly let us know he was a Hufflepuff. 

Once everyone was marked present for the tour, we were sorted into houses. If you already knew your house sorting, he wouldn’t argue with you; if you weren’t sure, you could draw a house card from his “sorting hat” and join a house that way. The houses were just for fun and for the friendly Harry Potter trivia competition that accompanied the walking tour. 

For me, the trivia competition was a big draw that set this London Harry Potter walking tour apart from the others. They all involve lots of walking, which means inevitably there are periods of walking between Harry Potter filming locations. So why not engage in a friendly trivia competition during the travel time? 

The Harry Potter trivia contest was informal and unstructured. Periodically throughout the tour, Hagrid would ask us a question about the Harry Potter books or movies, and a correct answer would gain the answerer’s house 10 points. He kept track of our points on his iPad but didn’t try to fan up an intense competition. 

This London Harry Potter walking tour did involve one short ride on the London underground (not included in the cost of the ticket). It’s easy to manage with today’s contactless payment systems (just tap your card or phone on entrance and exit, making sure to use the same card both times). Still, for newcomers, the tour guide was also there to walk anyone through the process who was unfamiliar with buying a ticket for the London underground. 

Throughout the tour, we walked across London and visited several Harry Potter filming sites or places loosely related with Harry Potter trivia (see the next section for more on what we saw!). At each location, our tour guide would tell us the association with the Harry Potter franchise and, if applicable, use his tablet to show us scenes from the movies that were filmed in the location. 

While not all the movie trivia was new to me, some of it was. Overall, our tour guide for the London Harry Potter walking tour was obviously knowledgeable about the making of the Potter films and clearly enjoyed finding out new tidbits to share with tour goers.

Related : If you’re a Harry Potter fan heading to NYC soon, be sure to check out my Harry Potter NYC bucket list.

London Harry Potter filming locations visited

During our London Harry Potter walking tour, we visited many Harry Potter filming locations and other Potter-related sights. Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

Borough Market : used for filming in the third film, when the Knight bus drops off Harry at the Leaky Cauldron; also used as the view from Harry’s window at the Leaky Cauldron. Our tour guide shared with us some fun trivia about what it was like filming there in such a busy part of London and with trains going by every few minutes (that shaky camera effect in the third movie isn’t all special effects!)

The Globe Theatre : not a London Harry Potter filming location, but here our guide shared some interesting trivia about the actress who plays Madame Hooch in the first film.

Millennium Bridge : aka Death Eater Bridge, the bridge the Death Eaters take down in the seventh Harry Potter film. Our guide shared some fun behind-the-scenes trivia about making that scene as well as how Londoners have always felt about the structure.

Old Scotland Yard: A filming location for the visitor’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic, used in the 5th and 7th films 

Goodwin’s Court: the supposed inspiration for Knockturn Alley

Palace Theater : the current home of the two-part Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play

At the end of the tour, the guide led tour goers to the House of Spells, one of the many Harry Potter-themed stores in London, where those on the tour could get a 10% discount. He also pointed out the way for anyone interested in checking out the House of MinaLima, another impressive London Harry Potter shop . 

Related : If you like visiting places that feel like you’ve stepped into Hogwarts, head north to Manchester, England to visit the John Rylands Library and Chetham’s Library !

Verdict: is the London Harry Potter walking tour worth it?

If you’re a Potter fan in London, then absolutely, the London Harry Potter walking tour is a great way to spend a few hours and some dollars in London. You’re likely to learn some behind-the-scenes facts about making the movies, you’re guaranteed to see some of London’s most famous sites (including the Globe Theater, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and views of Tower Bridge), and you’ll more likely than not have a great time. 

Plus, you can always recreate the movie scenes in the original filming locations, if that’s your kind of thing. 

Overall, our tour experience was fun, informal, informative, and friendly. Just the kind of laidback Harry Potter attraction in London that will break up the more fast-paced sightseeing. 

Related : For more bookish travel sights in London, check out the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum

Tips for taking a London Harry Potter walking tour

• Note that if you choose the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour — London, the tour time is actually 2.5 hours , not 2 hours as it’s listed on Viator , so plan accordingly.
• Our guide informed us that the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour with Boat ride is essentially the same tour, except instead of walking across the Thames on Milennium Bridge, you take a ferry across. He clarified that it’s NOT a sightseeing ferry ride down the Thames, but more a means of transport from point A to point B. So if you’re looking for a scenic Thames boat ride, you’ll want to look elsewhere and maybe just choose the cheaper Harry Potter walking tour option. 

• Come prepared to ride the London underground . It helps if you’ve already set up a card on your phone for contactless pay and if you’ve already ridden the underground before, though that’s not necessary. 
• Wear your house gear ! You’ll be amongst other Harry Potter fans, so why not nerd out and show your House pride on the walking tour and during the trivia competition? 
• If the timing works out, you can combine the London Harry Potter walking tour with a showing of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ! As the tour ends near the Palace Theater, it can work out well to book a morning walking tour that leads right into a matinée showing of Cursed Child Part One. Plus, it’s nice to know during all the walking that you will have a nice, long, seated rest coming up. There is a different Harry Potter walking tour that also includes tickets to see Cursed Child , but I can’t vouch for that tour personally.

For diehard Harry Potter fans in London, a Harry Potter walking tour is a great way to see some of the film locations and learn some Harry Potter trivia you never knew. It’s a worthwhile way to fill a few hours’ time while covering a lot of ground and seeing many iconic London sights along the way.

What’s the best walking tour you’ve ever taken? Drop it in the comments!

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I'm Constance, an avid reader and traveler. I love tracking down the best literary sights everywhere I go, from the best indie bookstores to author's homes and fictional locations you can visit in real life. I'm also passionate about all things tea and chocolate. I have a BA in English literature and an MS in Nutrition Science.

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