10 Things Every “Harry Potter” Fan Should Do in London

Located just northwest of London, and accessible via train (or air-conditioned coach), Warner Bros. Studio is a must-see destination for Harry Potter fans all around the world. Not only were all eight films shot here, but the sprawling studios offer the chance to step into the Hogwarts Great Hall and other spellbinding sets, discover behind-the-scenes costumes and visual effects, shop for souvenirs, and even sip frothy mugs of butterbeer.

Once you’ve seen the immaculately designed movie sets, discover the real-life London locations where the Harry Potter series was shot on a filming locations walking tour. From London Underground stations and St. Paul’s Cathedral to Borough Market, sightsee while you follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and other famous cast members.

In the Harry Potter books, you can’t reach the hidden Platform 9 ¾ to board the Hogwarts Express without running headlong into a brick wall at London’s King’s Cross station. Luckily, real-life visitors don’t have to worry about concussions thanks to the picture-ready trolley that’s installed midway through one of the station’s walls. After snapping an action shot, don’t miss the adjacent Harry Potter Shop, where you can pick up your own scarf, wand, and stuffed Hedwig toy.

For members of the wizarding world, Diagon Alley is the one-stop-shop for all of their needs, from wands and quills to cauldrons and broomsticks—and legend has it that it was inspired by a real London road. Many point to the antique- and bookshop-lined Cecil Court as the model for the enchanted thoroughfare, while others note similarities with the atmospheric Leadenhall Market. Either way, visit both on a Harry Potter–themed bus tour and browse for treasures as you go.

Make like bookish Hermione Granger—and get comfortable with a gripping read (or a heavy-duty textbook)—at one of London’s independent bookstores. From the 4-story splendor of the Foyles flagship on Charing Cross Road to the atmospheric delights of Daunt Books in Marylebone and the historic Hatchards in Piccadilly, you’ll have no problem getting lost in a good book.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth film in the series, the iconic Millennium Bridge was destroyed by Death Eaters. Happily, the pedestrianized bridge, opened in 2002, still stands in real life—and it offers some of London’s most impeccable riverside views as well as a dose of silver-screen magic, so pass by on a Potter-themed tour.

Once you’ve finished your film locations adventure, there’s a new way to explore London’s enchanted attractions—via a self-led Harry Potter treasure-hunting game. The game, run independently from your smartphone, lets you embark at a time that’s best for you, which makes it perfect if your sightseeing schedule is packed (and you don’t have a time-turner to hand).

The theatrical follow-up to the Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been a West End phenomenon since it premiered in 2016. Choose to watch both the first and second parts of this 5-hour spectacle in one day for the most immersive experience—or break it up and watch parts one and two on different days to spread the magic throughout your London visit.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first book in the series, Harry discovers that he can speak to snakes—and understand Parseltongue—while visiting the Reptile House at the London Zoo. During your visit, there’s no guarantee that the mambas and cobras will understand your hissing, though you can certainly try.

While Honeydukes—the enchanted candy shop that features in the Harry Potter books and movies—remains fictional, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies in East London might be your next best bet. After all, where else can you buy wacky treats such as Banshee Balls, Minty Maggots, and Sugar Dusted Bogies? Visit independently, after taking an East End food tour.