Harry Potter in NYC – Magical Activities for Harry Potter Fans in NYC

Fan of the Harry Potter series? You can explore the magical world of without leaving New York City! From a Virtual Reality experience where you take flight with Hagrid to enjoying a frothy Butterbeer at the cafe to seeing the series live on a Broadway stage with theatrical magic – there are several ways to experience the Wizarding World firsthand. Grab a broom and take flight with our magical list of places for Harry Potter fans to visit in NYC.

Get your wands ready! Celebrate the film-making magic of the Wizarding World at Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York City! The Exhibition brings the world of Harry Potter to life through innovative and magical environments using immersive design and technology. Here’s what to expect:

  • Adventure through iconic Wizarding World moments as you discover interactive elements, authentic props and costumes, and photo ops
  • Conjure your Patronus, come face-to-face with a Hungarian Horntail, test your Quidditch skills, and brew your own potion
  • Go behind-the-scenes Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series, and see how Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play is brought to life.
  • Plop down in Hagrid’s giant chair, squeeze into the Cupboard Under The Stairs, and practice your Quidditch skills, all while learning behind-the-scenes filmmaking details.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition. 50 W. 34th St. & Broadway. Through Oct 15. Tickets start at $27. Timed-entry tickets are sold in 30 minute entry sessions. Children under the age of 3 are free (but still need a ticket). Recommended for fans age 5 and up. Strollers are not permitted. More HERE.

Harry Potter Flagship Store in NYC - Image courtesy of Warner Brothers

Harry Potter Flagship Store – New York

 Located next to the iconic Flatiron building, Harry Potter New York is so much more than a normal shopping experience. The store houses the largest collection of Harry Potter products and merchandise on the planet. It has 3 floors and 15 different themed areas to explore, which include exclusive products and interactive elements, all celebrating different facets of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Things not to miss:

  • The Wand Shop with over 50 options, including the Golden Snitch wand, exclusive to the Harry Potter NY store. Fans can test out their wand of choice at an interactive wand table, just like Harry did at Ollivander’s!
  • The store is home to a Butterbeer Bar! Take your pick from a frothy cup of draft Butterbeer, or Butterbeer ice cream (Vanilla with butterscotch swirl).
  • You can strike a pose at the photo ops throughout the store, including a London phone booth and an area where you can stand in Hagrid’s boots. 

Harry Potter New York. 935 Broadway, New York (22nd and 5th Ave). More on the store HERE.




Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway

Harry Potter on Broadway is a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells, and a great battle – all brought to life with theatrical magic. The story of Harry, Ron, and Hermione continues on stage in this 8th story; 19 years after these friends saved the wizarding world. But sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an epic adventure packed with thrilling stage magic and electrifying storytelling – it is unlike anything on Broadway! You’ll leave spellbound – and wondering how they created that magic on stage. More than a show – the magic begins as soon as you arrive. The entire theatre has surprises to discover. Don’t miss:

  • The magical London phone booth outside the 43rd Street entrance. (Hint: Pick up the phone and dial MAGIC!). 
  • Bring wall portraits, murals, and the ceiling to life through augmented reality by scanning special QR codes throughout the lobby. (Arrive early – this is not to be missed!)
  • Show off your House pride by posing in front of the House Banners

You can also feast on Hogwarts favorites such as Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie’s Beans, and sip on cocktails and soft drinks before the show and at intermission. 

Lyric Theatre. 214 West 43rd Street. Get your tickets HERE. Good to know: Recommended for ages 8 and up. The show runs approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. Booster seats are available for kids. 




The Cauldron NYC

Not an official Harry Potter experience, but the wizardly vibe of the Cauldron makes this feel like a class straight out of Hogwartz!

Follow the cobblestones of historic Stone Street and into The Cauldron, a fantasy pub, and restaurant where potion-making magic comes to life. The two-story space specializes in immersive science-fueled potion-making classes for all ages.  Pick up a magic wand and follow the recipe to mix color-changing concoctions, technology-advanced beverages, and so much more. The Cauldron also offers a Wizard’s Afternoon tea experience where visitors cast spells and brew their own tea at the table. There are surprises hidden around every corner. Children aged 5 and older are allowed during certain times only. Don’t miss their holiday-themed offerings.

The Cauldron NYC. 47 Stone Street. More information HERE.

Drama Book Shop

Have a future writer, actor or actress, or theater fan in your family? This incredible bookshop is a must-stop. Founded in 1917 by the Drama League, The Drama Book Shop is the city’s best source for theatrical works. It specializes in theater & film titles that include plays & scripts, plus in-store scene readings with over 8,000 plays regularly in stock.

The shop was slated to close permanently but was saved in a last-minute purchase in 2019 by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The new location, designed by Hamilton scenic designer David Korins, features a full-service cafe serving coffee, tea, and light snacks. The store’s centerpiece – a sculptural and magical representation of a bookworm — 140 feet of scripts and songbooks, that twist and turns around the shop. Why it’s on our Harry Potter List? There is a Harry Potter section, of course.

The Drama Book Shop. 266 W. 39th Street New York. More information on the store HERE.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Harry Potter Virtual Reality, and Harry Potter Store production images above are courtesy of Warner Brothers Entertainment. All copyrights reserved. All images featuring the Cauldron NYC are courtesy of the Cauldron.

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