You know the feeling when the worldbuilding in a fantasy book is so vivid you could swear the setting is an actual place? And it’s kind of depressing when you have to admit that they’re not, and there’s no way you’ll ever get to see the star-speckled sky of Velaris in real life.
Well, what if I told you there was a way, that there are places on this earth that emulate the vibes of the magical cities we love and adore? It’s a subset of tourism called literary travel—a way to bring you closer to your favorite authors and characters, and bring the fantastical places from your favorite books and movies to life.
Until portals to other realms are a thing, here are 10 IRL magical cities you could travel to that are straight out of our favorite fantasy books.
Alicante, The Mortal Instruments ✧ Salzburg, Austria
In Idris, a hidden country nestled between Germany, Switzerland, and France, is Alicante, home of the Nephilim.
Alicante lies within the heart of a valley, surrounded by mountains. A river divides the city, branching off into smaller canals that meander through tight streets stacked with buildings, all pale walls, and tiled roofs.
Salzburg is an Austrian city in the foothills of the Alps. Dotted with Boroque architecture and a winding river that glimmers beneath the snow-capped mountains, it’s a rich setting for history and the arts, and the perfect inspiration for the one and only Shadowhunter capital.
Elfhame, The Cruel Prince ✧ Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Just beyond the reaches of our world is the faerie realm of Elfhame. Made up of four islands—Insmire, Insear, Insweal, and Insmoore—connected by paths of partially submerged stones.
Most inhabitants can be found on Insmire, the largest of the islands. With its lush forests, rushing rivers, grassy meadows, and lakes, it’s a beautiful place for a magical creature but a dangerous place for a mortal.
Within a wind-swept archipelago between Iceland, Scotland, and Norway lies Tórshavn, the capital city of the Faroe Islands. The harsh weather and consistent rainfall provide a lush world on top of ancient lands forged out of glaciers and volcanic rock. One of the most notable aspects of Faroese culture is their turf houses, which have lovingly been dubbed fairy houses. It’s no wonder this place is so Elfhame-coded!
Evaemon, Crown of Gilded Bones ✧ Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tucked between the Kingdom of Solis and Illiseeum is the Kingdom of Atlantia, home to the Atlantians and their Wolven allies. Evaemon is the heart.
Surrounded by fields, farms, and mythical mountains, the ivory-hued city of Evaemon sits along a crescent-shaped canal. Glistening golden domes, stone collonades, patches of trees, and buildings with spires that stretch into the sky, surround a castle on a hill.
Known for its expansive green spaces, Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and is full of cafes, parks, museums, castles, and a historic old town. The city’s symbol is a dragon (!!), representing power, courage, and greatness—qualities that align perfectly with our FMC, Poppy.
Mystic Falls, The Vampire Diaries ✧ Covington, GA, USA
Mystic Falls is a quintessential small town with a dark secret: it’s a hotbed for the supernatural, including vampires, witches, and werewolves.
Consisting of tree-lined streets and picturesque suburbs, the town balances its historic charm—brick buildings, Corinthian columns, old town square—with more modern popups, like Mystic Grill.
Covington, Georgia doesn’t host any paranormal residents (unless you count the ghosts) but it does have a really cool story: it was where The Vampire Diaries was actually filmed! Local tour companies even offer visits to the Lockwood Mansion, Elena’s House, and other iconic locations from the show.
Hogsmeade, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ✧ Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
In the Scottish Highlands, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Hogwarts, is the magical village of Hogsmeade.
With tightly packed turreted buildings, cobblestone streets, and quirky shops, Hogsmeade is a haven for weekend visits and trips to the pub for their infamous Butterbeer.
The quaint village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany, brings Hogsmeade to life. Swedish-style architecture—bright paint and intricate wood panels—adorn the buildings. This riverside town, with all its twisty alleys and pale bell towers, gives off all the magical, medieval vibes.
Dragonstone, A Song of Ice and Fire ✧ Bermeo, Spain
On a barren island off the coast of Westeros, in the Narrow Sea, a crumbling stone castle lies atop a sparse cliff: Dragonstone.
Dragonstone is a grim place. Moody skies, cold winds, crashing waves, volcanic rock—yet it’s a haven for House Targaryen and their clan of fire-breathing dragons. Small ports and misty salt-crusted villages dot the mainland.
Gaztelugatxe is an islet off the coast of Bermeo, Spain. Just like Dragonstone, this area of coast is rough and rugged, full of crags, arches, and sea caves. It’s beautiful and steep, but dragonless (unfortunately), although there are hundreds of marine birds.
Os Alta ✧ Budapest, Hungary
Colorful domes, spiral arches, culture, royalty, magic, and art: just some of the features that make up Os Alta, the capital of Ravka.
Some call it the Dream City… Some live on the other side of the canal, on the poorer outskirts of the lavish boulevards, spraying fountains, intricate palaces, Grisha training grounds, and blooming gardens.
Similar to Os Alta, Budapest is a glittering city split into two parts. Buda, the quieter, more medieval side, full of thermal baths, castles, and hills with sweeping views. And Pest, the livelier, more contemporary side, which is the go-to spot for a good dinner and a night out.
Velaris, A Court of Mist and Fury ✧ Zermatt, Switzerland
When I’m faced with the impossible question: if you could visit one fantasy city for a day, where would you go? Velaris is at the top of the list.
Built on the banks of a sapphire river tucked into the shadow of the mountains, this hilly city in Prythian’s Night Court is literally a hidden gem.
Ivory-stoned markets and gilded theaters line the winding streets. What Velaris is most known for is its Rainbow, the Artist’s Quarter, a vibrant collection of pastel houses, galleries, art supply stores, and sculpture gardens. A creative’s dream.
There has long been speculation that Velaris got its inspirational roots from Zermatt, located in a canton in Valais, Switzerland—and it’s easy to see why. Set against the Alps, beneath the mythical Matterhorn, this real-life city is simply enchanting.
Red London, A Darker Shade of Magic ✧ Newark-on-Trent, England
Flowers, cozy fires, mulled wine, laughter, music, a rosy river, and the steady thrum of magic beneath it all—what’s not to love about Red London, the capital of Arnes?
Similar to our London, this magical setting is full of taverns, pubs, palaces, and pawnshops. Polished metal and stained glass provide subtle lavish touches amongst the narrow alleys, dark woods, and stone buildings. The air smells of freshly cut grass and flowers.
Given we’re talking about Red London, real London might be the obvious choice for comparison, but three hours north is the quintessential market town, Newark-on-Trent, known for its ruins, river, and markets.
Weep, Strange the Dreamer ✧ Istanbul, Turkey
A city unseen for two hundred years, Weep is an oasis next to the Elmuthaleth desert, set along the River Uzumark.
Waterfalls line the trail that leads into the canyon of dense trees and glistening deltas, Weep’s golden domes sparkling behind city walls. Streets are paved in lapis lazuli, specked with gilded temples and colorful market stalls.
The reigning citadel is in the shape of a seraphim and veils everything in shadow—aside from a gap between its wings, which is where a stream of sunlight falls through.
Istanbul is a major port off the coast of Turkey and a reflection of its cultural influence from the many empires that once ruled there. Hippodromes, obelisks, mosques, cisterns, and palaces dazzle a city rich with ruins, markets, family-owned businesses, and living history.
Last week I posted a reel where I asked the audience: if you could visit one fantasy city for a day, where would you go?
And now I am going to ask you the same question. Are any of these magical cities on your literary travel bucket list? Let me know your answer in the comments, along with your itinerary!
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