Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital is less daunting than London, but equally dynamic. Tourists typically flock to the Royal Mile (a stone road that delivers kilts and street art with old-timey flair), so take your time exploring the Edinburgh Castle and University of Edinburgh campus. If you high-key feel like you’re at Hogwarts, you're not wrong. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone from the back room of The Elephant House, a cafe tucked inside Edinburgh’s Old Town. Rowling has said that whenever she got stuck, she drew inspiration from the magical city around her.

Popular Attractions: Arthur’s Seat, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Camera Obscura