© OpenStreetMap contributorsA trip to Universal Studios is a great way to escape the daily routine and spend an entire day immersed in the world of cinema. Here, massive sets from famous movies sit right alongside thrill rides, and the entire area is designed to make you feel like you’re stepping straight onto a film set. Everything is done on a grand scale: the bustling streets, themed zones, and meticulous attention to detail create the feel of a full-scale amusement park where just walking around and taking it all in is an experience in itself.
The main draw for many remains the World of Harry Potter. The creators truly managed to capture the atmosphere of the books and movies: from the highly detailed Diagon Alley and the snow-capped roofs of Hogsmeade to the iconic Hogwarts Castle towering over the park. Bank of Gringotts deserves a special mention, topped with a massive dragon that periodically breathes a blast of real fire—it’s a genuinely impressive sight that sets the tone for the whole visit.
