The Harry Potter series features many fantastical and exciting locations, including the different businesses within The Wizarding World. These different businesses show the parallels between the 'real world' and The Wizarding World, and ensure that the universe feels fleshed out and expansive.
Most of the Harry Potter movies introduce new businesses that fans are left wishing they could visit. From the magical Diagon Alley introduced at the beginning of the series to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes that becomes a booming store later on, there are many magical locations for wizards to spend their galleons.
Eeylops Owl Emporium
Eeylops Owl Emporium is one of the shops in Diagon Alley and as the name suggests, it sells owls, which are popular pets in The Wizarding World. Although fans don't get to see the inside of this business, it is where Hagrid purchased Hedwig from.
Hedwig is often by Harry's side throughout the series, remaining a source of comfort to him when he has to spend summers with the Dursleys. Hedwig shows her loyalty when she attempts to protect Harry during The Battle of the Seven Potters; her death seemingly symbolizes the end of Harry's childhood. Although fans don't get to see much of the business itself, without it Harry may never have met his loyal and trusted companion.
The Three Broomsticks
The Three Broomsticks is a popular drinking establishment in Hogsmeade village and is run by Madam Rosmerta. The pub is also the location of a few important moments in the series.
In the third movie, Harry enters the pub under his invisibility cloak and discovers that Sirius Black is his godfather, and wrongly learns that he betrayed his parents. Also, one of the worst things Draco Malfoy ever did was slipping a cursed necklace to Katie Bell in The Three Broomsticks. This pub is a traditional and cozy establishment that is the setting for many strong and memorable moments of the series.
The Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron provides one of the many links between The Muggle World and The Wizarding World. It is actually through this pub that Harry first enters The Wizarding World, so it's crucial to his character's journey.
The pub is also the first place Harry comes face to face with Quirrell, and later in the third movie there is a memorable sequence where Harry battles with The Monster Book of Monsters. The Leaky Cauldron acts as a gateway between The Muggle World and Diagon Alley and marks the beginning of Harry's and the viewer's journey into this magical world.
Flourish and Blotts
Flourish and Blotts is a bookstore in Diagon Alley and it is where most Hogwarts students purchase their school books. The bookstore also hosts book signings, which is how Lockhart is first introduced in the second movie.
Mrs. Weasley, Hermione, and Ginny all cooed over Lockhart in Flourish and Blotts, but Harry and Ron were far from impressed by their would-be professor. Lucius Malfoy also slipped Tom Riddle's diary into Ginny's cauldron here, which started off a horrifying chain of events involving the opening of The Chamber of Secrets. Flourish and Blotts is a useful business for many of the students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Hog's Head
The other pub in Hogsmeade is not as homey as The Three Broomsticks, but is still an important location in the series. The Hog's Head is run by Aberforth Dumbledore and was the initial meeting spot of Dumbledore's Army, where members signed up to be part of the alliance.
Some of the most likable characters were in Dumbledore's Army, and this organization was featured heavily in the fifth movie. When Umbridge refused to teach her students defensive magic, The Golden Trio created Dumbledore's Army. As the army was first formed in The Hog's Head, it has a strong place within the series' legacy.
Borgin And Burkes
Only the most villainous wizards and witches would purposely find themselves in Borgin and Burkes. Despite its dark nature though, this shop is home to many unique and intriguing artifacts, like The Hand of Glory.
Harry accidentally finds himself in Borgin and Burkes when he mispronounces Diagon Alley while using Floo Powder. Its most important function in the story though is looking after The Vanishing Cabinet, which later allows The Death Eaters to enter Hogwarts. As the stomping ground of many nefarious characters, Borgin and Burkes is one of the most intriguing businesses in The Wizarding World.
Gringotts
The Wizarding Bank Gringotts is one of the most significant locations in Harry Potter and there are many treasures hidden within its walls. Harry visits the iconic bank the first time he enters the Wizarding World.
The Gringotts goblins have guarded many precious artifacts here, such as The Philosopher's Stone and Hufflepuff's Cup. In the final movie, The Golden Trio breaks into Gringotts in order to retrieve the cup, which is pivotal to the later defeat of Voldemort. Gringotts' crooked exterior and its interior of marble falls and chandeliers makes it a truly iconic place in the Harry Potter universe.
Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
In the sixth movie, The Weasley twins set up their own shop in Diagon Alley. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is full of joke products and the atmosphere of the business perfectly encapsulates the twins' mischievous personalities.
Ron first catches Lavender's eye in the shop too, setting up their awkward and hilarious romance. Although the store doesn't serve any major role like some other businesses in the series, it is bright and vibrant, and the huge Weasley model outside makes it instantly recognizable. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes provides a fun and vibrant atmosphere for its customers which makes it the perfect magical business.
Ollivanders
Another vital shop in Diagon Alley is Ollivanders, where most Hogwarts students get their wands. One of the most memorable scenes in the entire series is when Harry first gets his wand in Ollivanders. It is actually during this scene that fans first discover that 'the wand chooses the Wizard' and that Harry and Voldemort's wands have a connection.
Mr. Ollivander returns in the final two movies and gives Harry an important lesson on wandlore. As wands are such a huge part of the series, this is a business The Wizarding World couldn't be without.
Honeydukes
Honeydukes might not have any great plot importance, but it's certainly one of the most appealing shops in The Wizarding World. Honeydukes stocks many famous brands of confections, such as Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frogs.
While some Hogsmeade scenes were left out of the movies, Honeydukes appears in a fun moment in the third movie where fans were able to see the full range of treats on offer. Harry sneaks into Hogsmeade under his invisibility cloak with the help of a hidden passage that leads into Honeydukes, and then steals a lollipop from Neville. With its range of delectable treats, Honeydukes is definitely one of the most inviting businesses in The Wizarding World.