Top fairy tale destinations for an enchanting escape
These magical stays let you swap the everyday for an enchanting experience you won’t ever forget.
By Joanna Tweedy | May 15, 2025
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
Travel is all about escaping to somewhere new, so it’s no surprise that visiting places that make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a fairy tale is increasingly popular. Who can resist chocolate-box towns, medieval castles, and beautiful nature? These five destinations are brimming with feel-good charm and whimsical wonder.
Munich, Germany
In the heart of Germany’s Bavaria region, known for its storybook towns and castles, sweeping forests, and wildflower meadows, lies Oberammergau. This picturesque village is a captivating place to visit, with residents still wearing traditional dress and many houses painted with murals known as Lüftlmalerei. Don’t miss the ornate Hansel and Gretel fresco, and be sure to indulge in the afternoon tradition of “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake) as the locals do. Just over an hour’s drive north, Hilton Munich City is a stylish place to retreat after a day of exploration. Wind down with a botanical-inspired cocktail at the Juliet Rose bar before feasting on modern Italian dishes at the hotel’s popular Mona restaurant.
Bath, England
With its honey-colored Georgian architecture, Bath can make you feel like you’ve wandered straight into a fairy tale. Old-fashioned cafés serve tea and scones; bookshops celebrate Jane Austen — who called Bath home for several years; and 16th-century Bath Abbey welcomes visitors. Check in at Hampton by Hilton Bath City and Bath’s most famous streets are moments away, with the Wiltshire countryside nearby too. Relax in this chic hotel, which has characterful artwork on the walls, a free hot breakfast, and a fitness center. A great day trip? Take a half-hour journey north by car to the village of Castle Combe, which wows visitors with its rows of perfectly preserved pretty cottages.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Few European destinations have such a rich fairy tale heritage as the Danish capital. A bronze statue of its most famous author, Hans Christian Andersen, sits opposite Tivoli Gardens, the city’s magical theme park. Enchanting Nyhavn, a canal-side street with colorful 17th-century houses, is another popular photo opportunity. The sophisticated Park Lane Copenhagen, An SLH Hotel in Copenhagen’s northern quarter looks out across the greenery of Øregård Park. The concierge can arrange a rental bike so you can cycle into the city, as the Danes love to do, in just 20 minutes. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the chance to eat alfresco on the terrace at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Taipei, Taiwan
Just over an hour east by train from the bright lights of Taipei lands you in the hillside town of Jiufen; its colorful buildings and alleyways are said to have inspired anime artists with their folktale beauty. While there, visit the teahouses and night market on Old Street and soak up views of the country’s coast. Back in Taipei, Humble House Taipei, Curio Collection by Hilton lets you see the best of the capital, with the Taipei 101 Observatory, Linjiang Night Market, and Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall close by. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor rooftop pool followed by a handcrafted cocktail at The Terrace bar and dinner at La Farfalla restaurant, which boasts impressive art installations.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
After turning off Highway 1, California’s famously scenic route, into the small beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, creativity is suddenly everywhere you turn. Carmel’s shingle cottages — known as Comstock and built by artists in the 1920s — and its cobblestone streets are filled with antique stores and art galleries. Dine at the Tuck Box, which dates back to 1927 and serves American classics under its historic wooden beams. Just 9 minutes away by car is Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, which embraces Carmel’s laid-back vibe. Take a dip in the heated pool or relax in the hot tub before heading to the hotel’s Calla Lounge for a casual dinner highlighting the freshest Monterey County produce alongside local wines and beers.
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