World's Best Magic Shows (for 2024)

Of course you've heard of the biggest magicians and illusionists of our time who perform with those big New York magic shows or those Las Vegas illusion shows but there's more to magic than the handful of performers that have seven (or eight!?!?) figure marketing budgets. Today, you can see magic and illusions shows in almost every part of the world that are fabulous and a REAL TREAT for a special evening out. The best way to find these gems near you is to ask working magicians where their favorite shows are located... and that's exactly what we've done for you. We've contact our friends and acquaintances around the world and created a consensus of these regularly running spectacular show. SO, this is our list of the Best Magic Shows in the World (alphabetical by country)....

Best American Magic Shows

• Carnival of Illusion - Phoenix, AZ

  Arizona Biltmore Resort
  2400 E Missouri Ave
  Phoenix, AZ 85016

  

  Carnival of Illusion is the longest-running Arizona theater show in history. With theaters in four Arizona cities, Carnival of Illusion consists of Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed creating an exciting theatrical show with a Vaudevillian-inspired vibe for 125 lucky guests. Sprinkle in a touch of 1900s Parisian humor, shake and stir for 100 minutes, and enjoy the "Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La".

• Magic Castle - Hollywood, CA

  7001 Franklin Ave, Hollywood
  7001 Franklin Ave
  Los Angeles, CA 90028

  

  The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians and magic enthusiasts with multiple magical performances every night. This is the mecca for magicians in the United States and was the home to legendary in-house magicians in the '60s. Although this may be the most difficult theater to enter on this list if you don't know a magician, one secret is to contact the performers for the evening you want to visit and request a guest pass. Yes, you'll have to pay for parking, door entry, and dinner, but it's a beautiful Victorian mansion with expensive drinks, a great view, and oh yeah, lots of magic.

• Paul Gertner - Boston, MA

  The Omni Parker House
  60 School St
  Boston, MA 02108

  Friday Nights

  

  Paul is a world-champion sleight-of-hand expert who has been on Penn and Teller's Fool Us a record-breaking three times, fooling them twice! Paul has also won three first-place awards including two close-up magician of the year awards from the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. This is a 75-minute show of close-up magic that will have you shaking your head in amazement. Book one of 10 VIP seats at the front of the house and you will be given the opportunity to be part of the action. The seating is extremely limited to only 34 seats, so make sure to book in advance. See Ticket Availability Here.

• Teatro Zinzanni - Seattle, WA

  222 Mercer St, Seattle
  222 Mercer St
  Seattle, WA 98109

  

  Teatro ZinZanni's is two parts circus, one part dinner theatre, and ten parts magic on steroids. Described as "the Kit Kat Klub on acid" and "the hottest ticket in town" Teatro ZinZanni is a unique theatrical experience. It is a three-hour whirlwind of international cirque, comedy and cabaret artists all served up with a scrumptious multi-course feast with classy cocktails.

• David Copperfield - Las Vegas, NV

  MGM Grand
  3799 S Las Vegas Blvd
  Las Vegas, NV 89109

  

  The name David Copperfield is known the around the world. He has been amazing audiences for over 50 years. He is ridiculously successful and even owns his own chain of resort islands in the Bahamas. His early television shows were a huge success and launched him into stardom. Some of Copperfield's most famous illusions include making the Statue of Liberty disappear and walking through the great wall of China. His illusions are big, showy, and spectacular.

  SEE DAVID COPPERFIELD LIVE HERE!

• Penn & Teller - Las Vegas, NV

  Rio Las Vegas
  3700 W Flamingo Rd
  Las Vegas, NV 89103

  

  The "bad boys of magic" have been wowing audiences in Las Vegas for over 20 years. Why bad boys you say? Well, they have the bad habit of revealing how it's done! But it never seems to take away from the amazing wow factor of what they do! Their act is surprising, clownish, and well... unconventional. They have been making headlines for years with their many TV shows, Broadway performances, and sold out runs. The chemistry between this duo is magical. They love to meet their fans, so don't miss the "meet and greet" after the show.

  SEE PENN AND TELLER LIVE HERE!

• Dan White - New York City, NY

  Nomad Hotel
  1170 Broadway
  New York, NY 10001

  

  Dan's shows sell out fast! His show, "The Magician" is in collaboration with Theory II. This intimate show will have you totally fooled, baffled and surprised. Audience participation is a big part of the show and guests are included in almost every illusion. Dan has been a consultant for David Copperfield in Las Vegas and has created magic for stage and screen, being featured on both the Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel. Dinner and/or cocktails can be enjoyed on-property but are not included in the ticket price. Recommended for adults 18 and older.

• Esther's Follies - Austin, TX

  525 E 6th St, Austin
  525 E 6th St
  Austin, TX 78701

  

  You don't become a "must see" show for 40 years in a town if your show isn't rocking! Well, Esther's Follies will entertain you with political satire, comedy sketches, Vegas-style magic, and hilarious musical numbers making you draw the parallel that it's Texas' answer to Saturday Night Live. If you're not uptight and enjoy a bit more than innuendo, you will have a blast and probably return the following night to once again experience the comedy and magic of Esther's Follies.

Best Argentinian Magic Shows

• Bar Mágico - Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Carlos Calvo 1631, C1102 ABG, Buenos Aires
  Carlos Calvo 1631, C1102 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina

  

  This restaurant/bar is also the home of some great magic in Argentina. On Friday and Saturday nights they have three shows. And in typical Buenos Aires fashion, they start late, with the first show at 9pm. You can enjoy a nice meal with the perfect bottle of wine between shows, then sit back and relax while whiling the evening away watching great magic. And if you just have to learn how they pull that rabbit out of a hat, you can also sign up for magic classes.

Best French Magic Shows

• Musee de la Magie - Paris, France

  11, Rue Saint-Paul, Paris, France
  11, Rue Saint-Paul 75004
  Paris, France

  

  This extraordinary museum is all about magic. There's so much to see from magical objects to a hall of mirrors to magic posters and prints. There are large grand illusions from long ago and smaller objects of curious interest. And your ticket price includes a 20 minutes magic show that can be enjoyed by both young and old. There is a guided tour for those that want to know every detail about what they are seeing, as well as magic classes you can sign up for and a gift shop for that "special" deck of cards. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 7pm. And as a special extra, if you go early enough you will still have time to visit the automoton museum next door.

• Le Double Fond - Paris, France

  1 place du Marché-Sainte-Catherine, Paris, France
  1 place du Marché-Sainte-Catherine 75004
  Paris, France

  

  This magic theatre cafe is a great place to both grab a meal and see some magic, all in the heart of Paris. Sit on their outdoor patio enjoying a great meal and perhaps a glass of wine, all while being entertained by your waiter/magician at your table! Or head downstairs to one of their magic shows that are unique, close-up and intimate. The shows are in French which is great if you speak the language, but if you are looking for an english show and happen to be coming with a large group, they will be happy to create a private show just for your group. If you are lucky enough to be spending some time in Paris, be sure to return often to catch different performers.

Best German Magic Shows

• Ehrlich Brothers - Germany

  Bunde, Germany
  Wichernstraße 116, 32257
  Bünde, GERMANY

  

  These young brothers from Germany are a huge sensation in Europe, selling out whole stadiums with their grand illusion show. Their huge stage show is full of very flashy Vegas style illusions, each one more mind-blowing than the last. Their youthful energy and up-to-date illusions have made them akin to rock stars in the magic world. They are bringing their show to the UK for the first time, after wowing the European continent. So join Chris and Andreas Ehrlich, and their trendy spiky hairdos, for a stage show that is sure to knock your socks off.

• Alexander Krist Theatre - Munich, Germany

  Unterer Anger 380331, Munich
  Unterer Anger 380331
  Munich, Germany

  

  This special theatre was designed just for close-up magic and was one of the first Table Magic Theatres built in Germany. With its semi-circular amphitheatre styled seating, every seat has a great view of the magic happening right before their eyes. Alexander currently has three shows to choose from, each with a different theme, ranging from 90 minutes to over 2 hours. This is a family friendly theatre, so bring the kids (recommended 10 and up).

Best Scandinavian Magic Shows

• Mystique AKA Stockholm Magic Monthly - Stockholm, Sweden

  Teater Tre, Stockholm, Sweden
  Rosenlundsgatan 12, 118 53
  Stockholm, Sweden

  

  Mystique is a magical venture by the group Stockholm Magic. Take five solo magicians and bring them together once a month, mix in a little magic dust and a lot of daring, taking what they do to new places, and you have Mystique. They guide the audience into a surrealistically awakened dreamstate, promising fun, awe and amazement. Having taken inspiration from the Magic Bar in Stockholm and the Spellbound Club in Gothenburg, the goal is to show off magical art at its best. Mystique performs a new magical show on the last Tuesday of each month. So drop in and spend a night with some of Europe's most interesting magicians.

• Magic Club Oslo - Oslo, Norway

  Cosmopolite Scene, Oslo, Norway
  Vogts gate 64, 0477
  Oslo, Norway

  

  Check out the next Magic Club event in Oslo and you will be treated to a whole evening of magical delights. From puzzles at your table to burlesque inspired dancers, tableside magicians and a wonderful stage show, it is a full evening of entertainment. The stage show features performers both local and intertnational, so it is a different show every time. If you love magic and happen to be in Norway, then make sure you check out the next upcoming Magic Club show.

Best Spanish Magic Shows

• Teatro Encantado - Spain

  Calle Pozuelo de Zarzón, 3, Madrid
  Calle Pozuelo de Zarzón, 3
  28005 Madrid

  

  So many magicians, and so much fun. This intimate magic theatre is home to many local and international magicians. With different shows all the time, there is always a reason to go back. They specialize in high quality, one-man shows of close-up magic. There are shows and functions for adults and children alike. Come see some of the best close-up magic, where small items become big in their ability to delight and amaze you.

There are great magic shows in every nook and cranny in the world. You just need to know where to look and we hope you found something special near you. If you are looking for magic and illusion in a particular city around the world like New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Toronto, London or Sydney, check out our sitemap for magic cities around the world. Enjoy the magic!

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