Unicorn Attractions Around the World

Unicorn Cafe, Thailand

If you want to enjoy your pastel rainbow layer cake in matching surroundings, Bangkok has two Unicorn Cafe locations (Zone A and Zone B) that fill that need. At both spots, every inch is covered with unicorn murals in what might be the most unicorn-themed restaurant in the world. The pink-and-blue space is crammed with unicorns of all shapes and sizes, from My Little Ponies to stuffed animals hanging from the ceiling. Settle into an oversized pink or blue chair to contemplate the unicorn-themed menu including rainbow waffles and ice cream scoops topped with "horn" cones, a rainbow assortment of crepes, a rainbow cheeseburger (rainbow cheese-covered fries are extra), hot and cold rainbow drinks, and, of course, rainbow desserts. Plus, no worries if you left your unicorn onesie at home — just rent one there.

The Cloisters, New York

The Unicorn Tapestries, or The Hunt for the Unicorn, are one of the main highlights at The Met Cloisters, the Upper Manhattan branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and home to a massive medieval European collection. The Unicorn Tapestries consist of seven floor-to-ceiling scenes detailing a unicorn hunt. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t end well for the unicorn. The tapestries are believed to date back to the early 1500s and were possibly made in the Netherlands — but by whom and for whom remain a mystery. Yet the story remains clear, as do the silver and gold threads weaved into each one. The "Unicorn in Captivity" tapestry is the only part of the story that isn’t clear, as historians theorize it may not have been a part of the hunting series. Go decide for yourself, then hunt for the other unicorns sprinkled throughout the Cloisters' collection.

Scotland

Scotland might be more famous for the Loch Ness Monster, but the unicorn is actually the country’s official animal. Unicorns were part of Celtic mythology, and the earliest unicorn symbols can be traced back to the 12th-century royal coat of arms. Today, unicorn symbols and statues can be found throughout Scotland — some of the most famous examples exist at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Holyrood Palace, Linlithgow Palace, St. Giles' Cathedral, The University of St Andrews, HMS Unicorn and more. For the ultimate unicorn experience, visit on April 9th, when the country celebrates National Unicorn Day.

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids, Illinois

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City launched Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids in 2007, and it’s been touring around the country ever since. As the name suggests, the exhibit covers dragons, unicorns, mermaids and more, but since we’re here for the unicorns, this portion covers the ancient origins (and their roles in fairy tales, Christianity and royalty), the mythical healing power of their horns, symbols, Asian unicorns and more. The exhibit is currently showing at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in Illinois and will be opening at the COSI museum in Columbus, Ohio in February 2019.

Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem, Thailand

Unicorns aren’t the sole domain of Western mythology. Chinese lore also references an ancient-horned creature, known as a qilin. Instead of resembling a horse with a horn, the qilin is a fierce-looking creature often depicted with a dragonesque head, antlers, scale-covered body and lion's tail. Despite looking like the stuff of nightmares, the qilin is considered a benevolent beast and is said to represent a good omen. Like the Western unicorn, legend depicts it as a wise, strong, solitary creature. But in the East, it’s also believed to appear during the birth and death of exceptional leaders. The qilin is also associated with fertility, long life, happiness and wealth, and is often found decorating temples, like Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem in Chonburi, Thailand. Despite its location, the temple is of Chinese origin and a great place to photograph gilded qilin.

Brooklyn Owl, New York

Unicorn onesie, check. Rainbow-dyed hair, check. Sparkly unicorn horn? For that, look no further than Brooklyn Owl, possibly the only store in the world devoted to fabric unicorn horns. Find them in an array of sizes (mini, tween, original and giant) and types (sparkle, rainbow, limited edition and narwhal). You can even buy unicorn horns for your pets or horses, along with other unicorn-related accessories for your kids — or yourself, since nobody’s judging.

Mirabell Palace, Austria

A pair of life-size unicorn sculptures welcome visitors to the 17th-century Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, famously featured in The Sound of Music. On a unicorn-related note, part of the "Do Re Mi" scene occurred around the garden’s Pegasus Fountain. While there, be sure to visit the equally magnificent Mirabell Palace — its Baroque architecture dates back to 1606.

Unicorn Gundam, Japan

It shouldn’t be all that surprising to find what looks to be a 64-foot-tall unicorn robot in Tokyo. Unicorn Gundam is located in the touristy DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, a mall complex built on Odaiba, an artificial island connected to the city via Rainbow Bridge (Alas, the bridge isn’t rainbow-hued). The statue is a relatively new addition as of fall 2017 — fans may recognize it from the popular Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn universe consisting of graphic novels, anime and video games. Gundam is high-tech robotic body armor, and similar to The Transformers, the Unicorn Gundam can switch between modes. Long story short, there’s Unicorn with the single horn, and Destroy when the horn splits in two and the robot transforms into fierce mode — complete with light show.

CutiePie Cupcakes, Canada

Unicorn pictures decorate Toronto's CutiePie Cupcakes’ interior, but the shop’s main attraction is the unicorn latte. The rainbow-colored drink dominates Instagram and is made with espresso, milk and cotton candy, then topped with cotton candy, sprinkles and a whoopie pie. Even better, the unicorn latte is available year-round, unlike the limited-edition creation at Starbucks. If your sweet tooth allows, complete the experience with a rainbow cupcake or ice cream cone.

Bristol, England

Scotland isn’t the only unicorn-mad nation. Unicorns can be found throughout England, from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. Bristol, in particular, has displayed a fondness for the magical creatures since the 1500s and can be spotted throughout the city to this day. You can’t miss the golden one perched atop City Hall (pictured), notable for its extra long horn. Elsewhere in Bristol, a unicorn rears on the bow of the Brunel’s SS Great Britain, while another presides over the Royal West of England Academy, a notable art gallery.