Live your Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fantasies as you take a trip around some of Hollywood’s most famed filming destinations around the world.
The world of cinema is magical, isn’t it? As breathtaking backdrops for countless stories–from the shimmering sands of the Sahara to the electrifying streets of Tokyo–destinations across the globe have inspired filmmakers and lured audiences for generations. These real-world locations, sprinkled with the magic of cinema offer the discerning travellers a chance to step into the shoes of their favourite characters and experience the thrill of cinematic adventure first-hand. Just picture strolling through the cobbled streets of Rome, just as Audrey Hepburn did in Roman Holiday, or marvelling at the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, mirroring the grandeur depicted in The Sound of Music. Retracing the footsteps of Indiana Jones in the ancient ruins of Peru, or following in the footsteps of James Bond through the glamorous casinos of Monte Carlo, each experience is a dream come true for all filmy buffs. So, pack your bags and prepare to be transported. Here are 20 destinations, the backdrops for some of the treasured Hollywood films and series worth visiting for all big-screen lovers!
Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand
—The Lord of the Rings
Surrounded by rolling green hills of New Zealand’s North Island, the storybook-like set of Hobbiton in the cosy town of Matamata was home to Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. This crafted set, created for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is one of the major tourist attractions. You can wander through the charming Hobbit holes, admire the lush gardens, and even enjoy a ‘second breakfast’ at the Green Dragon Inn, just as the Hobbits did.
Tatooine in Tozeur, Tunisia
Tatooine in Tozeur, Tunisia—Star Wars
Tozeur, the desert landscapes in Tunisia served as the backdrop for the iconic Star Wars planet Tatooine. There, you can visit the Mos Espa film set, a collection of traditional Berber houses transformed into alien dwellings, and marvel at the sand dunes that resemble the desolate landscapes of the fictional planet. Don’t forget to visit Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata where some interiors of the film were shot.
Plaszow Camp in Krakow, Poland
—Schindler’s List
The Plaszow concentration camp in Krakow, Poland, served as a filming location for Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. While the camp has been largely demolished, you can still visit the remnants of the camp and the film set. The set was built in the Krakus Mound Quarry near the original site, which visitors can tour with a guide.
Staircase at West 167th Street, Bronx
—Joker
The iconic staircase featured in Todd Phillips’s masterpiece Joker, where Arthur Fleck dances in a moment of cathartic release, is undoubtedly a fan-favourite. This real-life location in the Bronx, with its weathered steps and graffiti-covered walls, will make you believe as if you are already in the movie.
Ko Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
—The Beach
The idyllic island of Ko Phi Phi Leh, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, gained international fame after being featured in Danny Boyle’s The Beach. You can explore the hidden coves, snorkel in the colourful coral reefs, and experience the magic of this tropical paradise.
Wallilabou Anchorage, St. Vincent
—Pirates of The Caribbean
Wallilabou Anchorage, where Captain Jack Sparrow’s ship, the Black Pearl, was constructed in the film, is set on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. Here, you can take boat tours to the nearby Morne Rouge, where the fictional town of Port Royal was filmed, and immerse yourselves in the adventurous spirit of the Pirates saga.
Painted Ladies, San Francisco
—Full House
The iconic Victorian row houses known as the Painted Ladies, located in San Francisco’s Alamo Square, are instantly recognisable to fans of Full House. These houses boast stunning views of the city skyline. Here, Full House fans can take photos in front of the houses, stroll through the park, and soak in the charm of this quintessential San Francisco neighbourhood.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
—Breaking Bad
The gritty desert landscape of Albuquerque, New Mexico, made a perfect backdrop for the world of Breaking Bad. In the city, you can visit the house at 3828 Piermont Dr. NE—the home of Walter White. Or, retrace the footsteps of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, visiting iconic locations like the Los Pollos Hermanos fast-food restaurant, the RV where they cooked meth, and the superlab hidden beneath a car wash.
Hanapepe Valley, Hawaii
—Jurassic Park and Jurassic World
The lush Hanapepe Valley on the island of Kauai with its cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest, provided the backdrop for both Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. This breathtaking valley was shot in Jurassic Park gate and the lush jungle environments of the dinosaurs scenes. When visiting here, hike through the valley and immerse yourselves into the serene surroundings.
The Ohio State Reformatory, Ohio
—The Shawshank Redemption
In The Shawshank Redemption, this Ohio reformatory was seen as the set for a prison. This historic structure with its towering walls and imposing architecture, has become a popular tourist destination for film fans. Tours of the reformatory allow visitors to explore the cells, the exercise yard, and other locations featured in the film.
Point Dume, Malibu
—Planet of the Apes
The rugged cliffs of Point Dume in Malibu, California, served as the setting for the final scenes of Planet of the Apes. The iconic coastal landmark, with its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, perfectly captured the film’s themes. You can hike along the trails at Point Dume and enjoy the scenic vistas it offers.
Belvoir Castle, England
— The Crown
Belvoir Castle, a magnificent stately home in Leicestershire, England, offers a glimpse into the grandeur and history of the British monarchy. The princely estate served as a filming location for the Netflix series The Crown. The castle’s opulent interiors and grand architecture have been featured in scenes depicting royal residences and events.
Monuriki Island, Fiji
— Cast Away Island
Monuriki in Fiji is a remote and pristine island off the coast of Viti Levu which gained international recognition after being featured in the film Cast Away. This uninhabited island, with its white sand beaches boasts the best water vistas. Here, you can hike to the island’s peak, snorkel the lagoon or chill near the beach.
Bayon Temple, Cambodia
— Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
The Bayon Temple, located within the ancient city of Angkor Thom in Cambodia was featured in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Embedded with stone faces and intricate carvings, the temple complex is a traditional Buddhist temple known for its architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is a popular tourist destination in Cambodia.
Rockefeller Center, New York City
—Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
A trip to Rockefeller Center when visiting New York is a must for Kevin (Kieran Culkin) and the movie’s fans out there. This iconic landmark, with its towering Christmas tree and bustling atmosphere, plays a central role in the film. A New York trip is incomplete without exploring the plaza, admiring the ice rink, and even catching a glimpse of the famous Rockettes.
Tom’s Restaurant, New York City
—Seinfeld
No Seinfeld fan’s tour of New York City is complete without a visit to Tom’s Restaurant, the real-life inspiration for Monk’s Diner. This classic American diner, with its iconic red awning and checkered floor, has become synonymous with the show. While it may not be called Monk’s, the atmosphere and the menu items featured in the series, like the Big Salad, add to the Seinfeld experience.
The Met, New York
— Gossip Girl
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as The Met is a well-known museum in the world. In the HBO series, Gossip Girl, the steps of this famed museum provide the backdrop for many of the show’s glamorous social events and romantic encounters. Blair and Serena often were spotted at the Met steps enjoying frozen yogurt or coffee when out.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
—Game of Thrones
The medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, became synonymous with Game of Thrones after serving as the filming location for King’s Landing. The city’s impressive fortifications, its narrow cobblestone streets, and its stunning coastal views were featured in the fictional kingdom. Steeped in history, there you can explore the Old Town, and visit the filming locations featured in the shows.
Skopelos, Greece
—Mamma Mia
Skopelos is a stunning Greek Island in the Western Aegean Sea, where the iconic movie Mamma Mia was shot. Boasting eminently scenic beaches, marvellous architecture and laid-back vibes, the island is tourist friendly. Here, you can hop on a bus tour that takes fans to several iconic filming locations, including the Agios Ioannis Chapel and Kastani Beach.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
—Harry Potter
Who doesn’t know the flying car scenes from the Harry Potter film? A magic-induced car flying across the viaduct in The Chamber of Secrets is a ride every Potterhead longs for. This stretch of railroad, one of the longest in Scotland, is renowned for its Victorian engineering. The route is considered the most picturesque for journeys between Fort William and Mallaig.
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