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31 Iconic Filming Locations Around the World You Can Actually Visit

From Walter White's house to the beach from Lost , here's where to find some of Hollywood's most iconic filming locations.

If you could step into the world of your favorite film or television series, would you? Most of us wouldn't hesitate to answer "yes." And while there is, of course, no way to magically transport yourself into the movie of your choice, you can visit the real-life locations where several iconic flicks and series were filmed.

From entire towns to tiny, hidden gems off the beaten path, Hollywood tends to go for unique and extravagant locales when it ventures off the backlots (think ancient Middle Eastern temples, otherworldly terrain, and the glamorous streets of Manhattan ). But that's not the rule. For example, our list includes an unassuming New Mexico gas station and a set of city steps in the Bronx.

So, whether you're dreaming of living out your Lord of the Rings fantasies or you're just dying to get a photo in front of Walter White's Breaking Bad house, the list below will tell you exactly how and where to make that happen. And who knows? Maybe a few of these iconic filming locations are even close enough to inspire a summer road trip!

Hobbiton in Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand — The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

The cozy town of Hobbiton, home to Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, may have been created specifically for The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films , but the storybook-like set remains. If you ever find yourself in the New Zealand town of Matamata, you can book one of several guided tours which takes fans to filming spots like the Green Dragon Inn, Hobbit Holes, and the Mill.

Al Khazneh in Petra, Jordan — "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"

If you're a fan of the Indiana Jones film series (and let's be honest, who isn't?), you may know this wonder of a structure as the mystical temple of the Holy Grail, which is carved into the side of a canyon. In reality, the Al Khazneh temple exists as an ancient mausoleum in Petra, Jordan . Visitors aren't able to venture inside the temple, but they're not missing much — in contrast to the film's intricate chambers and booby traps, the inside of Al Khazneh is simply a small, stone room.

Mokule’ia Beach in Oahu, Hawaii — Lost

Dreaming of visiting the crash site of Oceanic flight 815 ? Head to Oahu's Mokule'ia Beach , which was used as not only the crash site, but also the location of the survivors' camp in the first season of the mega-popular series. Though the series changed filming locations in the later seasons, fans of the show often stop by Mokule'ia to see where it all began. Book a tour to see more Lost sites, such as the Dharma village, Jacob's lighthouse, and more.

Dubrovnik, Croatia — Game of Thrones

If you were to walk down the streets of coastal city Dubrovnik, Croatia , you'd immediately recognize the cobblestone roads and gothic architecture as King's Landing, aka the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones . If you want to snap some selfies in particularly iconic spots, head to the Old Town neighborhood or the Walls of Dubrovnik, where members of the Lannister family spent much of the series brooding.

Astoria, Oregon — "The Goonies"

Because the '80s classic was both set and filmed in Astoria, the Oregon port town is filled with "Goonies" relics. While there's no comprehensive tour of all the must-see film sites, fans regularly create their own tours by visiting the home of Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand (Josh Brolin) on 38th street, Ecola State Park (the former site of the Fratellis' restaurant), Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, and more.

King’s Cross Station in London — Harry Potter

Even if you've only seen the first Harry Potter film once, you likely remember the iconic scene in which Harry and the Weasley family walk straight through a brick wall at King's Cross Station to reach Platform 9-and-three-quarters. The magical platform to the Hogwarts Express is seen and mentioned again multiple times throughout the film series, and has become so well known that King's Cross Station actually marked the platform between platforms nine and 10. HP fans now regularly stop there for photoshoots.

Oxford University in England — Harry Potter

The famed English university served as the set of numerous scenes throughout the Harry Potter series. From staircases to cloisters to the school's Bodleian Library , so many corners of the university ended up becoming parts of Hogwarts that a visit there may feel like a visit to the actual wizarding world. To top it off, the great hall of Oxford's Christ Church College was the inspiration behind Hogwarts' Great Hall, and the two are nearly identical.

Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire, Scotland — Harry Potter

Glenfinnan is a scenic hamlet in the Scottish Highlands , and it also happens to be the home of the Hogwarts Express track, aka the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The elevated track, which was used in the second and third Harry Potter films ("The Chamber of Secrets" and "The Prisoner of Azkaban," respectively), draws fans from all over the world. You can see the viaduct by stopping at the Glenfinnan Visitor Center, or by booking a train ride across it .

Baseball Field in Dyersville, Iowa — "Field of Dreams"

"If you build it, he will come!" The famous line from 1989's "Field of Dreams" must've been somewhat prophetic, because now, people from around the world come to see the Iowa baseball field that was built for the movie. Head to Dyersville on any given summer day and watch hoards of film buffs gather on the diamond to play some ball, tour the site, or even rent out the home from the movie .

Devil’s Tower in Wyoming — "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

Any "Close Encounters" fan will recognize Devil's Tower as the mysterious mountain at the center of the movie's plot. The otherworldly, flat-topped structure is actually a real mountain (or butte) in the Bear Lodge Ranger District of northeastern Wyoming. It became the first U.S. national monument in 1906, and while you won't find any extraterrestrial beings at its base, you will see plenty of wildlife and awe-striking scenery.

Painted Ladies in San Francisco — Full House

Most '90s babies will remember the scene in the opening credits of Full House in which the Tanner family has a picnic in front of a scenic row of colorful houses. Well, those houses actually exist. If you head to San Francisco's Alamo Square, you can sit on the lawn and take in the sight of those 7 iconic Victorian homes across the street. (Though if you want to see the house used as the Tanners' actual home in the show, you'll have to head a mile northwest to 1709 Broderick Street.)

Apartment Building at 90 Bedford Street in New York City — Friends

Friends has amassed a cult following of sorts over the years, so it's only fitting that the apartment building used for exterior shots of the characters' homes became a major tourist attraction . While the interiors of the two main apartments in the show were actually just Burbank-based sets, the greenish-gray facade used for the exteriors can be found on the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets in Manhattan's Greenwich Village .

Skellig Michael, County of Kerry, Ireland — "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"

Good news, Star Wars fans: You can visit a piece of the film franchise's history IRL if you're willing to travel to a remote part of Ireland . The island of Skellig Michael played the part of Ahch-To, the rocky planet where Luke Skywalker and Rey spent time in "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi." Interestingly, most parts of Skellig Michael that fans see in the movies are actually part of a 1,500-year-old Gaelic monastery.

Hanapepe Valley in Kauai, Hawaii — "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World"

Remember that scene in the original "Jurassic Park" film where the cast helicopters down onto Isla Nublar as a giant waterfall cascades behind them? Well, that waterfall really exists — in Hawaii. It's part of Kauai's lush Hanapepe Valley, which is actually the site of several scenes in both "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World." Hawaii visitors can even go on guided Jurassic Park -themed tours to see multiple filming locations from the movies.

Albuquerque, New Mexico — Breaking Bad

Any Breaking Bad fan would recognize the house at 3828 Piermont Dr. NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico: It's the home of Walter White. But that's not the only location from the show you can visit around town. Stop by the A1A Car Wash (actually called Mister Car Wash) at 9516 Snow Heights Circle, then head to Mexican restaurant Twisters on Isleta Boulevard, which played the role of the Los Pollos Hermanos fast food joint in the show.

Doune Castle in Doune, Scotland — "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"

Fun fact about Doune Castle: It was used to depict nearly every castle the characters travel to in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" — the producers simply used different angles to create the illusion that numerous locations were used. Head to the Stirling district of central Scotland if you'd like to visit — and because fans of the film regularly stop by, there should be plenty of people around with whom you can discuss the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.

Point Dume, Malibu — "Planet of the Apes"

This unassuming beach may not look much different than any other beach along the California coast , but it's actually part of one of the most famous plot twists in cinematic history. At the end of the original "Planet of the Apes" film, the characters walk along this very beach, believing they're on another planet, only to come across the ruins of the Statue of Liberty. Though no props from the movie remain, fans regularly stop by Point Dume for photos.

Skopelos, Greece — "Mamma Mia!"

It's hard to forget the vibrant colors and stunning architecture of the Greek island in "Mamma Mia!" Though the story takes place on a fictional island, fans can visit the real-life island of Skopelos in the western Aegean Sea, where the movie was shot. You can even hop on a bus tour that takes fans to several iconic filming locations, including the Agios Ioannis Chapel and Kastani Beach.

Belvoir Castle, Wilton House, Burghley House, and Hatfield House in England — The Crown

The Crown 's filming locations include towns and palaces all over the United Kingdom , but fans are most likely to recognize England's Belvoir Castle, Wilton House, Burghley House, and Hatfield House — all of which have ties to real royalty. These four estates were used for both exterior and interior shots in the series, and fans may particularly recognize Belvoir Castle and Wilton House as a stand-ins for Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace , respectively.

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment in New York City — Sex and the City

And I couldn't help but wonder... what ever happened to Carrie Bradshaw's apartment? If you, like many Sex and the City fans, have asked yourself that question in recent years, the answer is right where it's always been: 66 Perry Street in Manhattan's West Village. Though the interior shots of Carrie's famous digs were filmed on sets, you can visit the brownstone used for the exteriors. While you're at it, grab a seat on a SATC hotspot tour to see more famous locales from the show.

Bayon Temple, Cambodia — "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"

Believe it or not, the ethereal stone palace Angelina Jolie's character travels to in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" was not a set built for the movie. This very real Cambodian structure is known as Bayon Temple, and fans of the franchise can find it in the Jayavarman capital of Angkor Thom. It was originally built as a Buddhist temple, but tourists now visit to see Bayon's hieroglyphic-like art and "face towers," which feature hundreds of carved faces.

Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio — "The Shawshank Redemption"

If you want to get up close and personal with the prison Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) famously escaped from in "The Shawshank Redemption," you can — but you'll have to travel to Ohio rather than Maine, where the film takes place. Ohio State Reformatory lies about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus , and if you stop for a photo or tour (the reformatory hasn't actually been used as a prison since 1990), you'll notice it still looks exactly like Shawshank State Penitentiary.

Cafe des 2 Moulins in Paris — "Amélie"

Whether you sit down and have a meal at Cafe des 2 Moulins or simply stop out front for a photo, this aesthetically pleasing eatery is a must-visit for fans of French rom-com "Amélie." The quintessential Parisian cafe, adorned with bright red awning, is the workplace of the film's title character, and pays homage to its history with paintings of Amélie incorporated into the decor. You can find the cafe at 15 Rue Lepic in Montmartre.

The Harbor Freeway in Los Angeles — "La La Land"

Few films open with as much gusto as "La La Land." The vivacious dance moves, the brightly colored cars and clothes, and downtown Los Angeles glimmering in the distance — it's truly an unforgettable scene, and it all takes place on the Harbor Freeway, one of LA's busiest roadways. Because the road is an elevated highway, there aren't many ways to visit it, per se, but if you're in LA, you can drive across it near the city's center.

Varda Viaduct in Adana, Turkey — "Skyfall"

If you're a James Bond fan, the ominous Varda Viaduct is worth a visit. Originally built as a railway between Europe and the Middle East, the viaduct was featured in the opening chase scene of 2012's "Skyfall" and has become a treasured piece of Bond history. You can visit by riding a train across or by parking at a nearby overlook.

Staircase at West 167th Street in the Bronx — "Joker"

For years, the set of steps that connect Shakespeare and Anderson Avenues in the Bronx's Highbridge neighborhood were just that: a set of steps. That all changed when Joaquin Phoenix famously danced down them in 2019's "Joker." When the stairs even appeared in the film's poster, fans began flocking to New York City just to take a photo in front of them. The steps are, of course, still there today, but you may have to fight through a crowd of Batman fanatics to get a good look at them.

Tom’s Restaurant in New York City — Seinfeld

While all those famous Monk's Cafe scenes in Seinfeld were filmed on a soundstage, an actual New York diner was used for the exterior shots! Tom's Restaurant in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood starred as the eatery Jerry and his friends frequented in the sitcom, and the restaurant is still open today. According to reviews, the food there is actually pretty fantastic — and you can head to the corner of Broadway and West 112th Street to try it for yourself.

Apartment Building at 455 Water Street in Brooklyn — Gossip Girl

Whether you're an Upper East Sider, a Brooklynite, or none of the above, you likely remember the brown brick apartment building next to the Manhattan Bridge as the home of Penn Badgley's Gossip Girl character, Dan Humphrey. Well, if you head to Water Street in Brooklyn's glitzy DUMBO neighborhood, you can actually catch a glimpse of the building's interior. While NYC Gossip Girl tours exist, most focus on Manhattan locations and leave the beloved Brooklyn facade off the list.

Pike Place Market in Seattle — "Sleepless in Seattle"

Are you a romantic-comedy superfan? If so, you may want to plan a trip to Seattle for a DIY "Sleepless in Seattle" tour. The city's ever popular Pike Place Market is the setting of multiple scenes, whereas the houseboat used as Sam and Jonah's home in the film can be found on the dock near Westlake Avenue North. And make sure to check out Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar, which features a barstool with a plaque reading "Tom Hanks Sat Here," referencing the scene filmed there.

Katz Delicatessen in New York City — "When Harry Met Sally"

Want to have what she's having? Head to 205 East Houston Street on New York City's Lower East Side to find Katz Deli, aka the place where the most iconic scene from "When Harry Met Sally" took place. Aside from its appearance in one of the most well-known rom-coms of all time, Katz Delicatessen has also become famous over the past few decades for serving up enormous pastrami sandwiches (which is just another reason to visit, if you ask us).

Stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art — "Rocky"

Cue the "Rocky" theme music! Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa triumphantly running up a city staircase is arguably one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history. And if you head to Philly , you can not only see those exact stairs, but you can recreate the scene entirely. The staircase actually serves as the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but luckily, you can visit the stairs without having a ticket to the museum.

Hillary Maglin is a digital editor who splits most of her time between New York City and Pittsburgh. You can find her on Instagram @hillarymaglin , where her DMs are always open to discuss travel gear, wine bars, and Taylor Swift's latest record.

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30 Famous Movie Locations Around The World You Can Visit

If you're the kind of traveler who sees a place like Carrie's brownstone in NYC and starts quoting "Sex and the City," this is the list for you. Spotting iconic locations from our favorite films and television shows can be a fun way to stay connected to some of our favorite stories and characters. Although some places exist only on studio lots, visiting real-life movie locations is a popular tourist activity.

A few of the spots we mention below are more obvious. For example, The Art Institute of Chicago for "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is well known, but others may be a surprise, like the formerly defunct shopping center in Görlitz, Germany, which got back on its feet after "The Grand Budapest Hotel." If you're a major movie nerd (like us), then a lot of these places should be on your must-visit destination list. This is just a preview of some of Earth's most incredible and famous movie locations.

Al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

When it comes to iconic views of Jordan, only some come close to Al Khazna or The Treasury. That's because, in part, of its role in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Because some of the final moments of the film take place in front of the massive facade built into the rock, visitors are more aware of this magnificent structure. It's believed to have been built sometime in the first century B.C. Although you can't go inside it, you can marvel at the incredible exterior architecture.

The Art Institute of Chicago - Ferris Bueller's Day Off

The Art Institute of Chicago  is only in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" for a few fleeting minutes. Yet Chicagoans will forever talk about it. Filmmaker John Hughes, who is from Chicagoland, used the scene to highlight some of his favorite paintings in the Institute. You can visit the art museum, one of the best in the world, to see some of the ultra-famous pieces there. One such piece that is beloved and featured in the film is George Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."

Café des 2 Moulins in Paris, France - Amélie

In her namesake film, Amélie Poulin works at the Café des 2 Moulins . Located in Paris, France, the cafe, whose name translates to the Cafe of Two Windmills, references the two famed windmills in the city at the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette. Although the café has changed a little since "Amélie" came out in 2001, it is still quite reminiscent of its silver screen counterpart. Stop by for something to eat and take a load off.

Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon, California - Pee-wee's Big Adventure

The enormous roadside attractions known as the Cabazon Dinosaurs have been delighting visitors for decades. Although over 100 of them exist, a few are more iconic than others, like Mr. Rex. But Paul Reubens cemented these ancient photo-friendly dinos into the tourist lexicon in his 1985 film "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure." You can stop by to visit them any day of the week during daytime hours. Some of the dinos even get new paint jobs from time to time. For example, Mr. Rex was temporarily repainted with a grey suit and red bow tie in homage to Pee-Wee Herman after Reuben's 2023 death.

Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan - Inception

Although "Inception" was not technically filmed on location in Japan, the intricate set of a dreamy castle sequence will look very familiar. That's because the castle was based on Nijo Castle in Kyoto, so much so that you'll marvel at the amount of detail the staged set for the film took on. While it wasn't directly filmed at the castle, you can tour the inspired location and get a feel for the mind-boggling film. Nijo Castle is open for public tours, so you can get a sense of its monumental history, dating back to 1603.

Grand Central Station in New York City - Men in Black II

"Men in Black II" is far from the only movie filmed at Grand Central Station in New York City. Other movies like "Friends with Benefits," "I Am Legend," and "The Fischer King" were also filmed here. Still, Grand Central is where the agents discovered Locker C-18, where a host of little aliens were living — so it's a pretty big deal in the movie. The lockers aren't here anymore, though you're certainly welcome to explore the station to take in the sights. Just maybe avoid rush hour when it'll be the most crowded.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey - Argo

A lot of scenes in Ben Affleck's "Argo" were filmed in the massive Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. The flurry of colorful shops and stalls made for a perfect aesthetic for the American hostages to hide from their would-be captors. This market is one of the largest in the world, with almost 4,000 vendors covering over 60 streets. As the world's oldest bazaar, there is so much to see and do here besides following the footsteps of "Argo." It's open every day except Sundays and holidays. There is no entrance fee or reservation system.

Hatley Castle in Colwood, British Columbia - X-Men 2

When it wasn't serving as Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Hatley Castle in Colwood was also Lex Luthor's lair in "Smallville" and the Queen family home in "Arrow." Even so, its visage is probably best known from its appearances in the "X-Men" films, specifically "X-Men 2." Hatley Castle is over a century old, though it looks much older. You are welcome to visit the castle itself on a paid guided tour, though the formal gardens are free to visit during daylight hours.

The McCallister home in Winnetka, Illinois - Home Alone

Ah, the dreamy McCallister home. A Christmas favorite for anyone who loves "Home Alone" or homey Midwestern home designs, this house is still very much as it was in the 1990s. This privately owned home is located in Chicago's luxe suburb of Winnetka. You can see the home at 671 Lincoln Ave. Although you can't go inside, it has been listed on Airbnb for a special Christmas stay before. So, you can go by for a quick look outside, but be mindful that folks live here.

Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse in New York City - Ghostbusters

Homebase for the Ghostbusters from, well, "Ghostbusters" is still alive and well in New York City. Over at Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse, you'll see the backgrounds for many of the beloved film's big scenes. Although the exterior of the firehouse is what was used for the film, you may be able to score an informal tour of the inside if the firefighters aren't busy. You can also buy some souvenirs while you're here, too, if you need some ectoplasm-related gifts.

Katz's Deli in New York City - When Harry Met Sally

At over 130 years old, Katz's Deli in NYC is known for a few things. It's known for its pastrami on rye, being the oldest deli in New York City, and for the line "I'll have what she's having" from "When Harry Met Sally." It was here that Billy Crystal uttered those infamous words. You can even sit at the table where Crystal and Meg Ryan sat and enjoy your deli delicacies. If you can't find the table, just ask or peek around for the plaque.

King's Cross Station in London, England - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Students of Hogwarts heading to the school must catch the Hogwarts Express. The only way to do that is via Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross station in London. Although Muggles can't access this fantastical train, they can take photos at the famed Platform 9 ¾ sign at the train station. Below the sign, you'll see a half-exposed cart with luggage and a cage stacked upon it. It doesn't cost anything to visit the sign, though you may want to bring some spending money for The Harry Potter Shop located at Kings Cross.

Countryside in Matamata in New Zealand - Lord of the Rings

Ever wanted to visit a real-life Hobbiton? Wander the Shire in search of hobbitses? You can if you visit the area around Matamata in New Zealand. This gorgeous rural town will help you live out your wildest Middle Earth dreams. This entire countryside represents a bunch of different locations from "Lord of the Rings." Whether you're looking for Hobbit holes or Fangorn Forest, you'll be amazed at how many otherworldly spots reside in the same area. Your best opportunity to get the most out of seeing these areas is through a locally-led, guided tour.

Notting Hill Bookshop in London, England - Notting Hill

You know how Julia Roberts owned a bookshop in "Notting Hill?" Well, it's a real bookshop named  Notting Hill Bookshop  – rather than The Travel Book Company, as it's referred to in the movie. Although it is no longer known as The Travel Bookshop, you'll still find this beloved store at 13 Blenheim Crescent in London. Since the film came out, store ownership has changed hands a few times. Even so, the exterior will let even the stingiest romantic swoon just a little on the streets of London. Don't forget to buy a book while you're here.

Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington - Sleepless in Seattle

To be more specific, you'll want to go to The Athenian Inn at Pike Place Market. While the market itself (especially the emblematic Public Market sign) made its way into "Sleepless in Seattle," Athenian Inn is where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner's characters eat. You can still visit the over 110-year-old restaurant and grab some delicious seafood. Grab a seat at the chromium counter for the ultimate "Sleepless" moment. Go ahead and do your best Jay and Sam impressions; we won't judge.

Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago in Chicago, Illinois - The Blues Brothers

For major fans of the cult classic "The Blues Brothers," spotting a filming location is a big deal. When it comes to one of the biggest scenes in this film (aside from the epic car chase through Downtown Chicago), look no further than the Pilgrim Baptist Church at 3235 E. 91st Street. The interior shots of the church weren't shot on location, though you'll immediately recognize the church's steeple. Visiting for photo ops outside the church is easy enough, but maybe avoid Sundays for fewer crowds.

Point Dume in Malibu, California - Planet of the Apes

Film buffs are likely to recognize Point Dume at Zuma Beach along the Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles. After all, this is where the buried Statue of Liberty is discovered in "Planet of the Apes." Though it's a popular filming location and has also been featured extensively in other films like "The Big Lebowski," "Iron Man 3," and "Knight and Day," the public beach is open for visitors to swim, dive, or just rest on the soft sand.

Doune Castle near Sterling, Scotland - Monty Python and the Holy Grail

If you find yourself wondering if a swallow could, in fact, carry a one-pound coconut, you'll find your movie geekout moment at Duone Castle. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" fans will immediately recognize the look of this castle in which King Arthur and his band of merry knights kept watch. "Game of Thrones" fans may also recognize it as Winterfell from the pilot episode. The castle grounds are open to the public with a paid entry fee. You can visit the courtyard and cellar if you're able to handle a steep and cobbled tunnel.

Selfridges in London, England - Love Actually

Do you remember the scene in "Love Actually" in which Alan Rickman's character buys a necklace from Rowan Atkinson? That took place in the famed Selfridges department store in London. Since it's a public store, you're able to visit it for free! At over 100 years old, Selfridges is known as one of the best department stores in the world. Perhaps you, too, can purchase a necklace from the jewelry counter for a loved one — just make sure it's for the right loved one before Christmas, okay?

Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire, England - Bridget Jones's Diar

Stoke Park isn't a city park. It is a country club where both "Bridget Jones's Diary" and two "James Bond" films were shot. The dreamy hotel and country club setting are perfect for film lovers or anyone looking for an uber-romantic getaway. Stoke Park is also home to a spa, golf club, and a few restaurants. It's a private club, but the restaurants are open to the public.

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California - Pretty Woman

Owned by the Four Seasons, the luxe Beverly Wilshire Hotel , made famous by "Pretty Woman," is full of incredible ways to relive your favorite moments from the movie. This gilded hotel has tons of free photo ops within its spellbinding walls if you aren't able to actually stay in a room for a true Julia Roberts moment. The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is the epitome of glamorous Los Angeles hotels, so even if you're just a middling "Pretty Woman" fan, it's well worth a visit.

The Getty Center in Los Angeles - Star Trek: Into Darkness

Los Angeles is home to a lot of the filming locations for "Stark Trek: Into Darkness." However, it's hard to top being the site of Starfleet headquarters. The movie chose none other than the astonishing Getty Center to be the HQ for Starfleet members. Visiting the Getty Center, an architectural phenomenon of an art museum, is free. Trekkies will undoubtedly recognize the exterior of the Getty Center, though you should certainly spend an afternoon roaming its halls admiring the artworks.

The Llanerch Diner in ​​Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Silver Linings Playbook

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence's 2012 film "Silver Linings Playbook" put a roadside diner on the map. The Llanerch Diner in Upper Darby outside of Philadelphia is where the two characters eat a meal together. Like at Katz's Deli, which we mentioned earlier, the famed booth here is marked and frequently requested by fans of the film. You're welcome to come to Llanerch for a meal and, hopefully, eat where Cooper and Lawrence did, though you may need to wait behind other diners.

The Plaza Hotel in ​New York City - The Way We Were

When it comes to making an impression on the filmgoing public, few locales do it like The Plaza in New York City. Seven films have taken place, at least in part, at this astonishing hotel. Starting with Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest," this hotel is practically a co-star. Though it shines just as brightly in "The Way We Were," which is widely considered one of the best films ever made. Relive Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford's meeting from "The Way" or the painful scenes from Baz Luhrman's "The Great Gatsy" while you're in the hotel's charming presence.

The Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia - The Hunger Games

Built in 1928, the classical mansion known as The Swan House in Atlanta is full of swan imagery as it was owner Mrs. Inman's favorite animal. In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the Swan House becomes the central home for President Snow, showcasing one of Atlanta's most beautiful places. The house is part of the Atlanta History Center , and you can visit the Swan House to explore the tremendously intricate interior. Is anyone else ready to volunteer as tribute?

The Virgil in Los Angeles, California - A Star Is Born

Another Bradley Cooper film, this time opposite none other than Lady Gaga, "A Star is Born" catapulted several Los Angeles locations into pop culture. One such location was The Virgil , where Jackson and Ally meet. You're more likely to see stand-up here rather than drag performances, though you'll still recognize the popular East Hollywood libation station. Even better, there is a weekly show called Hot Tub at The Virgil, which Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal host.

Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood, Oregon - The Shining

One look at the Timberline Lodge might send a chill up your spine. That's because its exterior was made famous by Stanley Kubrick's creepy film "The Shining." The jury is still out on whether or not the hotel is haunted, though brave souls can stay here to find out for themselves. Horror nerds love visiting this place to reconnect with their Stephen King roots. While you won't find official tours here, there have been "The Shining" themed parties held here for Halloween from time to time. Finally, if you're looking for room 217, you won't find it – there isn't a room 217 here.

Union Station in Chicago, Illinois - The Untouchables

It should come as no surprise that Brian de Palma's Chicago-based, Prohibition-era film "The Untouchables" was shot all over Chicago. There are countless locations we could list here, though none would be more epic than the shootout scene at Union Station. Union Station is a frequent on-screen location, so it may look familiar. Chicago's beautiful train station, which is free to visit, is captured incredibly amid the battle between coppers and mobsters. Opened in 1925, Union Station is a glimpse into Chicago's artistic history. It is a personal favorite spot in the city and a great excuse to take the train.

Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store in Görlitz, Germany - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Before the movie was filmed, the Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store sat abandoned. Now visitors can explore the gorgeous building once again to live out their "The Grand Budapest Hotel" dreams. The Art Nouveau store is an exquisite example of saved architecture. Although visitors can't experience the store in its entirety, they can go inside some of it. Kaufhaus Görlitz is still under renovation in a years-long rehabilitation to return to its original beauty.

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia - Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

The stunning 12th-century, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, Cambodia , made for incredible shots throughout "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Before the film came out, the temple complex wasn't a huge tourism draw from the Western world. "Lara Croft" changed that, and now it is immensely popular. In fact, per Khreativa Cambodia , "Lara Croft" was the first international film to feature Angkor Wat to a Western audience. Like millions of other visitors, you can explore the temples at Angkor Wat with tickets or guided tours

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75+ Famous Movie Locations You Can ACTUALLY Visit!

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Great movies entertain and move you with compelling characters in faraway lands. Amazing movies inspire you to actually visit those places! And there are dozens of awe-inspiring famous movie locations around the world that are accessible to you RIGHT NOW.

I’m not talking about private properties, studio backlots or the depths of darkest Peru… I’m talking about national parks, cafés, castles, beaches, hotels and museums . Real, tangible places all over the world that are wide open to visitors. Adventure is out there! And with the locations of movies dotted around the globe from America to Australia, you’re just a flight or train ride away.

Have you ever felt compelled to follow in the footsteps of Frodo Baggins, raid tombs with Lara Croft or have whatever she’s having with Sally from When Harry Met Sally ? Then you NEED to read this list of the best and most famous filming locations of movies you’ve already watched over and over again . These are famous movie locations every self-respecting movie lover dreams of visiting.

Famous Movie Locations You Can Visit Today!

Famous Movie Locations in Europe

Café des deux moulins as seen in amélie (2001).

Where:  15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France

Read more: Amélie Filming Locations in Paris, France

The streets of Paris feature in hundreds of films so it’s apt we begin our journey of iconic movie locations around the world here.  Amélie  is a whimsical French comedy about the life of one timorous young woman and her observations of the city and people around her. She works at a café, Café des Deux Moulins, in Montmartre and today it looks just as ruby red and inviting as it did in the film 20 years ago! Absolutely one of the best film locations in Paris.

Royal Palace of Caserta as seen in Angels and Demons (2009)

Where:  Piazza Carlo di Borbone, 81100 Caserta CE, Italy

Read more: Angels and Demons Filming Locations in Italy

What happens when you’re filming a movie in Italy which rips into everything the Catholic church holds dear and 50% of it is set in Vatican City? You use the Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples as a stand-in, of course! And this is just what Angels and Demons  and  Mission: Impossible III  (2006) did. Built during the mid-1700s, the Royal Palace of Caserta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest royal residence in the world. It was also used as a filming location in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace  (1999) to serve as a palace on Naboo.

Odesa Steps as seen in Battleship Potemkin (1926)

Where:  Odesa, Odesa Oblast, 65000 Ukraine

This is a shooting location to be appreciated by the finer film fan. Sergei Eisenstein’s cinematic classic Battleship Potemkin  used this harbourside staircase to backdrop his groundbreaking montage of a baby carriage propelling down the steps away from a horrified mother. So famous, Brazil  (1985) and The Untouchables  (1987) have both parodied this exact scene. Eastern Europe doesn’t get a lot of love from Hollywood, unfortunately. So, the Potemkin Steps in the Ukrainian city of Odesa is an oddity on this list of famous movie locations.

Promenade Plantée as seen in Before Sunset (2004)

Where:  1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France

Read more:  Before Sunset Filming Locations in Paris, France

What happens nine years after you reunite with an American man whom you met on a train from Budapest to Vienna and spent one life-changing night with during your early 20s? Take him on a mini walking tour of your hometown, of course! The follow-up to 1995’s Before Sunrise ,  the Promenade Plantée is one of the many Parisian filming locations featured in Before Sunset . The park is actually a disused railway line-turned-green space, like New York’s High Line.

Curracloe Beach as seen in Brooklyn (2015)

Where:  Coolrainey, Curracloe, Co. Wexford, Ireland

Read more: Brooklyn Filming Locations in Ireland, New York & Canada

There isn’t a better movie that expresses the pain and heartache of moving abroad and starting a new life. Especially one with such gorgeous movie film locations! Brooklyn  follows a young Irish girl who sets sail for a new life in America sometime in the 1950s. Featuring filming locations on both sides of the pond, it’s Curracloe Beach in County Wexford that had movie-goers dreaming of summers in Ireland.

Belfry of Bruges as seen in In Bruges (2008)

Where:  Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Read more: In Bruges Filming Locations in Bruges, Belgium

Not one of the most famous Hollywood film locations, but one of the most unusual. The medieval city of Bruges was the movie location of choice for this darkly comedic film about a pair of assassins instructed to hide out in Belgium after a job went awry. In Bruges  shot all over the city, but it’s the Belfry of Bruges that is one of the most notable movie places in the film. With canals, good beer and fantastic architecture, it’s the perfect choice for a European city break.

Sirmione as seen in Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Where:  25019 Province of Brescia, Italy

Read more:  Call Me By Your Name Filming Locations in Northern Italy

Under the Tuscan Sun  (2003),  The English Patient  (1996)… There are so many fantastic films set in Italy. But one of the best from recent years has to be Call Me By Your Name  (2017). The film focuses on a precocious 17-year-old named Elio and his relationship with the 24-year-old Grad student who joins his academic family at their Italian villa for the summer. The tourist town of Sirmione on Lake Garda features in one special scene, particularly the ruins and Jamaica Beach.

Villa del Balbianello as seen in Casino Royale (2006)

Where:  Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy

Read more: 22 Amazing Films Set in Italy to Inspire You to Visit

Italy seems to be the main place where movies were filmed outside of Hollywood! And they probably will be for some time, because Italy has so much to offer. One villa that’s caught the eye of multiple productions is Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como . It’s one of the most famous locations you could visit in Italy. Not only did it feature in Casino Royale,  but also in  Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones  (2001).

Neuschwanstein Castle as seen in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Where:  Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Read more: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Filming Locations in Germany, England & France

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria might be super-famous on Instagram right now, but did you know it’s also been used for filming locations in movies? Specifically, the 1960s family classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ! It stood in as the exterior of the palace in Vulgaria. Definitely one of the most famous movie locations in Germany and a bucket list locale for anyone hunting fairytale castles around Europe .

Nyhavn Harbour as seen in The Danish Girl (2015)

Where:  København K, Denmark

The Danish Girl  isn’t the progressive trans film that we wanted it to be, but the scenes shot around the harbourside Nyhavn area of Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen look like paintings. It’s unlikely you would head to Copenhagen without also hitting up the city’s most famous site, but just in case you were… You know not to miss it. The patchwork houses might be a hotbed of activity and tourists trawling around the pavements but it’s 100% worth the effort.

Rosslyn Chapel as seen in The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Where:  Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU Scotland

Read more:  Visiting Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh: The Da Vinci Code Location

The Da Vinci Code  might be known for its Paris-set filming locations , but the pivotal scene set and shot in Rosslyn Chapel just outside of Edinburgh is the most memorable. Expert craftsmanship is evident both inside and out of this tiny church and it’s steeped in conspiracies and mystery. It’s a fantastic place to visit as a little excursion from Scotland’s capital city, especially for film fans.

Highclere Castle as seen in Downton Abbey (2010-2019)

Where:  Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN England

There are so many amazing stately homes around England that act as movie locations in TV shows and films. But there’s one that’s warmed our hearts more than any other within the last decade or so. Highclere Castle was  the  Downton Abbey and home of the well-to-do Crawley family. Though the castle isn’t open all the time because it’s actually someone’s real-life home (I’m not jealous…), visiting the castle is a must-do for TV fans.

Juvet Landscape Hotel as seen in Ex Machina (2014)

Where:  Alstad 24, 6210 Valldal, Norway

Hotels are perhaps one of the easiest movie locations to visit because you just book a night and, boom! There you are. But the Juvet Landscape Hotel is up near the Arctic Circle in Norway so that might make visiting slightly trickier. It’s the main location for the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina  as a CEO’s sleek ultra-modern hideout. This hotel is absolutely the best choice if you want a secluded, country break while also ticking off a fantastic filming location too.

Mini Hollywood as seen in For a Few Dollars More (1965)

Where:  Carretera Nacional 340A, km 464, 04200 Tabernas, Almería, Spain

Read more:  23 Incredible Films Set in Spain to Inspire You to Visit

Who knew that the dusty landscape of Southern Spain strongly resembled the desolate deserts of the Wild West? Director Sergio Leone knew this back in the 1960s. He shot many scenes from his Dollars Trilogy at what is now known as Mini Hollywood in Almería, Spain . Yup, the set is still there! And it’s been preserved as a fun Wild West town so you can live like yellow bellies and black hats for the day.

The Dark Hedges as seen in Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Where:  Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX Northern Ireland

Read more:  Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland

Whether you love it, hate it or have very strong, lengthy opinions on it… Game of Thrones  has firmly cemented itself in pop culture for a long, long time. It’s also encouraged many armchair tourists to get off their backsides and travel to the famous film locations in this multi-award-winning HBO drama. Game Of Thrones was shot in Malta , Morocco, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, Scotland, and of course Northern Ireland where the Dark Hedges (or the King’s Road in Season Two) are.

Kaufhaus Görlitz as seen in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Where:  An der Frauenkirche 5-7, 02826 Görlitz, Germany

Read more: The Grand Budapest Hotel Filming Locations in Germany

Zubrowka might be a fictional place, but the German city of Görlitz on the Polish border sure isn’t. It’s where director Wes Anderson shot the majority of his ensemble film The Grand Budapest Hotel . Locations include the old Kaufhaus Görlitz department store which was dressed up as the titular art deco-style hotel. If I could live in any of the filming locations for movies on this list, it might be The Grand Budapest.

Bar Vitelli as seen in The Godfather (1972)

Where:  Piazza Fossia, 7, 98038 Savoca ME, Italy

Read more: The Godfather Filming Locations in Sicily (Parts I, II & III)

Most of  The Godfather  is set in New York, but there’s a section where Michael Corleone has to hide out in his father’s homeland after a high-profile hit. Sicily in this film seems traditional, naive and savage at the same time. One of the famous movie locations from the first film is Bar Vitelli in Savoca , the bar owned by Michael’s first father-in-law. It’s still open and you might see one or two homages to the film inside.

Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Where:  A830 Road, Glenfinnan PH37 4LT Scotland

Read more: Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland: A Complete Guide

Any self-respecting Harry Potter fan has either visited or dreams of visiting Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands . There are many Harry Potter filming locations across Scotland and England , but this is the best and one of the most famous movie locations in the world. Grab your Nimbus 2000 (or hop in your father’s Ford Anglia) and fly to the iconic viaduct to watch the Jacobite Steam train pass twice daily. Ten points to Gryffindor if you arrive on time to watch!

Old Royal Naval College as seen in The King’s Speech (2010)

Where:  King William Walk, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9NN England

Read more: The King’s Speech Filming Locations in England

Believe it or not, the Old Royal Naval College in London’s Greenwich Park  has stood in for many famous movie locations over the years. In fact, Empire Magazine called it “the most popular filming location in the world.” Thor: The Dark World  (2013), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides  (2011). Four Weddings and a Funeral  (1994), Les Misérables  (2012) and  The Crown  (2019) have all filmed scenes here. The King’s Speech  notably used the building as a stand-in for Buckingham Palace which makes complete sense considering they were built within around 20 years of each other.

Trevi Fountain as seen in La Dolce Vita (1960)

Where:  Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Read more: La Dolce Vita Filming Locations in Rome, Italy

The most famous fountain in the world and a pretty iconic filming location, too! At least for fans of Fellini films. I can’t imagine back in 1732 that architect Salvi predicted a Swedish actress would be traipsing through his Trevi Fountain in Rome over 200 years later. But that’s just what happened in La Dolce Vita.  Maybe don’t try it nowadays… There’s usually a swarm of tourists all taking snaps and it’s a very important monument.

Juliet’s House as seen in Letters to Juliet (2010)

Where:  Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Read more: Letters to Juliet Filming Locations in Verona and Tuscany

Sidestepping the fact that the original Romeo & Juliet  play didn’t *actually* feature a balcony and this building only dates back to the 1930s… This is Juliet Capulet’s house in Verona , everyone! And the courtyard is featured in the delightfully soppy romcom Letters to Juliet  about the Secretaries of Juliet who respond to love letters left for Juliet. Don’t forget to fondle the statue of Juliet’s bosom for good luck.

Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri as seen in Mamma Mia! (2008)

Where:  Skopelos 370 03, Greece

My my, how could you resist falling in love with the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos in  Mamma Mia ?! Specifically, the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri where Sophie’s wedding is held high on top of a hill. There aren’t many famous movie locations shot in Greece , but Mamma Mia  more than makes up for that.

Palace of Versailles as seen in Marie Antoinette (2006)

Where:  Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

Read more: Marie Antoinette Filming Locations in France

Can you *believe* that whoever runs the Palace of Versailles near Paris let Sofia Coppola shoot her anachronistic display of debauchery called  Marie Antoinette  wherever she wanted? Well, they did! The palace has over 700 rooms and is almost 400 years old so it can’t have been easy persuading them. It’s one of the most fun films set in France and it really is the most decadent palace I’ve ever seen.

Shakespeare & Company Bookshop as seen in Midnight in Paris (2011)

Where:  37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

Read more: Midnight in Paris Filming Locations in Paris

Shakespeare & Company bookshop has been a Paris institution since the 1920s when James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway frequented. Today, it’s a refuge for starving writers nicknamed “Tumbleweeds”, an English-language bookshop for tourists and a popular movie location. Not only did it feature at the end of Midnight in Paris,  but in Before Sunset and  Julie & Julia  (2009) too.

Doune Castle as seen in Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975)

Where:  Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA Scotland

Read more: Doune Castle: Outlander, Monty Python & Game of Thrones Location Guide

The hilarious one-liners aren’t the only memorable thing about Monty Python and The Holy Grail. The rugged Scottish and English film locations are pretty awesome, too.  Doune Castle  is one of the most prolific locations in cinema these days, having also featured in the  Game of Thrones  pilot and the Outlander TV show as Castle Leoch. Just remember to not pay attention to a knight farting in your general direction.

The Notting Hill Bookshop as seen in Notting Hill (1999)

Where:  13 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London W11 2EE England

Read more: Notting Hill Filming Locations in London

This is just a travel bookshop, situated in Notting Hill, asking a big-budget Hollywood rom-com to film there. Hugh Grant’s broke bookshop owner hits the jackpot when he meets Julia Robert’s famous actress in his humble London neighbourhood in the rom-com Notting Hill . The store is now called The Notting Hill Bookshop but it’s very much still open for you to wander through the aisles stacked with dusty memoirs and guidebooks.

Belchite as seen in Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Where:  50130, Zaragoza, Spain

Read more: 23 Incredible Films Set in Spain to Inspire You to Visit

Belchite, not far from Catalonia, in Spain is one of those heartbreaking, ruined cities which has been somewhat revived as a movie location. Both sides bombed and obliterated this entire town during the Spanish Civil War between 1936-1939, leaving only rubble and buried corpses. Pan’s Labyrinth  is set just after the Spanish Civil War so it’s fitting the production shot there, and Belchite also appeared in  Spider-Man: Far From Home  (2019) as a ransacked Mexican village.

Umschlagplatz as seen in The Pianist (2002)

Where:  Speicherstraße 6, 44147 Dortmund, Germany

Read more: The Pianist Filming Locations in Poland

Let’s keep the happy times rolling with a film about the holocaust and a real-life location used for the film. The Pianist  is inspired by the true story of a Polish-Jewish musician who attempts to evade capture during WWII. Umschlagplatz is located in an old Warsaw ghetto  and is where the Nazis held Jewish people before transporting them via train to death camps. The film was shot in a real-life location, where there is now a memorial resembling a freight train carriage with its doors open.

Popeye Village as seen in Popeye (1980)

Where: Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieħa, Malta

Read more: 36 Films Shot in Malta to Watch Before You Visit

The film set created for Popeye  on the west coast of Malta was  so  good, the country decided to keep it and turn it into a little amusement park! How awesome is that? Now, there’s a whimsical fishing village aptly named Popeye’s Village you can visit and pretend you’re a cartoon fisherman! Eat fish and chips, sail across the high seas and maybe you’ll run into Olive Oyl, Popeye and Swee’Pea if you’re lucky.

Cliffs of Moher as seen in The Princess Bride (1987)

Where:  Burren Way, Shingaunagh North, Co. Clare, Ireland

Read more: The Princess Bridge Filming Locations in England & Ireland

Definitely one of the most iconic and most famous movie locations in the world. But you might better know the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare as the Cliffs of Insanity. Yes! The mythical cliffs in Rob Reiner’s  The Princess Bride  are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. If you’re planning an Irish road trip , you  have  to brave the wind and check them out. But I wouldn’t try scaling them as Dread Pirate Roberts did in the film. The view is much better from the top, anyway.

Wicklow Mountains in P.S. I Love You (2007)

Where:  R759, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Read more: P.S. I Love You Filming Locations in Ireland

It’s unlikely that you’ll run into the love of your life on a remote, one-track road in the middle of Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains , but it happened in  P.S. I Love You!  Though most of the film is set in New York, the locations in County Wicklow and Dublin are the most wanderlust-inspiring. Just hop on a plane to Dublin, drive a couple of hours, and take a stroll on the old long walk of a day-i-ay-i-ay… Let’s hope you meet an Irishman with a  proper  Irish accent and not whatever Gerard Butler croaked out in the movie.

The Mouth of Truth as seen in Roman Holiday (1953)

Where:  Piazza Della Bocca Della Verità, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Read more: Roman Holiday Filming Locations in Rome, Italy

The legend says that if a liar places his hand in the Mouth of Truth outside this church in Rome , it will be eaten. Unfortunately, the quirky marble face is roped off so tourists can’t actually attempt this like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck did in Roman Holiday . But that doesn’t stop them from queuing for a photo opportunity! It’s fairly near the Colosseum so definitely an accessible movie location to visit on your next trip to Rome .

Piłsudskiego Bridge as seen in Schindler’s List (1993)

Where:  Most Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego, 33-332 Kraków, Poland

Read more: The Schindler’s List Filming Locations in Poland

Steven Spielberg kept his 1993 holocaust epic  Schindler’s List  as realistic as possible, shooting scenes where the real-life events occurred in Kraków, including the Oskar Schindler’s actual apartment. Piłsudski Bridge  is where the Nazi officers marched Jews across from the ghetto to the Radziwie district. Not the most thrilling of filming locations but an important and historic one.

Kirkjufell Mountain as seen in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Where:  Road 54, Grundarfjorour 350 Iceland

Read more: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Filming Locations in Iceland & New York City

Sometimes you need a push to seek adventure, like Walter Mitty, but it’s always worth it when you do. In  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,  a search for a lost file negative takes the titular protagonist on a quest through Greenland, Iceland and the Himalayas. In reality, Iceland was the only country utilised for locations outside of the USA. But what a cinematic country it is! Though Walter might have longboarded down a mountain, I think just hiking to Kirkjufell mountain is enough adventure for most of us.

Residenzplatz as seen in The Sound of Music (1965)

Where: Residenzplatz 4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Read more: The Sound of Music Filming Locations in Salzberg, Austria

Climb every mountain, ford every stream, wander every city square until you find Maria… Something like that, right? The classic musical  The Sound of Music  is set in Salzburg, and that’s exactly where most of the outdoor locations were filmed!  Residenzplatz  is a stunning, clean white plaza with a golden fountain which Maria stops to splash while travelling from the convent to Captain von Trapp’s mansion. One of the most famous movie locations for any lover of musicals!

The Fairy Glen as seen in Stardust (2007)

Where:  Highland Skye, Uig IV51 9YG Scotland

Read more: Stardust Filming Locations in Scotland & England

It’s no wonder this magical fairytale-esque adaptation decided to shoot many scenes in Scotland , where myths and folklore are weaved into the National identity. Heck, their national animal is a unicorn, for crying out loud. The Fairy Glen near the village of Uig in the Isle of Skye is where Lamia and Ditchwater Sal meet near the beginning of the film and it’s a truly enchanting backdrop and an amazing place to visit.

Skellig Michael as seen in Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

Where:  Skelling Islands, Co. Kerry, Ireland

This is the fourth and final time Ireland is appearing on this list of iconic movie locations you can actually visit, but this is possibly the most popular movie location of them all. Despite its remoteness. And it’s thanks to a little film series called Star Wars.  Skellig Michael plays the role of the faraway planet named Ahch-To where Luke Skywalker is in hiding at the end of  The Force Awakens  (2015) and nearly all of The Last Jedi.  The little puffins that populate the UNESCO World Heritage Site were morphed into porgs via CGI. Because if you weren’t already dying to visit Skelling Michael, YES, there are puffins!

Spanish Steps as seen in The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

Where:  Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Read more: The Talented Mr Ripley Filming Locations in Italy

There aren’t many wanderlust-inspiring thrillers out there. Probably because the words “wanderlust” and “murder” don’t tend to pair well together. But they do in The Talented Mr Ripley  where Matt Damon’s Tom Ripley cons and lies his way around the Italian islands, Rome and Venice. Tom hides at the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome while spying on his pals, and I suppose if you’re going to cheat your way to the top you may as well do it somewhere bloody lovely like Rome.

Riesenrad Ferris Wheel as seen in The Third Man (1949)

Where:  Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien, Vienna, Austria

Read more: The Third Man Filming Locations in Vienna, Austria

The Riesenrad Viennese Ferris Wheel not only features in the black and white classic film  The Third Man,  but it’s where Celine and Jesse share their first kiss in  Before Sunrise  (1995) . It first opened in 1897 which might put some people off for safety reasons but you have to admit, they don’t make ’em like this anymore! It’s still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vienna and an iconic filming location.

Hotel Carlton as seen in To Catch a Thief (1955)

Where:  58 Boulevard de la Croisette Cs 40052, 06400 Cannes, France

Read more: To Catch a Thief Filming Locations in the South of France

Alfred Hitchcock shot his South of France-based crime movie To Catch a Thief all over the area including Monaco, Nice and of course Cannes. The Croisette is the main beach-front street lined with glitzy hotels, including the Hotel Carlton which is where Grace Kelly’s character stays in the film. This is a shooting location you can absolutely visit, providing you have a few ££ to pay for a room!

Tibidabo Amusement Park as seen in Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Where:  Plaça del Tibidabo, 3, 4, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

Read more: Vicky Cristina Barcelona Film Locations in Barcelona and Oviedo, Spain

There’s barely a cobbled side street, bar or tourist attraction in  Vicky Cristina Barcelona  doesn’t feature. So it would be odd if the Tibidabo Amusement Park didn’t pop up eventually! It’s a fairground that sits on Mount Tibidabo literally on the edge of the Catalonian capital city and the views are absolutely stunning. Bet you didn’t think there would be so many Ferris wheels on this list of famous movie locations.

Haweswater Reservoir as seen in Withnail & I (1989)

Where:  Bampton, Penrith, CA10 2RP England

Read more: Withnail & I Filming Locations in the Lake District, UK

This is one of the best filming locations near me, the ginger woman writing this list, so I had to include it! Withnail & I is a British comedy classic shot in several places around the village of Shap in Cumbria, Northwest England. The out-of-work London actors who travel up here on holiday (by mistake) walk along the banks of Haweswater Reservoir not far from their cosy cottage. If you’ve not seen it, it’s one of the best movies filmed near me and I fully recommend it.

Famous Movie Locations in Africa

Aït benhaddou as seen in gladiator (2000).

Where:  Douar Ait Ben Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou 45000 Morocco

Read more: Gladiator Filming Locations in Morocco, Malta & Elsewhere

Can you actually believe a place like this exists on Earth?! Luckily it does because a lot of movies have utilised Aït Benhaddou in Morocco , a tiny fortified UNESCO World Heritage site town, as a movie location. Aside from Gladiator, The Mummy  (1999),  Alexander  (2004),  Kingdom of Heaven  (2005), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time  (2010), and  Game of Thrones  have all shot scenes here.

Masai Mara as seen in Out of Africa (1985)

Where:  Ngiro-are Road, Kenya

Perhaps the most difficult of all the iconic filming locations to travel to, but absolutely the most rewarding. The Meryl Streep and Robert Redford epic Out of Africa was shot on location in Kenya’s Masai Mara . Head there during the Great Migration between May and December and hopefully, you’ll find zebras, wildebeest, lions and leopards as well as the gorgeous landscape.

Sidi Idriss Hotel as seen in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

Where:  Matmatat-Al-Qadimal, Tunisia

There are many hotels on this list of the most famous movie locations in the world. Partly because they’re one of the easiest filming locations to visit! You just book a room and boom, job done. But there’s something particularly special about the Sidi Idriss Hotel in Tunisia . It stood in for Luke Skywalker’s ranch back on Tattooine in  Star Wars Episode III: A New Hope and it’s still open today. And it looks exactly the same today as it did 40 years ago.

Famous Movie Locations in Asia

Maya bay as seen in the beach (2000).

Where:  Koh Phi Phi Le, Ao Nang Thailand

Read more: The Beach Filming Locations in Thailand

This is the most-visited beach in Thailand. And though you may have heard it closed in 2018 , from personal experience, I can tell you that boat trips still enter the cove and you can snorkel in the waters. You just can’t (currently) set foot on the beach.  Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Lei  is where Danny Boyle filmed his backpacker movie  The Beach  and with some CGI trickery made it seem closed off from the rest of the world. Just like in the movie!

Hongcun Ancient Village as seen in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)

Where: Northwest Corner, Yi County 245500 China

China doesn’t feature in Western films too often, so the best we have is Hongcun Ancient Village  which was featured in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon  directed by Taiwanese American director Ang Lee. It may have been an untouched, almost abandoned village once but now it’s very popular with tourists. Fun fact: the village is built in the shape of an ox head, with a nearby mountain as the face and houses lining the river as the horns.

Lebua State Tower as seen in The Hangover Part II (2011)

Where:  1055 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Read more: The Hangover Part II Filming Locations in Bangkok

Bangkok is known for its rooftop bars and one of the fanciest, shmanciest of them all is the Lebua bar at the State Tower . This is where Bradley Cooper & Co. attempts to strike a deal with Paul Giamatti to get themselves out of hot water and find the bride’s younger brother in The Hangover Part II . If you go to the bar (and you absolutely should!), order the Hangovertini. It’s a special cocktail that was concocted for the cast and crew that’s still on the menu.

Petra as seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Where:  Petra – Wadi Musa 77110 Jordan

Read more:  17 Best Movies Set in Venice, Italy to Inspire Your Trip

Named by UNESCO as, “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”, it’s no wonder everyone’s favourite whip-cracking archaeologist visited here in the third film. Petra, Jordan  (dubbed the Rose City because of its pink-hued sandy colour) is a bucket list location in its own right. A wonderfully preserved, subterranean city that is unlike anything else in the world. And  it’s a filming location in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ? Win-win!

Angkor Thom as seen in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Where:  Angkor Archaeological Park ក្រុងសៀមរាប, 17000, Cambodia

Angkor Wat might be the biggest religious complex in the world, but Angkor Thom in Cambodia was the last standing capital city of the Khmer Empire. And  it’s a location in the very noughties film  Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.  The temple is quite a stunning sight, not just because of the sheer size and age, but the nature that has reclaimed the monument. As with Petra, it really is a wonder in and of itself, even if the temple wasn’t a filming location.

Park Hyatt Hotel as seen in Lost in Translation (2003)

Where:  3-7-1-2, Nishishinjuku, Tokyo 163-1055, Japan

For relaxing times, make it Suntory time. I’d say sleeping in a £££-per-night hotel room in the centre of Tokyo must be quite relaxing too, eh? Once you get over the shock of how much you’re spending. But think of the thread count. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters are staying in the Park Hyatt Hotel when they form an unlikely friendship as a way to cope with their loneliness in  Lost in Translation.

Phang Nga Bay as seen in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Where:  Ao Phang Nga National Park 81180 Thailand

Read more: The Man with the Golden Gun Filming Locations in Thailand

Christopher Lee’s thrice-nippled Bond baddie Scaramanga owned one hell of an island, which is now a very popular attraction. But if you’re a film fan, it’s one worth visiting! James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay  is just off the northeast coast of Phuket and it’s very easy to reach via boat trip. Let’s just hope you don’t get caught up in any duels ala  The Man with the Golden Gun  while you’re there.

Burj Khalifa as seen in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

Where:  1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai UAE

Personal note: I saw  Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol  in IMAX twice when it was released. And both times when Tom Cruise scaled the outside of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai , literally the tallest building in the world, I was a sweating wreck of a woman. My feet melted into jelly. But I was fascinated that the film made me react so viscerally that I had to go back for more. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus as seen in Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Where:  Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India

It’s very possible that India produces more Bollywood films per year than America produces Hollywood films. So there must be hundreds of amazing Bollywood filming locations in India! However, the exterior of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj train station in Mumbai where  Slumdog Millionaire  ends is just gorgeous and so ornate, it had to be included.

Famous Movie Locations in Australasia

King’s canyon as seen in the adventures of priscilla, queen of the desert (1994).

Where:  Petermann NT 0872, Australia

One of my favourite queer films,  The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert  follows three drag performers who travel from Sydney to Alice Springs for a show in an old bus named Priscilla. The three protagonists dress in their Gladrags at the end of the film and stand on top of King’s Canyon in the Northern Territory . They did consider Uluru or Ayer’s Rock for the location, but it’s a sacred structure. Their path was hilariously renamed ‘Priscilla’s Crack’ so you can literally follow in their footsteps!

Hobbiton as seen in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Where:  501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand

Who wouldn’t want to stay for tea at Bilbo Baggins’ house in Bag End? The studio set of Hobbiton, which was built for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, is open to visitors and Hobbits alike. There are so many iconic movie locations from the series around New Zealand, but this is the most accessible to visitors. And honestly, doesn’t it look outstanding? So much detail and creativity. Let’s just hope you don’t spot Gollum or any Black Riders when you visit…

Pine Oak Court as seen in Neighbours (1985-Present)

Where:  Vermont South VIC 3133, Australia

I know few people outside of the UK and Australia have heard of the hit soap opera Neighbours.  Far fewer think it’s good, and even fewer actually watch it. I’m in that latter category, so this entry is purely self-indulgent. I actually have “ making a pilgrimage to Ramsay Street “, the fictional Neighbours neighbourhood (called Pine Oak Court in Melbourne in real life) on my bucket list. But you can’t blame me. Apparently, it’s where good neighbours become good friends.

Famous Movie Locations in the USA

Devil’s tower as seen in close encounters of the third kind (1977).

Where:  WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, USA

Before it was a makeshift helicopter pad for otherworldly beings in Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind , Devil’s Tower in Wyoming was the USA’s first national monument and a sacred place for indigenous tribes. The shape of this rock formation is striking and super important to the plot of the film. It might not be the easiest shooting location in the USA to visit, but I bet it’s one of the most fascinating. Apparently, you can rock climb it! Haha, no thanks. That will happen the day I follow Tom Cruise up the Burj Khalifa.

Route 66 as seen in Easy Rider (1969)

Where:  Chicago Illinois to Los Angeles, California USA

Read more:  50 Best American Movies to Inspire a Trip to Every State

Not one of the most famous movie locations that you can easily visit today, but one of the coolest! Easy Rider romanticises the hippie and free love generation. And driving down Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles (or vice versa) is a dream for many petrolheads and fans of Americana from this bygone era.

They may have shot the film on the real Route 66, but the old highway looks a lot different today. More direct, larger freeways redirected traffic away from the iconic route. So, many of the motels with neon signs, restaurants with checkered tablecloths and kitschy roadside attractions have sold up shop.

Art Institute of Chicago as seen in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Where:  111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA

One day, a ballsy teenager named Ferris Bueller decided to skip school and have an unforgettable day off in his hometown of Chicago. In Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, he and his pals steal an expensive car, sing and dance on a parade float and admire some hella expensive and famous art at the Art Institute of Chicago . Kids stuff, you know? It is a really amazing gallery, though. The institute features notable works like American Gothic, Water Lillies and Pablo Picasso self-portraits.

Monument Valley as seen in Forrest Gump (1994)

Where:  Indian Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA

At least Forrest didn’t stop running before  he reached Monument Valley in Arizona . At least he actually got to see this crazy beautiful, sacred place before heading home! The sandstone buttes in the Navajo tribal park have been immortalised in cinema time and time again. Before Forrest Gump,  there was  Stagecoach  (1939),  Once Upon a Time in the West  (1968),  National Lampoon’s Vacation  (1983),  Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade  (1989) and  Back to the Future Part III  (1990). And there are just SO many others! It’s one of the most famous movie locations in the world.

New York Public Library as seen in Ghostbusters (1984)

Where:  476 5th Avenue, New York City, NY 10018, USA

You might be thinking, “but the Firehouse is the most famous movie location in  Ghostbusters !” And you might be right. But the New York City Public Library is iconic and featured in  so  many films. Aside from the ghoul-chasing comedy series,  Breakfast at Tiffany’s  (1961),  The Thomas Crown Affair  (1999),  Spider-Man  (2002) and  Sex And The City: The Movie  (2008) are just  some  of the other films shot here.

Salvation Mountain as seen in Into the Wild (2007)

Where:  Beal Road, Calipatria, CA 92233, USA

There’s some phenomenal Alaskan scenery in  Into The Wild , but this list is all about accessible shooting locations. Salvation Mountain in California  might also be a little hard to reach, but it’s worth it. Built as a tribute to Jesus and the Christian faith, it’s unlike any other expression of love in the world. Some parts of the “mountain” are open for others to express their own love via spray paint.

Martha’s Vineyard as seen in Jaws (1975)

Where:  Martha’s Vineyard, MA 02539-8137, USA

Luckily, the shark in Jaws  was animatronic and not based on a true story. Otherwise, no one would want to visit this famous filming location! Standing in for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts  is popular with holidaymakers and keen fishermen. It provides the idyllic backdrop for a deadly troublemaker to send ripples of fear throughout the island. But how on earth did they manage to make four Jaws  movies? Surely, you’d never get people to go back after the second time.

Griffith Observatory as seen in Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Where: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

So many films are shot in LA every year. Like,  so  many. Hundreds. It’s where all the major studios are situated therefore it’s a convenient location to set and shoot movies. But Griffith Observatory  might just offer the most Hollywood glamour out of any other LA movie location. James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause  shot here, as well as  La La Land  (2016). It doesn’t hurt that it offers a dreamy viewpoint of LA and is a beautiful building.

Philadelphia Museum of Art as seen in Rocky (1976)

Where:  2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

One of the only famous movie locations where you need to have a base level of fitness to fully reenact the iconic scene. I think a few laps around the block is worth it to run up the famous Rocky steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art .  Rocky ‘s budget was less than $1 million and it grossed 225 times that amount at the box office. It was a phenomenon at the time, and it’s legendary now. Just like Balboa himself.

Edmund Pettus Bridge as seen in Selma (2014)

Where:  Selma, AL 36703, USA

With a story as important as  Selma ‘s, sometimes the real deal is the only location that is good enough. Reimagining the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march lead by Martin Luther King Jr, the Edmund Pettus Bridge was where the march began. And though the rest of the film shot in Georgia, this is exactly where director Ava DuVernay shot this important scene. An important movie location and an important monument in America’s history.

Timberline Lodge as seen in The Shining (1980)

Where:  27500 East Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028, USA

The ski lodge that inspired the original Stephen King novel is in Colorado (where the film is set) but the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining  is actually Timberline Lodge in Oregon . Don’t worry, you won’t get nightmares if you book a stay here. While the exterior shot in Oregon, director Stanley Kubrick shot the interiors in a London Studio. So cast any thoughts of creepy girls, blood tsunamis and axes from your mind… It’s just a cute, wintery lodge! Nothing murdery happening here.

Dead Horse Point State Park as seen in Thelma & Louise (1991)

Where:  UT-313, Moab, UT 84532, USA

One of the biggest lies the movies ever told: Thelma and Louise might plunge to their deaths in the Grand Canyon, Arizona in the movie, but in real life, that scene was shot at Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah . But you’d never tell because it’s also a jaw-droppingly amazing canyon that’s almost 6,000 feet deep spanning thousands of acres. So I think, with everything considered, we can forgive Thelma & Louise for their deception.

Golden Gate Bridge as seen in Vertigo (1958)

Where:  San Francisco, CA, USA

Alfred Hitchcock’s  Vertigo  is regularly voted one of the best movies of all time. It’s also got some cracking movie locations around the city of San Francisco. The most iconic movie location from the film has to be the  Golden Gate Bridge . The brick-red suspension bridge is one of the most famous monuments in the country and really needs to be appreciated in real life to truly understand its scale and magnificence. Just don’t jump into the Bay as Madeleine does in the movie; not a clever idea.

Katz’s Delicatessen as seen in When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Where:  205 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002, USA

When Harry Met Sally is one of the best movies of all time! It’s basically a perfect film, don’t fight me. And Katz’s Deli in NYC is one of the most famous movie locations in the USA. Not only can you sit at the table where Sally fakes an orgasm to prove a point (if the restaurant isn’t absolutely rammed, which it normally is), but you can also order deli-cious over-stuffed sandwiches too. Gosh, aren’t movie locations just the gift that keeps on giving?

Famous Movie Locations in North & South America

Prairie mountain as seen in brokeback mountain (2005).

Where:  Kananaskis, AB T0L 0K0, Canada

Read more: Brokeback Mountain Filming Locations in Canada & the USA

There are so many films that shoot in Canada as a stand-in for somewhere else. Which is a shame, because Canada has  so  many beautiful locations! It should be able to claim a few for itself. The Canadian Rockies feature more than a few times as a stand-in for US northern states. In  Brokeback Mountain,  Prairie Mountain in Alberta acts as a mountain range in Wyoming where Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal’s cowboys develop a romantic relationship.

Iguazu Falls as seen in Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (2008)

Where:  Misiones Province, Argentina and Paraná, Brazil

Indiana Jones sure gets about a bit. First, he’s hitting up Petra, one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, and now he’s tackling one of the seven natural wonders of the world in Iguazu Falls in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  Situated on the border between Argentina and Brazil, it’s actually a system of approx. 275 falls that make up the world’s largest waterfall.

Machu Picchu as seen in The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Where:  08680, Peru

If anyone’s counting,  Machu Picchu in Peru makes this the third and final wonder of the world on this list of famous movie locations. The Incan city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But what isn’t at this point? Every item on this list is beautiful, famous, awe-inspiring or all three.

Gael García Bernal’s Che Guevara visits Machu Picchu during the biographical film The Motorcycle Diaries.  Production really went all out, because so many of the films were true-to-life, including this citadel. The lush green forests, the cloud-topped mountains… The locations really are beautiful, and this is a seminal South American film.

Bahia De Cacaluta Beach as seen in Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Where:  Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico

Speaking of Mexican actor Gael García Bernal… His role as a teenage boy on a road trip with his best friend and an older woman in Y Tu Mamá También  was his big, break-out role. The three spend the movie driving out to Boca del Cielo , which means Mouth of Heaven, a fictitious beach. Luckily, the real beach, Bahia De Cacaluta in Oaxaca, Mexico , is just as beautiful as you’d hope.

And those are the most iconic, famous movie locations you can visit around the world! Have you visited any of these movie stop locations or wanted to? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next:  50 Best American Movies to Inspire a Trip to Every State

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

5 thoughts on “ 75+ Famous Movie Locations You Can ACTUALLY Visit! ”

As I was reading through these locations, I wanted to stay on the mail list, so I did not click on any of the links. Bur I would like to add a couple things, filmed at the Trivi Fountain was also 3 Coins in a Fountain and I think Rome Adventure too. John Wayne or maybe John Ford loved filming the westerns in Monument Valley. Yentl featured one of the bridges approaching Prague with a city view of the Black Church and towers. And a correction, “Star Wars, A New Hope” was episode IV, not III. It was the 1st of the saga. I was watching it in the theater for the third time in 1977 when I went into labor with my 1st child!!! I plan on using this list to try to see movie sites in places I may be visiting on our next trip. Thanks!!!

No problem! You can always right-click on a link and choose ‘open in a new tab’ to read afterwards if you wanted. Oh, you’re totally right, there are so many filming locations that are used more than once, I couldn’t possibly add them all! It would make for a very, very long post. The Trevi Fountain is definitely most notable for appearing in La Dolce Vita, so that’s why I chose that one to focus on. It looks like I put Episode IV for ‘A New Hope’ unless I wrote it incorrectly elsewhere and I can’t find it? So please you liked the post! 😀

That is amazing research, and soooo interesting! I’ve only seen just a few of them (and missed on la bocca della verita because the line was too long for my impatient self), but It really makes me want to add them all to my bucket list! Thank you so much for all that info. Can I just add that the Spanish Steps in Rome were also one of the filming locations of Roman Holiday. At one point, you can see Audrey Hepburn sitting on the steps eating gelato 😉 Congrats on that amazing post!

Thank you so much for that lovely comment! 😀 Yes it was a very long line, I also didn’t wait haha! You’re absolutely right, the Spanish Steps were a filming location in Roman Holiday and it’s listed in my ‘Roman Holiday Filming Locations in Rome, Italy’ blog post along with a photo of Audrey eating said gelato 😉 It’s such a great film!

I second that 🙂 Congrats on your blog, by the way. Like I said, it makes me want to go everywhere and see it all 🙂

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• 1. Harry Potter, Christ Church College, Oxford

The “dreaming spires” of Oxford have starred in many a film ( The Italian Job , Howard’s End , The History Boys ), but it’s the college of Christ Church that’s most recognizable in the Harry Potter films, doubling up as the inimitable Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From the cavernous wood-clad Great Hall and the echoey sixteenth-century staircase to the spooky cloisters and quadrangles, Christ Church makes the perfect setting for magical escapades.

2. Jaws, Martha’s Vineyard

3. inception, nijo castle, 4. pretty woman, beverly hills, 5. lord of the rings, matamata, 6. notting hill, london, 7. the beach, ko phi phi leh, 8. gladiator, ait ben haddou, 9. ghostbusters, new york, 10. monty python, doune castle, 11. shaun of the dead, duke of albany, 12. angels and demons, vatican city, 13. trainspotting, calton street bridge, 14. forrest gump, savannah, 15. the shining, timberline lodge, 16. groundhog day, punxsutawney, 17. amityville horror, amityville, 18. skyfall, glencoe, 19. argo, grand bazaar, istanbul, 20. the hunger games, dupont state forest, 21. star wars, hotel sidi driss, 22.the good, the bad and the ugly, tabernas desert, 23. avatar, hawaii, 24. the sound of music, salzburg, 25. the dark knight rises, mehrangarh fort, 26. the league of extraordinary gentlemen, rudolfinum, 27. mamma mia, skiathos, 28. the avengers, cleveland, 29. the godfather, savoca, 30. lawrence of arabia, wadi rum, 31. les misérables, gourdon, 32. the king’s speech, ely cathedral, 33. lara croft: tomb raider, cambodia, 34. rain man, caesar’s palace, 35. planet of the apes, malibu, 36. rebel without a cause, griffith observatory, 37. indiana jones and the last crusade, petra, 38. shawshank redemption, ohio state reformatory, 39. x-men, gooderham worts distillery, 40. saving private ryan, curracloe beach.

© Andrei Nekrassov/Shutterstock

The world’s most infamous fish laid claim to many innocent lives beneath the stunning turquoise waters of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts , an affluent summer colony accessible by boat and air only. Local residents were picked by director Steven Spielberg to moonlight as extras in the film, including Chief Brody’s two young sons.

© Michael Sean O'Leary/Shutterstock

The mind-bending film, Inception (2010), flits from country to country and city to city – as dream-world scenes are apt to do – but we kick off the tale in Japan , in the ornate seventeenth-century Nijo Temple. Or rather, a staged Warner Bros. set with a design based on Nijo Castle… which is, in reality, located in Kyoto and open to the public.

© picotan/Shutterstock

Pretty Woman , the iconic 1990 rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, is set in Los Angeles . Gere plays Edward Lewis, a successful businessman who hires a beautiful prostitute, Vivian Ward, to be his escort at several high-flying events. She stays with him at the impossibly glamorous hotel, Beverly Wilshire, where she enjoys a luxurious week of scented bubble baths, champagne and, eventually, true love. Awwww.

Bevelry Wilshire hotel © Flavia8/Shutterstock

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J.R Tolkien’s “Middle Earth” is mocked up in New Zealand ’s picturesque rural village, Matamata , in the heart of the Waikato region (North Island). The Shire’s quaint thatched cottages surrounded by idyllic countryside of flower-strewn meadows, baa-ing sheep and tinkling streams is also known as “Hobbiton” where LOR fans can take tours and pretend they too are hobbits.

© aaron choi/Shutterstock

Whenever you’re feeling down, put on a Richard Curtis film: his feel-good offerings are bound to cheer you up. The 1999 film, Notting Hill , is a tried-and-tested film formula featuring classic Brit actor Hugh Grant as bumbling William Thacker, who falls in love with celeb of the day, Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). As the title suggests, the film is set in the gentrified, oh-so-pretty London neighbourhood of Notting Hill, showing off Portobello Road market and that blue door on Westbourne Park Road.

Notting Hill in London © andersphoto/Shutterstock

A paradise concoction of sugar-soft white sand and translucent sea, framed by glorious mountains, Ko Phi Phi Leh was the bewitching backdrop to Alex Garland’s novel-turned film, The Beach . A fresh-faced Leo di Caprio runs amok with a beach community fuelled by marijuana-lovin’, but it’s the glorious Thai scenery that steals the show here. Following the film, visitors flocked here in their droves, leading to environmental concerns.

© Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

Most Gladiator fans can recite the immortal lines: “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius…Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next”. It’s a heady and emotional Oscar-winning film, made all the more potent by its surroundings, from the dank forests of “Germania” (near Farnham, Surrey) to the scorched African town of Aït Ben Haddou , near Ouarzazate in Morocco , where Maximus is sold into slavery.

Ait Ben Haddou

© saiko3p/Shutterstock

The Hook and Ladder 8 Fire Station in Tribeca, New York City , has enjoyed a somewhat spookier past as the headquarters for Peter, Ray and Egon, three oddball parapsychologists who set up a business ridding the city of troublesome ghoulies. The fire station is still in use today, so if you’re visiting armed with camera and questions, do be careful of fast-paced, on-duty vehicles.

Tribeca © Yulia Mayorova/Shutterstock

It’s a thoroughly English story about King Arthur and his band of knights, but the 1975 film, Monty Python and The Holy Grail was filmed mostly in Scotland . Dating from the thirteenth century, Doune Castle, near Stirling, appeared as Arthur’s home, Camelot, complete with Great Hall and Round Table. The castle wasn’t just Camelot though, as due to restrictions imposed by the authorities on filming in the area, it had to step up as Guy de Lombard’s abode, as well as “Castle Anthrax” and “Swamp Castle”.

© Heartland Arts/Shutterstock

This BAFTA-winning extravaganza combined undead zombies, irascible parents (brilliantly played by Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton), long-suffering girlfriends and a directionless chap named Shaun (played by the matchless Simon Pegg). The film was shot entirely in London , mostly in the north round Finchley, Crouch End and Finsbury Park, but (weirdly) hops south of the Thames to Shaun’s “local”, “The Winchester”, actually the Duke of Albany in New Cross, now redeveloped into flats.

Crouch End © pixstory2/Shutterstock

A best-selling thriller that delves deep into the murky world of a secret society, The Illuminati, Dan Brown’s first novel, Angels and Demons , was turned into a film in 2009. Tom Hanks plays protagonist Robert Langdon, who energetically romps around the symbol-strewn Vatican City – though of course, this is not the real Vatican City… it’s all film studios and substitution.

© luckyraccoon/Shutterstock

Starring reputable actors such as Ewan McGregor (Renton), Robert Carlyle (Begbie) and Kelly Macdonald (Diane), the original Trainspotting movie is a tough and destructive story about heroin abuse in the late 1980s. The backdrop is an economically depressed Edinburgh , and the opening scene, where we meet Renton and his friend Spud running down Princes Street to the Calton Street Bridge, is duly filmed in the Scottish capital. After this though, most of the filming switches to Glasgow .

© Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock

With a narrative to melt the hardest of hearts, amplified by a wonderful soundtrack, Forrest Gump (1994) opens with a contemplative Forrest sitting on a bus stop bench in Chippewah Square, Savannah , Georgia , telling his story to anyone who will listen. Now in The Savannah History Museum, not far from the square, the bench is where Forrest utters that immortal line, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know which one you’re gonna get”.

© ClaudiaMMImages/Shutterstock

You may or may not have plucked up the courage to see Stanley Kubrick’s pyschological horror film, The Shining , but you’ll have certainly heard of it. The terror takes hold within creepy “Overlook Hotel”, where Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) is employed as a winter caretaker, accompanied by his wife and psychic son, Danny. The hotel’s interior was filmed in Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England, though the exterior is actually the Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood, northern Oregon .

© St. Nick/Shutterstock

We are in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania … again and again and again. It’s February 2nd and arrogant weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is inexplicably trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day, until he manages to break the spell by capturing his love interest, Rita’s, heart. The film’s “Punxsutawney” is actually a city in Illinois called Woodstock.

Gobblers knob, Punxsutawney © HMHass/Shutterstock

The subject of no less than ten films – the first dates to 1979 – the Amityville Horror is based on a novel by Jay Anson, which detailed the story of the Lutz family who move into a ghoul-ridden, Dutch Colonial-style house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville. They stay just 28 days, supposedly tormented by ghosts of the victims of Ronald DeFeo Jr, who murdered six family members there in 1974.

Number 23 in the Bond series, Skyfall welcomes back Daniel Craig as the one and only Agent 007. But we say goodbye to beloved M, played by Judi Dench, who (spoiler alert!) is killed. Filming locations included London and Turkey, as well as Scotland – where Skyfall, Bond’s family home, is sequestered away in the misty glens of Glen Coe (though the house itself is a plywood and plaster creation knocked up in Surrey).

Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning offering tells the story of six Americans who escape a besieged embassy in the middle of Tehran, Iran in 1980. They are forced into hiding, until Tony Mendez (Affleck) helps them escape, using an elaborately concocted ruse. Of course, filming in Iran was an impossibility, so the film-makers opted for the chaotic, colourful bazaars and crowded streets of Istanbul in Turkey to substitute.

Lamps for sale on Grand Bazaar at Istanbul, Turkey © Berke/Shutterstock

The science fiction hit of 2008, The Hunger Games was written by Suzanne Collins and adapted for the movie screen in 2012. Violent, imaginative and hugely compelling, the “Games” take place within the beautiful pine forests, craggy mountains and rushing waterfalls of DuPont State Forest in North Carolina .

The ancient troglodyte building, Hotel Sidi Driss, in the Berber village of Matamata in the Tunisian desert, is also known as the Stars Wars Hotel. Consisting of five pits connected by a series of underground tunnels and staircases, it was where Luke Skywalker grew up with his aunt and uncle Lars in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope . The connection with the “galaxy far, far away” has ensured the hotel’s popularity – at least as a day-trip, if not an overnight stay.

Underground Berber Caves In Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia © Slimstyl/Shutterstock

It needs no introduction: this acclaimed Spaghetti Western stars Clint Eastwood as Blondie (“The Good”), Lee Van Cleef as Angel Eyes (“The Bad”) and Eli Wallach as Tuco (“The Ugly”) and involves tense gun duels, violent hangings, Confederate v Union forces, stolen gold and relentless heat – the latter provided by fierce sunshine in Tabernas Desert, in Andalucía , Spain.

Tabernas, Spain © Ysbrand Cosijn/Shutterstock

A mind-blowing mix of live action and computer-generated sequences, Avatar (2009) is predominantly set within a rainforest backdrop populated by a nature-loving, blue-skinned race, the Na’vi. It’s difficult, therefore, to tell what’s a real-life location and what’s “technified”, but one thing is for sure – Hawaii looks pretty amazing in Cameron’s hectic motion picture.

© schoukse/Shutterstock

The hills are alive in and around Salzburg , where much of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, written by Robert Wise, was filmed – and where the Von Trapp family story originates. There are lots of historical inaccuracies in the film (for example, the family didn’t really live in this magnificent mansion), but who really cares, when this musical spawned tuneful classics such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “Edelweiss”.

© canadastock/Shutterstock

As he successfully escapes the depths of the dingy underground prison, Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) is confronted by the sight of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort . Balanced superbly on a cliff overlooking the city of Jodphur in Rajasthan , the fifteenth century palace makes a suitably terrifying setting for the “Pit” that once imprisoned indomitable Bane.

Prague stars as the movie location of the 2003 comic-book caper, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen . The “London Club”, where the League is assembled by M, is the grand Rudolfinum, Prague’s erstwhile House of Commons and now concert venue, home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

View from Charles bridge to the Rudolfinum on the right bank of the river Vltava in Prague © Angelina Dimitrova/Shutterstock

A toe-tapping extravaganza of ABBA hits belted out by actors like Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried, and, um, Pierce Brosnan, Mamma Mia! is bound to make you want to hop on a plane and get to Greece , fast. The sunshine, sea, sandy beaches and tavernas are donated courtesy of Skiathos , a gorgeous island in the Aegean.

In The Avengers , a medley of superheroes – think Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk and Thor – join forces to stop Thor’s villainous brother Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) from conquering and ruling Planet Earth. The city of Cleveland in Ohio doubles up as New York City, scene of some especially chaotic battle scenes; “Stuttgart Square”, where Loki forces the public to kneel to him, is Cleveland’s Public Square.

© Kenneth Sponsler/Shutterstock

The ultimate gangster movie, The Godfather (1972), is a violent and complex story of family loyalties, murder, coercion, drugs, Dons and offers “he can’t refuse”. The Corleone family, headed up by Vito (Marlon Brando), come from the town of Corleone in Sicily , however due to its overdeveloped look, the filming shifted over to the prettier, more atmospheric villages of Savoca (pictured) and Forza d’Agrò, near Taormina .

Savoca, Sicily, Italy © Simone Padovani/Shutterstock

A rust-red valley hewn into the sandstone east of Aqaba in Jordan , Wadi Rum has long been inhabited by humans, who have left their mark on the rocks and valley walls since prehistoric times. A more recent connection is to Lawrence of Arabia , the 1962 movie based on the life of T.E. Lawrence (who passed through the area during the Arab Revolt in 1917–1918), which was mostly filmed here.

© Shutterstock

It’s a French story by thoroughly French novelist Victor Hugo, but epic musical “Les Mis” was shot pretty much entirely in England, including the dockyards of Portsmouth, a chapel in London’s Little Venice and the elegant Naval College at Greenwich. There is one unquestionable French scene, however, and that’s the lovely hilltop town of Gourdon in the Alpes-Maritimes, where main man Jean Valjean secures his redemption.

© Christian Mueller/Shutterstock

Westminster Abbey , site of real-life coronations, is played by Ely Cathedral in director Tom Hooper’s 2010 oh-so-British film, The King’s Speech. Stammering Duke of York (Colin Firth) is “cured” of his vocal affliction by Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, and successfully conquers his first radio broadcast as King George IV, following the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII.

View of the South part of the Cathedral from The Gallery Street in Ely © Christophe Cappelli/Shutterstock

Kick-ass adventure- and archeology-lover, Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) is on an Illuminati-thwarting mission in Cambodia – in the beautiful temple complex of Angkor Thom , to be exact. The full splendor of the area is on very much on show, including the 54 incredible towers carved with enigmatic smiling faces.

Rain Man tells the heartwarming tale of two brothers who embark upon a cross-country car trip from Ohio to Los Angeles . Dustin Hoffman plays autistic savant, Raymond (“Rain Man”) while Tom Cruise is his abrasive brother Charlie, who, once he learns Raymond has an excellent memory and mental calculator, carts him off to win at blackjack in the Las Vegas casinos in Nevada. Caesar’s Palace is where Charlie teaches Raymond how to dance.

Las Vegas evening © Shutterstock

Planet of the Apes has popped up in a few forms over the years – including a 1970s TV series and a Tim Burton re-hash in 2011. The original film (1968), complete with a bewildered and craggy-looking Charlton Heston, comes to an end on delectable Westward Beach in Malibu (between Zuma Beach and Point Dune), a gorgeous strip of yellow sand lapped by frothy waves.

© R Scapinello/Shutterstock

Representing James Dean’s zenith as cultural and acting icon – he was to tragically die in a car crash before the release of the film – Rebel Without a Cause is a stark social commentary on the moral corrosion of 1950s American youth. The influential school trip and explosive final shootout takes place at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles , where a bust of Dean has been erected in the building’s grounds.

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The Last Crusade (1989) is the third installment in the popular Indiana Jones series, and here we head to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan . The Holy Grail is supposedly housed in the “Canyon of the Crescent Moon”, actually – in real life – the Al Khazneh. The intricate sandstone carving and Greek-influenced architecture make it an exceptionally beautiful structure.

Ohio State Reformatory is an imposing nineteenth-century building in Mansfield, Ohio , that shows off a mix of architectural styles – Victorian Gothic, Queen Anne and something called Richardsonian Romanesque. Behind this impressive facade huddled the inmates of Shawshank State Penitentiary – Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) among them.

The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield Ohio is on the register of historical places © aceshot1/Shutterstock

Though it’s set in New York, the 2000 blockbuster featuring comic-strip favourites such as Wolverine and Magneto, is filmed for the most part in Ontario , Canada . The Gooderham Worts Distillery, once one of the largest distillers in the British Empire and now an entertainment district in downtown Toronto, appeared in the opening scene as a Polish concentration camp.

© lastdjedai/Shutterstock

Steven Spielberg’s horrifying and emotional depiction of the 1944 D-Day Landings in his Oscar-winning war epic, Saving Private Ryan , used windswept Ballinesker and Curracloe beaches in Wexford , Ireland, to stand in for Omaha Beach in Normandy . The beaches are Blue Flag beauties known for bird-watching.

A view a the Curracloe beach in Co. Wexford In Ireland © Shane Lambert/Shutterstock

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Film Travel: 10 Countries You Can Visit for Their Iconic Movie Locations

Movies have the power to transport us to different places and times, but what if you could actually visit the iconic film sets that brought those stories to life? From the wizarding world of Harry Potter in the United Kingdom to the rugged landscapes of Mad Max in Australia, there are countless film locations around the world that offer a unique travel experience for movie fans.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most iconic film sets to visit around the world, giving you a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic that brought these stories to the big screen.

# France: Idyllic Film Sets Throughout

France has a rich cinematic history that has left an indelible mark on the film industry.

• Montmartre, Paris – This picturesque neighborhood in Paris has been the backdrop for many movies, including the iconic film “Amélie.”

• Palace of Versailles – The Palace of Versailles has been featured in several films, including “Marie Antoinette” and “The Three Musketeers.”
• Gordes, Provence – The beautiful village of Gordes in Provence was the setting for Ridley Scott’s “A Good Year” starring Russell Crowe.
• The French Riviera – The glamorous French Riviera has been the backdrop for many films, including “To Catch a Thief” starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
• Chateau de Chambord – The Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley was featured in the film “The Da Vinci Code.”
• Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris – This iconic cathedral has been featured in many movies, including “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Midnight in Paris.”

# New Zealand, Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit were filmed in New Zealand. The country is home to a diverse range of natural landscapes and wildlife, all picture perfect. Here are some of the iconic film sets in New Zealand that you can visit:

• Hobbiton: Located near the town of Matamata on the North Island, Hobbiton is a tourist attraction that recreates the hobbit village featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Visitors can take a guided tour of the village, visit the Green Dragon Inn, and learn about the making of the movies.

• Tongariro National Park: Located on the North Island, Tongariro National Park was the filming location for many of the outdoor scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies, including Mount Doom and the Gates of Mordor.
• Waitomo Caves: Also on the North Island, the Waitomo Caves were used as the filming location for the eerie underground scenes in the Hobbit movies. Visitors can take a boat ride through the glowing caverns and see the famous stalactites and stalagmites.
• Te Anau: Located on the South Island, Te Anau was the filming location for the epic battle scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies. Visitors can take a helicopter tour of the area to see the stunning mountain ranges and lakes.
• Queenstown: Also on the South Island, Queenstown is a popular destination for adventure sports and was used as a filming location for many scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies, including the Anduin River and the Pillars of the Kings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the filming locations and enjoy outdoor activities like bungee jumping and skiing.
• Mount Cook National Park: Located on the South Island, Mount Cook National Park was the filming location for many of the scenic shots in the Lord of the Rings movies, including the Misty Mountains and the Dimrill Dale. Visitors can take a guided hike or helicopter tour of the area to see the stunning glaciers and alpine landscapes.

# United Kingdom & Harry Potter

The Harry Potter movie series was filmed in various locations across the United Kingdom, and many of the sets used in the movies have become iconic tourist attractions. Whether you’re a major fan or just a casual viewer, these locations offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Harry Potter.

• Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: The exterior shots of Hogwarts were filmed at several locations, including Alnwick Castle in Northumberland and Gloucester Cathedral. You can take a tour of both of these locations to see the Great Hall, the Hogwarts classrooms, and the Forbidden Forest.
• Platform 9 3/4: At King’s Cross Station in London, you can find a replica of the famous Platform 9 3/4 where Harry and his friends caught the Hogwarts Express. Visitors can take a photo pushing a trolley through the platform wall.

• Diagon Alley: The street where Harry and his friends go to buy their wizarding supplies is actually an area in Leadenhall Market in London. Visitors can walk through the colorful alleyway and see the shops that inspired the movie sets.
• The Hogwarts Express: The iconic train that takes students to Hogwarts was actually a real steam train called the Jacobite, which runs through the Scottish Highlands. Visitors can take a ride on the Jacobite and see some of the stunning landscapes featured in the movies.
• Gringotts Bank: The interior shots of Gringotts Bank were filmed at the Australia House in London. Visitors can see the marble-lined lobby and the impressive chandeliers that were used in the movies.

#Thailand: Paradise Islands and Exotic Cities as Movie Sets

With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and iconic film locations, Thailand is a must-visit destination for film and travel enthusiasts alike. Here are some lovely places yo can visit and learn more about the movies that were filmed in the region:

• James Bond Island – This island in Phang Nga Bay was featured in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
• Phi Phi Islands – The Phi Phi Islands were the setting for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach.”

• Ayutthaya – This ancient city in Thailand was featured in the movie “Anna and the King.”
• Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai has been the backdrop for several movies, including “Rambo III” and “The Hangover Part II.”
• Bangkok – The bustling city of Bangkok has been featured in many films, including “The Hangover Part II,” “Only God Forgives,” and “The Beach.”
• Bridge on the River Kwai – The famous bridge on the River Kwai, located in Kanchanaburi, was featured in the movie of the same name.

#Italy: The Godfather of Bohemian Villages

Fans of The Godfather can visit the Sicilian villages that served as the backdrop for the iconic film series.

The Godfather is a classic American film series directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and many of the scenes were filmed in the Sicilian villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò. These picturesque towns served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in the films, including the wedding scene in the first movie.

Visitors can take a tour of the towns and see the iconic Bar Vitelli, which was featured in the first movie and is still in operation today. The tour also includes stops at other locations used in the films, including the Church of Santa Lucia in Forza d’Agrò, where Michael Corleone marries his first wife Apollonia.

In addition to the filming locations, visitors can also explore the beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks of Sicily. The region is known for its stunning coastline, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.  

#Japan and its Anime Sets

Japan is known for its vibrant anime and manga culture, and many fans of the genre flock to the country to experience it firsthand. Some of the most popular anime-related travel destinations in Japan are the following:

• Akihabara: Located in Tokyo, Akihabara is a district famous for its electronics shops, anime merchandise stores, and maid cafes. It’s a popular destination for anime and manga fans who want to buy souvenirs and immerse themselves in the culture.
• Studio Ghibli Museum: Studio Ghibli is a renowned animation studio in Japan, and the museum in Tokyo is a must-visit destination for fans of its films. The museum features exhibits on the history and techniques of animation, as well as original artwork and props from Studio Ghibli films.
• Pokemon Center: There are several Pokemon Centers located throughout Japan, where fans can buy merchandise, play games, and meet other fans of the popular franchise.
• Kyoto International Manga Museum: The museum in Kyoto features a collection of over 300,000 manga and graphic novels, as well as exhibits on the history and art of manga.
• Anime-themed cafes and restaurants: There are many themed cafes and restaurants in Japan, where visitors can enjoy food and drinks inspired by popular anime and manga series, such as Naruto and One Piece.

In addition to these destinations, there are also many anime-themed events and festivals throughout the year in Japan.

#Australia: Mad Max and The Crocodile Dundee

Mad Max and Crocodile Dundee are two iconic Australian movies that showcase the beauty and ruggedness of the Australian outback. The outback is a vast, remote region in Australia that covers most of the country’s interior, and is known for its red desert landscapes, stunning rock formations, and unique wildlife.

Visitors to the outback can explore the locations and scenery featured in these movies, including the iconic Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), a massive sandstone rock formation in the Northern Territory that is sacred to the local Aboriginal people. Other popular destinations in the outback include the rugged landscapes of Kakadu National Park, the colorful rocks of the Breakaways, and the underground town of Coober Pedy.

In addition to the natural beauty of the outback, visitors can also experience the unique culture and history of the region. Aboriginal culture is an important part of life in the outback, and visitors can learn about traditional customs and art by visiting local communities and cultural centers.

#India and Bollywood Movies

Bollywood movies are a major part of Indian culture, and visitors can experience the excitement and energy of Bollywood by visiting Mumbai and taking a behind-the-scenes tour of a movie studio. Some other popular destinations for Bollywood travelers include:

• Film City: Located in Mumbai, Film City is the largest film studio complex in India and is home to many Bollywood productions. Visitors can take a tour of the studios and see sets and props used in popular movies.
• Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a famous monument in Agra that has been featured in several Bollywood movies. Visitors can take a tour of the site and learn about the history and architecture of this iconic landmark.
• Mehboob Studios: Another famous film studio in Mumbai, Mehboob Studios has been used for many Bollywood productions over the years. Visitors can take a tour of the studios and see the sets used in popular movies.
• Ramoji Film City: Located in Hyderabad, Ramoji Film City is one of the largest film studio complexes in the world and has been used for many Bollywood productions. Visitors can take a tour of the studios and see sets and props used in popular movies.
• Bollywood Boulevard: Bollywood Boulevard is a themed entertainment park in Mumbai that features attractions based on popular Bollywood movies. Visitors can enjoy rides, shows, and live performances inspired by the movies.

In addition to these destinations, there are also many Bollywood-themed events and festivals throughout the year in India.

# Iceland, Game of Thrones & Vikings

The popular TV series Game of Thrones used Iceland’s Vatnajökull glacier to film scenes Beyond the Wall, giving the show’s snowy and icy landscapes a realistic and authentic look. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, a 2013 movie, also features some breathtaking Icelandic landscapes, including the famous Kirkjufell mountain and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Another production is the science-fiction series Sense8 features several scenes set in Iceland, including a memorable sequence where the characters visit the iconic Blue Lagoon.Iceland’s popularity as a filming location has only grown over the years, and visitors can now take tours to explore the locations featured in these movies and TV shows.

# Marocco and its Photogenic Colors

Morocco has a rich history of film production and has been the backdrop for many famous movies throughout the years. Here are some famous movie sets you can visit in the country of colors:

• Essaouira: This coastal town has been featured in several movies including Othello, The Man Who Would Be King, and Alexander.
• Marrakech: The colorful city has been the backdrop for many movies including The Man Who Knew Too Much, Sex and the City 2, and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.
• Fes, a northeastern Moroccan city, was been featured in several movies including Hideous Kinky, The Jewel of the Nile, and Black Hawk Down.
• Tinghir: This small town in the Atlas Mountains was center stage for movies like Hidalgo and The Hills Have Eyes.

And of course, you have the Moroccan part of the vast Sahara Desert, home for several movies, including “The English Patient,” “The Sheltering Sky,” and “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.”

To sum up, the film industry has a remarkable influence on travel, as it inspires people to explore different parts of the world through movies.

Visiting these movie locations allows travelers to step into their favorite films and experience the magic of cinema in real life. From the romantic Parisian streets in ‘Midnight in Paris’ to the beautiful beaches of Thailand in ‘The Beach’, these iconic movie locations provide travelers with a chance to experience a new culture while reliving their favorite movie moments.

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When movie and TV locations become hot travel destinations

People once looked to paintings and books for vacation ideas, but now tourism offices are capitalizing on the popularity of major film and television productions.

Two common conversation starters are “Where are you going on vacation?” and “What are you watching on television?” No one ever asked Vincent van Gogh about television, but Japan would have been his answer to the first question. The Dutch artist and other Impressionist painters of the time loved the Japanese woodblock prints called ukiyo-e because of their use of light, the landscapes they depicted and the technique for making them. Utagawa Hiroshige’s Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi bridge and Atake inspired Western sensibilities and sparked an interest in travel to Japan. Movies and television are now doing what paintings and books used to do.

Before screens took over our lives, authors like Benito Pérez Galdós, James Joyce, Frank Kafka and Fernando Pessoa eloquently led readers through the streets of Madrid, Dublin, Prague and Lisbon. Now these virtual journeys are inspired by productions from HBO, Movistar Plus+, Netflix and other streaming platforms.

Movies and TV series show viewers familiar places and others they’ve only vaguely heard about. Places like Baltimore (Maryland, USA) from The Wire , New Orleans (Louisiana, USA) from Treme , Edinburgh (Scotland) from Trainspotting , Bath (England) from Bridgerton , Birmingham (England) from Peaky Blinders , the remote island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) in the series of the same name, and the marshes of Doñana National Park (Spain) in Marshland . Not to mention all the settings in Japanese anime , Turkish and Colombian soap operas, South Korean films and Nordic thrillers that turn passive viewers into potential tourists who are curious to experience the places they’ve seen on the screen.

The movie and TV locations are often highlighted to attract tourists to a country or city, and some become destinations in their own right. When a viewer from another country sees a production that takes place in Spain like Money Heist ( La casa de papel ), the experience can spark an interest in Spanish culture and a desire to visit the country. “These productions put cities, towns and places on the tourist map, and extends tourism beyond traditional sun and surf destinations,” says Francisco José Pradana, a professor of social sciences and communications at the European University of Madrid.

Screen tourism

Blockbuster movies can become promotional campaigns for the locations where they are filmed. It’s called screen or film tourism, and predates the rise of all the streaming video platforms. Movies that make you want to travel have been around for a long time. Consider the James Bond films in which Agent 007 takes sybaritic trips around the world, or the Crocodile Dundee movies that caused requests for tourist visas to Australia to skyrocket by 40% from 1984 to 1992, according to Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourism, a study conducted by the World Tourism Organization and Netflix. Thailand’s enchanting beaches have always attracted tourists, especially low-budget backpackers. But when The Beach came out, so many people flocked to Maya Bay on the island of Phi Phi Leh – about 5,000 every day – that it had to be closed for a while to restore its white-sand beach and coral reefs.

Film tourism began to take off after The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which increased the number of annual visitors to New Zealand by 40% from 2000 to 2006. The Harry Potter saga boosted the number of visitors to the UK filming locations by 230% from 2011 to 2013. The city of Birmingham in central England is the setting for the Peaky Blinders series. The popularity of the period crime drama led to a record number of domestic and international visitors to the city in 2018 – 42.8 million tourists – many of whom also visited the Black Country Living Museum in nearby Dudley, the main filming location for the series. From 2011 to 2019, all eight seasons of Game of Thrones were filmed in Northern Ireland, Croatia, Malta, Iceland and Spain . Every one of these locations has seen a significant increase in tourists, even after the series ended in 2019.

To attract film and TV productions, a location must have striking settings, locally available industry professionals and tax incentives. The Spain Film Commission and its 39 members throughout the country has worked diligently to put all these prerequisites in place, so it’s no mystery why Spain has become a preferred location for Netflix productions.

Tourism agencies leverage popular productions to promote their filming locations. “When a series or movie like Game of Thrones is filmed in Ireland, we try to make a connection with the destination,” said Soraya Gabriel, a public relations executive with the Irish Tourism Office in Spain. Themed city and online tours are developed, social media campaigns are created, and interviews are recorded with actors, directors and screenwriters talking about their experiences in the destination. Ireland’s Game of Thrones promotional strategy culminated in February 2022 with the opening of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in the town of Banbridge.

Cities become characters

While financial and logistical factors may drive the selection of a particular filming location, the location itself may be as indispensable to the story as the protagonist. Lost in Translation wouldn’t make any sense to Western viewers if it was set somewhere besides Tokyo. Only a few of Woody Allen’s films could possibly take place outside of New York City, as his stories are often about Manhattan society. Similarly, Wong Kar-wai’s films are all about Hong Kong, a city that is more of an emotional state for the Chinese director than a geographical location. He moved there from Shanghai with his mother when he was five years old. Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s stories about women and minorities in Madrid and the villages of La Mancha are intended to discomfit the majority groups that live there.

Movies and television series make us want to travel to the places where they were filmed, and become journeys that begin with screen-triggered emotions and end in real-life experiences.

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Travel Tips

How to Plan a Movie-Themed Vacation

It’s easier than you may expect to find, visit, and enjoy the places where your favorite movies were made.

By Shivani Vora

Whether it’s the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in New Zealand or “Roman Holiday” in Rome, many noteworthy movies are filmed in appealing locales all over the world that travelers may want to visit and enjoy.

According to Angela Tillson, a film location manager in Kauai who has worked on the set of films including “Jurassic Park: The Lost World” and “The Descendants,” exploring a beloved movie set destination through the eyes of the film makes for an enjoyable vacation.

“Seeing a place with a focus on a movie you love will give you a perspective that the average tourist doesn’t usually get,” she said. Here are her tips to get started.

Choose Your Destination

If there’s a movie you love, you can find out where it was filmed by looking at the credits at the end of the film or by going online to The internet Movie Database, also known as IMDB , which often lists filming locations. Once you know the locale, you can start planning your trip.

Or, consider doing what Ms. Tillson often does when deciding on where to vacation: pick a spot you’re interested in visiting, and find out what movies have been filmed there. Then, plan an itinerary based around a film that you’ve seen and liked. “It’s fun to sometimes let a destination determine the movie you’re going to live rather than the other way around,” Ms. Tillson said.

There are even some books available on movies shot in certain destinations such as The Hawaii Movie and Television Book and New York: The Movie Lover’s Guide . Do an online search for more options.

Get in the Mood

Before you head to your destination, be sure to rewatch the movie. A rewatch not only reminds you of identifiable spots to look out for during your trip, but it also adds to the excitement of your upcoming exploration.

If the movie is based on a book, considering reading the book, too. It may have details about the locale that the movie doesn’t touch on. Also, books often have scenes that don’t make it into the movie adaptations, which gives you a deeper view of the destination. Ms. Tillson also recommended downloading the movie’s soundtrack or score, and listening to it throughout your trip.

Book a Themed Trip

Some travel companies sell set itineraries focused on popular movies. Luxury tour operator Zicasso , for example, has an eight-day trip to Ireland inspired by “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and Wild Frontiers has an 11-day trip to India inspired by “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” Ms. Tillson suggested doing a web search or checking with a travel agent to find out about such trips.

Also, in some destinations, local tour operators and hotels sell movie-themed tours. For instance, The St. Regis Princeville Resort offers a tour that includes a private helicopter ride to Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous in “Jurassic Park,” and an ATV tour of filming locations of movies such as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Lunch is even included. The cost is $5,674 for two adults.

A more affordable option, in Rome, is the four-hour Roman Holiday themed excursion from HR Tours , where travelers ride a Vespa with a driver and see all the sites from the movie; the cost is 170 euros per person.

Hang Where the Movie Crew Did

When they’re not working, movie crews enjoy hitting local bars and casual restaurants that serve tasty local cuisine, Ms. Tillson said.

Find out where the behind-the-scenes staff of your film spent their time by asking your destination’s tourist board or your hotel’s concierge, and check out a few of the spots. “It’s another way to get entrenched in the film and spend time in bars and restaurants that you wouldn’t normally think to hit,” she said.

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July 6, 2023

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Exploring how movie locations move tourism

by David Bradley, Inderscience

"Star Wars" is a series of science fiction fantasy movies and television shows. As is now quite common across movies and TV, the filming locations have become popular tourist destinations for fans of the franchise. Moreover, given the Disney buyout of the franchise from Lucasfilm in 2012, the inevitable theme park attractions at Disney resorts are now a major pull for that kind of tourism too.

The renowned science fiction franchise has become something of an international cultural phenomenon since the release of the first movie in 1977. It now attracts countless dedicated fans to places associated with the movies and spinoffs, such as TV shows, exhibitions, conferences, and film locations in Ireland, Norway, Tunisia, and elsewhere.

Research in the International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy looks at "Star Wars" tourism as an intriguing example of movie and television-related tourism and sheds light on the positive and negative aspects of this kind of tourism.

Dag Øivind Madsen of The University of South-Eastern Norway in Hønefoss, discusses the various examples of "Star Wars" filming locations and tourist destinations across the globe. His work suggests that these places have witnessed increased tourist interest due to their association with the iconic movie franchise.

On the positive side, this boost in tourism has contributed to the economic growth of several destinations, boosting local businesses and creating job opportunities. However, the converse of that is that there are some concerns associated with this form of tourism, such as overcrowding. The influx of tourists represents a new strain on local infrastructure, could impact the environment, and diminish the quality of the visitor experience for non-movie tourists and regular tourists alike.

Madsen also highlights the issue of sustainability and how natural and cultural resources in these destinations must be conserved and carefully managed to ensure long-term viability.

"Star Wars" tourism represents a captivating case study within the realm of movie and television-related travel. There are many other franchises, such as Game of Thrones (Croatia and Ireland), Harry Potter (Northumberland, King's Cross station, and other locations in the UK), Twilight (Forks, Washington, U.S.), Breaking Bad (Alberqueque), The Lord of the Rings (New Zealand), all of which have boosted tourism at location sites used in the movies.

The concept stretches much further back in movie history to the likes of The Sound of Music, which attracted visitors to Salzburg in Austria, Gone with the Wind (Atlanta, Georgia), Casablanca (Morocco), and other destinations. Moreover, literature and art had and still do add to tourism in many iconic places Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon for instance, Bath, the setting for Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice," and Canterbury a popular destination for those hoping to find the roots of Chaucer's tales.

The scale of tourism in general and that associated with movie franchises, present challenges for those destinations related to over-tourism, sustainability, and the maintenance of an authentic experience for visitors. Madsen's work in highlighting the issues for one particular case the fandom of which spans several generations, is important. The franchise remains very popular and it is likely that there will be new filming locations added to the list as it grows over the years.

"The future trajectory and development of 'Star Wars' tourism ultimately remains an empirical question that will have to be addressed in future studies," Madsen writes.

Provided by Inderscience

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Julie Andrews in the classic Sound of Music, filmed in Salzburg, Austria.

Movie Locations

From the March/April 2012 issue of National Geographic Traveler

Hawaii, it’s time for your close-up. Moviegoers are abuzz over Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, filmed in the United Kingdom, and The Descendants, with George Clooney as a flustered father sputtering around the 50th state. Sure, Spielberg and Clooney lure cinephiles to the multi­plex, but so do vistas of the British countryside and Kauai shoreline. Actors may score the accolades, but there are landscapes with as much presence and compelling beauty as any celluloid star.

Movies move us both emotionally and physically. Locations depicted on screen often see a boost in tourism. The most well-known example is New Zealand, which saw hordes of visitors with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Mississippi tourism officials say The Help also lured crowds to the state. “We want to visit the places our favorite movie characters do and experience just a smidge of what they did on screen,” says Thom Geier, senior editor at Entertainment Weekly, who notes that even films lacking box office oomph can inspire travel: “Who can remember the plot for The Tourist, anyway? But Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie’s hotel room balcony—with that view of St. Mark’s Square in Venice—is unforgettable.” (It’s the Hotel Danieli, if you must know.)

We canvassed production designers, cinema professors, location scouts, and our own DVD collections in search of the most memorable destinations on the silver screen.

The envelopes, please …

Best Inducement for Taking the Kids to Europe

England Visit Oxford University’s Christ Church college, real-life inspiration for the Great Hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. In April Warner Bros. opens a “Making of Harry Potter ” tour at Leavesden Studios, northwest of London, in homage to the decade-long series. See costumes, props, and entire sets, including Dumbledore’s study and the Great Hall itself.

Top ‘Hood to Burn Off Cheesesteak Calories

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Yo, Adrian! Fresh salami! In Rocky, persistent pugilist Rocky Balboa made his daily training rounds with a morning run through the outdoor Italian Market on Ninth Street; you’ll still find cheese and meat vendors there, with Mexican and Asian influences that have flourished since the 1976 film. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, run up the 72 stone steps, throw your arms in the air, then run down and pose with the Stallone statue, a prop from Rocky III.

Compelling Blend of Beauty and Grit

Mumbai, India In Slumdog Millionaire, Jamal (Dev Patel) can triumph on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? because of his experiences growing up in Mumbai’s Dharavi, among the largest slums in Asia. Director Danny Boyle’s captivating portrait of the ramshackle community turned it into a destination as relevant as the Taj Mahal: A handful of tour companies now specialize in Dharavi expeditions that focus on the challenges facing India.

Molto Romantico View From a Pensione Window

Florence, Italy The young lovers in the 1985 A Room with a View first cross paths at the “Pensione Bertolini,” now the Hotel degli Orafi. To drink in the view that brought George and Lucy together, request Room 414, with its terrace overlooking the Arno River.

Great Untouched Islands

Galápagos, Ecuador With Master and Commander, a 2003 nautical adventure set during the Napoleonic Wars, Peter Weir became the only director to shoot a feature film on the mysterious and volcanic South American archi­pelago filled with exotic animals. He spent months justifying his plans to Ecuadorian government and park officials; all equipment was hand-carried and removed from the islands each night.

Super Scenic Spot for a Love Triangle, North of the Border

Vancouver, Canada The adaptation of the first installment of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga was filmed in Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula; with the sequels, production moved north. Twi-hards can seek out the woods where the wolves and vampires run, and the theater where Bella went to the movies with Jacob and Mike in New Moon. It is in a heritage building in New Westminster.

Super Scenic Spot for a Love Triangle, South of the Border

Oaxaca, Mexico In Y Tu Mamá También, wealthy teens Julio and Tenoch meet a sultry older woman at a wedding, and the three embark on a road trip in search of a beach, “La Boca del Cielo.” The sublime seaside scenery for this 2001 movie was filmed at Playa Cacaluta, near Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca.

Supreme Dunes for a Double Feature

Tunisia When Luke Skywalker stares out at the two suns of Tatooine in the first Star Wars (1977), he’s standing amid the golden dunes of Shott el Jerid, a salt lake in the Tunisian Sahara. The opposite shore was base camp for Count Almásy (Ralph Fiennes) in The English Patient, the 1996 Best Picture Oscar winner.

Best City for Dream-Making and Heart-Breaking

New York City Audrey Hepburn’s socialite Holly Golightly navigates an idealized Big Apple in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), with stops at the Plaza Hotel and the posh jeweler.

Best Town to Hit the High Notes in Your Lederhosen

Salzburg, Austria The Von Trapp kids and Fraulein Maria begin “Do-Re-Mi” atop the Mönchsberg Cliffs on Winkler Terrace in the 1965 classic Sound of Music. Later, they take to the steps at Mirabell Gardens. Guided tours are available.

Best Spot to Pretend You’re a Parisian

Montmarte, Paris Like the title character of the Audrey Tautou romantic comedy Amélie, the neighborhood of La Butte is charming, curious, and eccentric. After describing the busy markets along Rue Lamarck to a blind man, Amélie escorts him to the Metro Lamarck-Caulaincourt, with its delightful double staircase. At Cáfe des 2 Moulins, where Amélie waitresses and schemes about her neighbors, you can order the crème brûlée, named for the do-gooder herself.

Best Backdrop for Lions and Longing

Kenya Out of Africa won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in 1985. Visit the Karen Blixen museum, on the outskirts of Nairobi, or take a ride in a Waco biplane, similar to the Tiger Moth that Denys Finch-Hatton (played by Robert Redford) used to fly over the African savanna.

Top Region for a Grape-Stained Buddy Road Trip

California’s Central Coast Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church squelch middle-age malaise with a wine tour around Santa Barbara in the 2004 film Sideways. They stop at Sanford Winery in Buellton, top off at Foxen Winery in Santa Maria, and meet sexy Sandra Oh at Kalyra Winery in Santa Ynez.

Superlative James Bond Island

Jamaica In 1962’s Dr. No, Agent 007 first encounters Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress, with a diver’s knife tucked into her bikini) at Laughing Waters Beach, near Ocho Rios; not far away is novelist Ian Fleming’s former estate, now the luxury resort GoldenEye.

Top Hotel for Lost Souls to Connect

Tokyo, Japan Bill Murray has a chance meeting with Scarlett Johansson at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, atop Shinjuku Park Tower in Lost in Translation (2003). The hotel intensifies their sense of dislocation; when the depressive duo venture out, they drift into Shibuya, the entertainment district. Karaoke, anyone?

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Best Perch to Belt Abba Songs

Sporades Islands and the mainland of Greece Single mom Meryl Streep dances and jives around Skopelos and Skiathos, two of the Sporades islands in Mamma Mia! (2008); a wedding, on the northwestern tip of Skopelos, unfolds in a chapel with soul-stirring views of the blue Aegean. The breezy climax of “Dancing Queen” is set on the Pelion coast of mainland Greece, about 25 miles northwest of the Sporades.

Great Gorges to Look Absolutely Gorgeous

Northern Territory, Australia The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) follows two drag queens and a transsexual as they hit the road for a cabaret gig at Lasseters Hotel Casino in Alice Springs. As the grand finale, actor Guy Pearce and pals climb Kings Canyon.

Best Spots to Become One With the Universe

Haryana, India, and Ubud, Bali, Indonesia After filling up on pasta and gelati in Rome, Julia Roberts in 2010’s Eat Pray Love gets down to the business of finding herself at a gritty ashram in Pataudi, outside Delhi. Then she continues her spiritual transformation in a tiny cottage in Bali, surrounded by green rice paddies.

Worst Place to Forget Your GPS

Denali National Park, Alaska Park officials say the best thing to bring is “common sense” if you intend to visit abandoned Bus 142 on the beautiful but unforgiving Stampede Trail, where the real Christopher McCandless depicted in the book and 2007 movie Into the Wild starved to death. The six-million-acre park and preserve is home to Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.

Great Cameo by a Humongous Waterfall

Iguazú Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina The breathtaking break in the Iguazú River plays a starring role in The Mission, the 1986 film about a Jesuit priest. It’s a dream destination for a gay Hong Kong couple in 1997’s Happy Together. And, finally, it is a central location in the 2008 swashbuckler Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. You can get there from major airports on either side of the border.

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Here Are 17 TV And Movie Locations That Fans Around The World Are Desperate To Visit

Harry Potter is one major cash cow for tourism in the UK.

BuzzFeed Staff

We all know that films and shows are full of iconic moments. Sometimes, these moments are so impactful that fans flock to the locations they were filmed in to experience the magic for themselves.

Here are 17 real-life tv and movie locations that have inspired fans and led to a ~drastic~ spike in tourism., 1. glenfinnan viaduct, scotland — harry potter.

Is there a more iconic viaduct in the world? This stretch of railroad has been made famous by its use mainly in The Chamber of Secrets , and nowadays, it's a pilgrimage for Potter fans. In fact, you can even ride the steam train that goes over the viaduct, and many fans make the journey every year!

The sheer number of visitors have caused fear for the National Trust for Scotland, who  have expressed worry over  the possibility of accidents due to people travelling excessively between Fort William and Mallaig.

Here's that classic scene if you need a refresher:

View this video on YouTube

2. king's cross station, london — harry potter.

There are many reasons why London is one of the most visited cities, but thanks to  Harry Potter  and platform nine-and-three-quarters , King's Cross specifically is always being overtaken by Potter fans. Every year, people queue up to get a picture with the wall that has an honorary trolley affixed to it. 

Sadly, despite the attempts of visitors, the wall doesn't yield when running at it.

3. Matamata (and all over), New Zealand — The Lord of the Rings

New Zealand actually tops the list of most oft visited film locations, mainly because of its epic landscapes which helped make  The Lord of the Rings what is is! From Mount Doom to Hobbiton, New Zealand takes in thousands of The   Lord of the Rings  fans every year. Their journey takes them across the entire country , which, whilst boosting the economy, is also  a cause for concern for some citizens who worry about the protection of the land.

Here's a classic scene to remind how beautiful this country is!

4. Ko Phi Phi Leh, Thailand — The Beach

The idyllic shore on which they shot The Beach  starring Leo DiCaprio became a massive draw for anyone travelling to Thailand in the '00s. The bay was actually getting up to 5,000 visitors a day until it was closed off in 2018 so that the land could recuperate from the excessive tourism. It  reopened earlier this year!

5. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia — Rocky II

43 years on from the iconic scene where Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa runs up those 72 stairs, and fans of the film are STILL  making that same jog ! In fact, a few years ago, some lucky tourists ran up the stairs to find none other than Sylvester Stallone himself up there, and they even got a lucky photo with him on those famous steps.

Here's the scene if you haven't seen it:

6. West 167 Street, the Bronx, New York — Joker

Keeping it to stairs, the now famous Joker  scene in which Joaquin Phoenix dances down a bunch of steps in the Bronx  has recently inspired fans , with many flooding to see the stairs and take pictures there. The increase in interest has actually become a  major hindrance for locals , as they now have to constantly navigate around groups of tourists.

Check out the scene in question:

7. Nærøyfjord, Norway — Frozen

The fictional land of Arendelle is loosely based on Norway's landscape, and the hit movie's success has led to a 37% increase in tourism  from the US. This was great news for hotels and tour operators — some of which began operating Disney tours specifically — as bookings and visitors have risen drastically since the film's release in 2013. 

Here's a lil' Frozen for ya if you're so inclined:

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia — Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones had one of the biggest audiences in TV history, and this naturally led to fans seeking out the amazing locations the series used to shoot in. One of the most popular spots is  Dubrovnik in Croatia , where fans of the show flock to glimpse the setting for most of King's Landing.

Check out Dubrovnik through the eyes of Cersei:

9. Castle Ward, Northern Ireland — Game of Thrones

Croatia isn't the only place  GOT  has had an effect on though. Up to  350,000 fans visit Northern Ireland every year solely to see the inspiration and shooting location of Winterfell. In 2019, it was estimated that since 2010, tourism had contributed £251m to the local economy! However, local residents have also complained that tourists do clog up roads and make it hard to drive around.

Can you ~see~ Northern Ireland in this classic Winterfell scene?

10. Skellig Michael, Ireland — Star Wars

Tourism in the southwest of Ireland was also given a boost in 2015 when  Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released. Considering  The Last Jedi  was also shot there, Star Wars -inspired tourism has remained large in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael, the most prominent movie tourist attraction. 

Here's a scene that was shot in Ireland:

11. Albuquerque — Breaking Bad

This house in Albuquerque has risen to fame due to it belonging to the meth-making Walter White in Breaking Bad. Fans of the show came in droves to see the house that was featured in the series. In fact, tourism became so regular that the local residents grew increasingly frustrated and were actually forced to build a six-foot fence around the house to deter visitors!

Check out the house as seen in Breaking Bad :

12. Cornwall, England — Poldark

This region of southern England has always been a popular holiday destination; however, the hit BBC show has helped increase the number of visitors to Cornwall considerably. In 2019, it was reported that 13% of visitors considered the programme to be one of the main factors in their choice to visit.

See why Cornwall is so pretty in this clip:

13. Broderick Street, San Francisco — Full House

The house that was featured in both the sitcom  and the sequel is a common destination for fans of the show. Apparently, on a normal day up to 50 people show up, but more than 100 turn up on a good weekend. The local residents have found it quite the inconvenience, with fans blocking traffic, crowding walkways, and blocking driveways in pursuit of selfies.

14. Chelsea, London — Love Actually

A Chelsea-based house is used in one of the most iconic scenes from the famous rom-com. The owner of the house  has since claimed that  she didn't even know it was famous when she bought it, but now has to deal with a constant stream of Instagrammers, tourists, and couples taking photos at her door. In an attempt to retrieve some privacy, the owner actually asked the council to help dissuade tourists from visiting. No word on whether that has worked or not.

15. Birmingham, England — Peaky Blinders

I guess this sort of doesn't count because the actual filming is technically done in Manchester and Liverpool. However, the hit series is *set* in Britain's second-largest city, and this has helped draw in the thousands of fans keen to soak up all things Peaky Blinders . The number of visitors has increased by 26% from 2013 to 2018, and there are now Peaky Blinders themed festivals, escape rooms, pubs, and beers to enjoy in and around Birmingham!

16. Forks, Washington — Twilight

The saga, with its die-hard fanbase, has had quite the impact on this small town in Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Prior to the release of the  Twilight  saga in 2005, Forks saw about 5,000 people pass through its visitor centre annually, but by 2009, this had risen to almost 70,000! Despite a bit of a dip in recent years, fans still regularly travel to Forks particularly for the Forever Twilight in Forks Festival, and other Twilight- themed attractions that the town has installed.

17. The Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio — The Shawshank Redemption

While prisons don't tend to be hotspots for vacationing per se, this iconic film is enough to draw people to this penitentiary. Visitors can follow the Shawshank trail to see 15 different filming locations, and can even visit the prison itself. Back in 2019, as many as 30,000 fans flooded in to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie!

What are the filming locations you'd LOVE to visit? Let us know in the comments below!

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Mapping Out Iconic US Film Locations: A Cinematic Journey

Travel through famous film locations in the US with our interactive map.

When we watch movies and TV shows, we often get lost in the story and forget that the locations we see on screen are real places. From bustling cities to remote landscapes, the United States is home to countless famous filming locations that have become iconic in pop culture. Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply looking to explore some movie magic, these 29 famous filming locations are worth adding to your travel bucket list. Let's dive in and discover the real-world backdrops of our favorite films!

Famous Movie Locations in the United States

Beverly wilshire hotel – pretty woman | beverly hills, ca.

One of the most iconic filming locations in Hollywood is the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. This luxurious hotel served as the backdrop for the classic romantic comedy, Pretty Woman (1990). In the film, Julia Roberts plays Vivian Ward, a Hollywood sex worker who is hired as an escort by businessman Edward Lewis, portrayed by Richard Gere. The chemistry between the two characters unfolds against the backdrop of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Visiting the Beverly Wilshire Hotel allows fans to step into the world of Pretty Woman. The hotel offers a "Pretty Woman for a Day" experience, which includes a shopping spree on Rodeo Drive, just like Vivian did in the movie. So, channel your inner Vivian Ward and indulge in a taste of luxury at this famous hotel.

Mrs. Doubtfire’s House – Mrs. Doubtfire | San Francisco, CA

If you're a fan of Robin Williams' comedic genius, you'll surely recognize the iconic house from the movie Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). Located at 2640 Steiner Street in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood, this beautiful Victorian house played a central role in the film. After Williams' tragic passing in 2014, fans have made a habit of leaving flowers and mementos on the sidewalk as a tribute to the beloved actor.

Although the house went on the market in 2016, it remains a popular tourist attraction. Standing out among the other showy homes in the area, the Mrs. Doubtfire house holds a special place in the hearts of fans who grew up watching the heartwarming story of a father's love for his children.

The Griffith Observatory – The Terminator | Los Angeles, CA

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California, is not only a popular tourist destination for its stunning views of the city, but it's also a famous filming location. Fans of The Terminator (1984) will recognize the observatory as the spot where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, the cyborg assassin, first arrives in 1984.

In the film, Schwarzenegger emerges from the Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park, as he prepares to hunt down Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton. The observatory offers visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of one of cinema's most iconic characters and enjoy breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline.

Baseball Diamond – Field of Dreams | Dyersville, IA

"If you build it, they will come." This famous line from Field of Dreams (1989) perfectly captures the essence of the film and the real-life location that has become a pilgrimage site for baseball fans. The baseball diamond featured in the movie was actually built specifically for the film just outside of Dyersville, Iowa.

Located on farmland owned by two separate families, the Field of Dreams baseball diamond has become a beloved tourist attraction. In the 1990s, the Upper Deck Company hosted charity games featuring celebrities and Hall of Famers on the field. In 2020, the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees even played a regular-season game on the iconic diamond for the "MLB at Field of Dreams" event. For baseball enthusiasts and movie lovers alike, a visit to this hallowed ground is a must.

Steps & Rocky Statue – Rocky | Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is home to two iconic filming locations that have become must-see attractions for fans of the Rocky series. Perhaps the most famous is the Rocky Steps, the 72 steps leading up to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These steps are featured in numerous Rocky films, with Sylvester Stallone's character, Rocky Balboa, triumphantly running up them during his training montages.

At the bottom of the Rocky Steps stands the Rocky Statue, a bronze sculpture of Rocky Balboa himself. The statue was originally created for the film Rocky III (1982) and was later donated to the city of Philadelphia. Today, visitors can recreate the iconic run up the steps and take a photo with the Rocky Statue, becoming a part of the Rocky legacy.

Circus Liquor – Clueless | North Hollywood, CA

For fans of the '90s cult classic Clueless (1995), a trip to Circus Liquor in North Hollywood, California, is a must. Located at 5600 Vineland Avenue, Circus Liquor is an iconic landmark featured in the film. Although not much else to do in the area, the flashing neon sign makes for a great photo opportunity and a chance to step into the world of Cher Horowitz and her fashionable adventures.

As Cher would say, Circus Liquor is a full-on Monet – "From far away, it's okay, but up close, it's a big old mess." Nonetheless, it's a fun stop for Clueless fans looking to relive the magic of the '90s teen comedy.

RR Diner & The Great Northern – Twin Peaks | North Bend/Snoqualmie, WA

Fans of David Lynch's Twin Peaks will recognize two iconic filming locations in the small towns of North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington. The Double R Diner, known for its damn good coffee and cherry pie, is featured prominently in the TV series. In reality, the diner is Twede's Cafe located in North Bend. Visitors can enjoy a slice of cherry pie and soak in the atmosphere of this beloved TV show.

In the neighboring town of Snoqualmie, the Great Northern hotel stands above a picturesque waterfall. Known as the Salish Lodge & Spa, the real-life hotel offers a Twin Peaks-themed stay package, complete with a map of other locations fans can visit. So, immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Twin Peaks and explore these enchanting filming locations.

Nakatomi Plaza – Die Hard | Los Angeles, CA

Die Hard (1988) is a classic action film, and one of its most iconic filming locations is the Fox Plaza skyscraper in Century City, Los Angeles. Although most of the film was shot inside the building, the exterior shots featured the fictional Nakatomi Plaza. The distinctive architecture of the building makes it instantly recognizable to fans of the Die Hard franchise.

While there are no official Die Hard tours of the building, visitors can still appreciate its significance in the world of film. Fox Plaza has also been featured in other movies and TV shows, such as Fight Club (1999) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, adding to its pop culture appeal.

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment – Sex and the City | New York, NY

Sex and the City fans know that Carrie Bradshaw's apartment is as much a character in the show as Carrie herself. Contrary to what viewers are told, the apartment is not located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In reality, it stands in the West Village at 66 Perry Street.

The apartment's owners have taken measures to deter curious fans, roping off the stoop to prevent people from sitting on it. They have even asked Google to blur the building on "street view" to maintain their privacy. Nevertheless, fans can still admire the exterior and imagine themselves living a glamorous New York City life, just like Carrie Bradshaw.

Apartment Complex – Mulholland Dr | Los Angeles, CA

David Lynch's Mulholland Dr (2001) takes viewers on a surreal journey through the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. One of the film's most memorable locations is the fictitious Sierra Bonita apartment complex. In reality, the complex is located at 2900 Griffith Park Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Although the complex is not as eerie in real life as it appears in the film, it does have an interesting backstory. Several prominent Disney animators lived in the complex while working on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and reportedly based the dwarves' cottage on its fairy-tale-like architecture. Fans of Mulholland Dr can also visit other David Lynch-inspired locations in Hollywood, such as Pink's Hotdogs and the titular street itself.

Cabazon Dinosaurs – Pee-wee’s Big Adventure | Cabazon, CA

The Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon, California, are a nostalgic reminder of the novelty architecture that was popular in Southern California during the mid-20th century. These giant dinosaur statues played a prominent role in Tim Burton's Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and have since become a roadside attraction visible from Interstate 10.

Originally created by sculptor Claude Bell to attract visitors to his nearby restaurant, the dinosaurs have become a popular tourist stop in their own right. Today, the site also houses a "creationist museum," adding an interesting twist to its history. So, take a detour and marvel at these prehistoric giants on your next road trip.

Grand Central Market – Blade Runner | Los Angeles, CA

Blade Runner (1982) is a sci-fi classic known for its dystopian vision of Los Angeles. Although most of the film's scenes were shot on the Warner Bros. Studio backlot, a few memorable sequences were filmed on-location, including one at Grand Central Market.

Located in downtown Los Angeles, Grand Central Market offers visitors a taste of the city's vibrant culinary scene. In Blade Runner, the market is depicted as a bustling, futuristic marketplace, showcasing the film's unique vision of a dystopian future. So, immerse yourself in the world of Blade Runner and explore the diverse flavors of Grand Central Market.

Monk’s Diner – Seinfeld | New York, NY

Seinfeld, one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, featured many iconic filming locations in New York City. One of the most recognizable is Monk's Diner, the coffee shop where Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer frequently gathered to discuss their misadventures.

In reality, Monk's Diner was inspired by Tom's Restaurant, located at the corner of West 112th Street and Broadway. While the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, fans can still visit Tom's Restaurant and enjoy a cup of coffee, imagining themselves as part of the Seinfeld gang.

Crain Communications Building – Adventures in Babysitting | Chicago, IL

The Crain Communications Building is a diamond-shaped skyscraper that stands as a recognizable fixture in Chicago's skyline. This iconic building plays a notable role in the 1987 cult classic Adventures in Babysitting.

In the film, the building is featured in a climactic chase scene on Michigan Avenue, offering a backdrop of the city's bustling streets. While the building has made appearances in other films, such as Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), its distinctive shape and prominent location make it a standout landmark in Chicago.

Point Dume – Iron Man and Planet of the Apes | Malibu, CA

Malibu's Point Dume is a picturesque location that has served as a filming location for several notable movies. In the sci-fi classic Planet of the Apes (1968), the cliff face at Point Dume is famously obscured by a matte painting of a destroyed Statue of Liberty, creating an iconic visual moment.

More recently, Point Dume was featured as the fictional location of Tony Stark's seaside mansion in the Iron Man and Avengers films. The breathtaking coastal views and rugged beauty of Point Dume make it a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Getty Museum – Star Trek: Into Darkness | Los Angeles, CA

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles is a renowned cultural institution known for its impressive art collection. However, it has also played a role in the Star Trek film series. In Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013), the museum serves as the fictional StarFleet Academy.

While the exterior shots of StarFleet Academy were filmed at The Getty Museum, other Star Trek filming locations in the Hollywood area include Bronson Canyon and Griffith Observatory. So, embrace your inner Trekkie and embark on a journey through the Star Trek universe, visiting these iconic filming locations.

Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse – Ghostbusters | New York, NY

The Hook & Ladder Company 8 is a real fire station located at 14 North Moore Street in New York City's Tribeca neighborhood. This firehouse gained fame after being featured in the supernatural comedy Ghostbusters (1984).

In the film, the firehouse serves as the headquarters for the Ghostbusters crew. The exterior shots of the firehouse have become iconic, and fans can visit the location to see where the Ghostbusters fought off paranormal activity. The firehouse embraces its Ghostbusters legacy, with the iconic logo displayed on the exterior.

Randy’s Donuts – Mars Attacks | Los Angeles, CA

Randy's Donuts is an iconic Los Angeles landmark known for its giant donut-shaped sign. This drive-in donut shop has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! (1996).

In the film, Randy's Donuts is transported to the Midwest as part of an alien attack satire. Despite its fictional relocation, the real Randy's Donuts remains a popular tourist stop for its unique architecture and delicious donuts. So, grab a donut and immerse yourself in the world of Mars Attacks!

The Swan House – The Hunger Games | Atlanta, GA

Fans of The Hunger Games series will recognize The Swan House, an elegant mansion located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Swan House served as the residence of President Snow, the antagonist of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013).

Although The Swan House is usually home to the Atlanta Historical Society, the crew of The Hunger Games found ways to protect the historic home while filming. Sets were built on the surrounding grounds to depict the dystopian world of Panem. Visit The Swan House to experience the grandeur of President Snow's residence and immerse yourself in the world of The Hunger Games.

Katz’s Deli – When Harry Met Sally | New York, NY

Katz's Delicatessen in New York City has a special place in film history thanks to the iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally (1989). In the film, Meg Ryan's character, Sally, demonstrates the art of faking pleasure in a memorable scene set in Katz's Deli.

Today, Katz's proudly displays a sign above the booth where the scene was filmed. Fans can sit in the same spot and recreate the classic "I'll have what she's having" moment. Don't forget to order one of Katz's famous pastrami sandwiches while you're there!

Timberline Lodge – The Shining | Mount Hood, OR

The Timberline Lodge, located on Mount Hood in Oregon, is a stunning hotel that played a significant role in Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation of The Shining (1980). The lodge's exterior was used to depict the eerie Overlook Hotel in the movie.

The Timberline Lodge has become a popular destination for fans of The Shining, offering a chance to experience the haunting atmosphere of the film. While exploring the lodge, visitors can appreciate its beautiful craftsmanship and enjoy the stunning mountain views that made it the perfect setting for this horror classic.

Public Garden Bench – Good Will Hunting | Boston, MA

Good Will Hunting (1997) is a heartwarming film set in Boston, Massachusetts. One of the film's most memorable scenes takes place on a bench in Boston's Public Garden. In that scene, Robin Williams and Matt Damon's characters share an emotional moment that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Located in Boston's historic Public Garden, this iconic bench offers a peaceful spot to reflect and connect with the film's powerful themes. Visitors can take a seat and imagine themselves immersed in the world of Good Will Hunting, appreciating the beauty of the park and the enduring impact of the film.

Mandrake Falls’ Main Street – Mr. Deeds | New Milford, CT

The small town of New Milford, Connecticut, served as the filming location for Mandrake Falls, New Hampshire, in the 2002 film Mr. Deeds. Comparable to Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A., New Milford's Bank Street and nearby town green exude small-town charm.

While the filming signs have long been removed, visitors can still stroll down the quaint streets, enjoying the picturesque setting that captured the essence of Mandrake Falls. So, take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in the world of Mr. Deeds in the charming town of New Milford.

Exploring famous filming locations can be an exciting way to connect with our favorite movies and TV shows. From luxurious hotels to small-town diners, each location has its own unique charm and the ability to transport us into the world of our beloved characters. So, grab your camera and embark on a cinematic journey through these iconic filming locations in the United States. With Proxi's interactive mapping tool , you can plot your own cinematic journey across America. Unleash your inner filmmaker, create your personalized map, and embark on an unforgettable adventure. So, grab your popcorn, start planning, and let the magic of movies guide your next road trip.

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What is film tourism and why does it matter?

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Film tourism is big- what is it, what impact does it have, and where are the best locations for it? Read on to find out…

What is film tourism?

How do movies affect tourism, positive impacts of film tourism, negative impacts of film tourism, james bond film tourism, game of thrones film tourism, indiana jones film tourism, lord of the rings film tourism, the beach film tourism, gladiator film tourism, harry potter studios, atlas film studios, universal studios, pinewood studios, film tourism- further reading.

Film tourism has been defined by the Scottish Tourist Board as being the business of attracting visitors through the portrayal of the place or a place’s storylines in film, video and television. People have seen a location in a movie and thought, I want to go there. This might be because they thought the destination was particularly beautiful, or because they *really* enjoyed the film and want to experience more of it in some way. It extends to TV shows, too, but film tourism is the name given to this phenomenon.

Movies affect tourism by offering another reason for a person to visit a particular location. Someone may have had no interest in visiting New Zealand, for example – until they saw Lord of the Rings and found out it was filmed there, and there are specific locations you can visit as a fan. Likewise, many people are drawn to Vis Island in Croatia because Mama Mia was filmed there .

Another way films affect tourism is by offering more avenues for income to be created. For example, gift shops and paid-for photo spots are becoming common in areas linked to particular films. Some companies are also offering specific guided tours of filming spots across certain cities.

Is this impact positive? In many ways, film tourism does have positive impacts. It works in both directions, too. Some people may be visiting a location anyway, then find out it is a filming location for a particular movie thanks to promotional material, the tours on offer and so on. This could then encourage them to watch the film when they may not have otherwise done so! Things like props, posters and signposting all impact the film industry in this way.

Of course, the biggest positive impact is for the location itself and the surrounding area(s). People are visiting destinations they may not have otherwise been interested in – and this means they are spending money. Whether that be with tour companies, local businesses, hotels and so on, money is flowing in. From this comes better jobs, a better standard of living and a sense of pride in the area.

By promoting themselves as a film location, areas are able to create a positive and fun image. The film is free publicity for them – and it is something that can continue to have an impact as more and more people watch the movie(s) over time. We’re talking years, especially if the film is particularly successful or becomes a cult classic.

It also encourages governments and citizens to work to protect the location, especially environmentally but also in terms of infrastructure. This is not only good for the visiting tourists , of course, but for the locals too!

Are there any negative impacts of film tourism? As with anything, there are negatives which can be explored alongside the many positive impacts. Firstly, destinations may not be prepared for a sudden influx of tourists if this shift happens very quickly. Destinations need time to ensure their roads are able to take a higher number of vehicles, and to make sure there are enough hotel rooms or other places to stay. Tour companies may feel under pressure to create tours, too.

There will likely be more traffic. This means roads could be congested, which is never good for the people who live there. More people also means less privacy, a frustration for many people who live in tourist-y areas. With film tourism, new destinations pop up all the time; this means you may have been living somewhere for decades without it being a popular visitor area and then one day, it suddenly is.

More vehicular traffic is, of course, an environmental impact of tourism . Air quality will decline and emissions will go up – all of this is a huge negative impact in terms of climate change. Extra footfall, more litter, and generally just a disrespect for nature can all have negative impacts on an area.

There is also the copyright issue to take into consideration. Some film franchises and studios will not allow areas to promote themselves with ties to the film or series itself; this means the location is seeing a higher number of visitors without being able to profit in their own (and usually the most beneficial) way.

Popular film-induced tourism destinations

There are so many locations which are popular with movie fans. You can see some major ones below!

James Bond fans flock to Thailand in order to visit Khao Phing Kan. This island featured in the 1974 movie The Man With The Golden Gun. Tour operators were quick to rebrand the island as ‘James Bond Island’ and almost overnight, Thailand became a popular destination for fans of 007.

There are two main locations visited by Game of Thrones fans looking to get a glimpse at where the series was filmed. The first is Northern Ireland , home to 25 filming locations such as Inch Abbey, Ballintoy Harbour and many more – you can do organised tours, or take yourself around for a few days and see how many you can tick off. There are self-guided driving routes available online and you’ll come across plenty of photo ops along the way… The second destination popular with GoT fans is Dubrovnik in beautiful Croatia ; again, organised tours are available or you can DIY it. From the setting of King’s Landing Harbour to Blackwater Bay, there are so many GoT filming locations here.

One film franchise with epic scenery has to be Indiana Jones. There are many places you can go to if you want to get in with Indy – the first of which is Cambodia. Head to the stunning Ta Prohm Temple, located at the Angkor Archaeological Park in Angkor Wat. This is where Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was filmed! As a bonus, it also features in Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider. The more you know! Visit as part of an organised tour to see it up close.

Petra in Jordan is another fantastic location for Indiana Jones fans. It featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – and Indy definitely put the location on the map for many people.

New Zealand is heaven for Lord of the Rings fans. This epic book-turned-film trilogy was filmed here, with its lush greenery and endless mountains providing the perfect backdrop for bringing Middle Earth to life. You can visit the film set itself, now a permanent tourist attraction in Matamata, and you can see Mount Ngauruhoe (which masquerades as Mount Doom) too! Wellington, Canterbury and other areas are also used as filming locations for these epic movies, as well as for The Hobbit film trilogy.

The Beach, a Danny Boyle film from 2000, is set in Thailand. Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Leh is an absolute paradise – but it has been subject to too much tourism over the years and has only just re-opened to tourists. This is a clear negative impact of tourism, as discussed above. There are now rules and restrictions for visitors, meaning it will hopefully remain open to tourists for years to come in its natural – and beautiful – state.

If you thought Russell Crowe’s famous 2000 movie Gladiator was filmed in Rome , you’d be wrong. Film tourists hoping to experience a bit of this particular magic need to head to Morocco, Tunisia and Malta. Starting with Morocco, Gladiator fans can visit a city built into the side of a hill: Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location used for ‘Zucchabar’. Malta, a historic military base, has many forts – and Fort Ricasoli played host to the cast of Gladiator for 19 weeks. Last but not least, Tunisia is also on the list of filming locations for the movie: specifically the El Jem amphitheatre.

Popular film studios for tourists

As well as larger areas such as towns or cities, or historic locations or pretty beaches, film tourism extends to studios. Many film studios are open to visitors for a fee, and you can easily visit and see props, sets and more!

The ‘Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’ is located in Watford, Hertfordshire – not far from London itself. This epic visitor centre is home to thousands of individual props from the film series, full-size set locations, a gift shop selling everything a Potter fan could want, and so much more. You can visit yourself, or book a guided tour which usually includes transport from London. Experience the magic of the Great Hall, ride in a ‘flying car’ and try a glass of delicious Butterbeer. It really is an experience you’ll never forget, whether you’re interested in how films are actually made or if you’re just a huge HP fan!

Cinema Studio Atlas, located in Ouarzazate in Morocco, is popular with film fans. This 30,000 sq metre film studio in the desert is open to visitors when there’s no filming on that day; if you want an authentic film studio experience, this is where you need to go! The Mummy (1999), Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), Black Hawk Down (2001) and many more have all been filmed here. It hasn’t necessarily been transformed into a tourist experience but if you want to see a real film set with original sets, this is where to go.

Now more famous as a theme park, California -based Universal Studios is in fact a fully working film studio. Here you can visit 13 city blocks across four acres of historic studio lot. It is actually the largest set construction project in studio history! The tour runs for around an hour, and gives you a real behind-the-scenes insight into Hollywood movie production.

Pinewood is another super-famous film studio. Located around 18 miles outside of London, it is not generally open to the public meaning it is less of a film tourism location. However, you *can* visit it as part of a TV audience or pre-arranged group visit.

If you enjoyed reading this article, I am sure that you will love these too!

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Movie Locations in Iceland: The Complete List

2020s Movies Filmed in Iceland

2023 - heart of stone, 2022 - the northman, 2022 - against the ice, 2020 - eurovision song contest: the story of fire saga, 2020 - the midnight sky, 2010s movies filmed in iceland, 2018 - through night and day, 2017 - justice league, 2017 - the fate of the furious, 2016 - rogue one: a star wars story, 2016 - captain america: civil war, 2016 - war on everyone, 2015 - star wars: the force awakens, 2015 - dilwale, 2014 - interstellar, 2014 - noah, 2013 - oblivion, 2013 - star trek: into darkness, 2013 - thor: the dark world, 2013 - the secret life of walter mitty, 2013 - the fifth estate, 2013 - naayak, 2012 - prometheus, 2011 - tree of life, 2011 - faust, 2000s movies filmed in iceland, 2008 - journey to the center of the earth, 2007 - stardust, 2007 - hostel part ii, 2006 - letters from iwo jima, 2005 - flags of our fathers, 2005 - batman begins, 2002 - die another day, 2001 - lara croft: tomb raider, 20th century movies filmed in iceland, 1995 - judge dredd, 1985 - a view to a kill.

• 1919 - Borgslægtens Historie (Sons of the Soil)

A surprising amount of big international films have been shot in Iceland. The nature of Iceland is incredibly diverse and can stand in for other countries, as well as portraying alien planets or dystopian wastelands! These unique places can be explored on many tours in Iceland .

Among the largest films to have been shot in Iceland include Batman Begins , Interstellar , Rogue One: A Star Wars Story , Captain America: Civil War , and Justice League . It's not only big Hollywood that makes use of Iceland for their movies, but big films from countries such as India, Britain, Russia, and the Philippines have also utilized the uniqueness of Icelandic nature for their films.

• Learn more about  the Story of Icelandic Cinema

Filmmakers choose Iceland because the country is so varied in nature – yet the distances are short and convenient, making it easy to get around on a rental car . Additionally, you can get a highly professional and experienced film crew from Icelandic production companies such as True North and Saga Film. Popular TV series such as Game of Thrones and Black Mirror have also made us of Icelandic filming locations, but in this article, we're only focusing on movies. If you want to explore these movie locations around the country, book accommodation in Iceland .

What follows is a (mostly) complete list of international films that have been filmed in Iceland – with still frames from the movies for reference.

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Inside the volcano thrihnukagigur tour with transfer from reykjavik, small group tour of snaefellsnes national park with transfer from reykjavik, 2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Following the halt in film production during the early part of the decade, Iceland quickly got whipped into movie-making shape! With big movie productions and other projects being undertaken in Iceland, the film industry is currently flourishing in Iceland.

Fortunately, the explosion was all just special effects, and Harpa still stands tall by Reykjavik harbor today. You can even book a table at Harpa and enjoy a delicious meal inside the architectural marvel. It's also a stop on the popular  Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off tour , which takes you sightseeing around the city.

The Northman is an epic Viking film that is truly visually stunning and was directed by Robert Eggers. The movie stars Alexander Skarsgård and Anya Taylor-Joy in the main roles, with support from Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Iceland's very own Björk  (seen above). This is by far the most ambitious Viking film ever made, with a budget of about $80 million dollars.

The movie takes place almost entirely in Iceland and was co-written by Icelandic screenwriter and poet Sjón. Other Icelandic actors that appear in the film include Ingvar E. Sigurðsson and Hafthor "The Mountain" Bjornsson. With all these Icelandic connections and the story of the movie taking place in Iceland, wouldn't you think it was mostly filmed in Iceland? Nope! The movie was mostly filmed in Ireland.

Photo from the Incredible 2-Hour Siberian Husky Dog Sled Sightseeing Tour

A large part of the film includes the two voyagers riding across glaciers on dog sleds. As the movie takes place well before the invention of snowmobiles, this was the fastest way to get across glaciers at the time. If you want to try dog-sledding in Iceland , there are many possibilities, as you can go dog-sledding near Reykjavik or go on an epic Siberian husky sleigh ride in North Iceland .

This movie, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, was released on Netflix on June 26, 2020. It takes place in Iceland and features Icelandic characters, though most of them are played by American actors speaking English. The film is about two musicians from Husavik who dream of making it on the big stage and participating in the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Iceland and making their small town proud.

The town of Husavik is prominently featured in the film and sets the stage for a whirlwind story. The bar Will Ferrell and friends perform at frequently can be visited if you go to Husavik and has been renamed the Jaja Ding Dong Bar & Eurovision Exhibition and features a display of memorabilia from Iceland's entries in the song contest, as well as some costumes which were featured in the film, including the epic Volcano Man costume.

There is a nod to Husavik's reputation as the "Whale Watching Capital of Europe" when Will Ferrell's character talks directly to the whales at the town's harbor, and two whales perform a synchronized pirouette! If you want to get to see the whales that live in Skjalfandi bay, book this oak boat whale-watching tour in Husavik . We can't promise a synchronized pirouette, though.

The story of Husavik being chosen as Will Ferrell's character's hometown is pretty interesting. Ferrell had wanted to do a comedy movie featuring Eurovision since he first saw the song contest in 1998 with his Swedish wife. Two decades and countless blockbusters later, he decided to finally make it happen. However, Sweden was simply too successful in Eurovision, having won it multiple times, so depicting singers from Sweden wouldn't have that same underdog quality. That's why Iceland was chosen.

When they were deciding where to shoot it in Iceland, David Dobkin, the director of the film, simply pointed to Husavik on a map and asked Netflix if they could shoot there, without ever having visited. Netflix agreed, and the rest is history. If you want to visit the town yourself, make sure to book accommodation in Husavik beforehand, as it's been getting popular in recent years. Above, you can see the many shots featuring this small town, which now has become well-known around the world.

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Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking.

In the second decade of the 21st century, Iceland had fully established itself as a reliable filming location for big-budget movies. The local production companies had acquired a lot of experience, and the Icelandic camera crews were trustworthy and diligent, resulting in a lot of large projects during this decade.

• Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn

• Learn more: Hjorleifshofdi in South Iceland - The Hike, The Inhabitants and the Yoda Cave

The Indian action-comedy film Dilwale has a sequence filmed entirely in Iceland. It was a huge hit in its native country when it came out and remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The song "Gerua," featured in the film, was shot in various places around the country, which you can see in the video above.

This is a popular destination for glacier hiking and you can easily visit it on a guided glacier hiking tour on Svinafellsjokull . You’ll feel like you’re exploring alien territory!

At the time when Oblivion was filmed in Iceland, it was the biggest, most ambitious movie to have been filmed in Iceland, along with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty , and with the biggest star power as well. The success of the movie and how smoothly the shoots in Iceland went, paved the way for many blockbusters to come. In the short featurette above, you can hear about Tom Cruise's experience shooting in Iceland, which was something that he wanted to do for a long time.

In the short video above, you can see behind-the-scenes footage of Hemsworth and the gang shooting in Iceland, minus the CGI shroud of darkness, so you can actually see the Icelandic landscapes in all their glory.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty came out in 2013, which, at that point, was the most ambitious movie to be shot in Iceland, along with Oblivion that same year. With A-list actors and multiple locations across the country, it served as a great display of both the possibilities of Iceland as a shooting location and the competency of Icelandic film crews involved in the making of the movie. In the clip above, you can see Ben Stiller raving about his experience shooting in Iceland and why he felt it was perfect for the movie.

• Learn more: Iceland's Blue Lagoon: The Ultimate Travel Guide

• Read more: Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

Top Glacier Tours

During the first decade of the 21st century, Hollywood would dip their toe into moviemaking in Iceland. Not many foreign films were shot in Iceland during this time, but the few that did were big-budget blockbusters with big-name actors. It helped get the word out to production studios that Iceland looked great on film!

• Learn more: Top 16 Things to Do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

For his sequel to Hostel , director Eli Roth filmed a spa sequence that’s supposed to take place in Italy, but is actually the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Eli Roth has further connections to Iceland as the inspiration for his directorial debut Cabin Fever came from when he was staying in Iceland and developed a terrible skin infection. Additionally, in the original Hostel film, one of the main characters was Icelandic, played by an Icelandic amateur actor.

Top Dog Sledding Tours

Incredible 2 hour siberian husky dog sled sightseeing tour by the myvatn area, visit a dog sled kennel on an icelandic farm | lake myvatn area, thrilling 1.5 hour siberian husky dog cart tour in the lake myvatn area.

The 20th century did not see many international films being shot in Iceland. However, during the last two decades of the century, Icelandic cinema made great progress. Many movies considered Icelandic classics today were made during that time, such as Með allt á hreinu (On Top), Hrafninn flýgur (The Raven Flies), Sódóma Reykjavík (The Remote Control), and the Oscar-nominated Börn náttúrunnar (Children of Nature). The experience gained by Icelandic filmmakers during this time would prove invaluable when Hollywood came-a-knockin' in the 21st century.

• Learn more: 22 Best Things to Do on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The opening shot of the movie is of a helicopter flying over Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, with an expanding "gun barrel" iris shot in true James Bond fashion, following the end of the title sequence.

1919 - Borgslægtens Historie (Sons of the Soil)

Now we go way into the past, back to the silent film era, with this full-length film by Danish director Gunnar Sommerfeldt. It was based on a novel by Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson, making it the first Icelandic novel to be adapted into a film. The entire film was shot in Iceland, using a mix of Danish and Icelandic actors. It is a dramatic film about the relationship between two brothers around the turn of the 20th century.

Sons of the Soil is not available for viewing online, but it was last shown in Iceland in 2021 with a new original composition performed by the Nordic Symphony Orchestra. Below is a collection of frames from this remarkable piece of history, which gives a glimpse into life in Iceland over 100 years ago.

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This Is the No. 1 Destination for Experiencing Movie and TV Locations In Real Life

Topping the list is Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch.

The fantastical worlds of television and the “big screen” continue to captivate audiences worldwide. And with Gen Z and millennial travelers turning to pop culture and platforms like TikTok for trip inspiration, it's hardly a surprise that “set jetting” and “fandom travel” — visiting real-world locations popularized by TV shows, films, or books — are among travel’s biggest trends.

A new study by travel insurance company Faye reveals the top “fandom” places that Gen Z and millennials dream of visiting. (Faye’s analysis also concluded that Gen Z and millennial travelers are willing to spend an average of $2,357 on these trips. )

Topping the list is Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch , a 4,000-acre nature preserve and working cattle ranch featured in the original Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films. This coveted location has proven to be a goldmine, reeling in more than $1 billion in visitor spending in 2022, according to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism .

But a trip to Kualoa Ranch offers far more than just a glimpse of the iconic Jurassic Park set. Guests can gallop through dramatic landscapes on horseback, sail along the crystal waters of Kaneohe Bay, embark on a thrilling multi-passenger UTV tour, or zip line across the scenic Ka'a'awa Valley. For those struggling to choose just one activity, the " Best of Kualoa Experience " package offers a trio of 90-minute tours: the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, the Jurassic Jungle Expedition, and the Kualoa Grown Tour, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.

Keahua Arboretum in Kauai, Hawaii, comes in a close second. This destination allows travelers to immerse themselves in the otherworldly landscapes depicted in the movie "Avatar."

Rounding out the top five are New Zealand, where the "Lord of the Rings"' Middle Earth comes to life; Paris, which has several locations featured in the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris ; and Albuquerque, which invites visitors to step into The Upside Down of Stranger Things .

To see the top nine trending destinations, visit withfaye.com .

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

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Discover where your favourite films were shot

Best film locations in Europe

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Europe is the perfect destination for millions of travellers. It inspires artists and filmmakers from around the world. The landscapes are so stunning! Discover the best film locations in Europe where your favourite films were shot. For example “ Star Wars, “James Bond” “Inception”, “Harry Potter”….

Discover the best film locations in Europe and book your holidays and activities  to immerse yourself in your favourite films for a perfect holiday with European Best Destinations.

1. Notting Hill

London - UK

Remember Hugh Grant's blue eyes in the film “Notting Hill”? Discover Notting Hill, one of London's most beautiful places. Walk in the footsteps of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant for a romantic break in the capital of England .

The houses are colourful in Notting Hill, the bookshops are small, Portobello  market so “ bello” Enjoy the place and make your stay in London perfect! Book your hotel, B&B, Youth Hostel, London apartment at the best price and your best activities and tours in London .

Do not forget to buy the London Pass to enjoy free access to the best activities in London. You might find your prince/princess charming in Notting Hill! Who knows?

2. Robin Hood

Pembrokeshire - UK

Pembrokeshire has already been rewarded for the quality of its beaches with the title of " Best Beach in Europe ". If you like wild and natural coasts, go to Pembrokeshire and Freshwater West Beach that was the backdrop to Ridley Scott’s film « Robin Hood » performed by  Russel Crowe.

If you are a fan of TV shows, go to Tenby which was also the backdrop to the TV show "Sherlock". There are so many reasons to go discover Tenby & Pembrokeshire!

3. Inception

Paris - France

Paris is the first city in Europe where most films were shot. It is also the capital of love, the capital of culture, the city of the impressionists, the dada movement, Picasso, Manray, Marcel Duchamp.

If you want to stroll in the most beautiful neighbourhoods of Paris do not miss the 15th arrondissement and the Bir-Haikem Bridge where the film "Inception" with Leonardo Di Caprio and Marion Cotillard was shot. This bridge is a feat of engineering!

Book your accommodation at the best price in Paris for an unforgettable stay in the capital of love and art!

4. Harry Potter

Alnwick Castle - UK

Alnwick Castle is famous for film lovers; many films were shot in this castle : Robin Hood, The War of the Roses and the very famous Harry Potter.

The Duke of Percy lives with his family in a part of the castle; another one is open to the public all summer. Come discover Alnwick Castle and immerse yourself in the universe of Hogwarts. Book your hotel, B&B, guesthouse or apartment at the best price in Edinburgh  and treat yourself to an excursion to the Alnwick Castle to discover Harry Potter’s emblematic place.

Dunnottar Castle - Scotland

Wow, wow, wow !!! Even if you were not a fan of the film "Hamlet" you should not miss this magnificent castle located in a dream place. The castle is open all year round. The entrance ticket is quite affordable (between 5 and 10 euros).  

Many famous films were shot at Dunnotar Castle "Hamlet" was one of them. If you are looking for the best destinations in Europe and the best film locations, Dunnottar Castle is the must place. Book your B&B, hotel, guesthouse or apartment at the best price in Aberdeen for a perfect stay in Scotland and treat yourself to an excursion to Dunnottar Castle.

6. La Vita e bella

Arezzo - Italy

Life is beautiful that way... "La Vita è bella" by Roberto Benigni was shot in the beautiful town of Arezzo.The tune of the song is famous worldwide and will not escape from your mind throughout your visit. 

"Piazza Grande" is undoubtedly the most emblematic place of the film, but many other places in Arrezzo were chosen for the film too. Visit the "Palazzo della Provincia", the "Caffé dei Costanti", the "Teatro Petrarca" or the "Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla" where the two lovers meet.

You want a dream holiday? Book your hotel, guesthouse or B&B in Arezzo at the best price . Don’t forget to bring the soundtrack of the film  with you !

7. James Bond

Estoril - Portugal

Want a dream holiday in Portuga!? Estoril is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe !

It is located a few kilometers from Lisbon . This magnificent seaside resort is a little paradise on earth. Royal families and the aristocracy use to spend their holiday there. Estoril is a perfect destination for a dream holiday, under the sun of Portugal, in the best hotels in Europe .

For those looking for the best hotel in Estoril, we recommend the " Palacio Estoril ", a magnificent 5 star hotel, both traditional and modern.

"James Bond - On Her Majesty’s Secret Service" was shot in Estoril. Stay in that hotel and shoot the film of your dream holiday in Portugal. Book your hotel, villa, apartment or guesthouse in Estoril at the best price and your activities such as a visit to the castles of Sintra , or activities in Lisbon.

8. The Talented Mr Riplay

Ischia Castle - Italy

Ischia, the dream destination, is one of the most beautiful European destinations awarded by the European Commission of the European Destination of Excellence award. Ischia is an island of eternal beauty.

Walk in the footsteps of Jude Law, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The whole town was the setting for that cult film.  

For an unforgettable holiday in one of the best destinations in Europe book your hotel, villa, guesthouse or apartment in Ischia at the best price guaranteed for a great holiday in Italy. Book your activities in Ischia as a private yacht cruise or a visit to the gardens of Ischia will brighten your holidays

9. Mission Impossible

Prague - Czech Republic

Prague , the capital of the Czech Republic is  famous for shootings of many films such as "James Bond - Casino Royale", "Amadeus", "Les Misérables", "Oliver Twist'" "Chronicles of Narnia" and last but not least "MIssion : Impossible" with Tom Cruise.

Prague is one of the most romantic destinations in Europe . Do not miss a nice city trip to Prague, visit the Castle, enjoy a cruise , a Prague Segway Grand City Tour or a Medieval Dinner with unlimited drinks and book your hotel, guesthouse, B & B or apartment in Prague at the best price guaranteed for a perfect holiday. 

10. Star Wars

Skellig Michael Island 

Come discover Skellig Michael Island which seems so far away but so easy to get to by boat or plane. The island was the setting for "The Force Awakens". This film really boosted tourism in Ireland but fortunately the shooting of the film left no unwanted effects. The place was preserved and the raw power of nature is still awaiting you at Skellig Michael Island.

Book your hotel, B & B, guesthouse at the best price in Waterville , Baltimore or Clonakilty , the closest towns for an excursion on Skellig Michael Island. If you want to discover all the beauties of Ireland do not miss the Giant's Causeway , Kilkenny and Wicklow Moutain.

Buy your Dublin Pass with Bus Tour and get your free entry for 33 attractions in Dublin.

May the Force be with you !

11. Game of Thrones

Dubrovnik - Croatia

You have loved the successful TV series "Game of Thrones"? You will love the city of Dubrovnik , Croatia, where this series was shot.

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The scenery is fabulous and you can take a lifetime to visit the numerous islands of Croatia. Croatia has a great history, delicious gastronomy, cheap hotels and luxurious 5 star hotels at affordable prices. It also has delicious wines and the best truffles in Europe. Mediterranean restaurants and nightclubs are famous all over the world. The beaches are fabulous  and the water is so blue! It is also Hilary & Bill Clinton’s favourite destination . You might come across them any day !

There are hundreds of things to see and do in Dubrovnik such as guided tours of the old town, kayaking and of course the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour specially created for fans of the TV series. You will walk in the footsteps of your favourite "Game of Thrones" characters. 

Book your hotel, villa, guesthouse, B&B or apartment in Dubrovnik at the best price guaranteed for a perfect holiday in one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

12. A Room With a View

Florence - Italy

Welcome to Florence , one of the most beautiful cities in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe: Tuscany! In the famous film "A Room With a View",  Florence is THE star. You will be amazed by its river,  the Ponte Vecchio,  the Piazza della Signoria, and the Duomo.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of "A Room With a View", book your room at the Degli Orafi hotel, ask for room 414 where most scenes were shot.

Book your guided tours and tickets at the Uffizi Gallery but also your tickets for Michelangelo's David, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo for a perfect stay in Florence. Discover the charm of Italy in this romantic and exciting town.

13. Mamma Mia

Skopelos - Greece

“Mamma mia, here I go again, My my, how can I resist you?”

You will not  resist the beauties and charms of the Greek island of Skopelos. The hit film "Mamma mia" was shot on this island. The turquoise waters,  perfect climate, traditional, healthy and tasty cuisine are amazing!

Like Meryl Streep or Pierce Brosnan, treat yourself to a perfect holiday on one of the most beautiful islands in Europe by booking your hotel, apartment, villa, B&B or guesthouse in Skopelos . You can also book your holidays in Athens and go on a short excursion to Skopelos. 

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The Tourist Filming Locations

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 1st March 2023

Categories Filming Locations , Italy , Paris

Last Updated on 1st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking Venice, among other glittering European destinations, The Tourist is a 2010 romantic thriller starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best of The Tourist filming locations from the movie, featuring locations from both Paris and Venice.

Place des Victoires, Paris

Le nemours café, paris, quatre-september métro station, gare de lyon, paris, santa lucia station, venice, hotel danieli, venice, rialto market, biblioteca nazionale marciana, scuola grande della misericordia, venetian arsenal (arsenale di venezia).

Situated in the 1st arrondissement of the city, Place des Victoires is a grand public square in Paris which is overlooked by a large statue of Louis XIV atop of a horse.

A circular spot in the city filled with grand architecture, in The Tourist movie, this is where Elise (played by Jolie) lives. Nearby b-roll shots of the 1st and 2nd arrondissement is then shown before Elise turns up at the second prominent Paris filming location of The Tourist.

The opening scene of the tourist depicts Jolie enjoying a coffee at the Le Nemours Café outside of the Palais-Royal-Musée-du-Louvre metro station entrance which features Murano glass from Italy. Café Nemours can be found in Place Colette in the heart of the 1st arrondissement.

Situated between the Louvre Museum and Palais-Royal gardens, the Parisian restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike thanks to its central location.

Perfect for people watching, you can order a light lunch or simply a coffee or small glass of wine. Throughout the floor in this area, you’ll find bronze medallions which mark out the Paris meridian line .

After leaving a €20 note for a fairly meagre breakfast at Le Nemours, Elise Clifton-Ward sets off into the streets of Paris in a bid to escape those who are pursuing her (people from a French convoy and her ‘handlers’ at Scotland Yard). 

During these shots, Elise wanders through the second arrondissement of Paris, even managing to make it through one of the covered passages of Paris, that of Passage Choiseul , which lends itself to a fantastic cinematic moment.

After making her way through the various twists and turns of the beautiful streets in the surrounding area, Jolie’s character then enters the Parisian metro system at Quatre-Septembre.

The last of The Tourist filming locations in Paris is that of Gare de Lyon, which is a Parisian train station in the 12th arrondissement of the city. One of six main train stations in Paris, around 148.1 million passengers go through the station annually. Elise boards a train here headed straight to Venice, Italy.

The first glimpse we see of Venice is via the Santa Lucia train station. After only seeing Elise in Paris, this is the first time that we meet the other main character, Frank (who is played by Johnny Depp). Having arrived at the Santa Lucia Station a little lost, Frank leaves the station and is greeted by Elise on a motorboat, where she offers him a ride.

Reality and fiction are a little blurred in this The Tourist movie scene as, though Frank and Elise are meant to be checking into the Danieli Hotel, the actual entrance shown in the movie is that of the Palazzo Pisani Moretta.

The hotel room also shows a view of the Rialto Bridge, which also wouldn’t be possible in reality. With this being said, Hotel Danieli is a highly rated five-star hotel in Venice which you can book a stay at for yourself if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Italy. 

During a particularly thrilling scene where Frank is being chased, while still in his pyjamas, the Rialto Market is shown as the backdrop for the scene. The market takes place close to the Rialto Bridge in the district of San Polo on a daily basis and is a must-see for visitors to Venice.

Situated on Piazza San Marco, the scene directly after that of the Rialto Marco sees Frank being interviewed by the Italian police.

Though the building is supposed to be a police station in the movie, it is, in fact, a library overlooking San Marco square in the heart of the city. Looking out the window, the Doge’s Palace is easily recognisable.

One of the more hidden gems of Venice which appears in The Tourist movie is that of Scuola Grande della Misericordia. In the film, the building is used as the backdrop for an exclusive gala dance.

There has been a building on site since the 14th-century, though the space has been enlarged several times over the centuries. The building has recently undergone significant restorations and is well worth a wander inside during your trip to Italy, if only to admire the gorgeous architecture to be found there.

Yet another historical site in Venice which was used as the backdrop for an office in the film is actually a museum and gallery space in real life. The Venetian Arsenal was used to be the headquarters of Interpol in The Tourist.

In reality, the Aresnale di Venezia was once where the Venice navy once built its ships in secret and away from prying eyes. Today, the area holds a naval museum which visitors can visit for a small fee to learn all about the intertwined history of marine ventures and the floating city.

Enjoyed reading about the top The Tourist Filming Locations in Paris and Venice? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Popular Movies Can Increase Tourism to the Film’s Location between 25%-300%

It seems pretty obvious: a popular movie can increase tourism to the film’s location.

So while we weren’t surprised to find data proving this, we were impressed just by how much it can increase. When we totaled up all the publicly available data, we found that on average, a popular movie increases tourism to the featured location by 31%.

We ran an analysis on 100 popular films with locations where people could travel to see the film’s location (think Lord of the Rings , less Interstellar ), and pulled data on tourism trends. Where data was publicly available, we found some shocking numbers suggesting that a popular film can increase tourism to a prominent location in the movie anywhere between 25-300%. There is also research that suggests that this “burst” tourism is a great way to revitalize a country’s local economy over several years, as the tourism remains fairly consistent between three and four years.

How much do specific movies affect tourism?

Here are some of the more interesting examples we found:

• Harry Potter – 50% increase in tourism to all filming locations (in some cities/towns as much as 200%)
• Frozen – 37% increase in tourism to Norway
• The Beach – 22% increase to Thailand
• Braveheart – 300% increase in tourism to Wallace Monument, Scotland
• Mission Impossible 2 – 200% increase to Sydney National Park
• Troy – 73% increase to Canakkale, Turkey

Interestingly, about 10% of people who travel to a new location, replied to a survey that they picked their location based off of a movie’s setting.

The one thing that was hard to report was whether or not a movie that takes place at an already popular destination, if there’s a noticeable increase. For example, Gladiator is said to have inspired people to visit Rome, and  The Hangover inspired a Vegas travel surge, already two of the most commonly visited cities in the world. Did the movies increase the overall tourism metric at all? Or was it just a blip on the map. Unfortunately there isn’t much data publicly available to prove this one way or the other.

Several Vegas casinos, though, which allow film crews to use their hotels as filming locations, commonly see specific spikes in reservations following a popular film or TV show’s release.

How sustainable is movie tourism?

Academic research points out that “ movie induced tourism ” can be great for local economies, and not only in the short term. As the research by Riley, Baker, and Van Doren suggests, this tourism spike can last between three and four years for most popular films .

It also turns out that having a film feature a city or tourist destination can be one of the most effective methods of marketing to potential tourists. A state, city, or town running advertising encouraging tourism, while proven to drive up some amount of new visitations, barely touches the viral effect of a movie profiling a location in a unique way.

With this context, it makes sense why governments offer incentives for filmmakers to create a movie set in their country ( here’s a list of the best countries to shoot a film based on incentives , for the curious), as not only does it bring jobs, it also brings the tourism in lasting form.

Of course it can have unintentional effects, just ask Forks, WA. The city where Twilight took place saw nearly 300,000 new visitors throughout the book and movie saga’s run. Keep in mind this is a town that at the time of the book’s release had a population of 3,500. While some of the locals took kindly to the influx of new visitors, many have complained. Also of note, Stephanie Meyers, Twilight’s author, quite literally googled “rainy locations” to find a setting for her book, there’s just no way to predict such free publicity, which has reshaped a quiet little town.

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Money blog: Holiday money - experts share tips on cash v card, where and when to buy currency and other hacks

Britons spend billions abroad every year - so we asked three experts for their tips on how to make your money go as far as possible on holiday. We'll be back with live updates on Monday - until then, share your holiday money tips with us below, and enjoy your weekend.

Saturday 15 June 2024 10:46, UK

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By Brad Young and Katie Williams , from the Money team

UK residents spend billions of pounds abroad each year, but it can be difficult to know how to make sterling go as far as possible.

With summer fast approaching, so too are the opportunities to splash out on holidays, so the Money team spoke with three travel experts to find out when, where and how to pay abroad.

CREDIT CARD

"The cheapest way to spend overseas is often on plastic , if you've got the right plastic," said James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian.

"Using credit and debit cards can be a great way to get the very best exchange rates."

He said rates offered by currency exchange shops are usually "much less attractive" than those offered on some cards, which were much closer to the rates the banks use themselves.

Fees could wipe out any gains

But it's essential to be aware of things like non-sterling transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees and credit card interest.

So shop around for a card with travel rewards, Mr Jones said - and do this before your trip.  

"You probably need to give yourself, ideally, six weeks."

Extra protection

When you book a trip between £100 and £30,000, try and pay for some of it on a credit card to get "extra protection" under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, said Mr Jones.

That means the card provider is jointly responsible with the retailer if something goes wrong, such as arriving at a hotel only to find it has closed down.

If you are using a credit card, make sure you are can pay it off in full to avoid interest charges, said Sean Tipton from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

One trap you must not falling into

An increasingly common trap when paying with card (credit or debit) is being presented with the option to pay in the local currency or in pounds, said Mr Jones and Mr Tipton.

While paying in sterling might "seem like a wonderful convenience" you will ultimately be paying "quite a bit more for the purchase", Mr Jones said.

If you pay in pounds, the local retailer's bank sets the exchange rate, but if you pay in the local currency, your UK bank sets the rate.

DEBIT CARDS

"Some service providers don't apply fees for overseas use on their regular UK debit cards," says Moneyfacts - but you must always check as some incur big fees.

Alternatively, "some service providers offer specialist travel debit cards that don't impose non-sterling transaction fees and cash withdrawal fees".

PREPAID TRAVEL CARDS

If you're looking to avoid a credit check, prepaid cards can be loaded with multiple currencies and work like a debit card, without being connected to your bank.

"Typically, prepaid travel cards will offer competitive or even no charges for foreign usage, which can make them a cheaper alternative to using a normal credit or debit card while on holiday," says MoneyFacts.

One of the most popular prepaid cards, Revolut, uses its own exchange rates, which might not always be the best you can find - and while it is fee free on weekdays, there are charges at weekends, so do your research.

Also be aware - prepaid cards do not offer purchase protection like a credit card and aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

"Don't rely solely on a card - it can backfire on you if you do," said Mr Tipton.

Some taxis only take cash, leaving you to face hefty charges withdrawing from an ATM.

In some countries, like Argentina, it can be difficult to get money out of ATMs without a local bank account, Mr Tipton said.

Mr Jones added: "If you're in a very remote part of the world that actually doesn’t have many ATMs and maybe where cash is king, then that might dictate what you need to do."

Where and when to get cash

"I'd strongly recommend [to] get some cash out in the UK," said Mr Tipton.

It can be difficult to find a bureau de change in some developing nations, and ATMs have "started introducing quite hefty charges" across the board, he said.

The exceptions are countries with really high inflation rates, where it may make more sense to get cash out when you arrive, he added.

When to exchange currency really depends on the destination, said Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office.

"Exchange rates change frequently, so if you have time, do your homework and lock in a rate when it is good."

What is a good exchange rate for Europe?

Some 80% of British holidays abroad take place in the Eurozone, said Mr Tipton.

The rate has remained "fairly stable", but if you see the pound increasing in value that may be the time to buy a larger amount of Euros for a couple of years in advance, he added.

Mr Tipton said 1.2 to the pound is a "pretty healthy" time to buy, but "it is a bit of a lottery".

Every year the pound gets stronger against the South African rand, and the same in Argentina, where the peso is "unbelievably weak", Mr Tipton suggested.

In store or online?

"Most online suppliers will insist on a minimum order value that might be too high for some people, and you'll have to make sure that you're home for when it's delivered," said Ms Plunkett.

"But typically, rates are better online if that's an option for you."

As the election campaign continues, Rishi Sunak was likely hoping for signs of a strong economic bounceback this week to boost his efforts to win over voters.

But in what came as a blow to the prime minister, early official data released on Wednesday showed the UK economy has flatlined.

The Office for National Statistics said there was zero growth in April, after the economy recorded its fastest growth in two years from January to March.

Experts  blamed a negative impact from wet weather, knocking both retail sales and construction output - but despite the emphasis on the hit from rain, the numbers were still a setback for Mr Sunak's key election argument that the economy is improving after successive hits from the COVID pandemic followed by the cost of living crisis.

Read more here ...

The week also saw four major lenders hike their mortgage rates, with brokers declaring the market was "unseasonally bad" and its future was not looking bright 

Barclays  upped a number of deals by 0.15%, while  TSB  has increased rates across their residential and Buy to Let ranges by up to 0.35%. 

Smaller increases were announced by  Leeds Building   Society , including a 0.6% hike on selected residential products and a 0.20% rise on some shared ownership products. 

Clydesdale Bank  opted for similar increases, upping its 95% LTV Five Year Fee and other fee fixed rate deals by 0.20%. 

Taste testers have revealed which olive oils are worth spending your money on, as prices have soared in the past few years. 

Some premium olive oils cost as little as £2.50 for a 500ml bottle in 2022 - but now price tags have increased by up to 160%. 

Which? used a panel of four independent experts to blind-taste and rate seven premium extra virgin olive oils and five branded options. 

They picked out Aldi's Specially Selected Terra Di Bari Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml as a Which? Great Value product - meaning it offers great taste at a low price. 

The product, which is priced at £5.19, came third overall in the blind taste test. 

The consumer website also looked at how much olive oil prices have risen at supermarkets. 

The Money team dug into this in March and found bacterial disease, criminal gangs, changing weather patterns and Brexit were all to blame for the dramatic rises (you can read more on this below). 

Which? found the average price rise for premium own-brand olive oils was 57% between 2022 and 2024.

The highest increase was on Morrisons The Best Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml, which increased in price by 88% from £4.00 to £7.50. 

It also looked at price rises on branded olive oil over a three-year period. 

Napolina Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) was previously priced at £2.50 at Ocado but jumped to £9.50 - more than a threefold increase. 

Meanwhile, Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) at Asda more than doubled in price from £2.50 to £6.50 - a 160% increase.

Each week, we sift through hundreds of comments left by our readers in response to features and news in the Money blog. 

This week, you were most interested in cinema advert wait times, healthy bread, Taylor Swift ticket prices and working from home abroad. 

Let's start with  news reporter Narbeh Minassian 's feature last weekend on what time you should actually arrive at the cinema... 

Here's what you had to say:

Here's all you have to do - look at the time the movie ends according to the booking site; subtract the actual length of the movie and viola - the time the movie actually starts. Top article on cinema ads. So irritating and getting longer Paul

As regards adverts in cinemas - if you choose to skip them, have consideration for those who've sat waiting and don't want to see heads going past the screen or a herd of elephants marching up stairs after it's started. It's bad manners. Tlise

Not only parking fees are a consideration about timing, but also factoring in going to the toilet beforehand, as some films are very, very long these days, without adding on an extra half hour before one can reach the toilet! Carol

We also had this question on our regular health feature, which runs on Fridays. 

Is wholegrain seeded bread good for you or still high in sugar? Does sourdough come out better? Snips

By way of an answer, check out Sunna Van Kampen's piece for the Money blog earlier this year...

Now on to Taylor Swift - with some punters disappointed after paying just under £700 for a ticket only to find their view... somewhat obstructed. 

I've just seen the post regarding Taylor Swifts concerts in Edinburgh, with some prices going up to £680. In the current cost of living climate, why do companies still feel that it's OK to rip customers off with prices like that. MK Mark

Is it not about time that people stop being so deluded? The performer is only a singer, a human, making money to fund her expensive lifestyle while others are suffering. Stephen

Finally, a word on working from home... from Thailand. 

A glowing endorsement from one of our readers... 

I used to work in there in 2019. It's awesome to live and work there, weather is beautiful and money is good. As a foreigner from Britain you get special treatment everywhere you go, rent, food etc is all dirt cheap, you pretty much live like a king and £1 goes a long long way. Tom herns

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

Poundland has launched its rewards app in Scotland today - and Sky News understands it will be rolled out across the whole UK by the end of the year. 

Shoppers at 62 stores in Scotland have been given access to the Poundland Perks programme, after it was trialled in 43 stores across Northern Ireland and the Isle of Wight. 

It works by rewarding customers with points for every purchase they make in store. 

The points can then be turned into reward vouchers that save them money. 

Customers can also play on the app to earn prizes through a "spin to win" system.

Poundland's director of digital Tom Hill said: "Poundland Perks allows us to offer shoppers the chance to save, earn and play through their smartphone, making shopping with us even more fun.

"We're creating an app that's convenient and easy for people to use in store, with reward vouchers that help customers save even more." 

The 10 most unaffordable cities in the world have been revealed in an annual housing report. 

With house prices soaring globally over the last year, Demographic International Housing Affordability report has created a new category - "impossibly unaffordable".

The majority of the most expensive locations were made up of cities in the US and Australia, but the top place is taken by Hong Kong. 

London was found to be the least affordable city in the UK. 

The report measures affordability using a price-to-income ratio of the average house price divided by the typical household income.

It has linked the rising prices to land use policies aimed at stopping urbanisation from spreading. 

"The middle-class is under siege, principally due to the escalation of land costs. As land has been rationed in an effort to curb urban sprawl, the excess of demand over supply has driven prices up," the report stated.

"Moreover, rising house prices can be driven even higher by the attractive returns from speculative activity. 

"The net effect is that land values and house prices have become skewed against the middle-class, whose existence depends upon the very competitive land market destroyed by the planning orthodoxy." 

Following news that Cadbury's is relaunching its Top Deck chocolate bar after 20 years (see our 11.00 post), we asked you what confectionary, crisps and general food products you wanted to return - and the response has, frankly, been overwhelming.

We've had hundreds and hundreds of suggestions, with many items being mentioned time and again, alongside some more obscure yearnings.

Here is a relatively small selection of your responses:

• Cadbury's Spira Perhaps the most popular of the now discontinued chocolate bars among our readers, it was on sale from 1989 until 2005 - and has even spawned a Facebook page dedicated to demanding it is brought back. One reader, Craggers, said: "Spira was the best Cadbury's chocolate and it was best used as a straw with hot chocolate. It must be brought back surely!!" Daz74, meanwhile, simply said of the treat: "Two spiral, long bars of pure heaven."
• Cadbury's Fuse Among the most requested items. One of those demanding it go back on sale, Alex, said: "I would love to see the return of the Fuse bar. Peanuts, raisins, biscuit and fudge, it was delicious!"
• Cadbury's Aztec Discontinued in 1978, not all our readers will be old enough to remember this particular chocolate bar, although those who can are certainly enthusiastic. Berlingirl described it as an "exquisite combination of a Mars bar and a Milky Way".
• Spangles A brand of boiled sweets produced by Mars Ltd from the 1950s until the 1980s, this was also a product that clearly evoked nostalgic longings among man readers - with Tommo Boy simply saying: "Yummy."
• Texan Another chocolate bar that prompted lots of mentions despite being withdrawn from sale in 1984 (albeit with a brief revival by Nestle in 2005). Pablo from Padiham said: "It was surely the greatest confection ever created."
• Bar Six Another nostalgic favourite, it was compared by some to the popular Kit-Kat. Lamenting its removal from shops, UkBulldog said: "My favourite from childhood."
• Caramac Apparently only discontinued in 2023, the caramel-based confectionery clearly still elicits significant fondness. JoJoBear said: "It should never have been discontinued - as its unique taste and texture have never been replicated by any other bar!!!!" An even more dramatic statement was sent to us by Ben M, who said: "Life isn't worth living, without its sugary heaven!"
• Dark chocolate Bounty We've included this because there were several mentions, although it apparently remains on sale in the UK, albeit seemingly in fewer outlets than in the past. This will be news to Shandy75, among others, who hailed it as "the best chocolate bar ever".

Again, we've had far too many suggestions to mention, some more obscure than others.

They have included (but are certainly not limited to): Banjo bar, Rowntrees Tooty Frooties, Burtons Potato Puffs, Cadbury's Wispas mint, Cadbury's Boost coconut, Cadbury's Cream Teddy Bears, Birds Eye frozen cod balls in batter, Cadbury's Snowflake, Oxo flavoured crisps, Knorr micro noodles, Rowntrees Secret bar and Heinz toast toppers.

Keep your suggestions coming, and we may well return to this theme in the future - and even attempt to establish if the various manufacturers have any plans to relaunch any more of your old favourites.

• Which currently discontinued chocolate bar, crisps, sweets - or any other food product - would you like to see brought back, and why? Let us know in the comment box at the top!

 The cost of playing video games has shot up in the last two decades - but now some UK gamers could soon be entitled to a little cash back.

Valve Corporation, the owner of the Steam PC gaming platform, has been accused of using its market dominance to overcharge 14 million UK gamers and is being sued for £656million.

The legal claim, which has been filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, in London, alleges Valve forces game publishers to sign up to price parity obligations that prevents titles being sold at a lower price on rival platforms.

It claims that Steam charges an "excessive commission" of up to 30% that has led to UK consumers paying too much.

As many as 14 million PC gamers in the UK could have been affected and it claims that, if the lawsuit is successful, they could be entitled to up to £44 each.

"We've seen gaming explode in popularity over the recent years – and it plays such an important role in connecting people and building positive life skills, particularly for children and young people," said digital rights campaigner Vicki Sholtbolt, who filed the claim.

"So it's not good enough that gaming consumers are being taken advantage of and charged over the odds.

"I am bringing this claim on behalf of gamers and their parents to stop this unlawful conduct and help people get back what they are owed."

The claim says people could be eligible for compensation if they purchased a PC game or add-on content from 5 June 2019 on any platform.

The claim is backed by legal firm Milberg London LLP, which brings group action cases against large companies.

Among Steam's best-selling titles as of June 2024 are Apex Legends, Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Elden Ring and Helldivers 2.

Sky News has approached Valve for comment.

House prices are expected to stagnate this year, a well-respected forecaster has said. 

Capital Economics initially predicted property prices to rise by 2%, but believes 0.5% growth is now more likely, according to The Times. 

Its prediction comes amid softer buyer demand due to the rising cost of living and a volatile mortgage market. 

"This softening in demand has come at the same time as the most significant sustained increase in supply since 2013, aside from when the housing market reopened after lockdown," Andrew Wishart, senior UK economist at Capital Economics tells the news outlet.

However, he adds that the market could move to "a state of excess supply" in the coming weeks, which could cause prices to dip.

Last week, Halifax released data that showed house prices in the UK dropped by 0.1% between April and May. 

Analysts had expected a drop of around 0.2%, while last week, rival lender Nationwide said its measure of house prices rose in May after falling in the previous two months.

In the 12 months to May, prices rose by 1.5%, Halifax said - faster than the median forecast in a Reuters news agency poll for an annual increase of 1.2%.

"Market activity remained resilient throughout the spring months, supported by strong nominal wage growth and some evidence of an improvement in confidence about the economic outlook," Halifax's head of mortgages, Amanda Bryden, said.

The stable picture for property prices over the last three months was likely to give more confidence to buyers and sellers, she added. 

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