Whether you’re a wizard, a hobbit, or a caped crusader, cinematic worlds beckon travelers with the allure of stepping into their favorite films. From the enchanting halls of Hogwarts at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to the rustic shire of Hobbiton in New Zealand, and the urban landscapes that transformed into Gotham City in “The Dark Knight” trilogy, there’s a destination for every film buff. Explore iconic locations like Universal Studios Hollywood, where the magic of filmmaking is revealed, or tread the cobbled streets of King’s Landing through the “Game of Thrones” tours in Northern Ireland. Each of these 13 locations offers a unique journey into the heart of beloved narratives, where stories leap off the screen and into reality. Join me as we embark on an adventure to explore the sets, scenes, and backdrops that have captivated audiences worldwide.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is located in Leavesden, just north of the UK‘s capital city London, and takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes look at the Magical World of Harry Potter. This immersive experience is wide-ranging, with visitors able to explore sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley (pictured), see actual costumes and props, and learn about the filmmaking process behind the beloved series. It’s a magical destination for fans, providing a one-of-a-kind look at the creation of the Harry Potter films and the opportunity to step into the shoes of their favorite characters.
The rolling hills of Matamata on New Zealand‘s North Island is home to the Hobbiton Movie Set (pictured), a must-visit for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film series. Located roughly halfway between Hamilton and Tauranga, this picturesque site offers guided tours of the Shire, including hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the magical world created by J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life by Peter Jackson. Since the movies are no longer filming, the movie set also functions as a sheep farm, and you’ll have the chance to see these beautiful creatures as well once you’ve finished touring the Shire.
Now I know this is technically a television series, but with such great cinematography, I think you can let it slide if I talk about HBO’s “Game of Thrones” here. Northern Ireland‘s rugged coastlines, ancient castles, and enchanting forests all served as key filming locations for “Game of Thrones.” While not all locations featured in the series are attributed to the sights of Northern Ireland, many are, such as the Dark Hedges (King’s Road) and Castle Ward (Winterfell, pictured). Guided tours offered by locals take you on a journey not just through television history but also the rich history of Northern Ireland, enveloping the entire experience with depth and authenticity, leaving you amazed and informed about the Emerald Isle and also the Seven Kingdoms.
Southern California has quite a few options when it comes to film tours (see my recommendations for more picks), but one that you cannot beat when it comes to value for money is the tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. While there are two tiers, the basic tier costs nothing extra, as it is already included in your admission when you enter the theme park. Here you can experience various film franchises such as “Jurassic Park” (pictured), “Jaws”, and “The Fast and the Furious”, and if filming is underway on the day of your visit, you might even see actors in progress on upcoming projects released under the Universal banner.
The backdrop of Lake Como in northern Italy has been an unforgettable sight for millions of travelers, and so too is the Villa del Balbianello situated alongside the lake. It was featured in the “007” film “Casino Royale” (you can read more about select James Bond-themed vacation destinations here) and “Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones”. The villa is open to the public and it is possible to join a guided tour, where you can learn not just about the villa and its history but also the villa’s place in film history. Luxury, romance, action: Lake Como runs the gamut of feelings and emotions, and you can experience them all by booking your Lake Como vacation today!
The 1965 classic film “The Sound of Music” is a family favorite the world over, and it’s no surprise that even all these decades later, the beautiful and historic city of Salzburg, Austria is still tied to the legacy of the von Trapps. Knowing the importance of the film on the city’s tourism, many tours have popped up from various vendors, showcasing the filming locations not just in town but also in the countryside. Highlights include the Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the hills that were alive with the sound of music, offering a charming journey through the iconic landscapes of the film. Now only one of the hills that were alive is open to the public today, featured in the scene where Maria sings “Do-Re-Mi” to the children (pictured). It is located in Werfen, south of Salzburg, and is a popular spot for visitors who must have their photograph taken in the meadow.
The ruddy landscape at the Utah-Arizona border has brought many explorers to this area, and many of today’s visitors come to Monument Valley because they saw this stretch of gorgeous country in a Western film. Perhaps the most notable film shot in Monument Valley was 1939’s “Stagecoach“, the film that elevated John Wayne to superstardom and was one of the most celebrated high-budget Western epics in film history. Not only can you learn about Navajo history in Monument Valley but also about film history, and what it was like for John Wayne to film in Monument Valley, as he did so a few times in his career.
Sicily‘s rugged landscapes, historic villages, and Baroque architecture provided the perfect backdrop for “The Godfather” series of films, and tens of thousands of tourists visit Sicily each year (with many of them based out of Palermo) specifically to see sights related to the Francis Ford Coppola mafia trilogy. Tours in towns like Corleone (does that name sound familiar?), Savoca, and Forza d’Agrò (pictured) allow fans to walk in the footsteps of the famed fictional crime family, exploring the rich Sicilian culture and history that inspired the films and the motivations of the characters in them. Walk the cobbled streets that gave rise to “Don Corleone” and others impacted by the three films and their overarching narratives.
For those who didn’t get a chance to see the 2001 film “Amélie” starring Audrey Tautou, it was a slice-of-life look at life in the Montmartre district of Paris. As it was filmed in the city itself, you can still visit many of these sites today. For example, the café where Amélie worked is a real place, called the Café des 2 Moulins, and is located on Rue Lepic at No. 15 (pictured). Other locations from the film you can see include the fruit market; the area behind Sacré-Cœur where the film begins; and even Amélie’s house, located on Rue des Trois-Frères.
“Parasite” (2019) and “Oldboy” (2003) are some of the most popular Korean films that have been screened for American audiences, and you can choose to tour either Seoul, where “Parasite” was filmed, or Busan, where much of “Oldboy” was filmed (pictured). Sites from the Seongbuk-dong neighborhood in Seoul to the Jahamun Tunnel are essential if you want to experience the backdrops of “Parasite”, while places in Busan like the Jang Seong Hyang Chinese restaurant, where characters enjoyed dumplings and noodles, are not just well-kept culinary secrets but part of movie history.
Who hasn’t heard of the critically-acclaimed box office smash “La La Land“, featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone? Many real-life locations featured in the movie, and they’re all places members of the general public can visit, such as the Griffith Observatory (pictured), the Rialto Theater, and the Hermosa Beach Pier, just to name a few. “La La Land” is of course a longtime nickname for Los Angeles, meant to symbolize how those who made it their life’s work chasing dreams were in their own little world. Now you get to experience that same world, whether it’s by a guided tour or on your own.
“The Dark Knight Trilogy“, spanning the films “Batman Begins” (2005), “The Dark Knight” (2008), and “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), films in a number of cities, ranging from Los Angeles to London. Chicago, however, is the primary filming location that has been turned into Gotham City most often in this trilogy, and has options for self-guided and guided tours as a result. Car chases were filmed on Lower Wacker Drive, and the Chicago Board of Trade Building is a must-see as it is the Gotham City Bank in the second film (pictured). Other filming locations include Pittsburgh (such as Cherry Way and Heinz Field), Los Angeles (Union Station, a smooth double for some interior scenes), and London (The Senate House at the University of London stood in for Gotham City Hall in exterior shots).
Mystery, art, and history all intersect in Paris and London, two of the filming locations for “The Da Vinci Code“, the movie adaptation of the best-selling Dan Brown novel. The Louvre art museum in Paris (pictured) plays a pivotal role in the plot of the film, as do London landmarks like Temple Church and Westminster Abbey. Even years and years after the movie’s initial release, thousands of tourists each year still retrace the steps Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou took back in 2005 when they filmed this iconic piece of cinema. Interior scenes were shot at the Pinewood Studios outside London, and sadly you won’t be able to take a tour there, but there are so many other sights to see.
This selection of 13 world destinations that have made their marks in cinematic history is just a sampling of the types of destinations we offer in over 130 countries and territories throughout the world. The best part about a Tripmasters vacation is that you can customize it based on your desires, interests, and specifications, such as tours geared toward cinema where available.
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