Top 20 Film Locations to Visit in the World

1. Paris

Paris is one of the most filmed cities globally due to its enchanting backdrop. Paris’ romantic atmosphere, remarkable landmarks, and picturesque streets create a visually stunning backdrop for films of all genres. Paris is one of the most filmed cities globally due to its enchanting backdrop. Paris’ romantic atmosphere, remarkable landmarks, and picturesque streets create a visually stunning backdrop for films of all genres. Midnight in Paris (2011) is Woody Allen’s love letter to Paris, featuring iconic locations like the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, the Pont Neuf bridge, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Amélie (2001) takes viewers on a whimsical tour of Paris, exploring the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Canal Saint-Martin, and the quirky shops of Montmartre. Inception (2010) was filmed at the Trocadéro Gardens, the Palais Garnier Opera House, and the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Many movies utilize Paris’ hidden courtyards and passages for filming. These tucked-away gems offer a unique Parisian atmosphere, perfect for capturing the city’s essence on film.

Related Post: 15 Most Popular Luxury Destinations to Visit

2. Rome

Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a magnet for filmmakers, captivating audiences with its historical richness, stunning beauty, and undeniable cinematic magic. Rome is a living museum and makes an intriguing movie backdrop. Roman Holiday (1953) features Audrey Hepburn and is Gregory Peck’s love letter to Rome. Movie watchers can follow their adventures around the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Mouth of Truth, and the Pantheon. The Colosseum is the undisputed star of Gladiator (2000), which was meticulously recreated for film. Other landmarks in the movie include the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and the Circus Maximus. Angels and Demons (2009) takes viewers on a fast-paced chase through Rome’s hidden passageways and crypts.

Related Post: Top 25 Must-See Statues in the World

3. Buckingham Palace 

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and is located in the city of Westminster, central London. Buckingham Palace symbolizes British royalty and power, and filmmakers leverage this association to add grandeur and historical context to their stories. The Queen (2006) features scenes shot within the State Rooms, including the Throne Room and the White Drawing Room. Victoria and Abdul (2017) tells the story of Queen Victoria’s unlikely friendship with an Indian servant. Several scenes depict the Queen’s private apartments within the palace, offering a glimpse into her personal life. Filming inside Buckingham Palace usually occurs when the royals are not in residence.

4. Vatican City

Vatican City is a cinematic stage for history and spirituality, making it a popular film location. The world’s smallest sovereign state is a magnet for filmmakers seeking a unique and awe-inspiring backdrop. The Da Vinci Code (2006) utilizes the suspenseful atmosphere of Vatican City. Scenes are shot within St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), and the Castel Sant’Angelo. Angels and Demons (2009) takes viewers through Vatican City’s hidden passageways and secret crypts. St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Necropolis, and the Castel Sant’Angelo are all prominently featured. The Young Pope (2016) and The New Pope (2019) were filmed with special permission at the Vatican. The series offers a rare glimpse inside the papal apartments, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square, showcasing the beauty and intimacy of these spaces. The Vatican Film Library, a vast archive of historical and religious films, is not accessible for filming but is a valuable resource for filmmakers seeking inspiration and historical footage.

Related Post: 25 Most Popular Churches in the World to Visit

5. Central Park, New York

Central Park, which has over 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, is a beloved New York City landmark and a frequent star on the big screen. Central Park offers scenic beauty throughout the year, with greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in fall, and a magical blanket of snow in winter. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) features Audrey Hepburn’s iconic pose with a croissant and coffee outside Tiffany’s on Fifth Avenue, with a view of the park across the street. In When Harry Met Sally (1989), the park’s Loeb Boathouse was where Harry and Sally shared their famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) has many locations in Central Park. Kevin McCallister meets the nPigeon Lady near the park’s Bethesda Fountain. Many movies use lesser-known areas of Central Park to establish a sense of intimacy or capture the quiet beauty of the park. Movies often film along quiet paths, tucked-away gardens, and at the iconic Cherry Hill.

6. King’s Cross Station

King’s Cross Station in London isn’t just a transportation hub. The iconic station is a popular film destination, particularly for scenes depicting travel, adventure, or a touch of magic. The station is featured in the Harry Potter Series (2001-2011), arguably the station’s biggest claim to fame. Platforms 9 ¾ and King’s Cross Station itself are featured throughout the series, depicting the students’ departures from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While Platform 9 ¾ is a creative illusion, there is a hidden luggage trolley within King’s Cross Station. This old-fashioned luggage trolley, tucked away in a corner near Platform 8, is a fun nod to the station’s history and a delight for eagle-eyed Harry Potter fans.

Related Post: Top 5 Art Museums to Visit in London

7. Prague

Prague is a cinematic gem in Central Europe that is steeped in history and architectural charm. Prague’s well-preserved medieval core, with its winding streets, towering spires, and grand bridges, offers a fairytale-like backdrop for movies. In Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt scales the iconic Charles Bridge and races through the narrow streets of the Old Town in a thrilling chase sequence. In the opening scene of the James Bond movie Casino Royale (2006), a thrilling car chase is filmed on location in Prague. The chase weaves through the city streets and past the Strahov Monastery. 

8. Tiffany’s New York

Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue in New York City is more than a luxurious jewelry store. It’s a cultural icon and a frequent feature in films. Tiffany’s iconic blue packaging and glamorous storefront instantly signify luxury, elegance, and a touch of romance. Situated on Fifth Avenue, a famous shopping avenue, Tiffany’s offers a quintessential New York City setting. In Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), the opening scene features Hepburn’s Holly Golightly having breakfast outside the store, gazing longingly at the window displays. In Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Melanie Smooter gets proposed to in Tiffany’s by her boyfriend Andrew Hennings.

9. San Francisco

San Francisco, the “City by the Bay,” with its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and dramatic hilly terrain, has been a beloved setting for movies for over a century. In Full House (TV series, 1987-1995), the show’s iconic opening credits prominently feature various San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Painted Ladies. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) uses San Francisco locations, including the distinctive exteriors of shelters and soup kitchens where the protagonist finds himself. 

10. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park situated in Universal City, California. The studio has a massive backlot, a collection of permanent exterior sets designed to represent various locations like city streets, New York brownstones, and Western towns. The studio also has many soundstages, which are large, enclosed spaces where filmmakers can create controlled filming environments. Soundstages are ideal for scenes with special effects, green screens, or intricate set designs. Back to the Future (1985), a sci-fi comedy classic, used the Courthouse Square backlot set for scenes set in Hill Valley. The studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood takes visitors past many of the backlot sets where famous films and TV shows have been shot. This allows fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made and see the actual locations used in their favorite films.

Related Post: Top 25 Most Visited U.S. National Parks

11. Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a charming London neighborhood in West London. This location offers a unique blend of city life and village atmosphere. Notting Hill offers beautiful Victorian townhouses with colorful painted doors and wrought-iron balconies. The movie Notting Hill (1999) is a love letter to the Notting Hill district. The film features iconic locations like Portobello Road Market, William Thacker’s blue-door house at 280 Portobello Road, and the Travel Book Company shop. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) shows Bridget Jones’ apartment located on Blenheim Crescent in Notting Hill. The quaint street, with its colorful houses, becomes a recognizable backdrop for Bridget’s life in the city. 

12. Southbank

Southbank, located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, is a vibrant cultural hub and a popular filming location. The Southbank offers stunning views of the River Thames, a recognizable landmark that adds a sense of grandeur and location to films. In the James Bond film Spectre (2015), a thrilling car chase sequence races along the Southbank, with the London Eye prominently visible in the background. In Wonder Woman (2017), a scene features Diana Prince rescuing a group of scientists from a museum on the Southbank. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) has a scene where Bridget Jones accidentally ends up in the River Thames near the Southbank after a night out. The scene shows the recognizable backdrop of the river and the London Eye. 

13. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial, a U.S. monument on the National Mall in Washington D.C., is a popular destination not just for tourists but also for filmmakers. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a powerful backdrop for films that explore themes of freedom, justice, and social change. The heartwarming classic Forrest Gump (1994) features a memorable scene where Forrest Gump delivers a rambling speech about his life to a crowd gathered around the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. National Treasure (2004) has a scene where Benjamin Franklin Gates and his team decipher clues hidden within the Lincoln Memorial. Many movies film at the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial for establishing shots or mirroring effects.

Related Post: Most Visited World Wonders in the U.S.

14. Caesars Palace

Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace, with its opulent Roman theme, sprawling casino floor, and reputation for luxury, is a playground for high rollers and a magnet for filmmakers. Caesars Palace embodies the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas. The opulent atmosphere, from the grand lobby with its towering statues to the lavish restaurants and the Coliseum-inspired casino, provides a visually stunning backdrop for films. In the stylish heist film Ocean’s Eleven (2001), a team of con artists plans a daring robbery at a Bellagio vault. They use the opulent interiors of Caesars Palace to house their team’s war room. The Hangover (2009) depicts a chaotic bachelor party weekend in Las Vegas. The film prominently shows the Caesars Palace suites, the opulent lobby, and even the roof, where a pivotal (and foggy) scene takes place.

15. Bruges

Bruges’ well-preserved medieval core, with its winding streets, towering spires, and picturesque canals, offers an excellent scene for historical films and enchantment. In Bruges (2008), hitmen Ray and Ken go on a forced vacation in Bruges. The film takes viewers on a journey through the city’s canals, cobbled streets, and historic landmarks like the Belfry and the Church of Our Lady. The Secret Garden (1993) features idyllic scenes filmed at various locations in Bruges, including the Minnewater Park and the Bonifacius Bridge. The city’s scenic beauty and historical ambiance add to the film’s magical atmosphere. The Monuments Men (2014) depicts the true story of the Allied effort to rescue art stolen by the Nazis during World War II. A short scene features the Groeningemuseum.

16. Alcatraz

Alcatraz was an infamous prison located on an island in the San Francisco Bay, California. Alcatraz’s reputation as a high-security prison housing notorious criminals like Al Capone fuels the imagination of filmmakers. The isolated location of Alcatraz on a rocky island adds a sense of remoteness and vulnerability to movies. Escape from Alcatraz (1979), the classic prison break film, extensively features the real Alcatraz. The film showcases the cell house, the warden’s house, and the surrounding cliffs. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) includes a scene where Nicolas Cage’s character searches for a hidden clue within a secret chamber supposedly located beneath Alcatraz.

17. Manhattan West Village

The West Village, a charming neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, is a popular destination for filmmakers. The West Village offers a unique blend of city life and culture. Lined with brownstones, ivy-covered buildings, and quaint shops, it provides a visually appealing and intimate backdrop for romantic comedies, coming-of-age stories, and dramas. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Holly Golightly lives in a brownstone on a charming West Village street. The film showcases the neighborhood’s quaintness, and Hepburn’s iconic Holly Golightly strolls along the tree-lined streets. Little Manhattan (1995) follows a young boy living in the West Village who develops a crush on a classmate. The film captures the essence of growing up in the neighborhood, using locations like Bleecker Street and Washington Square Park. 

18. Plaza Hotel 

The Plaza Hotel is a symbol of New York City’s luxury and sophistication. Its opulent interiors, grand lobby, and recognizable facade make it an instant landmark for viewers to recognize. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) shows Macaulay Culkin’s character, Kevin McCallister, accidentally ending up at the Plaza while separated from his family. The film depicts the grand lobby, opulent suites, and even the hotel’s FAO Schwarz toy store. The Great Gatsby (2013) features a pivotal scene set at the Plaza Hotel. The film cleverly uses the grand ballroom to represent Gatsby’s extravagant parties, showcasing the hotel’s ability to evoke a bygone era of luxury. Bride Wars (2009) features two friends, played by Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, whose weddings are both scheduled for the Plaza Hotel. The movie films are set in various locations within the hotel, from the opulent bridal suite to the iconic facade.

19. Salzburg

Salzburg is nestled amidst the Austrian Alps, offering captivating beauty and culture for a perfect movie backdrop. The Sound of Music (1965) showcases many iconic landmarks in Salzburg, including the Mirabell Gardens, the Residenz Fountain, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Nonnberg Abbey. The biographical drama Amadeus (1984) chronicles the life and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Filmed on location in Salzburg, the movie incorporates Mozart’s birthplace and the Salzburg Cathedral, where his baptism took place. 

20. Dubrovnik

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik offers a dramatic setting on the Adriatic coast, with medieval city walls, terracotta rooftops, and a glistening turquoise harbor. Game of Thrones (2011-2019) famously used Dubrovnik as a stand-in for King’s Landing, the capital city in the (fictional) world of Westeros. Locations like Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), Pile Gate, and the Stradun were transformed into various parts of King’s Landing for the popular series.

Elevate Your Travel

Plan your next adventure with the Visited travel app. You can browse top bucketlist destinations and create your dream itinerary with Visited. Set your travel goal, track your progress, and get a personalized map of your trips with Visited. Download Visited today to elevate your travel experience.