Movie sets that happen way beyond studio studios, and they are all marvelous
From entire towns to hidden gems off the beaten path, Hollywood often chooses unique and extravagant locales. These can range from ancient Middle Eastern temples and otherworldly landscapes to the glamorous streets of Manhattan. Whether you're dreaming of living out your Lord of the Rings fantasies or just want a photo in front of Walter White's house from Breaking Bad, these iconic filming locations might be the right travel plans for you.
Walking through Dubrovnik, Croatia, feels like stepping into King's Landing from Game of Thrones. The Old Town neighborhood and the Walls of Dubrovnik are particularly iconic spots where scenes featuring the Lannister family were filmed.
Oxford University served as the set for many Hogwarts scenes in the Harry Potter series. The Bodleian Library, staircases, and cloisters all appeared in the films, and the Great Hall at Christ Church College inspired the design of Hogwarts' Great Hall.
Fans of Breaking Bad can visit Walter White's house at 3828 Piermont Dr. NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, along with other locations like the A1A Car Wash and Los Pollos Hermanos (Twisters restaurant).
The cozy town of Hobbiton, home to Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, was created specifically for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The storybook-like set remains, and if you find yourself in Matamata, New Zealand, you can book a guided tour to filming spots like the Green Dragon Inn, Hobbit Holes, and the Mill.
The Al Khazneh temple in Petra, Jordan, served as the mystical Holy Grail temple in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Though you can't enter the temple's intricate chambers as shown in the film, its stunning exterior is enough to transport you into the world of Indiana Jones.
If you're a romantic comedy superfan, Seattle should be on your travel list for a DIY "Sleepless in Seattle" tour. Pike Place Market, one of the city's top spots, features in several scenes from the movie. You can also check out the houseboat where Sam and Jonah lived, located on the dock near Westlake Avenue North. And don’t miss the Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar—there’s a barstool with a plaque that says "Tom Hanks Sat Here" from one of the film’s famous scenes.
Hatley Castle has been the backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows, but it’s best known as Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the "X-Men" series. The castle's exterior appears in "X-Men 2," "X-Men: The Last Stand," and even "Deadpool." In reality, this iconic filming location serves as the administrative center for Royal Roads University.
Whether you grab a meal at Cafe des 2 Moulins or just stop for a photo, this charming eatery is a must-visit for fans of the French rom-com "Amélie." With its bright red awning, this quintessential Parisian café is where the film's title character worked. Inside, you'll find nods to its cinematic history, including paintings of Amélie.
