Travel enthusiasts and film buffs often share a common goal: to visit the iconic locations where their favorite movies or TV shows were filmed. These destinations offer an opportunity to relive some of the most memorable scenes, walk in the footsteps of beloved characters, and even learn about how these productions were made.
New York City is a popular destination for film tourism. From Central Park, which has been featured in countless films like “Enchanted” and “Home Alone 2”, to Katz’s Delicatessen from “When Harry Met Sally”, there are numerous spots that can make you feel like you’re on a movie set. The city also houses many sites from popular TV shows such as Friends’ Central Perk Cafe (which is actually located inside Warner Bros Studio), Sex and The City’s Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment on Perry Street, or Seinfeld’s Monk’s Café (Tom’s Restaurant in real life).
For fans of fantasy series Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland provides an opportunity to explore Westeros in reality. Locations such as Castle Ward (Winterfell) and Dark Hedges (Kingsroad) have seen a surge in visitors since the show aired. Similarly, New Zealand has become synonymous with Middle Earth due to Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Visitors can tour Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata or explore Wellington’s Weta Workshop where much of the props and costumes were made.
If you prefer classics like Sound Of Music, Austria will not disappoint you with its breathtaking landscapes that served as backdrops for this timeless musical. Visit Mondsee Cathedral where Maria married Captain Von Trapp or Mirabell Gardens where they sang ‘Do-Re-Mi’.
Italy offers film locations from romantic movies such as Rome’s Spanish Steps featured in Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Roman Holiday’, or Villa del Balbianello at Lake Como seen in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and James Bond’s Casino Royale.
In Asia, Angkor Wat in Cambodia gained worldwide fame after featuring in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing became an iconic location after its appearance in Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation.
For TV show enthusiasts, Albuquerque, New Mexico has seen a rise in tourism due to Breaking Bad. Visitors can take a guided tour around Walter White’s universe including his car wash and residence.
Lastly, London serves as a treasure trove for Harry Potter fans with locations like King’s Cross Station (Platform 9¾), Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley), or Millennium Bridge which was destroyed by Death Eaters in The Half-Blood Prince.
These are just some of the many film and TV show locations that offer unique travel experiences. Whether it’s strolling through Central Park imagining you’re part of a rom-com or standing on top of the Wall from Game Of Thrones feeling like a Night’s Watch member, these destinations allow travelers to combine their love for movies or shows with their passion for exploring new places.