25 Most Iconic Movie Locations You Can Actually Visit

The magic of cinema has transformed ordinary places into extraordinary destinations that live forever in our collective imagination. From the sweeping landscapes of Middle-earth to the historic streets of European cities, these iconic filming locations have become pilgrimage sites for movie enthusiasts worldwide.

In this guide, we'll explore 25 of the most recognizable movie locations that you can actually visit, complete with travel tips and fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia.

North American Film Destinations

1. New York City: A Cinematic Playground

New York City has played a starring role in countless films, making it one of the most filmed locations on earth.

Top spots to visit:

Central Park (featured in "When Harry Met Sally")

The Empire State Building (featured in "King Kong" and "Sleepless in Seattle")

Grand Central Terminal (seen in Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest")

2. Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona

This striking desert landscape has provided the backdrop for numerous westerns and sci-fi films.

Must-see locations:

John Ford's Point (featured in "The Searchers")

The iconic highway seen in "Forrest Gump"

3. Timberline Lodge, Oregon

The exterior of this historic lodge served as the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining."

Visitor info:

Year-round access

Guided historical tours available

Many visitors combine this with a horror movie locations tour as mentioned in our genre guides

European Movie Magic

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia: King's Landing

This medieval walled city rose to new fame as King's Landing in "Game of Thrones".

Filming highlights:

The city walls (Walk of Shame scenes)

Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep)

Specially designed Game of Thrones tours take you to all key filming locations

5. Glencoe, Scotland: James Bond's Ancestral Home

The dramatic landscapes of Glencoe featured prominently in "Skyfall" as Bond's ancestral home.

Travel tips:

Allow at least a day to explore

The area also appeared in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

Combine with the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hogwarts Express bridge)

6. Cinecitta Studios, Rome, Italy

While many of Rome's famous landmarks have featured in films, Cinecitta Studios deserves special mention as "Hollywood on the Tiber."

Notable productions:

Federico Fellini's classics

"The English Patient" (partial filming)

HBO's "Rome"

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Realms

7. Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand

Perhaps the most meticulously preserved film set in the world, Hobbiton continues to welcome visitors to the Shire.

Visitor experience:

Guided tours of 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit holes

The Green Dragon Inn serves actual food and drink

Connects well with other "Lord of the Rings" locations around New Zealand

8. Skellig Michael, Ireland

This remote island monastery became Luke Skywalker's hideaway in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" and "The Force Awakens."

Important travel info:

Strictly limited daily visitors

Weather-dependent access

Advance booking essential (often sells out months ahead)

9. Wadi Rum, Jordan

The "Valley of the Moon" has portrayed alien landscapes in multiple films.

Notable appearances:

"The Martian" as Mars

"Star Wars: Rogue One" as the moon Jedha

"Dune" as Arrakis

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

10. Petra, Jordan

This ancient city carved from rock most famously appeared in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Visitor highlights:

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) featured in the film

Consider the "Petra by Night" candlelit experience

Allow at least two days to properly explore

11. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

This spectacular temple complex featured in "Tomb Raider" and several other adventure films.

Travel recommendations:

Three-day passes offer the best value

Sunrise at the main temple is crowded but worth it

Ta Prohm (the "Tomb Raider Temple") is best visited early morning

12. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This iconic statue has appeared in numerous films including "Fast Five" and "Twilight: Breaking Dawn".

Visitor tips:

Take the train or van up rather than hiking (unless very fit)

Book tickets online to avoid long queues

Morning visits avoid afternoon clouds

Urban Landmarks and Cityscapes

13. Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's Edge, Disney Parks

While not a traditional filming location, these meticulously recreated Star Wars environments allow fans to actually board the Millennium Falcon.

Features:

Interactive experiences

Meet characters from the "Star Wars" universe

Multiple photo opportunities

14. Tokyo's Neon Districts

Tokyo's vibrant cityscape has inspired countless films, most notably "Lost in Translation" and "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift".

Key areas:

Shibuya Crossing

Golden Gai bars

Shinjuku's neon streets

15. Chicago's Lower Wacker Drive

This multi-level street has featured in numerous action films, most notably "The Dark Knight" and "The Blues Brothers".

Visiting info:

Best experienced on a car chase filming locations tour

Note that some areas may be restricted

Chicago architecture tours often include film location information

Remote and Spectacular Landscapes

16. Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii

This 4,000-acre private nature reserve has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows.

Notable appearances:

"Jurassic Park" franchise

"Lost"

"50 First Dates"

17. Iceland's Otherworldly Landscapes

Iceland's diverse and dramatic terrain has made it increasingly popular for filming.

Key locations:

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon ("Batman Begins")

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach ("Star Wars: Rogue One")

Skógafoss waterfall ("Thor: The Dark World")

Starred locations in "Game of Thrones" as "Beyond the Wall"

18. Bryce Canyon, Utah

These distinctive hoodoo rock formations have appeared in numerous westerns and sci-fi films.

Film appearances:

"The Lone Ranger"

Several episodes of "Doctor Who"

"Earth Girls Are Easy"

Historic Properties and Interior Locations

19. Highclere Castle, England

Better known to millions as "Downton Abbey," this working estate welcomes visitors seasonally.

Visitor experience:

Tours of the main state rooms featured in the series

Beautiful gardens and grounds

Limited opening dates, so book well in advance

20. Alnwick Castle, England

This castle has played Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" films, among other roles.

Film appearances:

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"

"Downton Abbey"

"Transformers: The Last Knight"

21. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

The inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining" and a filming location for the TV miniseries version.

Ghost tours:

Night ghost tours are extremely popular

The hotel embraces its spooky reputation

Part of many travelers' horror movie location itineraries

Action and Adventure Locations

22. James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), Thailand

This distinctive limestone karst in Phang Nga Bay featured in "The Man with the Golden Gun."

Visit planning:

Tours depart from Phuket or Krabi

Consider staying overnight in nearby Koh Yao Noi for a less crowded experience

Great destination for action movie fans

23. Venice, Italy

This unique city has featured in countless films, notably several James Bond movies and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".

Film-focused activities:

Gondola rides pass many filming locations

Casino Royale settings (Hotel Danieli, Grand Canal)

"The Italian Job" chase locations

24. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

These spectacular falls doubled as "the edge of the world" in "Black Panther" and have appeared in numerous nature documentaries.

Visiting options:

Viewable from both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides

Helicopter tours offer spectacular aerial views

Devil's Pool allows swimming at the edge during dry season

25. Malta's Ancient Cities

Malta's historic architecture has provided settings for "Game of Thrones", "Gladiator," and "Troy".

Key filming sites:

Mdina (King's Landing in Season 1 of "Game of Thrones")

Fort Ricasoli ("Gladiator" and "Troy")

Blue Lagoon on Comino (various films)

Planning Your Film Location Adventure

When planning a trip focused on movie locations, consider:

Timing is everything: Many filming locations are seasonal or have limited opening hours

Guided tours vs. self-guided: Specialist film location tours often provide access to otherwise restricted areas

Photography equipment: Bring wide-angle lenses for landscapes and a good zoom for details

Research thoroughly: Movies often combine multiple locations, so check what was actually filmed where

Respect the locations: Many are protected historical sites or private property

For more detailed advice on planning film location travel, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a filming location vacation.

The Ethics of Film Tourism

As these locations grow in popularity, it's important to visit responsibly:

Support local communities and businesses

Follow all site guidelines and restrictions

Consider visiting in off-peak seasons

Be respectful of other visitors trying to enjoy the experience

Remember that some locations are people's homes or working environments

Conclusion

From the deserts of Jordan to the glaciers of Iceland, these 25 locations represent just a fraction of the amazing film settings you can visit. Whether you're a casual movie fan or a dedicated cinephile, experiencing these iconic locations in person adds an extra dimension to the films you love.

As film production continues to venture into new and exciting locations, the world of film tourism constantly expands. The question is: which iconic movie location will you visit first?

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What's your favorite film location that you've visited or hope to see? Share your experiences in the comments below!