DramaRomance

🎬 Where Was The Fault in Our Stars Filmed? Complete Pittsburgh & Amsterdam Location Guide

2014

Josh Boone

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Journey to the heart of TFIOS's emotional landscape! Discover the real-world Pittsburgh and Amsterdam spots where love, loss, and life unfolded.

About 🎬 Where Was The Fault in Our Stars Filmed? Complete Pittsburgh & Amsterdam Location Guide

🎬 Where Was The Fault in Our Stars Filmed? Complete Pittsburgh & Amsterdam Location Guide

Ready to re-live the magic of "The Fault in Our Stars"? ✨ This isn't just a love story; it's a global journey that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you see the world a little differently.

The film's powerful narrative is deeply intertwined with its real-world settings, transforming mundane places into backdrops for profound moments of love, laughter, and loss.

From the familiar streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the charming canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands, each location plays a vital role in Hazel and Gus's unforgettable adventure.

Join us as we explore the actual spots where this cinematic masterpiece came to life. Get ready for an emotional geographical tour, filled with insider tips and fun facts!

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 St. Paul's Episcopal Church - A Somber Farewell ⛪

Scenic view of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt Lebanon, PA, showing its grand stone facade and tall spires

🏛️ The Location

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a beautiful, historic place of worship located in the Mt. Lebanon suburb of Pittsburgh. Its Gothic Revival architecture and serene atmosphere make it a striking architectural landmark in the area. The church grounds are peaceful and well-maintained.

🎥 In the Film

This iconic church serves as the backdrop for Gus's emotionally charged funeral scene. It's where Hazel delivers her poignant eulogy, a moment that defines much of the film's raw emotion and impact. The grandeur of the church contrasts beautifully with the intimate sorrow of the scene.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 1066 Washington Rd, Mt Lebanon, PA 15228, USA

🕒 Hours: Services are held regularly; check their website for specific times.

💰 Admission: Free to attend services; respecting quiet hours is essential.

🌐 Website: https://www.stpaulsmtlebanon.org/

💡 Pro Tip: If you visit, remember this is an active place of worship. Be respectful of services and private events. 🎬 Fun Fact: The interior shots for the funeral were actually filmed at a different church, but St. Paul's was used for its impressive exterior.

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🎬 North Park - Bones of Connection 🌲

Expansive view of North Park featuring the large, white, skeletal 'Funky Bones' sculpture on green grass

🏛️ The Location

North Park is a vast and beautiful county park north of Pittsburgh, famous for its scenic lake, walking trails, and recreational facilities. It's a popular spot for locals to unwind, featuring everything from boating to picnic areas.

🎥 In the Film

This park is home to the memorable "Funky Bones" art installation, a giant skeletal sculpture where Hazel and Gus share a pivotal picnic. It's one of the film's most visually striking and philosophical scenes, discussions about oblivion and eternity happen here.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Allison Park, PA, USA (specific location of "Funky Bones" is near the Pearce Mill Road entrance)

🕒 Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.

💰 Admission: Free.

🌐 Website: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/north-park/north-park.aspx

💡 Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and recreate Hazel and Gus's famous scene! The park is expansive, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. 🎬 Fun Fact: The "Funky Bones" sculpture is a real art piece called 'Split-Rocker' by the artist duo Atelier Van Lieshout, commissioned for the park.

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🎬 Anne Frank House - A Shared Struggle 🗝️

Beautiful view of an Amsterdam canal with the iconic 'bench' in the foreground where Hazel and Gus shared a moment

🏛️ The Location

The Anne Frank House is a deeply moving museum located in Amsterdam, preserving the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It's a powerful tribute to her story and the millions who suffered.

🎥 In the Film

Hazel and Gus visit the Anne Frank House as part of their Amsterdam trip. The incredibly poignant real-life climb and emotional experience within the hidden rooms serve as a profound moment of connection for the couple, emphasizing their shared struggle with mortality and hope. The movie highlights the emotional depth of the house and its symbolism.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands

🕒 Hours: Varies by season; check website for exact times.

💰 Admission: Adults €16, Youth (10-17) €7, Children (0-9) €1.

🌐 Website: https://www.annefrank.org/

💡 Pro Tip: Book your tickets online well in advance! Entry is by timed ticket only, and they sell out weeks, sometimes months, ahead. 🎬 Fun Fact: Filming inside the actual Anne Frank House was a rare privilege; the crew was only given very limited time to shoot, making the scene even more impressive.

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🎬 The American Hotel - Amsterdam Home Away From Home 🏨

Impressive facade of a classic Amsterdam building along a canal, with a prominent bench on the waterside

🏛️ The Location

The American Hotel is a grand, historic luxury hotel in Amsterdam, known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and its central location on Leidseplein. It's a landmark building that exudes classic European charm and sophistication.

🎥 In the Film

This elegant establishment serves as Hazel and Gus's hotel during their trip to Amsterdam. While many interior scenes were likely filmed elsewhere, the exterior sets the lavish tone for their special, albeit short, time together in the city. The famous canal-side bench is also often associated with their Amsterdam adventure.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Leidsekade 97, 1017 PN Amsterdam, Netherlands

🕒 Hours: Open 24/7 as a hotel.

💰 Admission: N/A (hotel rates vary).

🌐 Website: https://www.amsterdam.carlton.nl/

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you don't stay there, grab a coffee or a drink at their café, 'Café Americain', to soak in the beautiful Art Nouveau interior. 🎬 Fun Fact: The hotel has been a popular spot for celebrities and artists for over a century, long before Hazel and Gus checked in!

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🎬 Rembrandtplein - City of Dreams 🎨

Authentic street scene of Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam, featuring the statue of Rembrandt and surrounding cafés

🏛️ The Location

Rembrandtplein is a lively public square in the heart of Amsterdam, named after the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn. It's surrounded by restaurants, bars, and clubs, and features a large statue of Rembrandt himself, making it a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike.

🎥 In the Film

Hazel and Gus are seen navigating the vibrant streets and canals of Amsterdam, and Rembrandtplein captures the essence of the city's energy. It's one of the many picturesque squares they might have passed while exploring, providing a dynamic backdrop to their European adventure.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT Amsterdam, Netherlands

🕒 Hours: Open 24/7.

💰 Admission: Free.

🌐 Website: No official website, but many local guides feature it.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit after sunset to experience the square's vibrant nightlife, and don't forget to pose with the Rembrandt statue! 🎬 Fun Fact: The square is often home to various outdoor events and markets, adding to its ever-changing charm.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Curious about how "The Fault in Our Stars" brought its tear-jerking story to life? Filmmakers meticulously crafted the visual experience, blending real locations with careful production design to amplify every emotion.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Director Josh Boone prioritized authenticity, choosing real hospitals, churches, and iconic landmarks in Pittsburgh and Amsterdam to ground the heightened reality of the narrative. This made the characters' journey feel incredibly tangible and intimate.

🎨 Visual Style: The aesthetic shifted from cool and subdued in Pittsburgh, reflecting Hazel's initial isolation, to warm and vibrant in Amsterdam, symbolizing the expansion of her world and her love with Gus. This subtle color grading enhanced the emotional arc.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 The "Support Group" scenes were filmed in a genuine church basement, giving the set a true, lived-in feel.

🎭 The production team worked closely with local authorities in Amsterdam to ensure smooth filming among the city's narrow streets and canals.

🎨 A significant amount of the film's modest budget was allocated to the Amsterdam sequences to ensure the trip felt truly grand.

🎯 The crew faced the challenge of filming in a busy public park (North Park) and dealing with curious onlookers during the "Funky Bones" scenes.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort's real-life friendship reportedly made their on-screen chemistry all the more believable and natural.

😮 A major challenge was adapting to the varying weather conditions in Pittsburgh and Amsterdam, often requiring quick changes to the shooting schedule.

🎉 Many of the cast and crew expressed a deep connection to the story, leading to an incredibly passionate and unified set environment.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to follow in Hazel and Gus's footsteps? Here’s how you can make your cinematic pilgrimage a reality:

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Pittsburgh - Try the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh (though temporarily closed, a good example of boutique budget options) or Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Pittsburgh. Amsterdam - Consider ClinkNOORD Hostel for a trendy, affordable stay.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Pittsburgh - The Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh offers quirky luxury with a great location. Amsterdam - Hotel Sebastian's by the canals combines comfort and accessibility.

✨ Luxury: Pittsburgh - The Omni William Penn Hotel is a historic landmark. Amsterdam - The iconic Pulitzer Amsterdam offers canal-side elegance.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Pittsburgh has a small 'T' light rail system that can get you to some areas, but a car is generally recommended for wider exploration. Amsterdam boasts an excellent public transport network (trams, buses, metro) that makes getting around hassle-free. Purchase an OV-chipkaart for easy travel.

🚗 Car: For Pittsburgh, renting a car gives you the freedom to reach all filming locations, especially those outside the downtown core. Parking can be found in garages. In Amsterdam, a car is unnecessary and often a hindrance due to narrow streets and excellent public transport.

🚶 Walking: Both cities offer great walking opportunities. Pittsburgh's downtown is walkable, and many of Amsterdam's key sites are best explored on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: For Pittsburgh scenes, early morning or late afternoon light generally works best. In Amsterdam, the 'golden hour' around sunset casts a magical glow on the canals.

📱 Instagram Spots: Don't miss capturing the "Funky Bones" in North Park! In Amsterdam, the canals near the Anne Frank House (if you're outside) and the vibrant Rembrandtplein are highly photogenic.

🎬 Movie Moments: Recreate Hazel and Gus's picnic at "Funky Bones" (bring a blanket!). In Amsterdam, try to find a bench near a canal that evokes their conversations after the Anne Frank House visit.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, "The Fault in Our Stars" is a fictional novel by John Green. While inspired by real-life experiences of young cancer patients (Green worked as a chaplain intern), Hazel and Gus's story is not a true story.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Visiting all locations in Pittsburgh and then flying to Amsterdam to see those spots in the same day is impossible! You'll need at least 1-2 days to explore the Pittsburgh sites, and a separate 2-3 days minimum for Amsterdam.

💰 How much should I budget?

Excluding flights, budget approximately $100-200 per person per day for accommodation, food, attractions, and local transport in either city. Amsterdam might be slightly pricier.

📱 Are there guided tours?

While there are no specific 'TFIOS' guided tours, you can find general city tours in Pittsburgh and Amsterdam that cover areas where filming took place. The Anne Frank House is a self-guided museum experience.

🎭 When was this filmed?

Principal photography for "The Fault in Our Stars" took place in August and September 2013.

🌍 Is Pittsburgh safe for tourists?

Yes, Pittsburgh is generally considered a safe city for tourists, though like any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Amsterdam is also a very safe tourist destination.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

From the poignant landscapes of Pittsburgh to the romantic canals of Amsterdam, "The Fault in Our Stars" truly leveraged its real-world locations to build a story that resonates deeply. Each spot becomes a character, holding memories of love, resilience, and the bittersweet beauty of life.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a traveler seeking unique experiences, visiting these filming locations offers a chance to connect with the film on a whole new level. You can immerse yourself in Hazel and Gus's journey, feel the emotions, and perhaps even find your own moments of clarity and connection.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags (and tissues!), because your cinematic adventure is just beginning! Share your photos with #WhereWasItFilmed and tag us @wherewasitfilmed_co – we can't wait to see your journey!

Year Released

2014

Director

Josh Boone

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Josh Boone's direction for 'The Fault in Our Stars' was all about bringing John Green's beloved novel to life with authenticity and emotional depth. He opted for real locations over sound stages to ground the fantastical romance in a tangible, relatable world. This decision allowed the natural beauty and urban grit of Pittsburgh, along with the iconic charm of Amsterdam, to become characters in themselves, amplifying the raw human experience. The film's visual style, characterized by soft lighting and intimate close-ups, created a sense of immediacy and vulnerability, drawing viewers deeper into Hazel and Gus's poignant journey.

Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort had already played siblings in 'Divergent' before being cast as lovers in TFIOS, leading to initial reluctance from Woodley about the chemistry.
John Green himself makes a cameo appearance as a furious father after Hazel and Gus pull a prank at the airport.
The iconic 'Funky Bones' sculpture in North Park is a real art installation by Atelier Van Lieshout, and it became a landmark for fans after the film's release.
The production deliberately chose real patient support groups in Pittsburgh for authenticity, though actors portrayed the main characters.
Filming in the Anne Frank House was a unique challenge; the crew had limited time and space, enhancing the emotional intensity captured on screen.
The 'grenade' monologue, a fan-favorite, was filmed at the Augustus Waters' fictional home, which was a private residence in Pittsburgh.
The movie's budget was a modest $12 million, yet it grossed over $307 million worldwide, making it a massive commercial success.
The bench scene in Amsterdam was so popular that the original bench was briefly stolen after filming, leading to a local mystery and eventual replacement.
Director Josh Boone ensured the film's color palette shifted from more subdued tones in Pittsburgh to vibrant hues in Amsterdam, symbolizing Hazel's expanding world.
Many of the film's cast and crew became close friends, reflecting the intimate and supportive atmosphere on set.
The film's soundtrack featured original songs by artists like Ed Sheeran and Birdy, perfectly matching the film's poignant tone.
Amsterdam's historic canals provided a picturesque backdrop, requiring careful coordination with local authorities for filming.

Location Gallery

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

North Park

Anne Frank House

The American Hotel

Rembrandtplein

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover St. Paul's Episcopal Church, North Park, Anne Frank House in one day.