
๐ฌ Where Was The Hangover Filmed? Complete Las Vegas Location Guide
Relive The Hangover's wild ride by exploring its iconic Las Vegas filming locations. Get ready for a cinematic adventure in Sin City!
About ๐ฌ Where Was The Hangover Filmed? Complete Las Vegas Location Guide
๐ฌ Where Was The Hangover Filmed? Complete Las Vegas Location Guide
Remember that feeling of waking up in Las Vegas with no memory of the night before, your best friend missing, and a tiger in the bathroom? Okay, maybe not personally, but "The Hangover" delivers that chaotic experience like no other! ๐ฏ๐คฏ
This iconic 2009 comedy redefined the bachelor party movie, taking audiences on a hilariously frantic search through the glittering, grimy, and utterly unbelievable landscape of Las Vegas. The city isn't just a backdrop; it's a character itself, perfectly embodying the film's wild premise.
From the opulent suites of Caesars Palace to the barren Nevada desert, "The Hangover" leveraged its locations to amplify every absurd twist and turn. These spots, drenched in cinematic history, offer fans a chance to step directly into the chaos.
So, grab your sunglasses and your aspirin, because we're taking you on a cinematic tour of the real-world spots where the Wolfpack's epic adventure unfolded. Get ready to explore Sin City through the eyes of Phil, Stu, and Alan! ๐ฒโจ
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๐บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations
๐ฌ Caesars Palace - The Infamous Lost Weekend Begins! ๐
Caesars Palace is a legendary luxury hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip, instantly recognizable by its opulent Roman-inspired architecture. It's renowned for its world-class entertainment, fine dining, and elaborate Forum Shops. This grand resort embodies the extravagant spirit of Las Vegas.
๐ฅ In the FilmCaesars Palace is the primary setting for the beginning of the Wolfpack's misadventures, where they check into their "Villa" suite. Itโs here that they wake up to the infamous chaos: a tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet, and a missing groom! The hotel's grand lobby and iconic exteriors feature prominently.
๐ Visitor Info---
๐ฌ Jean Dry Lake Bed - Desert Detour & Tiger Troubles! ๐๏ธ

Located south of Las Vegas, the Jean Dry Lake Bed is a vast, undeveloped expanse of flat, hard-packed earth. This unique environment is a popular spot for off-roading, land speed records, and, of course, film shoots due to its remote, open landscape.
๐ฅ In the FilmThis desolate location sets the scene for one of the film's most memorable moments: the Wolfpack's car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. It's here that Alan tries to pet the tiger, leading to the hilarious and ridiculous sight of their car being picked up by a helicopter!
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๐ฌ Warner Bros. Studios, Stage 16 - The Magic Behind the Mayhem! โจ

Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, is one of the world's most famous and historic film production facilities. Stage 16, specifically, is a massive soundstage known for its towering height and ability to accommodate large, intricate sets. This is where movie magic truly comes to life in controlled environments.
๐ฅ In the FilmWhile the film thrives on its real-world Las Vegas footage, many of the complex interior scenes, especially inside the Caesars Palace suite, were meticulously recreated and filmed on soundstages at Warner Bros. Studios. This allowed for precise control over stunts, lighting, and special effects.
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๐ฌ Atomic Liquors - Vegas's Oldest Freemont Street Bar! ๐ป

Dating back to 1952, Atomic Liquors holds the proud title of the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas. Located in the vibrant Downtown/Fremont Street area, itโs a beloved local institution known for its retro charm, craft cocktails, and rich history, making it a true Vegas gem.
๐ฅ In the FilmThough not central to the main plot's frantic search, Atomic Liquors makes an appearance as part of the initial Las Vegas nightlife montage. It helps establish the authentic, slightly gritty, and endlessly fascinating atmosphere of downtown Vegas, setting the stage for the wild night ahead.
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๐ฌ The former Riviera Hotel & Casino (Riverside Ballroom) - Boxing Ring Brawls & Broken Dreams! ๐ฅ

The Riviera Hotel & Casino was a legendary part of the Las Vegas Strip from 1955 until its closure and demolition in 2016. Known for its Hollywood connections, classic entertainers, and distinctive architecture, it represented an important era in Las Vegas history.
๐ฅ In the FilmThe Riviera's "Riverside Ballroom" served as the backdrop for the underground boxing match sequence, where the Wolfpack encounters the eccentric Mr. Chow. This is also where Stu faces off against a taser-wielding character in a truly electric (pun intended) moment.
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๐ฌ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
Beyond the unforgettable gags, "The Hangover" was a masterclass in comedic filmmaking. The production team faced unique challenges and created an environment ripe for the hilarious, often improvised, performances that made the film a phenomenon.
๐ญ Director's Vision
๐ช Production Highlights
๐ Cast & Crew Stories
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๐บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit
Ready to follow in the Wolfpack's footsteps (hopefully without the catastrophic hangover)? Las Vegas is incredibly accessible and offers a range of options for your cinematic adventure.
๐จ Where to Stay
๐ Getting Around
๐ธ Photo Tips
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โ Quick Answers
๐ฌ Is this based on a true story?While "The Hangover" is fictional, the screenwriter did draw inspiration from a real bachelor party incident where a friend of a friend went missing after a wild night in Las Vegas.
๐บ๏ธ Can I visit all locations in one day?Visiting Caesars Palace, Atomic Liquors, and the former Riviera site (now LVCC) are feasible in one day due to their proximity. However, the Jean Dry Lake Bed is a significant drive away. Warner Bros. Studios is in California.
๐ฐ How much should I budget?A realistic budget for a "Hangover" inspired trip to Vegas (excluding airfare) for 2-3 days could range from $500-$1500+, depending on hotel choice, dining, and activities.
๐ฑ Are there guided tours?While there isn't a specific "Hangover" filming locations tour, many general Las Vegas tours cover places like the Strip, Caesars Palace, and Fremont Street.
๐ญ When was this filmed?"The Hangover" was primarily filmed in Las Vegas during the summer of 2008, capturing the intense heat and vibrant energy of the city.
๐ Is Las Vegas safe for tourists?Yes, like any major tourist destination, Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists. However, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and take precautions like securing your valuables.
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๐ฌ Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?
"The Hangover" didn't just entertain; it etched itself into the pop culture zeitgeist, becoming synonymous with epic, unforgettable (or forgotten) bachelor parties. Its filming locations are more than just backdrops; they're integral to the film's chaotic charm and comedic genius.
By visiting these iconic spots, you're not just seeing where a movie was made; you're immersing yourself in the very essence of Las Vegas, a city of endless possibilitiesโand, sometimes, wild consequences!
So, channel your inner Phil, Stu, or Alan (just maybe leave the tiger at home!) and plan your ultimate "Hangover" location tour. Share your travel pics with us, and who knows, maybe your Vegas story will be the next legend!
Year Released
2009
Director
Todd Phillips
Filming Locations
5 locations
Behind the Scenes
Director Todd Phillips aimed to create a visceral, chaotic comedy that felt authentic despite its outlandish premise. He insisted on blending real Las Vegas locations with meticulously crafted soundstage sets to give the audience a genuine sense of the city's unique energy while maintaining control over the insane stunts and sequences. The goal was to make viewers feel like they were right there with the Wolfpack, experiencing every shocking discovery.
- Zach Galifianakis famously took his 'I'm a one-man wolfpack' photo shoot at the actual Caesars Palace.
- The original script was based on a real-life bachelor party incident involving a friend of the writers.
- Mike Tyson's cameo was a last-minute addition, brought in by Todd Phillips after a chance encounter.
- The baby seen in the film was played by a set of crying triplets, ensuring a fresh baby for every take.
- The movie's budget was a modest $35 million, but it grossed over $469 million worldwide, becoming a massive hit.
- A real tiger was used for the desert and hotel scenes, albeit with extreme safety precautions and expert handlers.
- Bradley Cooper improvised several lines, including the famous 'Paging Dr. Faggot' during the car ride.
- Ed Helms' missing tooth was real! He had an adult implant removed for the role, as he never had an adult incisor.
- Finding a monkey that could smoke cigarettes on cue proved to be a peculiar casting challenge for the production.
- The cast's undeniable chemistry was key to the film's success, with many scenes fostering genuine reactions.
- The movie deliberately avoided CGI for many stunts to keep the comedy grounded and the reactions authentic.
- The filmmakers had to get special permission to jump a Mercedes over the Las Vegas Strip, adding to the realism.
Location Gallery
Caesars Palace

Jean Dry Lake Bed

Warner Bros. Studios, Stage 16

Atomic Liquors

The former Riviera Hotel & Casino
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 Caesars Palace, Jean Dry Lake Bed, Warner Bros. Studios, Stage 16 in one day.
Filming Locations
Discover all 5 locations where ๐ฌ Where Was The Hangover Filmed? Complete Las Vegas Location Guide was filmed
Interactive Location Map
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Filming Locations
Caesars Palace
Iconic luxury resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
Jean Dry Lake Bed
Vast, flat dry lake bed south of Las Vegas, used for outdoor and off-roading scenes.
Warner Bros. Studios, Stage 16
Historic film studio in Burbank, California, where interior scenes were shot.
Atomic Liquors
Oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas, located on Fremont Street.
The former Riviera Hotel & Casino
A historic Las Vegas hotel, now demolished (site part of LVCC).
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