The Most Famous Film Locations to Visit

From sweeping landscapes to bustling city streets, some of the world’s most iconic film locations have become destinations in their own right. Whether you’re a cinephile or simply a traveler seeking breathtaking scenery, these famous filming spots offer a chance to step into the worlds of your favorite movies.

New Zealand: Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings

Few places have been as transformed by cinema as New Zealand, which served as the breathtaking backdrop for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The rolling hills of the Shire in Matamata, the volcanic terrain of Mordor in Tongariro National Park, and the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps (standing in for the Misty Mountains) make this country a must-visit for Tolkien fans. Guided tours take visitors through key filming locations, offering a glimpse into Middle-earth’s magic.

Scotland: Hogwarts from Harry Potter

The Scottish Highlands provided the perfect mystical setting for the Harry Potter series. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express chugs along in the films, is a real-life railway bridge that offers stunning views. Meanwhile, fans can explore the actual castle used for exterior shots of Hogwarts—Alnwick Castle in England—or visit the dramatic Glen Coe, which inspired the landscapes around the school. For an extra dose of magic, Edinburgh’s The Elephant House café is where J.K. Rowling penned parts of the series.

Jordan: The Martian Desert from The Martian

Wadi Rum’s otherworldly red sands and towering rock formations made it the ideal stand-in for Mars in Ridley Scott’s The Martian. This Jordanian desert, often called the “Valley of the Moon,” has also appeared in Lawrence of Arabia and Dune. Visitors can take jeep tours or even stay overnight in a Bedouin camp, gazing up at the same starry skies that framed Matt Damon’s struggle for survival.

New York City: The Ultimate Urban Backdrop

Few cities have been featured in as many films as New York. From the firehouse in Ghostbusters to the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Thomas Crown Affair, Gossip Girl), NYC is a living movie set. Central Park alone has appeared in countless films, including Home Alone 2 and When Harry Met Sally. For Breakfast at Tiffany’s fans, a stop at Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue is a must.

Iceland: The Planet of Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar used Iceland’s stark, alien landscapes to depict distant planets. The Svínafellsjökull glacier doubled as the icy wasteland of Mann’s planet, while the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara provided an eerie, windswept setting. Iceland’s dramatic scenery has also starred in Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and James Bond films.

Visiting Film Locations: A Unique Travel Experience

Exploring famous film locations adds a layer of excitement to travel, blending fiction with reality. Whether you’re wandering through Middle-earth, boarding the Hogwarts Express, or standing where your favorite movie heroes once stood, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences—and maybe even a little movie magic of their own.

So pack your bags, cue up your favorite films for inspiration, and embark on a journey through the silver screen’s most legendary landscapes.