⏱️ 7 min read
Did You Know? 10 Film Locations You Can Visit Today
Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, but some of the most iconic film locations aren’t created in studios—they’re real places you can visit. From sweeping landscapes to historic buildings, these filming locations have become pilgrimage sites for cinema enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re a casual movie fan or a dedicated cinephile, visiting these locations offers a unique opportunity to step into the scenes of your favorite films. Here are ten remarkable film locations that remain accessible to visitors today.
1. Petra, Jordan – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The ancient city of Petra served as the dramatic backdrop for the final scenes of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989). The Treasury building, carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, represented the resting place of the Holy Grail. Today, Petra remains one of the world’s most stunning archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage location. Visitors can walk the same narrow canyon, known as the Siq, that Indiana Jones traveled through, and emerge to see the magnificent Treasury facade exactly as it appeared in the film. The site offers extensive exploration opportunities beyond what was shown on screen, with numerous tombs, temples, and rock formations to discover.
2. Skellig Michael, Ireland – Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi
This remote island off the coast of County Kerry became the mysterious location of Luke Skywalker’s exile in recent Star Wars films. Skellig Michael is a real sixth-century monastic settlement perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop in the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s ancient stone structures and 600 steep steps perfectly captured the isolated, spiritual atmosphere needed for the films. Visitors can tour the island during limited seasons, though access is restricted to preserve the site’s historical and ecological significance. The journey to Skellig Michael requires a boat trip that offers spectacular views of Ireland’s rugged coastline.
3. Alnwick Castle, England – Harry Potter Series
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland doubled as the exterior of Hogwarts School in the first two Harry Potter films. The castle’s courtyards served as the location where Harry had his first broomstick flying lesson and where students learned various magical skills. Today, the castle offers specialized Harry Potter tours and broomstick training sessions that recreate these iconic movie moments. Beyond its film fame, Alnwick Castle is a working heritage site with nearly 1,000 years of history, featuring state rooms, medieval architecture, and elaborate gardens that attract visitors year-round.
4. Matamata, New Zealand – The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies
The rolling hills of Matamata transformed into the Shire, home of the hobbits in Peter Jackson’s epic trilogies. The Hobbiton Movie Set remains a fully constructed tourist destination, complete with hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. Unlike temporary film sets that are dismantled after production, this location was rebuilt with permanent materials for “The Hobbit” films and has been maintained as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the meticulously crafted village, enjoy refreshments at the inn, and experience the pastoral beauty that brought Middle-earth to life. The attention to detail, from the gardens to the props, makes this one of the most immersive film location experiences available.
5. The Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles – Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land
The iconic Griffith Observatory has appeared in numerous films, most famously in “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955) and more recently in “La La Land” (2016). This Art Deco landmark sits on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood and offers panoramic views of Los Angeles. The observatory remains a functioning public facility with planetarium shows, exhibits, and telescopes available for public viewing. Visitors can stand in the same spots where James Dean filmed his memorable scenes or where Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling danced against the twilight sky. The combination of architectural beauty, scientific discovery, and Hollywood history makes this location particularly special.
6. Grand Central Terminal, New York – Numerous Films Including The Avengers
New York’s Grand Central Terminal has served as a filming location for countless movies, from classic films like “North by Northwest” to modern blockbusters like “The Avengers.” The Beaux-Arts architecture, featuring the famous celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse, provides a stunning backdrop that represents the heart of New York City. Unlike many film locations, Grand Central remains a fully operational transportation hub, adding authentic energy to any visit. Tourists can explore the terminal freely, dine at its restaurants, and take guided tours that highlight both its architectural significance and its cinematic history.
7. Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii – Jurassic Park
The lush valleys of Kualoa Ranch on Oahu’s windward coast served as the principal location for Isla Nublar in “Jurassic Park” (1993) and its sequels. The dramatic Ka’a’awa Valley, with its towering cliffs and verdant landscape, perfectly captured the prehistoric atmosphere needed for the dinosaur adventures. The ranch now offers specialized movie tours that take visitors to various filming locations used not only in Jurassic Park but also in productions like “Lost,” “Kong: Skull Island,” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” Visitors can see the valley where the gallimimus stampede occurred and experience the natural beauty that has made this location a filmmaker’s paradise.
8. The Plaza de España, Seville, Spain – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
This stunning semicircular plaza in Seville represented the planet Naboo in “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” (2002). Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition, the Plaza de España features magnificent Renaissance and Moorish Revival architecture with ornate bridges, a canal, and beautiful ceramic tilework. The location is freely accessible to the public and remains one of Seville’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can walk along the same colonnades where Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala walked, rent boats to paddle in the canal, or simply admire the architectural splendor that required minimal CGI enhancement to become an otherworldly location.
9. The Timberline Lodge, Oregon – The Shining
The exterior of the Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood served as the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” (1980). This National Historic Landmark, built in 1937, is a fully operating hotel and ski resort where visitors can book rooms and experience the mountain atmosphere that inspired Stephen King’s novel. While the interior scenes were filmed on soundstages in England, the lodge embraces its cinematic connection while maintaining its identity as a premier mountain destination. The rustic architecture and isolated mountain setting provide an appropriately atmospheric experience, though the hotel ensures guests that it’s considerably more welcoming than its fictional counterpart.
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones’ King’s Landing
While technically a television series, “Game of Thrones” has achieved cinematic cultural impact, and Dubrovnik’s Old City served as the primary location for King’s Landing throughout the series. The ancient city walls, fortresses, and limestone streets provided an authentic medieval atmosphere that required little modification. Today, Dubrovnik offers specialized Game of Thrones walking tours that guide visitors to key filming locations, including the Walk of Shame steps, the Red Keep exteriors, and various market and street scenes. The city’s preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage site means that visitors see essentially the same views that appeared on screen, making it one of the most recognizable and accessible fantasy filming locations in the world.
Conclusion
These ten film locations demonstrate how cinema and real-world geography intersect to create memorable movie experiences. From ancient archaeological wonders to purpose-built tourist attractions, each location offers visitors the chance to connect with beloved films in tangible ways. Whether you’re exploring the hobbit holes of New Zealand, climbing the steps to Skellig Michael, or walking the walls of Dubrovnik, visiting these sites provides deeper appreciation for both the films themselves and the remarkable places that helped bring them to life. For movie enthusiasts planning their travels, these destinations offer the perfect combination of cinematic nostalgia and genuine cultural or natural significance, proving that sometimes the most fantastic movie locations are real places waiting to be discovered.
