Explore the well known sets and landscapes that have captured imaginations around the world, from classic blockbusters to beloved TV series. Whether you’re a film fanatic or just curious to see where the famed Full House house is, uncover the behind the scenes magic at one (or all) of your favorite filming locations.
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia｜Game of Thrones
Dubrovnik, or more commonly known as King’s Landing, was the main filming location for Game of Thrones. Several sites throughout the medieval city will look very familiar to GOT fanatics, such as the Pile Gate, the Bokar and Lovrijenac Fortresses and the Jesuit Steps. Visit all these locations and get the true King’s Landing experience by joining one of these Game of Thrones tours. From walking tours to boat rides, you’ll become familiar with the ins and outs of the city while exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have some extra time, wander to the nearby Lokrum island for a 2-for-1 as it was a stand-in for the city of Qarth near the Jade Sea. The best part – you can sit on the famed Iron Throne while there.
2. King’s Cross Station in London｜Harry Potter
Located in the London borough of Camden, King’s Cross is where students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry catch the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. And it’s also a real place! As you probably already know, this station is where Harry and his friends get to their train platform by transporting through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10, aka platform 9 ¾. The coolest thing about this train station is that platform 9 ¾ is there on the wall, just waiting for you to snap a picture and make your friends think you’re heading to Hogwarts!
3. Painted Ladies in San Francisco｜Full House
Ever wondered where the famous Full House house was located? Painted Ladies in San Fran is the place! Located along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park, these 7 homes are one of the most photographed sights in the city due to their unique beauty and fame. In 2020, one of the iconic homes was put up for sale for $2.75 million, making someone’s Full House dreams come true.
4. Skopelos, Greece｜Mamma Mia!
While Mamma Mia! enthusiasts may call it Kalokairi, the actual filming location was the Greek island of Skopelos. This modestly sized island was largely known for its abundance of plums until 2007 when Mamma Mia! began filming. One of the attractions that was featured in the film is Agios Ioannis Chapel, the place where Sophie and Sky say their I-dos. This small chapel can only hold about 10 worshipers and the surrounding views are guaranteed to take your breath away. Visit the chapel and other famous filming locations during this Mamma Mia Island Tour, to let your inner ABBA out.
5. Bath, England｜Bridgerton
While this Netflix drama may be set in a fantasy world of Regency-era London in 1813, many of the scenes were actually filmed in the southwest England town of Bath. This city has preserved so much of its historic appearance and buildings, making it the ideal spot for shows and movies set in olden-day times. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich history and architecture. Live out your Bridgerton fantasy by booking a spot on this Bridgerton Tour where you’ll walk by key filming locations all while listening to the show’s soundtrack.
6. 90 Bedford Street in NYC｜Friends
Travel to 90 Bedford Street on the corner of Grove Street to catch a glimpse of one of the most famous apartment buildings in NYC. While you can’t enter the building, it’s still pretty cool to see the Friends apartment in real life. If you do want to step inside the world of Friends and explore set recreations of your favorite scenes, view original props and costumes from the show and so much more, check out the FRIENDS Experience at 130 E 23rd Street. There’s even a fully functioning replica of Central Perk inside where you can try their seasonal menu and take a seat on the famous orange couch.
7. Salzburg, Austria｜The Sound of Music
The hills are alive in Salzburg with so many recognizable filming locations from The Sound of Music. And while you may think this is just some random location they chose to film the movie in, it’s the real hometown of the Trapp family! There are so many tours and experiences to choose from when visiting Salzburg, but one that catches our eye is Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour, allowing you to explore Austria’s most bicycle-friendly city while visiting famous sites from the movie.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana｜22 Jump Street
If beignets and gumbo weren’t enough to get you to book a trip to New Orleans, knowing that 22 Jump Street was filmed here may get you to pull the trigger. One main location that you’ll be able to recognize off the bat is Tulane University and Loyola University, neighboring colleges that make up MC State College in the film. And if you want to follow in Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s footsteps, take a trip to St. Maurice Catholic Church, the location of the movie’s police department’s undercover headquarters. To discover all the movie’s filming locations in New Orleans, check out this list.
9. Petra, Jordan｜Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The Indiana Jones films are well-known for their exploration of both modern cities and ancient landmarks, making Petra an ideal filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Petra has a rich history and is believed to date back to 9000 BC. The city was abandoned and forgotten until the 19th century when a traveler re-discovered the hidden gem. It was declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and has since become one of the most visited spots in Jordan. So, while you may know it as the “place in Indiana Jones,” Petra has a lot more history than just that.
10. Timberline Lodge, Oregon｜The Shining
Looking for a thrilling vacation? Make your way to the Timberline Lodge, located just an hour away from Portland, Oregon. This luxury ski lodge and mountain resort was used as the exterior location for the Overlook Hotel in the horror film The Shining. Of course, people who visit usually want to stay in room 217, making it the most requested room by guests. Watch out for little girls in blue dresses and Danny Torrence riding through the hallways on his Big Wheel when visiting!
11. San Domenico Palace, Taormina｜White Lotus season 2
If you’re looking for breathtaking views and luxury, just like you see in the White Lotus season 2, book a room at the San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Taormina, Sicily. Relax by the infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea, just like Portia, or sit down for a meal at the hotel’s Principe Cerami restaurant, where you saw Harper and Daphne eat their breakfasts. While your vacation probably won’t have as much drama as the show (hopefully), it will be just as beautiful as it looks on TV.
Lights, camera, vacation
From exploring The Sound of Music locations in Salzburg to walking in Indiana Jones’ footsteps in Petra, make all your movie star dreams come true with Faye Travel Insurance.
These locations and activities are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on filming locations available to visit.
