Famous Film Locations You Can Explore on Your Next Holiday

25 March 2026

Ever watched a movie and thought, Wow, I'd love to go there!? Well, guess what? You actually can! Many of the stunning places featured in blockbuster films aren’t just Hollywood sets — they’re real locations you can visit. From magical castles to breathtaking landscapes, these spots let you step right into your favorite scenes.

So, grab your camera and get ready to walk in the footsteps of legendary characters. Here are some of the most famous film locations you can explore on your next holiday!

1. Hobbiton – Matamata, New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit)

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Middle-earth, Matamata is the place to be! Hobbiton, the charming village from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, is a real-life paradise in New Zealand.

🚶 What to Do: Take a guided tour through the lush rolling hills, visit Bilbo’s house at Bag End, sip ale at The Green Dragon Inn, and snap pictures of the famous round doors.

📍 How to Get There: Matamata is about a two-hour drive from Auckland, making it a perfect road trip spot.

2. Harry Potter Locations – United Kingdom

The Harry Potter series was filmed across various stunning locations in the U.K. If you're a Potterhead, visiting these iconic spots will feel like stepping into Hogwarts itself.

🏰 Must-Visit Locations:
- Alnwick Castle (England): Used as Hogwarts in The Sorcerer’s Stone
- Glenfinnan Viaduct (Scotland): The famous train bridge from the Hogwarts Express scene
- Leadenhall Market (London): Inspired parts of Diagon Alley

📍 How to Get There: London is the hub for many Harry Potter locations, but Scotland and Northern England also offer incredible spots worth traveling to.

3. Skellig Michael – Ireland (Star Wars: The Last Jedi)

Jedi training, anyone? Star Wars: The Last Jedi showcased the breathtaking Skellig Michael Island off the coast of Ireland. With its dramatic cliffs and ancient stone huts, it’s no wonder the filmmakers chose this mystical place for Luke Skywalker’s hideout.

⛰ What to Do: Hike up the steep stone steps, explore the ancient monastery, and take in the surreal ocean views.

📍 How to Get There: You’ll need to take a boat from Portmagee, but the journey is absolutely worth it!

4. Dubrovnik – Croatia (Game of Thrones)

Dubrovnik’s historic walls and stunning coastline made it the perfect stand-in for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of the show, touring this medieval city will feel like stepping straight into Westeros.

🗡 What to See:
- Fort Lovrijenac: The Red Keep
- Pile Gate: The entrance to King’s Landing
- Jesuit Staircase: The iconic "Shame!" scene

📍 How to Get There: Fly into Dubrovnik Airport, then head straight to the Old Town.

5. Maya Bay – Thailand (The Beach)

Leonardo DiCaprio made this hidden paradise famous in The Beach. Since then, Maya Bay has become a must-visit for travelers craving crystal-clear water and dreamy white sands.

🏝 What to Do: Snorkeling, sunbathing, and soaking in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

📍 How to Get There: Take a boat from Phuket or Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands.

6. Salzburg – Austria (The Sound of Music)

Even if you’re not a musical fan, Salzburg’s stunning landscapes and baroque architecture will take your breath away. The Sound of Music made this charming Austrian town famous, and it remains a top destination for tourists.

🎶 What to See:
- Mirabell Gardens: Where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi”
- Leopoldskron Palace: Used as the von Trapp family home
- Nonnberg Abbey: Maria’s convent

📍 How to Get There: Salzburg is well connected by train from Vienna, Munich, and other major European cities.

7. Petra – Jordan (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)

Remember the final scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? The ancient city of Petra served as the legendary resting place of the Holy Grail. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an absolute must-see for adventure seekers.

🏺 What to Do:
- Walk through the dramatic Siq canyon
- Marvel at the stunning Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
- Explore the ancient tombs and temples

📍 How to Get There: Travel to Wadi Musa, the gateway town to Petra. Amman, Jordan’s capital, is the nearest major city.

8. Glenn Canyon – Arizona, USA (Planet of the Apes)

The otherworldly landscapes of Glen Canyon made it the perfect filming location for Planet of the Apes (2001). With breathtaking rock formations and deep canyons, it truly looks like another planet.

🌄 What to Do:
- Take a boat tour on Lake Powell
- Explore Antelope Canyon
- Hike around Horseshoe Bend for jaw-dropping views

📍 How to Get There: Fly into Page, Arizona, or drive from Las Vegas.

9. Matamata – Iceland (Interstellar & Game of Thrones)

Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty has made it the backdrop for countless sci-fi and fantasy films. From Interstellar to Game of Thrones, its dramatic landscapes are out-of-this-world.

❄ Notable Locations:
- Svínafellsjökull Glacier: Used as an alien planet in Interstellar
- Thingvellir National Park: Featured in Game of Thrones
- Kirkjufell Mountain: Known as "Arrowhead Mountain" in GoT

📍 How to Get There: Fly into Reykjavik and rent a car to explore the country’s epic landscapes.

10. Mont Saint-Michel – France (Tangled)

If you’ve watched Tangled and admired Rapunzel’s dreamy kingdom, you’ll be thrilled to know that Disney took inspiration from Mont Saint-Michel in France. This fairy-tale island is just as breathtaking in real life.

🏰 What to Do: Wander through the medieval streets, visit the iconic abbey, and take in the stunning coastal views.

📍 How to Get There: Travel from Paris to Rennes by train, then take a bus to Mont Saint-Michel.

Final Thoughts

Movies have the power to transport us to incredible places, but visiting these real-life film locations? That’s pure magic. Whether you want to relive epic battles, explore ancient ruins, or walk down the same streets as your favorite characters, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you.

So, which film location is calling your name? Pack your bags and start planning your cinematic adventure!