25 INSPIRING MOVIE LOCATIONS TO VISIT

Last Updated on 27th March 2020 by Bejal

So anyone ever inspired to travel to a specific place, just because of a movie they watched? I have to admit, I am a big movie watcher and although a film hasn’t persuaded me to visits a specific location, well except one (you’ll have to read on to find out!) it appears many destinations that I have visited have featured in some of the globes best-known feature films. Calling all movie buffs who like to travel, read on…

1. PRETTY WOMAN

(FILM LOCATION: BEVERLY WILSHIRE, BEVERLY HILLS, LOS ANGELES, USA)

Filmed in the uber beautiful postcode of Beverly Hills 90210, who doesn’t love this modern day Cinderella romance between the very eligible Edward (Richard Gear) and super beautiful Julia Roberts. During my time in Beverly Hills, I visited the Beverly Wilshire hotel (a Four Seasons hotel) where Edward had a penthouse apartment.

2. MOULIN ROUGE

(FILM LOCATION: MONTMATRE,PARIS, FRANCE)

Ever since watching Bas Lurhmann’s version of the Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) I was obsessed with the set and dancing. For my 30^th birthday Dr C whisked me away to Paris to relive the movie and a night watching La Féerie at one of the world’s most famous Can-Can institutions in Montmatre, Paris

3. THE BEACH

(FILM LOCATION: PHI PHI LEY, THAILAND)

When I visited Thailand many moons ago, I had no idea that the crystal blue waters and limestone formations would form the location of the movie, The Beach starring Leo di Caprio. One of the most beautiful islands but unfortunately has been closed for a few months to combat over tourism.

4. NOTTING HILL

(FILM LOCATION: NOTTING HILL, LONDON, ENGLAND)

For me, probably the most romantic and hilarious British film of all time, Notting Hill, prompted me to visit the secret gardens of London and of course the Big blue door behind, which the love affair started between Will (Hugh Grant) and Anna (Julia Roberts)!

5. PRIDE & PREJUDICE

(FILM LOCATION: CHATSWORTH HOUSE, DERBYSHIRE, ENGLAND)

Well who can resist  Mr Darcy and a beautiful grand house with garden to match? Nope not me! Located in the stunning Derbyshire countryside, I guarantee a visit will transport you right into the heart of the Jane Austen classics and have you reliving the scenes! 

6. STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE

(FILM LOCATION: TIKAL, GUATEMALA)

With my fascination of Mayan civilisation and the citadel of Tikal in Guatemala, it was inevitable that I’d visit the site where Star Wars Episode IV was filmed. Even more spectacular in person as the panoramic views from the temple transport you to the scenes of the movie filmed in Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World heritage site since 1979. To get a fine glimpse of the view climb Temple IV and enjoy.

Read all about my visit to Tikal…

THE ANCIENT MAYAN CITY OF TIKAL, GUATEMALA

7. TOMB RAIDER

(FILM LOCATION: TA PROHM TEMPLE, ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA)

A bucket list experience of mine for years, Angkor Wat was so much more than I ever expected. The ancient city of Siem Reap and its temple complex, literally blew me away, more so because of the Hindu and Buddist history buried within the complex. On my return, I discovered that Ta Prohm was one of the temples that Lara Croft (Angelina Joile) was seen running through in the Tomb Raider movie.

8. MARY POPPINS

(FILM LOCATION: BIG BEN, LONDON, ENGLAND)

Who doesn’t want a spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down eh?! One of my all time favourites shot on the streets of The Big Smoke to include one of my favourite landmarks, Big Ben! So much to do in the capital city but I’ve got to admit living only an hour away, I still don’t get the chance to come down as often as I’d like to!

9. SEX & THE CITY

(FILM LOCATION: GREENWICH VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY, USA)

In the three times that I’ve visited NYC, it has been a must to mooch around the streets of Greenwich Village and walk past Cary Bradshaw (Jessica Sarah-Parkers) apartment door on Perry Street! All SATC series fans have to pay a visit at least once and imagine her strutting down the street in the oh so famous Manolo Blahniks! You can also pay the Magnolia Bakery a visit where the SATC girls hung out as at it’s located just around the corner. Be sure to try the red velvet cake!

Refer to my New York City guide for the best spots to visit…

A BUCKETLIST GUIDE TO THE OF BEST NYC

10. ROCKY

(FILM LOCATION: PHILADELPHIA)

One of my absolute favourite films to date, Sly Stallone played the character wonderfully and with great emotion. This summer I went to Philadelphia and did run a part of Rocky’s original training route, which ends up at the steps of the Philadelphia museum of art.

11. OCEANS ELEVEN

(FILM LOCATION: THE BELLAGIO, LAS VEGAS, USA)

The night Dr C proposed to me, little did I know, he booked a Junior suite at The Bellagio in Las Vegas. Our room overlooked the famous Bellagio fountain and we sat and watched the illuminating lights well into the early hours from the comfort of our room. Just like in the movie, The Bellagio is as stunning as its all cast line-up and you know I’m talking about Mr Clooney there!!

12. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

(FILM LOCATION: NEW YORK CITY, USA)

Who can forgo a visit to the original Tiffany’s Store on 5^th Avenue NYC. That scene where Penny golightly leaves the cab each morning with pastry in hand and peers into the shop front of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I too had my Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment when we visited during our minimoon! Remember folks, ‘it may be normal, but I’d rather be natural’

13. GOOD MORNING VIETNAM

(FILM LOCATION: THAILAND)

For absolutely years I thought Good Morning Vietnam was filmed in Vietnam but I was wrong! It’s actually filmed in Thailand! Well that didn’t stop me from visiting one the most gorgeous countries I’ve ever seen. A land that is intriguing in its past but yet so original and untouched in places. So many unforgettable memories of a far eastern culture of flavours and colours.

14. TOP GUN

(FILM LOCATION: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA)

Lets take it back to the 80’s in this classic, which I believe is soon to have a re-make! I wasn’t the greatest fan but totally understand why everyone enjoyed the movie. One of the scenes I remember the most is probably where Maverick (Tom Cruise) is riding his Harley up the highway en route to visit his muse, Charlie (Kelly McGillis).

15. SOME LIKE IT HOT

(FILM LOCATION: HOTEL DEL CORONADO, CALIFORNIA, USA)

Calling all Marilyn Monroe fans, you may have watched Some Like it Hot, dating back to 1959 set in the Hotel Del Coronado. The hotel is located on Coronado island, which is located across the bay from San Diego. Technically I had no idea about the film until the waiter told us about the history of the hotel. By the way, you can grab a beach side seat and watch the waves crashing with a long drink from the bar and pretend your Ms Monroe with the sea breeze blowing against your locks!

16. TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN PART 1

(FILM LOCATION: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL)

Remember the scene where Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) went on honeymoon to Rio following their beautiful wedding in the woods in Oregan? Oh yes of course you do ladies! Rio de Janeiro and its colourful, carnival vibes had me from the minute we entered Copacabana Beach. Dance lovers you’ll be in Samba heaven! Oh and big shout out to the Christ the Redeemer standing tall on Corcovado Mountain.

17. MIAMI VICE

(FILM LOCATION: MIAMI, USA)

I may have been a little young to be watching the original series but my first education or introduction to the drug underworld was via watching Miami Vice. However my visit this January was a far cry from the dark narcotics underworld, more instead a cool, trendy beach side location with technicolour beach huts, a plethora of beach side clubs, rooftop bars and sunshine, not to mention the extraordinary nightlife, food options and of course the art deco influence!

Peruse my guide on how to spend 48 hours in Miami…

HOW TO SPEND 48 HOURS IN MIAMI

18. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

(FILM LOCATION: IGUAZU FALLS, BRAZIL)

One of the most impressive falls, 252 falls to be precise on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay make up the force that is known as Iguazu Falls. I can see why it made the perfect backdrop for the adventurous Mr Jones with acres of national park land amidst the most magical water world wonder known to man.

Have a further look at Iguazu falls in my review below…

FIVE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE IGUAZU FALLS

 

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

(FILM LOCATION: FLORENCE, ITALY)

My most favourite city in the world due to my love of Renaissance art, was one of the scenes for the movie created after the famous novel, A Room With a View! In my opinion, Florence has great views from every perspective and has my heart!

A few of my favourite things things in Florence…

8 THINGS I REDISCOVERED ON MY RETURN TO FLORENCE

20. TAKEN 2

(FILM LOCATION: ISTANBUL, TURKEY)

Ok Liam Neeson fans, you know what I’m talking about! I visited Istanbul many years before the movie and really enjoyed reliving the landmarks through the movies, albeit from rooftops! One of my favourites was the magnificent Blue Mosque.

21. COUPLES RETREAT

(FILM LOCATION: BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA)

Hands down, Bora Bora is the most beautiful private beach escape I’ve ever set eyes on. Our Christmas stop on our around the world trip was seven days in this literal paradise. We stayed on a private island in an over water villa owned by The Sofitel hotel, in a traditional French Polynesian style. Breakfast was delivered by canoe and sunsets were just the candy floss clouds you see on postcards.

22. THE LORD OF THE RINGS

(FILM LOCATION: NEW ZEALAND)

New Zealand has the most amazing back drops and it was always going to be the case that we’d be experiencing the Lord of Rings landscape quite a lot during our North to South Island drive road trip we made. Even if you’re not a fan of the books or the movies, trust me you’ll be blown away by the scenery. Simply magical!

 

23. CROCODILE DUNDEE

(FILM LOCATION: SYDNEY & QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA)

One of those golden oldies, I remember watching with my family, who didn’t like Crocodile Dundee?! During our Around the World Trip, we spent time admiring the iconic structures in Sydney as well as a lot of time up in Queenstown, exploring the Daintree National Park and spotting wildlife.

24. THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN

 (FILM LOCATION: PHANG NGA BAY, THAILAND)

Well who can resist a 007 movie? You may remember the tall limestone structure the Man with the Golden Gun and where Mr Scaramanga has his secret den! Dr C and I visited the bay during our Thailand island extravaganza!

25. THE TOURIST

(FILM LOCATION: VENICE, ITALY)

My first birthday trip away with Dr C, Venice is a dream! St Marks Square, the canal network, Bellinis at Ciprianis, the islands of Burano and Murano and of course the Lido! If like me you love Venice or haven’t been, The Tourist, starring the beautiful Angelina Jolie and delectable Johnny Depp showcases Venezia in its true glory!

Well movie buffs, have you been to any of these locations or have plans to visit anytime soon? What movie inspired destinations have you travelled to? Let me know in the comments below…

Photo courtesy to IMDB for movie/series covers

Á Bientôt…

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