By Fathima Rukaiya,
Movies often transport us to magical places, but some of those settings are very real and you can visit them yourself. Here are nine of the most famous film locations across the globe.
1. Hobbiton Movie Set — Matamata, New Zealand
The lush farmland of Matamata became Middle-earth when Peter Jackson brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision to life.
The Hobbiton Movie Set, with its round-doored hobbit holes, gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn, is a fully preserved film location.
One of the most popular attractions in New Zealand, it was first constructed for The Lord of the Rings and then expanded for The Hobbit series.
Top films: The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit films.
Can you visit? Yes. Reservations are required in advance for the daily guided trips that depart from The Shire’s Rest in Matamata.
2. Skellig Michael — County Kerry, Ireland
In the Star Wars sequels, this isolated island off the coast of Ireland became a memorable sight as Luke Skywalker’s refuge.
Its rugged cliffs and beehive shaped stone huts date back to early Christian monks, give it a mystical appearance and historical significance.
Top films: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Can you visit? Yes, but only seasonally and in limited numbers. Boat tours operate in spring through autumn and permit for landing on the island are strictly regulated to preserve its heritage.
3. Alnwick Castle — Northumberland, England
Alnwick Castle, a centuries-old fortress, became Hogwarts for millions of fans. It was the backdrop for broomstick flying lessons and other exterior scenes in the early Harry Potter films.
Top films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Downton Abbey.
Can you visit? Yes. The castle remains open to the public with guided tours, family activities, and special events celebrating its film history.
4. Petra — Jordan
One of the world’s most remarkable archaeological wonders, the rose-red city carved into cliffs gained even greater recognition thanks to Hollywood.
The Treasury’s exterior and the winding Siq leading to it were used for some of the most memorable reveal shots in cinema.
Top films: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Can you visit? Absolutely. Petra is open year-round, with tours departing from Amman or the nearby town of Wadi Musa. Visitors should be prepared for heat, stairs, and long walks through this vast site.
5. Monument Valley — Arizona/Utah, USA
Monument Valley is one of the most cinematic sceneries. Its wide desert plains and tall sandstone peaks shaped the aesthetic of classic Westerns, especially those directed by John Ford. The stunning landscape has come to represent the American West in film.
Top films: Stagecoach and other John Ford Westerns, plus many modern films.
Can you visit? Yes. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is open to visitors. Guided tours, often led by Navajo guides, allow access to restricted areas and provide cultural insight into the land.
6. Aït Benhaddou — Ouarzazate, Morocco
Hollywood adores this UNESCO-listed village (secured clay town) because it seems like something from a legend. Numerous historical epics and fantasy movies have made advantage of its desert setting and stacked mudbrick structures.
Top films: Gladiator, The Mummy, and numerous historical films.
Can you visit? Yes. From Marrakech or Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou is a well-liked day trip destination. While respecting preservation efforts, visitors are welcome to explore its rooftops and passageways.
7. Wadi Rum — Jordan
Also known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum’s red dunes and towering cliffs have doubled as alien worlds and desert battlefields. Its surreal landscapes were crucial to both historical dramas and modern sci-fi blockbusters.
Top films: Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian.
Can you visit? Yes. Wadi Rum is a thriving adventure tourism hub with jeep tours, camel hikes, and overnight stays in Bedouin-style desert camps. Best times to visit are spring and autumn to avoid extreme heat.
8. Park Hyatt Tokyo — Japan
In Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, the Park Hyatt Tokyo’s New York Bar and hotel décor became instantly famous. Film enthusiasts have made the hotel a pilgrimage destination because of its dimly lit atmospheric environment and breathtaking views of the Shinjuku skyline.
Top films: Lost in Translation.
Can you visit? Yes, Historically, non-guests have been welcomed at the New York Bar but check current access rules before visiting.
9. Central Park — New York City, USA
Perhaps the world’s most filmed urban park is Central Park. Its broad lawns, boathouses, and bridges have served as the backdrop for action scenes, comedies, and romances. From charming little alleys to busy walkways, filmmakers adore its diversity.
Top films: When Harry Met Sally, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Serendipity, Enchanted, and many more.
Can you visit? Yes, daily. Visitors can explore on their own or join movie location tours that highlight Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Gapstow Bridge, and other famous filming spots.
Jordan’s deserts and New Zealand’s lush landscapes show how the actual world frequently inspires the beauty of movies.
These locations provide you with the opportunity to enter the worlds you’ve seen on screen, whether you’re a devoted fan of movies or simply like amazing travel experiences!
