30 Famous Movie Locations Around The World You Can Visit

If you're the kind of traveler who sees a place like Carrie's brownstone in NYC and starts quoting "Sex and the City," this is the list for you. Spotting iconic locations from our favorite films and television shows can be a fun way to stay connected to some of our favorite stories and characters. Although some places exist only on studio lots, visiting real-life movie locations is a popular tourist activity.

A few of the spots we mention below are more obvious. For example, The Art Institute of Chicago for "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is well known, but others may be a surprise, like the formerly defunct shopping center in Görlitz, Germany, which got back on its feet after "The Grand Budapest Hotel." If you're a major movie nerd (like us), then a lot of these places should be on your must-visit destination list. This is just a preview of some of Earth's most incredible and famous movie locations.

When it comes to iconic views of Jordan, only some come close to Al Khazna or The Treasury. That's because, in part, of its role in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Because some of the final moments of the film take place in front of the massive facade built into the rock, visitors are more aware of this magnificent structure. It's believed to have been built sometime in the first century B.C. Although you can't go inside it, you can marvel at the incredible exterior architecture.

The Art Institute of Chicago is only in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" for a few fleeting minutes. Yet Chicagoans will forever talk about it. Filmmaker John Hughes, who is from Chicagoland, used the scene to highlight some of his favorite paintings in the Institute. You can visit the art museum, one of the best in the world, to see some of the ultra-famous pieces there. One such piece that is beloved and featured in the film is George Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."

In her namesake film, Amélie Poulin works at the Café des 2 Moulins. Located in Paris, France, the cafe, whose name translates to the Cafe of Two Windmills, references the two famed windmills in the city at the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette. Although the café has changed a little since "Amélie" came out in 2001, it is still quite reminiscent of its silver screen counterpart. Stop by for something to eat and take a load off.

The enormous roadside attractions known as the Cabazon Dinosaurs have been delighting visitors for decades. Although over 100 of them exist, a few are more iconic than others, like Mr. Rex. But Paul Reubens cemented these ancient photo-friendly dinos into the tourist lexicon in his 1985 film "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure." You can stop by to visit them any day of the week during daytime hours. Some of the dinos even get new paint jobs from time to time. For example, Mr. Rex was temporarily repainted with a grey suit and red bow tie in homage to Pee-Wee Herman after Reuben's 2023 death.

Although "Inception" was not technically filmed on location in Japan, the intricate set of a dreamy castle sequence will look very familiar. That's because the castle was based on Nijo Castle in Kyoto, so much so that you'll marvel at the amount of detail the staged set for the film took on. While it wasn't directly filmed at the castle, you can tour the inspired location and get a feel for the mind-boggling film. Nijo Castle is open for public tours, so you can get a sense of its monumental history, dating back to 1603.

"Men in Black II" is far from the only movie filmed at Grand Central Station in New York City. Other movies like "Friends with Benefits," "I Am Legend," and "The Fischer King" were also filmed here. Still, Grand Central is where the agents discovered Locker C-18, where a host of little aliens were living — so it's a pretty big deal in the movie. The lockers aren't here anymore, though you're certainly welcome to explore the station to take in the sights. Just maybe avoid rush hour when it'll be the most crowded.

A lot of scenes in Ben Affleck's "Argo" were filmed in the massive Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. The flurry of colorful shops and stalls made for a perfect aesthetic for the American hostages to hide from their would-be captors. This market is one of the largest in the world, with almost 4,000 vendors covering over 60 streets. As the world's oldest bazaar, there is so much to see and do here besides following the footsteps of "Argo." It's open every day except Sundays and holidays. There is no entrance fee or reservation system.

When it wasn't serving as Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Hatley Castle in Colwood was also Lex Luthor's lair in "Smallville" and the Queen family home in "Arrow." Even so, its visage is probably best known from its appearances in the "X-Men" films, specifically "X-Men 2." Hatley Castle is over a century old, though it looks much older. You are welcome to visit the castle itself on a paid guided tour, though the formal gardens are free to visit during daylight hours.

Ah, the dreamy McCallister home. A Christmas favorite for anyone who loves "Home Alone" or homey Midwestern home designs, this house is still very much as it was in the 1990s. This privately owned home is located in Chicago's luxe suburb of Winnetka. You can see the home at 671 Lincoln Ave. Although you can't go inside, it has been listed on Airbnb for a special Christmas stay before. So, you can go by for a quick look outside, but be mindful that folks live here.

Homebase for the Ghostbusters from, well, "Ghostbusters" is still alive and well in New York City. Over at Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse, you'll see the backgrounds for many of the beloved film's big scenes. Although the exterior of the firehouse is what was used for the film, you may be able to score an informal tour of the inside if the firefighters aren't busy. You can also buy some souvenirs while you're here, too, if you need some ectoplasm-related gifts.

At over 130 years old, Katz's Deli in NYC is known for a few things. It's known for its pastrami on rye, being the oldest deli in New York City, and for the line "I'll have what she's having" from "When Harry Met Sally." It was here that Billy Crystal uttered those infamous words. You can even sit at the table where Crystal and Meg Ryan sat and enjoy your deli delicacies. If you can't find the table, just ask or peek around for the plaque.

Students of Hogwarts heading to the school must catch the Hogwarts Express. The only way to do that is via Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross station in London. Although Muggles can't access this fantastical train, they can take photos at the famed Platform 9 ¾ sign at the train station. Below the sign, you'll see a half-exposed cart with luggage and a cage stacked upon it. It doesn't cost anything to visit the sign, though you may want to bring some spending money for The Harry Potter Shop located at Kings Cross.

Ever wanted to visit a real-life Hobbiton? Wander the Shire in search of hobbitses? You can if you visit the area around Matamata in New Zealand. This gorgeous rural town will help you live out your wildest Middle Earth dreams. This entire countryside represents a bunch of different locations from "Lord of the Rings." Whether you're looking for Hobbit holes or Fangorn Forest, you'll be amazed at how many otherworldly spots reside in the same area. Your best opportunity to get the most out of seeing these areas is through a locally-led, guided tour.

You know how Julia Roberts owned a bookshop in "Notting Hill?" Well, it's a real bookshop named Notting Hill Bookshop – rather than The Travel Book Company, as it's referred to in the movie. Although it is no longer known as The Travel Bookshop, you'll still find this beloved store at 13 Blenheim Crescent in London. Since the film came out, store ownership has changed hands a few times. Even so, the exterior will let even the stingiest romantic swoon just a little on the streets of London. Don't forget to buy a book while you're here.

To be more specific, you'll want to go to The Athenian Inn at Pike Place Market. While the market itself (especially the emblematic Public Market sign) made its way into "Sleepless in Seattle," Athenian Inn is where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner's characters eat. You can still visit the over 110-year-old restaurant and grab some delicious seafood. Grab a seat at the chromium counter for the ultimate "Sleepless" moment. Go ahead and do your best Jay and Sam impressions; we won't judge.

For major fans of the cult classic "The Blues Brothers," spotting a filming location is a big deal. When it comes to one of the biggest scenes in this film (aside from the epic car chase through Downtown Chicago), look no further than the Pilgrim Baptist Church at 3235 E. 91st Street. The interior shots of the church weren't shot on location, though you'll immediately recognize the church's steeple. Visiting for photo ops outside the church is easy enough, but maybe avoid Sundays for fewer crowds.

Film buffs are likely to recognize Point Dume at Zuma Beach along the Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles. After all, this is where the buried Statue of Liberty is discovered in "Planet of the Apes." Though it's a popular filming location and has also been featured extensively in other films like "The Big Lebowski," "Iron Man 3," and "Knight and Day," the public beach is open for visitors to swim, dive, or just rest on the soft sand.

If you find yourself wondering if a swallow could, in fact, carry a one-pound coconut, you'll find your movie geekout moment at Duone Castle. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" fans will immediately recognize the look of this castle in which King Arthur and his band of merry knights kept watch. "Game of Thrones" fans may also recognize it as Winterfell from the pilot episode. The castle grounds are open to the public with a paid entry fee. You can visit the courtyard and cellar if you're able to handle a steep and cobbled tunnel.

Do you remember the scene in "Love Actually" in which Alan Rickman's character buys a necklace from Rowan Atkinson? That took place in the famed Selfridges department store in London. Since it's a public store, you're able to visit it for free! At over 100 years old, Selfridges is known as one of the best department stores in the world. Perhaps you, too, can purchase a necklace from the jewelry counter for a loved one — just make sure it's for the right loved one before Christmas, okay?

Stoke Park isn't a city park. It is a country club where both "Bridget Jones's Diary" and two "James Bond" films were shot. The dreamy hotel and country club setting are perfect for film lovers or anyone looking for an uber-romantic getaway. Stoke Park is also home to a spa, golf club, and a few restaurants. It's a private club, but the restaurants are open to the public.

Owned by the Four Seasons, the luxe Beverly Wilshire Hotel, made famous by "Pretty Woman," is full of incredible ways to relive your favorite moments from the movie. This gilded hotel has tons of free photo ops within its spellbinding walls if you aren't able to actually stay in a room for a true Julia Roberts moment. The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is the epitome of glamorous Los Angeles hotels, so even if you're just a middling "Pretty Woman" fan, it's well worth a visit.

Los Angeles is home to a lot of the filming locations for "Stark Trek: Into Darkness." However, it's hard to top being the site of Starfleet headquarters. The movie chose none other than the astonishing Getty Center to be the HQ for Starfleet members. Visiting the Getty Center, an architectural phenomenon of an art museum, is free. Trekkies will undoubtedly recognize the exterior of the Getty Center, though you should certainly spend an afternoon roaming its halls admiring the artworks.

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence's 2012 film "Silver Linings Playbook" put a roadside diner on the map. The Llanerch Diner in Upper Darby outside of Philadelphia is where the two characters eat a meal together. Like at Katz's Deli, which we mentioned earlier, the famed booth here is marked and frequently requested by fans of the film. You're welcome to come to Llanerch for a meal and, hopefully, eat where Cooper and Lawrence did, though you may need to wait behind other diners.

When it comes to making an impression on the filmgoing public, few locales do it like The Plaza in New York City. Seven films have taken place, at least in part, at this astonishing hotel. Starting with Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest," this hotel is practically a co-star. Though it shines just as brightly in "The Way We Were," which is widely considered one of the best films ever made. Relive Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford's meeting from "The Way" or the painful scenes from Baz Luhrman's "The Great Gatsy" while you're in the hotel's charming presence.

Built in 1928, the classical mansion known as The Swan House in Atlanta is full of swan imagery as it was owner Mrs. Inman's favorite animal. In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the Swan House becomes the central home for President Snow, showcasing one of Atlanta's most beautiful places. The house is part of the Atlanta History Center, and you can visit the Swan House to explore the tremendously intricate interior. Is anyone else ready to volunteer as tribute?

Another Bradley Cooper film, this time opposite none other than Lady Gaga, "A Star is Born" catapulted several Los Angeles locations into pop culture. One such location was The Virgil, where Jackson and Ally meet. You're more likely to see stand-up here rather than drag performances, though you'll still recognize the popular East Hollywood libation station. Even better, there is a weekly show called Hot Tub at The Virgil, which Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal host.

One look at the Timberline Lodge might send a chill up your spine. That's because its exterior was made famous by Stanley Kubrick's creepy film "The Shining." The jury is still out on whether or not the hotel is haunted, though brave souls can stay here to find out for themselves. Horror nerds love visiting this place to reconnect with their Stephen King roots. While you won't find official tours here, there have been "The Shining" themed parties held here for Halloween from time to time. Finally, if you're looking for room 217, you won't find it – there isn't a room 217 here.

It should come as no surprise that Brian de Palma's Chicago-based, Prohibition-era film "The Untouchables" was shot all over Chicago. There are countless locations we could list here, though none would be more epic than the shootout scene at Union Station. Union Station is a frequent on-screen location, so it may look familiar. Chicago's beautiful train station, which is free to visit, is captured incredibly amid the battle between coppers and mobsters. Opened in 1925, Union Station is a glimpse into Chicago's artistic history. It is a personal favorite spot in the city and a great excuse to take the train.

Before the movie was filmed, the Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store sat abandoned. Now visitors can explore the gorgeous building once again to live out their "The Grand Budapest Hotel" dreams. The Art Nouveau store is an exquisite example of saved architecture. Although visitors can't experience the store in its entirety, they can go inside some of it. Kaufhaus Görlitz is still under renovation in a years-long rehabilitation to return to its original beauty.

The stunning 12th-century, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, Cambodia, made for incredible shots throughout "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Before the film came out, the temple complex wasn't a huge tourism draw from the Western world. "Lara Croft" changed that, and now it is immensely popular. In fact, per Khreativa Cambodia, "Lara Croft" was the first international film to feature Angkor Wat to a Western audience. Like millions of other visitors, you can explore the temples at Angkor Wat with tickets or guided tours