Top 10 Iconic Movie and TV Filming Locations: The Ultimate Set-Jetting Guide
Why just watch your favorite movies and TV shows when you can step into their worlds? Set-jetting—visiting real-life filming locations—is more accessible than ever, thanks to expert-led tours and passionate fan communities. Drawing from Lonely Planet's travel expertise, here are our top 10 must-see destinations.
Looking towards Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. Image by Justin Lambert / The Image Bank / Getty Images.
Breaking Bad, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Breaking Bad fans can join the renowned ABQ Trolley’s BaD Tour (www.abqtrolley.com), hosted by local enthusiasts Jesse and Mike. It covers 38 iconic sites, including Walter White’s house and condo. For a unique twist, try Biking Bad (routesrentals.com/tours), with character-specific routes offering fresh perspectives on the city.
The Organ Mountains by Megan Eaves. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Lord of the Rings, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Explore Middle-earth without the dangers of Gollum or Orcs. Tongariro National Park boasts Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) and Mangawhero Falls (Ithilien Camp). Book guided tours through the New Zealand Tourism Board (www.newzealand.com).
Tongariro Alpine Crossing by Jeff Pang. CC BY 2.0.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Kefalonia, Greece
Once swarmed by fans in the 90s, this stunning Greek island now offers serene visits to Sami village and Antisamos Bay, key filming sites for the movie. Local guides eagerly share insider spots.
Beach at Kefalonia by IDS.Photos. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Harry Potter, Diagon Alley, Hertfordshire, England
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden is essential for wizards-in-training. Virtually explore Diagon Alley via Google Maps Street View, spotting Ollivanders and Flourish and Blotts.
Girls, Greenpoint and Williamsburg, New York
Lena Dunham’s Girls filmed across these Brooklyn neighborhoods. Stroll India Street for Hannah’s apartment exterior and Bedford Avenue’s Spoonbill & Sugartown bookstore. Unofficial fan tours pop up occasionally—check local postings.
Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm, Cambodia
Dating to 1186, this Angkor temple near Siem Reap gained fame from Angelina Jolie’s films. Its overgrown ruins and vast scale stun visitors on every tour from Siem Reap.
Ta Prohm temple near Angkor Wat. Image by tbradford / E+ / Getty Images.
Arrested Development, Marina Del Rey and Culver City, USA
Channel the Bluths at Culver City Hall (the courthouse) or Marina Del Rey’s Fisherman’s Village (Balboa Island scenes). Note: The Banana Stand isn't here, despite Netflix tours.
Before Sunrise, Vienna, Austria
Richard Linklater’s romance doubles as a Vienna guide. Follow Jesse and Celine to the Riesenrad ferris wheel, Kleines Cafe, and Zollamtssteg bridge. Use interactive Google Maps for precise spots.
Wiener Riesenrad by Miguel Mendez. CC BY 2.0.
The Wire, Baltimore, USA
Trace the gritty streets of Baltimore’s key sites like the soup kitchen and McCulloh Homes (‘The Pit’). Fan-created driving routes, up to 54 miles, offer immersive self-guided tours.
Parc Guèll, Barcelona by Matt Stabile. CC BY 2.0.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Woody Allen’s ode to Barcelona highlights Parc Güell and El Raval. Join Gourmand Breaks tours (www.gourmandbreaks.com) for curated visits—no Bardem flights included.
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