10 Iconic Movie Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

Many of us have dreamed of stepping into the worlds of our favorite films—whether running up the steps to "Gonna Fly Now," striding through a grand hotel lobby, or exploring the Shire with hobbits. The great news is that numerous iconic movie scenes were filmed in real-world locations open to visitors. Add these must-see spots to your travel bucket list.

1) Christ Church College (Oxford, England)

Harry Potter fans rejoice: parts of Hogwarts exist in real life at the 16th-century Christ Church College in Oxford. The grand staircase leading to the Great Hall and the college's dining hall—which inspired the film's Great Hall—are highlights. Visitors can explore these historic spaces today.

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2) Dubuque County (Iowa)

“Is this Heaven?” “It’s Iowa.” “Could have sworn it was Heaven.”

In 1989, Universal Studios turned 193 acres of Iowa farmland into the legendary Field of Dreams. Kevin Costner's Ray Kinsella builds a baseball field haunted by ghosts of legends like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. Over a million fans have visited this Dyersville site since its release—join them.

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3) Salzburg (Austria)

The hills are alive with the sound of music in Salzburg, home to the 1965 classic The Sound of Music. Filming took place at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Leopoldskron Palace, and Nonnberg Abbey. Guided tours visit these sites, including Mirabell Gardens for "Do-Re-Mi."

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4) Martha's Vineyard (Massachusetts)

Steven Spielberg's 1975 thriller Jaws transformed this island into the town of Amity. Beaches like South Beach, State Beach, and Sengekontacket Pond remain much as they were. Shark enthusiasts can explore these coastal spots over 45 years later.

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5) Katz's Deli (New York City)

This Houston Street institution, serving pastrami sandwiches for 120+ years, hosted the iconic "I'll have what she's having" scene from 1989's When Harry Met Sally. Sit in the exact booth where Meg Ryan filmed her memorable moment.

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6) Matamata (New Zealand)

Peter Jackson brought Middle-earth to life in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, filming Hobbiton in Matamata's lush North Island landscapes. Today, the preserved Shire set with hobbit holes, meadows, and streams welcomes visitors for an immersive experience.

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7) The Regent Beverly Wilshire (Los Angeles)

At the end of Rodeo Drive, this Beverly Hills landmark from Pretty Woman (1990) hosted Julia Roberts' taste of luxury. Much of the film was shot here; fans can also visit the nearby Las Palmas Hotel, site of Vivian's apartment and Edward's fire-escape rescue.

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8) Tabernas Desert (Spain)

Spain's Almería province, particularly the Tabernas Desert, served as the backdrop for over 200 spaghetti Westerns, including Clint Eastwood's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, For a Few Dollars More, and Once Upon a Time in the West. Abandoned sets still stand for exploration.

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9) Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia)

Relive Rocky Balboa's triumphant run up the museum's 72 steps to "Gonna Fly Now" from the 1976 film. The iconic Philadelphia landmark draws fans year-round, though no training montage or crowd is guaranteed.

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10) Hotel Sidi Driss (Matmata, Tunisia)

This ancient troglodyte hotel starred as Luke Skywalker's childhood home in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). Stay or dine in the underground rooms with preserved frescoes evoking Tatooine.

Lead photo by f11photo / Shutterstock.com