Step Into the Scene: The World’s Most Popular Filming Locations You Can Visit

By Sneha. P

  ●   Last Updated : 08 May 2025

Staycation

Most film movie locations in the world:

Ever fancied walking through the Shire, standing where Harry Potter caught the Hogwarts Express, or wandering through the ancient city featured in Indiana Jones? For movie fans, the magic doesn't necessarily need to be limited just on screen. Around the world, iconic film locations are waiting for you to visit, allowing you to step into your favorite moments and experience the real-world landscapes behind the fantasy. Here are the best movie locations to visit.


1. Hobbiton – Matamata, New Zealand 


Hobbiton Matamata

📍New Zealand

Step into the magical world, one of the most iconic and dreamlike world top film locations in the world. Nestled in the rolling green hills of Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island, Hobbiton served as the whimsical backdrop for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.  You can wander through the Shire’s lush landscapes, marvel at the 44 perfectly crafted Hobbit holes, and visit beautiful locations like Bag End, the Party Tree and The Green Dragon Inn. Today it remains a fully protected and best movie location to visit that draws fans and travel and enjoy from every corner of the globe.


2. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland 


Glenfinnan Viaduct

📍Scotland




Hey! Are you Harry Potter lovers, dreaming of seeing the places, nestled in the Scottish Highlands near the village of Glenfinnan. It is a must-visit spot for film lovers. Famous for its outward appearance in the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express, this 21-arch railway bridge curving gracefully through the grand valley of Glenfinnan, showing beautiful views over Loch Shiel and the surrounding hills. If you want to experience the movie magic then visit during the summer to catch a look of the historic Jacobite Steam Train puffing across the viaduct.


3. Aït Benhaddou – Morocco


Aït Benhaddou

📍Morocco


Aït Benhaddou is a stunning old village in Morocco that is famous for its clay-made earth and instance of southern Moroccan architecture. It appears to be plucked straight out of fantasy with its red-mud-brick structures. This iconic site has also been a favorite filming location for major productions. Blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia were filmed here. And also you want to know the best time to visit Morocco or you want to cover at least 5 best beaches in Morocco, just follow the links to dive deeper into your Moroccan trip.


4. Lake Como, Italy – Star Wars 


Lake Combo

📍Italy

You might wonder why Lake Como is famous? Lake Como is a natural beauty for its beautiful views and architecture. Lake Como welcomes 1.4 to 1.5 million visitors annually. It has also made its mark in the film world. Star Wars fans recognize it from Episode 2: Attack of the Clones, the lakeside retreat where Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala share their romantic moments was filmed at Villa del Balbianello.


5. Hatley Castle  – British Columbia, Canada


Hatley Castle  – British Columbia

📍Canada


Nestled within Vancouver Island's emerald vegetation, Hatley Castle is an elegant work of Edwardian construction that is so unlike anything to ever exist outside a fairy tale. Constructed in 1908 in the nearby town of Colwood, near Victoria, it was first noticed as a site for films back in the early 1990s. And also during weekends in December, the castle hosts 'Cozy up at the Castle,' featuring holiday decorations, self-guided tours and festive activities.


6. Petra – Jordan


Petra

📍Jordan

Visiting Petra is like entering history, walking through the Siq canyon, and then you come out face-to-face with the impressive treasury. Hidden behind rugged sandstone cliffs in south Jordan, dubbed the 'Rose City,' resembles something straight out of the movies, so it is a cinch hit with Hollywood. In addition to its movie star quality, Petra is a site of profound cultural importance and international acclaim as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


7. Central Park – New York City, USA


Central Park

📍New York


More than 350 films have been shot in Central Park, making it one of the most filmed locations globally. Stretching over 843 acres, nestled in the heart of the world. Central Park is more than just a park, it is a symbol of New York itself.


8. Kyoto, Japan (Various Temples and Streets)


Kyoto

📍Japan


Strolling through Kyoto feels like stepping into a beautiful dream. From peaceful bamboo forests and winding alleyways with traditional wooden houses, Kyoto gives a timeless charm that makes it the best spot to visit. In fact Kyoto was the birthplace of Japanese cinema. Momijigari is the first film shot in Kyoto in 1899. 


9. Vatnajokull Glacier – Iceland


Vatnajokull Glacier – Iceland

📍 Iceland


Stretching over southeast Iceland, Vatnajokull is Europe's largest ice sheet, with crystal-blue ice caves and beautiful ice walls. Its otherworldly beauty has also led it to be a popular filming location for the likes of Batman Begins, Interstellar, and Game of Thrones, where its icy landscapes double as distant frozen worlds.


10. Amityville House, New York, USA 


Amityville House

📍New York


Last one is for Horror lovers, the Amity Villa House nestled in Long Island, New York city has been closely linked with terror. The Amity Villa Horror movies, such as the classic 1979 film and the 2005 remake, made this actual house a haunted movie legend. Its spooky fame still fascinates viewers, and it is a must-see for supernatural enthusiasts. If you are a horror fan, then you should go.


So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, pack your bags, and get ready to book those flight tickets, your cinematic adventure begins now

Sneha. P

Join me as I explore cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and stories that spark wanderlust. Every destination has a tale to tell, and I’m here to share it.

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Step Into the Scene: The World’s Most Popular Filming Locations You Can Visit