Top 7 Filming Locations Every Film Geek Has to Visit

If you’re a serious movie-buff with an exceptional memory for film directors and the name of every Oscar winner since 1929, you’ve probably been transported to all corners of the globe through the magic of the silver screen. Even if you’re only an entry-level movie nerd, you’ll be able to list the deserts, the landscapes and the cityscapes you’ve seen on film. But how many of the most iconic movie locations have you actually explored in real life?

Read on for our pick of the seven locations that every movie geek simply has to visit:

Paris

Stroll down the Seine and reminisce about Paris’s coolest movies. Owen Wilson wandered into the past in Midnight in Paris via the City of Love’s labyrinthine alleyways and you can do the same. Need inspiration for following in his footsteps? Try this World on Screen guide by Orbitz for a few ideas. Fireworks around the Eiffel Tower, an afternoon of croissants, coffee, second-hand books and creaking antiques; what could be more French – or more fun?

New York

A city so good they named it twice, New York, New York’s lofty skyscrapers and the flashing screens of Times Square make you feel like a (tiny) movie star the moment you’ve jumped from your yellow cab. The Ghostbusters movies both old and new took place on New York’s much-pummelled pavements, and John Travolta strutted his seventies stuff here for Saturday Night Fever. The fact so many awesome films are set here must be down to the mix of cultures and styles that bring the city its magic.

The UK

Don’t let the thought of grey skies put you off; the UK is full of picture-perfect settings for your movie-themed holiday. And some of them look – quite literally – out of this world! The UK and Ireland were the filming locations of the latest in the Star Wars franchise – Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Key locations include Derwentwater in the Lake District, the setting for some of the film’s X-Wing battles, and Puzzlewood in England’s Forest of Dean, where Kylo Ren’s new crossguard lightsaber is unveiled.

Los Angeles

Oh, Los Angeles. Where would the movie industry be without you? This is an absolute must-visit for any movie geek as it’s the setting for many a cult-classic, from The Big Lebowski to Blade Runner. But perhaps the most memorable is Back to the Future, and the city is scattered with key locations from the film. Head to Pasadena for a glimpse of the young Doc Brown’s mansion, known in real life as Gamble House, and be sure to pay a visit to Universal Studios to see the specially-constructed set of Hill Valley.

New Zealand

For any Lord of the Rings fan, a trip to New Zealand should be right at the top of your bucket list. The country is undoubtedly one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. The entire Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here, taking full advantage of the country’s breathtaking landscapes. Visit Matamata – the real-life Shire, Kaitoke National Park – the real-life Rivendell, and Harcourt Park – the real-life Gardens of Isengard.

Tangier

This Moroccan gem has been the setting for films including Only Lovers left Alive and Bourne Ultimatum, and the latest Bond film was also filmed in this exotic city. Marvel at the picturesque, white hillside medina and meander through the market, selling everything from precious gems and argan oil to woven rugs and carved wooden furniture.

Southern Italy

Oh bella Italia, where do we begin? From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, there is movie magic wherever you go. One of the top filming locations for any movie geek to visit, especially superhero fans, is stunning Southern Italy. Last summer, Gal Gadot returned as Wonder Woman, descending upon Southern Italy with her hoards of Amazons to slay slay slay! Must-see locations include the coastline of Campania, the Castel del Monte in the Apulia region and the city of Matera in the region of Basilicata. Each double as Wonder Woman’s home island of Themyscira.