Iconic International Movie Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
- TopTravelIndex
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "I need to go there!"? Some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations have served as the backdrop for iconic films, turning them into must-visit spots for cinephiles and travelers alike. Whether it's the mystical landscapes of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings or the bustling streets of Tokyo seen in Lost in Translation, here are the most famous international movie locations you can visit in real life.
1. Matamata, New Zealand – The Shire (The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit)
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in The Shire, you’re in luck! The rolling green hills of Matamata, New Zealand, served as the real-life Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Today, the movie set remains perfectly preserved, complete with Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and lush pastures straight out of Middle-earth.
Must-Do Experience:
Grab a pint at the Green Dragon Inn and take a guided tour through the real-life Hobbit holes.
How to Visit: Take a two-hour drive from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set for an unforgettable tour.
2. Petra, Jordan – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The Rose City of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the setting for the legendary Temple of the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. With its intricately carved sandstone cliffs and dramatic canyons, this ancient city feels like something out of an adventure film—because it is!
Must-Do Experience:
Ride a camel through the Siq Canyon and witness the breathtaking Treasury (Al-Khazneh) emerge before your eyes, just like in the movie.
How to Visit: Petra is a 3-hour drive from Amman, Jordan, and is best explored early in the morning or at sunset.
3. Skellig Michael, Ireland – Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The remote and rugged island of Skellig Michael served as the hideout of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. With its ancient monastic stone huts and dramatic cliffs, this UNESCO-listed site looks like another galaxy—but it’s right off the coast of Ireland!
Must-Do Experience:
Take a boat tour to the island and climb the 618 stone steps leading to the 6th-century monastery where Luke Skywalker once stood.
How to Visit: Boats to Skellig Michael leave from Portmagee, Ireland, but spots fill up months in advance—book early!
4. Tokyo, Japan – Lost in Translation & Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift
The neon-lit streets of Tokyo have been the backdrop for countless films, but perhaps none are as iconic as Lost in Translation and Tokyo Drift. From the futuristic Shibuya Crossing to the elegant Park Hyatt Tokyo, the city captures the energy and beauty of urban Japan.
Must-Do Experience:
Visit the New York Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo to sip a drink while gazing at the same skyline as Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.
If you're a fan of Tokyo Drift, head to Daikoku Parking Area, where real-life car enthusiasts gather at night for a true underground racing experience.
How to Visit: Tokyo is easy to explore via its ultra-efficient subway system.
5. Salzburg, Austria – The Sound of Music
"The hills are alive with the sound of music!" Fans of the classic 1965 musical can visit the gorgeous landscapes of Salzburg, where Julie Andrews danced through meadows and sang her heart out. The city is filled with filming locations, from the Mirabell Gardens (where "Do-Re-Mi" was filmed) to the Schloss Leopoldskron, which served as the von Trapp family home.
Must-Do Experience:
Take a "Sound of Music" tour and visit key filming locations while learning fun behind-the-scenes facts.
How to Visit: Salzburg is a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, making it an easy and scenic trip.
6. Maya Bay, Thailand – The Beach
Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach put Maya Bay on the map as a tropical paradise. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and towering limestone cliffs, this secluded cove became a bucket-list destination for travelers. While Maya Bay was temporarily closed for restoration, it has since reopened with strict visitor limits to protect its fragile ecosystem.
Must-Do Experience:
Take a kayak or boat tour to explore the hidden lagoons and avoid the crowds.
How to Visit: Fly into Phuket and take a ferry to Phi Phi Islands, where you can book a day trip to Maya Bay.
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones (King’s Landing)
The medieval city of Dubrovnik became the real-life King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, thanks to its fortress walls, red-roofed buildings, and stunning coastal views. Fans of the show can walk the same steps as Cersei Lannister, visit the Red Keep, and explore the Battle of Blackwater Bay filming locations.
Must-Do Experience:
Take a Game of Thrones walking tour and sit on an Iron Throne replica while gazing over the Adriatic Sea.
How to Visit: Dubrovnik is a short flight from most major European cities, and the Old Town is best explored on foot.
8. Reykjavík, Iceland – Interstellar & Thor: Ragnarok
Iceland's otherworldly landscapes have been featured in many sci-fi and fantasy films, including Interstellar, Thor: Ragnarok, and Game of Thrones. The black sand beaches of Vik, the frozen glaciers of Jökulsárlón, and the lava fields of Þingvellir National Park provide an alien-like backdrop perfect for Hollywood blockbusters.
Must-Do Experience:
Explore the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which erupted in 2021 and now offers guided hikes through newly formed lava fields.
How to Visit: Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital, and many movie locations can be reached via day trips or guided tours.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of Cinema IRL
From the ancient wonders of Petra to the sci-fi landscapes of Iceland, these real-life movie locations let you step into your favorite films and explore the world's most breathtaking destinations. Whether you're a fan of adventure, fantasy, or romance, there’s a cinematic travel experience waiting for you!
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