While movies and TV shows are usually shot in studios, there are still some scenes or entire movies that are shot outdoors. From casinos to scenic spots around the world, you can find and visit many iconic locations from movies and TV shows around the world. We’ll cover the most popular of them so you can plan your next trip accordingly.
Bellagio Las Vegas (Ocean’s Eleven)
The Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas was popular long before Ocean’s Eleven. It is widely considered to be the finest of the crop, with stunning fountains and lavish decorations. However, Steven Soderberg’s movies took its popularity to the next level, making The Bellagio a top casino choice in the 2000s and beyond.
The casino is operated by MGM Resorts and is named after the Italian village of Bellagio near Lake Como. It has thousands of gaming tables and slot machines, enough to hold up against the best online gaming platforms such as casinos.com. You may not be able to get some extra cash to play the bonuses of the latest slot machines, but at least you’ll revel in architectural wonders that online casinos just can’t offer.
Plus, you’ll see iconic locations and tables from the Ocean’s movies, many of which were filmed on location. So if you’re here to play blackjack or craps, be sure to soak up the atmosphere and top-notch scenes from the movie.
London King’s Cross Station (Harry Potter)
Many Harry Potter movie scenes were shot on green screen (CGI), but some scenes were actually shot on location. The iconic scene was filmed at London’s King’s Cross station, where platform 9 3/4 is located. It was at this station that Harry and his friends booked a train to Hogwarts, climbing over a wall that would put many a magician to shame.
The City of London commemorated the iconic scene by slapping half of the famous luggage rack on a wall. This is a photo waiting for you to take it, so if you’re in London and are a fan of the Harry Potter series, it’s for sale automatically.
Dubrovnik, Croatia (Game of Thrones)
Dubrovnik is also known as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones circles. All of these great shots of castles and stunning landscapes come from the Croatian city, which has seen a staggering increase in tourism since the show aired.
This was previously a famous spot for the elite, but now attracts a new crowd. If you are interested in visiting this medieval city, you will imagine scenes from the show around every corner. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showing its importance as a medieval fortress. You should take some tours there and visit the various gates and fortresses, as well as the Jesuit Staircase. The latter attraction is part of one of the many Game of Thrones city walking tours and is a must-see for fans of the show. As you walk down, you’ll definitely feel the urge to scream “shame!”
Timberline Lodge, Oregon (“The Shining”)
After The Shining came out, hotel vacations were never the same. “The Shining,” based on a story by Stephen King, remains the poster child for horror decades later. The luxury ski lodge and mountain resort the Torrances visited was Timberline Lodge in Oregon, renamed the Overlook Hotel in the film.
The luxury ski lodge still exists and is a major attraction for skiers and horror movie fans. Yes, if you find room 217 available, you can reserve that room. This is the most popular room, which is no surprise considering this is where some of the most shocking scenes in the movie were filmed.
Petra, Jordan (Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Last Crusade)
If you’re a fan of the early Indiana Jones movies (as opposed to the more recent duds), you’ll no doubt remember many of the iconic scenes. One of the most popular films, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was filmed in a number of historic locations, including Petra, Jordan. Dating back to 9,000 BC, this ancient city was abandoned and forgotten until a traveler rediscovered it in the 19th century. It was immediately declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is Jordan’s most popular tourist attraction. Locals often refer to it as the land of Indiana Jones, but if you dig deeper into Petra, you’ll find that it has more history than Dr. Jones’ playground.
90 Bedford Street, New York City (Friends)
90 Bedford Street is an address on Grove Street in New York City that is home to some of the city’s most prestigious apartments. Fans of Sharp’s TV show will immediately recognize this as a location from the Friends universe. The crew shot most of the series in the building, drinking coffee on Central Perk’s iconic sofas.
As you can guess, the full Friends tour offers an immersive experience, taking you to iconic spots from the show and cafe. The cafe is a fully functional replica of the cafe in the show, where you can sit on the famous couches and sip some coffee. It will be difficult to get to the orange couch due to the crowds, but if you are a fan you won’t miss the photo opportunity.
Albuquerque (Breaking Bad)
Created by Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad remains one of the most popular television shows of all time. It takes place in the town of Albuquerque, which is experiencing a resurgence in tourism and the local economy is growing beyond your wildest dreams. It’s safe to say that Breaking Bad has done more for Albuquerque than any profession or government.
If you ever visit it, you’ll discover key locations in Walter White’s journey (no spoilers). There’s Walter’s house at 3828 Pearmont Avenue, J.P. Wynne High School, where he taught chemistry before a dramatic turn, and the iconic car wash where Walter and Jesse first started their …uh, business on the To’hajiilee Indian Reservation. This is a must for any fan of the show. The beautiful scenery of the desert may inspire naysayers to finally start performing. Be careful – you will be tempted to overeat.
