Have you ever finished a movie or a TV show and immediately felt the urge to book a flight to the location where it was filmed? If so, you’ve experienced the magic of set-jetting, the popular travel trend of visiting real-life filming locations to step into the world of your favorite stories.
It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s about feeling a deeper connection to the characters and the plots you love. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most iconic “set-jetting” destinations across the globe, offering a mix of cinematic legends and more recent cultural sensations. Get ready to add some new places to your travel bucket list and relive the magic on your next trip.
Some Popular Movies
1. The Lord of the Rings – Matamata, New Zealand (Hobbiton)
For many, this is the ultimate set-jetting pilgrimage. The rolling green hills of the Waikato region were transformed into the peaceful Shire, and today, you can walk right through it. The Hobbiton Movie Set is a permanent fixture where you can explore the hobbit holes, stroll past the Mill, and even grab a pint at the Green Dragon Inn.
What to do: Take the official guided tour, which is the only way to access the set. It’s a photographer’s dream, so make sure your camera is charged!
Pro-Tip: Book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak season. A tour ticket includes a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn a must-do for any fan.
2. Game of Thrones – Dubrovnik, Croatia (King’s Landing)
Step inside the walled city of King’s Landing by visiting the stunning city of Dubrovnik. The old city walls, Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), and the Jesuit Staircase (the site of Cersei’s “Walk of Shame”) are instantly recognizable to any fan of the show.
What to do: A walk along the city walls offers the best panoramic views of the “Red Keep.” You can also book a specific Game of Thrones walking tour to get all the behind-the-scenes stories.
Pro-Tip: Visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall) to avoid the immense summer crowds and heat. A Dubrovnik Pass can save you money on entry to multiple attractions.
3. Harry Potter – London, UK
London is a must-visit for any Potterhead. While the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the ultimate experience, you can find magic sprinkled throughout the city itself. Visit King’s Cross Station to see the famous Platform 9¾ luggage trolley and Leadenhall Market, the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley’s exterior.
What to do: Take a photo at the Platform 9¾ wall, visit the official store next door, and find the Millennium Bridge, which was destroyed by Death Eaters in Half-Blood Prince.
Pro-Tip: The queue for the Platform 9¾ photo can be long, but it’s part of the experience. Consider visiting early in the morning for a shorter wait.
4. The Sound of Music – Salzburg, Austria
The hills are alive with the sound of music in Salzburg! This city and its breathtaking surrounding landscapes were the backdrop for the iconic musical. From the Mirabell Gardens to Leopoldskron Palace, you can re-create some of the film’s most famous scenes.
What to do: Join a dedicated Sound of Music tour to see the key sites, including the gazebo where Liesl and Rolf sang “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.”
Pro-Tip: For a more personal experience, rent a bike and explore the scenic lakeside areas where Maria and the children had their picnic.
5. Mamma Mia! – Skopelos & Skiathos, Greece
Feel like a dancing queen on the sun-drenched Greek islands where Mamma Mia! was filmed. The islands of Skopelos and Skiathos provided the vibrant blue waters and picturesque beaches. The famous wedding chapel scene was filmed at the Church of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri on Skopelos.
What to do: Climb the 200+ steps to the top of the chapel for a stunning view. Then, relax at Kastani Beach, the setting for several of the film’s musical numbers.
Pro-Tip: These islands are a fantastic alternative to more crowded destinations like Santorini. Travel by ferry to island-hop and discover your own hidden gems.
6. Star Wars – Matmata, Tunisia (Lars Homestead)
For a truly out-of-this-world experience, travel to Tunisia to see the original filming location for the desert planet of Tatooine. The troglodyte architecture of Matmata was used for the exterior and interior of Luke Skywalker’s childhood home.
What to do: You can actually stay in the Hotel Sidi Driss, which was used for the interior shots of the Lars Homestead in A New Hope.
Pro-Tip: This is a more adventurous trip, so be prepared for a journey off the beaten path. The unique culture and architecture of the area are a reward in themselves.
7. Bridgerton – Bath, England
Travel back to the Regency era in the city of Bath. Its elegant Georgian architecture, including the famous Royal Crescent, provides the perfect backdrop for the show’s lavish high-society scenes.
What to do: Stroll through the streets and visit the Holburne Museum of Art, which was used as Lady Danbury’s mansion. You can also visit the Roman Baths for a true historical experience.
Pro-Tip: Consider visiting during the annual Jane Austen Festival, when the city is full of people dressed in Regency-era costumes.
8. Emily in Paris – Paris, France
This recent hit series has sparked a renewed interest in the romantic streets of Paris. Follow in Emily’s footsteps by visiting the charming Place de l’Estrapade, where her apartment is located, and stroll through the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg.
What to do: Grab a coffee at one of the cafes in the Latin Quarter, visit the boulangerie near her apartment, and take a photo in front of the Panthéon.
Pro-Tip: The best way to see the city is on foot. Many of the show’s key spots are located close to each other, making for a perfect self-guided walking tour.
9. Forrest Gump – Savannah, Georgia
“Life is like a box of chocolates,” and a trip to Savannah is a sweet way to experience this cinematic classic. The famous bench where Forrest Gump sat and told his life story was located in Chippewa Square.
What to do: Take a photo in Chippewa Square, though the actual bench used in the film is now a popular exhibit at the Savannah History Museum.
Pro-Tip: Savannah’s entire historic district is a stunning place to explore. Don’t miss the beautiful squares and the moss-draped live oak trees.
10. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Stykkishólmur, Iceland
While Walter Mitty’s adventures spanned the globe, many of the most breathtaking scenes were filmed in Iceland. The small village of Stykkishólmur stood in for a Greenlandic town, with its colorful houses and dramatic coastal scenery.
What to do: Hike up to the hilltop lighthouse for an epic view, rent a bike to explore the volcanic landscapes, or simply soak in the dramatic scenery. 
Pro-Tip: Stykkishólmur is a great starting point for exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a fantasy fan, a musical lover, or a rom-com enthusiast, set-jetting offers a unique way to travel and connect with your favorite stories. These locations are more than just backdrops; they are places where cinematic dreams were born.
What’s on your ultimate set-jetting bucket list? Share your favorite filming locations in the comments below!
