From the lush landscapes of fantasy epics to bustling city streets featured in iconic dramas, set-jetting allows you to step into the world of your favorite characters.
What is set-jetting?
Set-jetting is the trend of visiting destinations made famous by movies and TV series, and it is capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide.
If you’re looking for travel destinations inspired by popular media, here’s a curated list of 22 locations that should be on your radar.
1. Hobbiton, New Zealand
Step into the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Located in Matamata, Hobbiton’s rolling hills and quaint hobbit holes make for an enchanting visit. Guided tours bring Middle-earth to life.
Location: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand
Insider Tip: Book a private evening banquet tour for an immersive experience that includes a feast straight out of Middle-earth.
Website: https://www.hobbitontours.com
2. Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, this historic coastal city features stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking Adriatic views. Don’t miss the city walls tour for a bird’s-eye view of Westeros.
Location: Old Town Dubrovnik, Stradun, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia
Insider Tip: Visit during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August) for live performances against the backdrop of King’s Landing.
Website: https://tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en/index.html
3. Highclere Castle, England
Fans of Downton Abbey can visit the grand Highclere Castle, which served as the Crawley family’s estate. Located in Hampshire, the castle is open for tours and special events.
Location: Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN, United Kingdom
Insider Tip: Tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance, especially for themed events like Downton Abbey costume tours.
Website: https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk
4. Sceilg Mhichil, Ireland
This remote island featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as Luke Skywalker’s hideout. Accessible by boat, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic cliffs and ancient monastic ruins.
Location: Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland
Insider Tip: Access is seasonal (May-October), and weather conditions can cancel boat tours. Wear sturdy shoes and proper outdoor clothing for the steep climb.
Website: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/sceilg-mhichil/
5. Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland
Walk the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town to relive scenes from Outlander. The city’s cobbled streets and historic buildings make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Location: Royal Mile, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1, Scotland
Insider Tip: Join an Outlander-themed walking tour to see filming locations while learning about the city’s history.
Website: https://edinburgh.org
6. Alnwick Castle, England
Known as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle offers broomstick training and other magical experiences for Potterheads.
Location: Alnwick NE66 1NQ, United Kingdom
Insider Tip: Arrive early for broomstick training sessions, included with your entrance ticket, for a true Hogwarts experience.
Website: https://www.alnwickcastle.com
7. Petra, Jordan
This ancient city served as the backdrop for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as well as countless other films. The iconic Treasury is a must-see, with its rose-red rock facades and intricate carvings.
Location: Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photos of the Treasury.
Website: https://www.visitpetra.jo/en
8. Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
Featured in Indiana Jones and Gladiator, this ancient fortified village offers a glimpse into cinematic history. Its distinctive kasbahs are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a favorite filming location for epic adventures.
Location: Ait Ben Haddou, Province of Ouarzazate, Morocco
Insider Tip: Stay overnight in a nearby riad to experience the kasbah lit by golden sunset hues. Join a guided tour to learn about the site’s history and its appearances in Hollywood blockbusters.
Website:
9. Thingvellir National Park, Reykjavik, Iceland
Explore the surreal landscapes of Iceland featured in Game of Thrones and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Visit Thingvellir National Park for unforgettable vistas.
Location: Thingvellir National Park, Route 36, Iceland
Insider Tip: Combine your visit with the Golden Circle tour to see Geysir and Gullfoss, other iconic Icelandic landmarks.
Website: https://www.visiticeland.com
10. Château de Pierrefonds, France
This fairy-tale castle was prominently featured in the TV series Merlin. Located in northern France, it’s a perfect day trip for history buffs and fantasy fans alike.
Location: Rue Viollet le Duc, 60350 Pierrefonds, France
Insider Tip: Check the local event calendar for medieval festivals and reenactments hosted at the castle.
11. New York City, USA
From Friends to Sex and the City, NYC is a haven for TV and movie locations. Tour iconic spots like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the apartment building from Friends.
Location: The Friends Apartment Building: 90 Bedford Street, New York, NY 10014, USA
Insider Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds at iconic spots like the Empire State Building and Central Park
Website: https://www.nyctourism.com
12. Forks, Washington, USA
Twilight fans can explore the town that inspired Stephenie Meyer’s vampire saga. Visit Forks High School, Bella’s house, and the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula.
Location: Forks Chamber of Commerce, 1411 S Forks Ave, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Insider Tip: Join the guided Twilight Tours by Team Forks for insider knowledge of filming locations and book references.
Website: https://forkswa.com
13. Monument Valley, USA
This iconic desert landscape has been featured in countless Westerns, including The Searchers and Stagecoach. It’s a must-visit for movie lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Location: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, US-163, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Insider Tip: Opt for a guided Jeep tour led by Navajo guides to access restricted areas and hear local stories.
Website: https://www.navajonationparks.org
14. Santorini, Greece
Fans of Mamma Mia! can explore the Greek islands that served as the film’s stunning backdrop. While Santorini wasn’t the exact filming location, its charm mirrors the movie’s vibe.
Location: Oia Village, Santorini 84702, Greece
Insider Tip: Time your visit to sunset for the most breathtaking views, particularly from the Byzantine Castle ruins.
Website: https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/santorini/
15. Paris, France
Revisit the romance of Midnight in Paris or the action of Mission Impossible: Fallout. Paris is a favorite for set-jetters, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre that have been featured in multiple films.
Location: Montmartre: Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France
Insider Tip: Enjoy a coffee at Café des Deux Moulins, featured in Amélie, before walking down to the Sacré-Cœur.
Website: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/
16. Lake Como, Italy
Featured in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Lake Como’s picturesque locale and luxurious villas are ideal for a cinematic escape.
Location: Villa del Balbianello, Via Guido Monzino, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
Insider Tip: Reach the villa by water taxi for an unforgettable entrance worthy of a James Bond movie.
Website: https://www.lakecomo.is
17. Angkor, Cambodia
This iconic temple complex was brought to life in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Its ancient ruins and intricate carvings are a dream for set-jetting fans and history buffs alike.
Location: Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Insider Tip: Visit during sunrise to witness the temples bathed in golden light. Hire a local guide to uncover hidden spots featured in the film.
18. Real Alcázar, Seville, Spain
This palace in the Andalusian city doubled as the Royal Palace of Dorne in Game of Thrones. The Real Alcázar is an architectural marvel with intricate Moorish designs.
Location: Real Alcázar de Sevilla, Patio de Banderas, 41004 Seville, Spain
Insider Tip: Book tickets online to Alcázar in order to skip the long lines, and explore the gardens featured in Game of Thrones.
Website: https://alcazarsevilla.org
19. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Opera House was featured prominently in Finding Nemo, Mission Impossible II, and other films. Take a tour or enjoy a harbor cruise for the full experience.
Location: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Insider Tip: Attend a live performance to experience the opera house’s acoustics, or climb the Harbour Bridge for a panoramic view.
Website: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com
20. Glencoe, Scotland
Featured in Skyfall as James Bond’s ancestral home, this stunning Scottish valley offers dramatic landscapes and incredible hiking opportunities.
Location: A82 Road, Glencoe PH49 4HX, Scotland
Insider Tip: Visit in the fall for vibrant autumn colors that make the valley even more cinematic.
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/glencoe
21. Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital’s historic charm was a key setting in The Third Man. Walk the cobbled streets or take a tour of the famous Ferris wheel from the film.
Location: The Third Man Museum, Pressgasse 25, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Insider Tip: Take a guided walking tour to explore the film’s iconic locations, including the Ferris wheel at Prater Park.
Website: https://www.wien.info/en
22. Vancouver, Canada
Known as “Hollywood North,” Vancouver has been the setting for shows like Riverdale and The X-Files. Explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and scenic surroundings.
Location: Too many to list (see website below)!
Insider Tip: Combine your visit with a hike in nearby Stanley Park to enjoy the natural beauty often featured in Vancouver-shot films.
Website: https://www.destinationvancouver.com/the-city/filmed-in-vancouver
Set-jetting is more than just visiting famous locations; it’s about connecting with the stories that inspire us.
Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasies, romantic dramas, or action-packed thrillers, these 22 destinations offer the perfect locations for travel AND movie buffs.
Plan ahead, grab your camera, and step into the scenes that brought your favorite characters to life.
Pin Me
Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
Italians consume over 14 billion espresso drinks each year (!) making the country’s coffee intake the highest in the world.
That’s A LOT of caffeine.