19 Iconic Movie Locations That Are Still Around So You Can Revisit the Glory Days

Movies have the power to transport us to new worlds, tell unforgettable stories and create iconic settings that create lasting memories. Lucky movie fans have the chance to explore these legendary locations where they can walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters. From bustling cities to serene countrysides, here are 19 iconic movie locations any cinephile should visit:

Griffith Observatory – Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

The Griffith Observatory has been a cinematic backdrop for decades, most famously in Rebel Without a Cause. James Dean’s angst-filled scenes were filmed here and today, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Los Angeles, planetarium shows and exhibits about the cosmos.

The Shire – The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

Location: Matamata, New Zealand

The rolling green hills of Matamata served as the home of the Hobbits. The Hobbiton Movie Set, complete with charming round doors and lush gardens, remains intact and offers guided tours for fans of Middle-earth.

Café des Deux Moulins – Amélie (2001)

Location: Montmartre, Paris, France

This charming Parisian café was the workplace of Amélie Poulain in the whimsical French film. The café still operates today, serving coffee, pastries and a slice of cinematic nostalgia for tourists to indulge in. 

Alnwick Castle – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Location: Northumberland, England

This grand castle, dating back to the 11th century, doubled as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Visitors can explore its majestic halls and even take part in broomstick training on the castle grounds.

The Rocky Steps – Rocky (1976)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art became immortalized when Rocky Balboa triumphantly ran up them. Fans can recreate the moment and pose with the Rocky statue at the base.

Timberline Lodge – The Shining (1980)

Location: Mount Hood, Oregon, USA

This ski lodge was used for exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece. While the interiors were shot elsewhere, the lodge retains its eerie charm, enjoying views of the neighboring landscape seen in that shot is based on the area around Mount Hood. 

Piz Gloria – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Location: Schilthorn, Switzerland

This mountaintop restaurant served as Blofeld’s lair in this James Bond film. Visitors can dine with a panoramic view of the Alps and immerse themselves in the Bond World 007 exhibit.

Notting Hill Bookshop – Notting Hill (1999)

Location: London, England

The quaint bookshop in this romantic comedy still exists on Portobello Road. While its interior has changed, the storefront remains a pilgrimage site for fans of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

The Sound of Music Locations – The Sound of Music (1965)

Location: Salzburg, Austria

Fans of this beloved musical can explore Salzburg’s Mirabell Gardens (Do-Re-Mi), Nonnberg Abbey and Leopoldskron Palace, which stood in for the von Trapp family’s home. You can also visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress to enjoy panoramic shots just as seen in the film. 

Katz’s Delicatessen – When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Location: New York City, New York, USA

This Lower East Side deli is famous for its “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. It’s still a bustling eatery where visitors can enjoy pastrami sandwiches and a side of cinematic history.

Petra – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Location: Petra, Jordan

The ancient Al Khazneh temple served as the hidden location of the Holy Grail in this Indiana Jones adventure. The stunning rock-carved façade is a must-visit for history and movie buffs alike.

The Stanley Hotel – The Shining (1980)

Location: Estes Park, Colorado, USA

The Stanley inspired Stephen King’s original novel and offers ghost tours for fans of the film. While Kubrick used a different hotel for the movie, The Stanley’s haunting reputation endures.

Venice – Casino Royale (2006)

Location: Venice, Italy

Venice has served as a romantic and action-packed backdrop for numerous films. In Casino Royale, James Bond’s heart-wrenching finale takes place among the city’s picturesque canals.

Forks and La Push – Twilight (2008)

Location: Forks, Washington, USA

While the Twilight films were primarily shot in Oregon and other locations, Forks and La Push are real places fans can visit to immerse themselves in the world of Bella, Edward and Jacob. Fans of Twilight can explore Forks, where much of the story is set and visit La Push Beach, where Jacob and Bella share pivotal moments. 

The Bradbury Building – Blade Runner (1982)

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

The Bradbury Building is prominently featured as the home of J.F. Sebastian, a genetic designer for the Tyrell Corporation. This architectural gem features prominently in Blade Runner’s dystopian future. Its ornate ironwork and skylit atrium are a favorite of filmmakers and architects alike.

Dubrovnik – Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik served as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones and the casino city of Canto Bight in The Last Jedi. Its historic walls and stunning coastline make it a hotspot for fantasy fans. Various locations along the walls were used for scenes involving King’s Landing’s fortifications, including the confrontation between Tyrion and Varys.

Monument Valley – The Searchers (1956)

Location: Arizona and Utah, USA

This dramatic desert landscape has been featured in countless Westerns, including John Ford’s The Searchers. Its towering buttes remain an iconic symbol of the American frontier.

Bruges – In Bruges (2008)

Location: Bruges, Belgium

This dark comedy turned Bruges into a character of its own, with its canals, cobblestone streets and medieval architecture stealing the show. Walking tours highlight filming locations from the movie.

Skellig Michael – Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Location: County Kerry, Ireland

This remote island, home to ancient monastic ruins, became Luke Skywalker’s hideaway in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Tours are available during the summer and while reaching the top of Skellig Michael requires climbing over 600 ancient stone steps carved into the steep slopes it is worth the effort for those that are mobile.