Places That Felt Like Movie Sets (and Actually Were)

Place: Hallstatt, Austria/Photo by Adrian Cuj

These breathtaking real-world locations weren’t built on a soundstage — they are the stage. From ancient cities to mystical islands, these places look like movie magic — because they are. Step into the scenes of your favorite films and explore the cinematic beauty that lives off-screen.

1. Skellig Michael – County Kerry, Ireland

Photo by Liliane Buntinx

 

  • As seen in: Star Wars: The Force Awakens & The Last Jedi

  • The vibe: A remote, otherworldly island jutting out of the Atlantic, with ancient stone beehive huts built by monks. It became Luke Skywalker’s secluded refuge and feels like a place time forgot.

  • Travel tip: Access is seasonal and by boat, with a steep, breathtaking climb to the top.

 

2. Petra – Jordan

Photo by Brian Kairuz

 

  • As seen in: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

  • The vibe: A legendary ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs. The façade of Al Khazneh (“The Treasury”) served as the temple hiding the Holy Grail.

  • Why it’s cinematic: Walking through the narrow Siq canyon to Petra feels like stepping into an epic adventure.

  • Also featured in: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

 

3. Glenfinnan Viaduct – Scotland

Photo by clement proust

 

  • As seen in: Harry Potter series (Hogwarts Express scenes)

  • The vibe: A sweeping stone railway bridge crossing green valleys in the Highlands. When the steam train chugs across it, you expect to see Hedwig flying overhead.

  • Experience it: Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs this exact route in summer.

 

4. Dubrovnik – Croatia

Photo by Denis on Unsplash

 

  • As seen in: Game of Thrones (King’s Landing)

  • The vibe: A walled medieval city perched on the Adriatic Sea. Its stone alleys, towers, and forts became the capital of Westeros.

  • What to see: Fort Lovrijenac, the Jesuit Stairs (Walk of Shame), and city walls—iconic filming locations.

 

5. Matamata (Hobbiton) – New Zealand

Photo by Donovan Kelly

 

  • As seen in: The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit trilogies

  • The vibe: A magical rural village with round-door hobbit homes, gardens, and the famous Green Dragon Inn.

  • The backstory: The film set was preserved and now offers fully guided tours through the Shire.

 

6. Mont-Saint-Michel – Normandy, France

Photo by Dylan Leagh

 

  • As seen in: Inspired Disney’s Tangled kingdom of Corona

  • The vibe: A fairy-tale island abbey surrounded by tidal waters, with spiraling turrets and cobbled paths.

  • What makes it surreal: At high tide, it appears to float on water; at low tide, you can walk the seabed around it.

 

7. The Grand Bazaar – Istanbul, Turkey

Photo by Tarık Kaşlı

 

  • As seen in: Skyfall (James Bond)

  • The vibe: A labyrinth of colorful stalls, arched corridors, and Ottoman-era architecture. Perfect for a high-speed chase on a motorcycle across the roof, as 007 proved.

  • Why visit: It’s one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, pulsing with energy.

 

8. Wadi Rum – Jordan

Photo by Nikola Čedíková

 

  • As seen in: The Martian, Dune (2021), Lawrence of Arabia

  • The vibe: A vast desert of red sands, towering sandstone cliffs, and silence so deep it echoes. Often used to depict Mars or alien planets.

  • What makes it epic: Its raw, untouched landscape feels like science fiction in real life.

 

9. Alnwick Castle – Northumberland, England

Photo by Swati Kedia on Unsplash

 

  • As seen in: Harry Potter (Hogwarts exterior in the first two films)

  • The vibe: A real-life medieval castle with towers, drawbridges, and sweeping lawns—perfect for flying lessons.

  • Fun fact: It’s still inhabited by the Duke of Northumberland, and you can take broomstick training classes on-site!

  • Other credits: Also appeared in Downton Abbey and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

 

10. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia

Photo by Serg Alesenko

 

  • As seen in: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

  • The vibe: A massive temple complex surrounded by jungle, mysterious carvings, and ancient ruins. Ta Prohm Temple, in particular, with tree roots growing through crumbling stone, looks like a real-life video game or fantasy set.

  • Why it feels cinematic: The scale and atmosphere of Angkor Wat are dreamlike—mystical corridors, moss-covered walls, and sunrise over the towers make it a photographer’s paradise.

  • Fun fact: Angelina Jolie’s role as Lara Croft turned this site into a global bucket-list destination almost overnight.