Famous Movie Locations You Can Actually Visit

Some movie scenes stay with you long after the credits roll. What if you could walk through those same places in real life? From busy city streets to quiet mountain spots, many movie locations are open to visitors. These aren’t closed film sets—they’re real destinations you can explore. In this article, you’ll discover famous movie locations you can actually visit, complete with practical details to help you plan your trip.

New York, USA – Where Countless Movie Scenes Were Born

New York City shows up in more movies than most places worldwide. You’ve probably seen its streets, buildings, and parks in scenes from Home Alone 2, Ghostbusters, or Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Walking through Manhattan feels familiar, even if it’s your first visit. Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the New York Public Library are some of the most filmed spots. These places look like they do on screen, so you’ll immediately recognize them.

You can take a casual stroll, snap some photos, or simply enjoy the views that made these films memorable. Film crews often choose New York because everything is close together, from modern skyscrapers to older buildings full of character. That gives you plenty to see in a short amount of time. You don’t need a guide—just walk around, and you’ll likely come across a few famous corners. If you enjoy seeing where movie scenes were filmed, New York won’t disappoint.

Alberta, Canada – Where The Revenant and Inception Took You Outside the Ordinary

Photo by James Wheeler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lake-and-mountain-417074/

Alberta has become a go-to location for major movies because of its dramatic outdoor settings. The Revenant, with its snowy forests and rivers, filmed many scenes in the Canadian Rockies. Parts of Inception also used this region to capture intense outdoor moments. If you visit Banff or Kananaskis Country, you’ll see the same landscapes used in these films. These areas offer wide views, mountain peaks, and quiet forests that give filmmakers exactly what they need for bold scenes.

But it’s not just about what you see on screen—you can hike the same trails or take guided tours to explore the spots up close. Directors often pick Alberta because the natural scenery doesn’t need much editing. What you see in the movies is what you get in real life. Therefore, if you’re interested in famous movie locations you can actually visit, Alberta allows you to experience them without the crowds or barriers. It’s a place where movie scenes meet real-world adventure.

Petra, Jordan – The Hidden City in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Petra became even more famous after appearing in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The film shows the large stone building carved into the rock, also known as the Treasury. When you visit, you’ll walk through a narrow path called the Siq, which leads you straight to this impressive site. The experience feels familiar if you’ve seen the movie, but the real place offers much more.

At the same time, Petra holds a long history as an ancient city once used for trade, and many of its structures remain open for visitors. You can explore carved tombs, walk through open plazas, and climb to lookouts. The site stretches far beyond what the movie shows, giving you more to discover. Many visitors enjoy going early or late in the day to avoid crowds and take better photos. If you want to visit a place where movie scenes and history come together, Petra will give you both in one trip.

Salzburg, Austria – The Sound of Music Lives On

Photo by Tanathip Rattanatum: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photography-of-city-during-nighttime-2026383/

Salzburg still draws visitors because of The Sound of Music. Many scenes were filmed in real locations that you can walk through today. Mirabell Gardens, where the “Do-Re-Mi” scene was filmed, remains open to the public. You can also visit Nonnberg Abbey, the real convent where Maria lived. These spots look much like they did in the movie, which makes the experience more enjoyable for fans. Several companies offer guided tours, but you can also explore alone if you prefer to go at your own pace.

As you move around the city, you’ll notice signs and plaques that point out filming spots. Local businesses even use movie references to attract guests, so connecting the film to real places is easy. Salzburg keeps its connection to The Sound of Music alive in simple, welcoming ways.

Paris, France – Walk Through the Scenes of Iconic Films

Paris appears in countless films, making it one of the easiest cities to explore through a movie lens. You can visit the Eiffel Tower featured in Midnight in Paris or walk along the Seine like the characters from Before Sunset. The Montmartre neighborhood, known from Amélie, offers small cafés, cobblestone streets, and colorful storefronts. While exploring the city, you’ll likely recognize spots used in other films, too. Public spaces and famous landmarks make it easy to explore on foot without needing a tour.

Many visitors also stop by the Louvre, which played a big role in The Da Vinci Code. Even metro stations and quiet corners of the city have made their way into scenes. Paris blends movie history with daily life, so you can experience both simultaneously. If you’re looking for famous movie locations you can actually visit, Paris gives you plenty to choose from while letting you enjoy the city on your terms.

London, UK – Potterheads and Spies Welcome

London gives movie fans plenty of familiar spots to explore. If you enjoy Harry Potter, you can visit Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station or walk through Leadenhall Market, used as Diagon Alley. The city also appears in several James Bond films, especially near the MI6 building and along Westminster Bridge. These places are easy to reach and often part of free walking routes. You’ll also find organized tours for more background on each location.

As you move around the city, you’ll notice that many filming locations blend into everyday life. Offices, streets, and stations you pass by may have been part of a major scene. That’s one reason why London stays popular among filmmakers. It offers variety without needing big sets. If you’re into famous movie locations you can actually visit, London gives you everything from wizarding worlds to spy action—all within one city.

Famous Movie Locations You Can Actually Visit: Bring the Movies to Life on Your Next Trip

You don’t need a film crew to visit these places. Whether you’re walking the streets of New York, exploring ancient Petra, or enjoying the charm of Paris, each spot connects you to something you’ve seen on screen. These famous movie locations you can actually visit offer real-world experiences tied to your favorite scenes. So next time you plan a trip, you might already know the setting—you’ve just seen it in a movie first.

Author bio:

Josephine Humphrey is a moving consultant at Centennial Moving, a trusted company that helps people relocate smoothly across provinces, the country, and even over the border to the USA. She shares practical advice to make moves less stressful and more organized. Outside of work, Josephine enjoys writing about travel, pop culture, and places that tell a story.

Header Photo by Pierre Blaché: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-city-during-dawn-3105066/