From Gotham to Hogwarts: 5 Real-Life Sets You Can Actually Visit

Ever watched a movie and thought, “I HAVE to go there!”? Well, you’re not alone. From the majestic landscapes of Middle-earth to the bustling streets of Gotham, some epic movie moments were filmed in places you can actually visit. Get ready to pack your bags and update your travel bucket list because these real-life locations are ones you won’t want to miss.

Movies have a unique way of transporting us to other worlds, but what’s even cooler is when those worlds exist in real life. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like standing where your favorite scenes were filmed. It’s like stepping into the screen and becoming part of the magic.

• Discover where iconic movie scenes were filmed
• Learn about the real-life locations behind the fantasy
• Plan your next adventure with these must-visit spots

The Shire from “The Lord of the Rings” – Matamata, New Zealand

If you’ve ever wanted to live like a hobbit, now’s your chance. The lush, rolling hills of Matamata, New Zealand served as the backdrop for the Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Seriously, it’s like Middle-earth jumped straight off the page and into real life.

• Matamata is home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can take guided tours of the iconic hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.
• Over 44 hobbit holes were built for filming, and many remain intact for visitors to explore.
• The set was originally a temporary build for The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) but was permanently rebuilt for The Hobbit (2012-2014).
• Hobbiton has become one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions, drawing fans from all over the world.

Fun fact: Peter Jackson, the director, discovered the Alexander Farm during an aerial search. With its incredible resemblance to Tolkien’s descriptions, it was a no-brainer. And yeah, I totally geeked out when I visited. I even had a pint at the Green Dragon Inn. #NerdGoals

Hogwarts from “Harry Potter” – Alnwick Castle, England

Accio, plane tickets! If you’re a Potterhead like me, then visiting Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, is a must. This majestic castle was used for many exterior shots of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films.

• Alnwick Castle dates back to the 11th century and is one of the largest inhabited castles in England.
• The castle’s grounds were used for scenes like Harry’s first flying lesson and the iconic Quidditch matches.
• Alnwick Castle offers Harry Potter-themed tours and activities, including broomstick training sessions.
• Visitors can also explore the lavish interiors and beautiful gardens of the castle.

Walking through the same courtyards where Harry, Ron, and Hermione once roamed is a surreal experience. I even tried my hand at broomstick training, but let’s just say, I won’t be joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team anytime soon. Wingardium Levi-ouch!

King’s Landing from “Game of Thrones” – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Winter is coming… to Dubrovnik! This stunning city on the Adriatic Sea served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of the show, Dubrovnik’s ancient walls and narrow streets will feel all too familiar.

• Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
• Key scenes shot here include the infamous Walk of Shame and the Battle of Blackwater.
• The city offers Game of Thrones walking tours, where guides show you the exact spots where pivotal scenes were filmed.
• Over 10 million tourists have visited Dubrovnik since the show aired, many of them fans of Game of Thrones.

When I visited Dubrovnik, I couldn’t resist reenacting Cersei’s Walk of Shame (minus the actual shame and, you know, clothes). The history and beauty of the city made me feel like I was part of the epic saga. Plus, the local seafood is to die for. Dracarys!

The Dark Knight’s Gotham City – Chicago, Illinois

Gotham City might be a fictional place, but many of its gritty, urban scenes were shot in the very real city of Chicago, Illinois. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy brought a new level of realism to the Batman universe, using Chicago’s architecture and streets to create a believable and menacing Gotham.

• Key Chicago locations used in the films include the Chicago Board of Trade Building (Wayne Enterprises) and the Lower Wacker Drive (Batmobile chase scenes).
• The Old Post Office served as the setting for the iconic opening bank heist in The Dark Knight.
• Chicago’s distinctive skyline and urban landscape provided the perfect backdrop for Gotham’s dark and brooding atmosphere.
• The Dark Knight (2008) grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

As a Chicago native, I get a kick out of spotting familiar landmarks in the movies. I’ve walked down Lower Wacker Drive and imagined the Batmobile roaring past. It’s amazing how Nolan transformed my hometown into the ultimate superhero battleground. Gotham may be fictional, but Chicago is undeniably awesome.

The Sound of Music’s Hills – Salzburg, Austria

The hills are alive with the sound of… tourism! Salzburg, Austria, is the picturesque setting of the classic musical The Sound of Music. The film’s breathtaking landscapes and historic sites have made Salzburg a must-visit destination for fans of the movie.

• Key locations include the Mirabell Gardens (Do-Re-Mi sequence) and the Leopoldskron Palace (Von Trapp family home).
• The Untersberg Mountain is featured in the iconic opening scene with Julie Andrews twirling and singing “The Sound of Music”.
• Salzburg offers Sound of Music tours that take visitors to the film’s most famous locations.
• The Sound of Music (1965) won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Confession time: I totally belted out “Do-Re-Mi” while strolling through the Mirabell Gardens. Salzburg’s charm and beauty make you feel like you’re part of the movie. Plus, the city’s rich history and culture offer so much more to explore beyond the film. So, grab your lederhosen and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good adventure, these real-life movie locations are waiting to be explored. Trust me, there’s nothing like experiencing the magic of your favorite films firsthand. Start planning your trip and get ready to make some epic memories. And hey, don’t forget to take lots of pictures. #TravelGoals

References

1. Hobbiton Tours
2. Alnwick Castle
3. What was your favorite scene/moment/line of Dune: Part Two? : r/dune
4. A Pilgrimage to the Real Life Locations of Your Name A step-by-step …
5. Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through | Visit Utah