2019 was a big year for film, especially when it came to big action movies, not least of all the final instalment of the Avengers series, Endgame. Whether 2019 inspired your appetite for movies, or if you’ve always been a diehard movie fan, you’ll be thrilled by the idea of visited a film studio or filming location where one of the most famous movies of all time was filmed.
New York City is home to the locations from many fantastic films, from Ghostbusters and When Harry Met Sally to Spiderman and, of course, the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. There are also many more great filming locations and film studios around the world, often complete with sets, props and more from your favorite movies. And what better excuse to plan your next vacation?
Take a look at our list of the best film studios and filming locations around the world.
Universal Studios, Hollywood
One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, the Universal Studios Hollywood tour is one of the biggest and arguably exciting film studio tours in the world. The tour includes a ride around the Universal Studios lot to take a peak inside the world of film making. Next stop is the Hollywood Theme Park which is packed with attractions, shows and rides. Along with film-based rides such as Transformers and Jurassic Park, you can also enjoy breath-taking 3D experiences and behind-the-scenes peeks at how movies are made, such as the Special Effects Stage.
Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios, London
The Harry Potter films has to be one of the most loved series of movies of all time, for young or old. The Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios in London have some of the most-loved sets, props and costumes from the movies. The studios offer a number of immersive experiences thanks to their interactive exhibits. Here you can drink a butterbeer, ride Hagrid’s motorcycle, or walk through Hogwart’s Great Hall. This highly popular attraction can sell out even months in advance, but last minute Harry Potter tickets can be bought online through various tour companies.
Salzburg, Austria
This city in eastern Austria was the home of the classic film The Sound of Music, starring Julie Andrews. A number of the scenes in the movie were filmed at various locations around the city. Today, the city attracts huge numbers of fans, who flock to the Pegasus Fountains at the Mirabell Gardens, which was the filming location for a number of scenes, including the iconic boating scene. Other filming locations from the movie include the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace, the set for the Sixteen Going on Seventeen song, and Salzburg’s Old Town’s Residenzplatz. For the stunning location of the opening scenes in the mountains, you’ll need to head out of town to the nearby Lake District, Salzkammergut.
Film City, Mumbai, India
Bollywood is one of the world’s largest film industries, producing double the number of movies per year compared to Hollywood. This hugely successful Indian film market is worth around $3 billion per year. Get absorbed in the glitter and glamour of Bollywood by visiting Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai. This is where the majority of Indian movies are shot. This very large studio complex contains beautiful gardens, parks and fountains, the backdrop to many Bollywood dance scenes. You can choose from a number of tours to see Film City, all offering a fascinating day out.
Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, India
Further south in India is another much film producing city: Hyderabad, popularly known as “Tollywood”. Although Tollywood doesn’t produce as many movies per year as its big brother Bollwood, it does have the largest film studio in the world, Ramoji Film City. The massive 2,000-acre film studio complex has 47 sound stages, a movie-themed amusement park, a range of studio sets, and a behind-the-scenes studio tour.
Phi Phi and Koh Tapu Islands, Thailand
Thailand’s stunning islands, unsurprisingly, have been used as locations for many movies over the years. Fans of the cult Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach can see the actual beach, Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island ins southern Thailand. This idyllic paradise island became so popular with tourists that the Thai government closed it to tourists to protect its natural environment from too many visitors. It is expected to reopen in 2021. Nearby Koh Tapu, means “Nail Island” because of its dramatic vertical shape. This impressive island can be seen in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun and can be visited on a boat tour from Khao Lak or Phuket.
