In this article, we explore 10 cult movies that have become synonymous with the cities they were shot in. If you are also curious about “Which movie was shot where?” and are both a cinema and travel enthusiast, you are in the right place!
Moreover, the easiest way to reach these routes is on Bilet.com. By following the flight ticket opportunities, get ready to experience your own scene in the city where the movie you are watching takes place.
Before Sunrise – Vienna, Austria
The film tells the story of Jesse and Céline, who meet on a train journey and spend a night together on the streets of Vienna . The city is not only a backdrop against which the characters discover each other, but also a living spirit that accompanies this discovery. Vienna bears witness to the transience of love, time and youth.
Shooting Locations:
- Maria Theresien Platz
- Albertina Museum and its surroundings
- Spittelberg Streets
- Donau Canal shore
- Franziskanerplatz & Kleines Café
- There are direct flights to Vienna from Istanbul and other major cities. It is easy to find affordable flight tickets on Bilet.com.
- Boutique hotels around Innere Stadt (District 1) are the best options for accommodation. They are within walking distance of film locations and ideal for night walks.
- Kleines Café is still open – finding a table and having a coffee, true to the scene in the movie, is an unforgettable experience.
- Take a walk along the Donau Canal and you can share the intense emotions that Jesse and Céline felt at sunrise.
- Kleines Café (Franziskanerplatz ): The famous scene where Jesse and Céline have their tarot card reading takes place here. It is still mesmerizing in its silence.
- Donau Canal : Walk along the river's edge, musical boats or graffiti-covered walls complete the film atmosphere.
- Albertina area : The meeting point of modern art and classical architecture. One of the places where the couple walked and had long conversations.
- Maria Theresien Platz: With its wide square and magnificent museums, it evokes the feeling of freedom in the movie.
Before Sunrise is occasionally shown at open-air cinema events held in Vienna during the summer months. Keeping track of the event dates can be useful in enriching your travels.
Roman Holiday – Rome, Italy
Roman Holiday is an iconic film that brings classic Hollywood romance to the historic streets of Europe. The film tells the story of a princess who escapes from her boring royal duties and spends a day in Rome filled with freedom. Rome becomes a unique backdrop where the princess experiences both freedom and love. The city becomes a symbol of love and escape.
Shooting Locations:
- Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fontana
- Pantheon Square
- Via Margutta 51 (Gregory Peck's house in the movie)
- Colosseum surroundings & Tiber River banks
- It is possible to find direct flights to Rome in every season. Especially in the autumn months, a calmer and more romantic atmosphere can be experienced.
- The boutique hotels around the Spanish Steps are ideal in terms of both central location and movie-like feel.
- Via Margutta 51 can still be visited. It is possible to see the balconies decorated with Roman potted flowers, just like in the movie.
- Take a walk along the Tiber River at sunset. Experience the freedom felt in the movie.
- Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps : The scene where Princess Ann eats ice cream and feels freedom for the first time takes place here. The same peace is still felt today.
- Fontana di Trevi : The fountain, which has become the symbol of Rome, is the symbol of romance and wishes in the film. Don't forget to put a coin in.
- Pantheon & its surroundings : Stone streets and classical Italian architecture stand out in the scenes set in the heart of Rome.
- Via Margutta 51: Where journalist Joe Bradley lives in the film. A street frequented by artists in real life.
By renting a Vespa in Rome, you can experience the cycling freedom scene in the movie in a modern way. This experience will be quite enjoyable in areas close to the city center, where there is less vehicle traffic.
Amélie – Paris, France
Amélie takes place in the Montmartre district of Paris. The film tells the story of Amélie Poulain, who tries to add joy and meaning to ordinary lives with small touches, while inviting the audience into the nostalgic spirit of Paris . The film's color palette, music and narrative style that focuses on details make Paris not just a city, but an emotion.
Shooting Locations:
- Café des Deux Moulins (the café where Amélie works)
- Rue Lepic, Rue des Trois Frères
- Canal Saint-Martin (stone skipping scene)
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica and its surroundings
- Direct flights to Paris can be easily found on Bilet.com. You can catch the flight that suits your budget with the price alert feature.
- Boutique hotels can be preferred around Montmartre. Especially those close to Pigalle and Abbesses metro stations provide easy transportation and are close to the film atmosphere.
- The Café des Deux Moulins, the café where Amélie works, is still active and frequently visited by tourists, and its interior is very true to its film counterpart.
- Spend a day just walking. With a polaroid or notebook in hand, you can make your own little discoveries like Amélie in the movie.
- Café des Deux Moulins : A popular spot for film fans. Order a crème brûlée and don't forget to crack the surface with the tip of your spoon.
- Canal Saint-Martin : The place where Amélie skipped stones. If you go on a quiet and calm morning, it is possible to capture the peace in the movie.
- Rue Lepic and Rue des Trois Frères : Amélie's neighborhood. While walking around here, you can come across street art decorated with movie posters and frames on the walls.
- Sacré-Cœur surroundings : Enjoy the views of Paris, immerse yourself in the colorful world of the film as you ascend the cable car to the top.
There may be open-air film screenings or local art exhibitions taking place in the Montmartre area when you are in Paris. Check Bilet.com's culture and arts calendar, you may come across an Amélie-themed event!
Lost in Translation – Tokyo, Japan
Lost in Translation delves into the theme of loneliness and alienation. The film focuses on a story of two American strangers discovering each other in Tokyo , amidst cultural and personal voids. Tokyo's neon lights, busy streets, traditional temples, and modern high-rise buildings symbolize both the internal and external sense of loneliness in the film.
Shooting Locations:
- Park Hyatt Tokyo (hotel where Bob and Charlotte stayed)
- Shibuya Crossing (Heart of Tokyo, crowded streets)
- The New York Grill (Restaurant in the hotel)
- Meiji Shrine (Inner reckoning in a peaceful escape)
- The most affordable flights to Tokyo are usually via Los Angeles or Seoul. You can set a price alert by searching for your flight tickets on Bilet.com.
- The Shinjuku area is perfect for city accommodation. It is close to Park Hyatt Tokyo and provides easy access to the city's liveliest spots.
- Spending a day at Shibuya Crossing will allow you to experience the crowds and loneliness in the movie in the best way possible. Getting lost in a crowd will make you feel the alienation that the characters experience.
- Park Hyatt Tokyo : Located high above Tokyo, this hotel is the most important location in the film, where Bob and Charlotte share their loneliness in the city. Staying at this hotel allows you to experience that special atmosphere.
- Shibuya Crossing: This famous intersection, the heart of Tokyo, symbolizes the film's themes of crowds and alienation. A walk here allows you to experience being lost in harmony with the noise of the city.
- The New York Grill : The hotel's restaurant is one of the most emotional moments in the film. Having dinner here will relive the original atmosphere of the film.
- Meiji Shrine : Away from the modern chaos of Tokyo, this shrine, where the characters in the film seek inner peace, is an ideal place to explore the historical and natural beauties of the city.
Head to the Odaiba district in Tokyo. It’s known for its buildings that are emblematic of modern urban life and technology. You can feel the loneliness and remoteness felt by the characters in Lost in Translation even more deeply here.
In Bruges – Bruges, Belgium
In Bruges is set in the fairytale city of Bruges from the Middle Ages. The film tells the story of two hitmen spending their days in this quiet European town, while Bruges ' Gothic architecture, narrow streets and quiet canals give the story a strong atmosphere. This black comedy, where humor, crime and the struggle of conscience are intertwined, treats Bruges as a character, leaving the audience alone with both the beauty and the uneasiness of the city.
Shooting Locations:
- Belfry of Bruges (bell tower scenes)
- Market Square
- Rozenhoedkaai (canal bank scenes)
- Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce (hotel where the characters stay)
- The easiest way to get to Bruges is by train from Brussels. You can buy your plane ticket on Bilet.com and take a pleasant train ride from Brussels to Bruges that takes about 1 hour.
- Historical hotels close to the city center can be preferred. The hotel mentioned in the movie is still active and it is possible to stay.
- You will remember those iconic scenes from the movie as you climb the Belfry of Bruges bell tower. You may get a little tired climbing the stairs, but the view is more than worth it.
- As Bruges is a small city, it is best explored on foot. Don't forget to take a long walk along the canal to recreate scenes from the movie.
Film Locations To Visit – The Bruges of Bruges
- Belfry of Bruges : Some of the most memorable scenes in the movie take place here. Looking down on the city from above, it's hard to understand why Colin Farrell's character finds it boring!
- Markt Square : The heart of Bruges. You can see this square in the background of many scenes in the movie, where history and liveliness come together.
- Rozenhoedkaai : Surrounded by canals, this spot holds an important place in the visual memory of the film. Ideal for taking photographs.
- Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel : The hotel where the characters stay. One of the most romantic and authentic hotels in Bruges. A complete experience for movie fans.
There are movie-themed tours organized in Bruges. Especially in the summer months, you can witness the scenes of In Bruges firsthand and discover the locations where the dialogues in the movie took place thanks to guided walking tours. Don't forget to follow the events and other cultural opportunities in the city for the date you will go on Bilet.com!
Batman – Gotham City (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
The second film in the The Dark Knight series, directed by Christopher Nolan, tells the story of the superhero Batman's quest for justice in Gotham City and his conflict with the Joker. Gotham City is not just a backdrop in the film, but a part of the story itself. The modern buildings of Chicago perfectly reflect the dark, gloomy and dystopian atmosphere in the film.
Shooting Locations:
- Willis Tower (Former Sears Tower)
- Navy Pier
- The Old Cook County Hospital
- Lower Wacker Drive
- The most affordable flights to Chicago are usually via New York or Los Angeles. You can set a price alert by purchasing your tickets from Bilet.com.
- Choose the Loop area for accommodation in the city. It is close to the areas where Batman's most iconic scenes were filmed and also easy to reach the city center.
- Take an evening stroll along Navy Pier. You can feel the traces of the dramatic and tense atmosphere in the movie here, and explore the dark world of Gotham City with your own eyes by walking along the river.
- Willis Tower (Former Sears Tower) : One of the best spots for those who want to see the city from above, like the view Batman looks out over Gotham.
- Navy Pier : This scene where Batman and Joker come face to face in the city takes place around the iconic structures of Navy Pier. You can experience tension-filled moments in this area.
- The Old Cook County Hospital: Resembling one of Gotham's gloomy hospitals, this hospital building is the symbol of the criminal world and justice in Gotham in the film.
- Lower Wacker Drive : This dark alley, where Batman zips through the Batmobile, is home to one of the most striking action scenes in the film. By walking in this area, you can get the impression that Batman is chasing after him.
Take an evening walk in Chicago’s Millennium Park, where you’ll find a calmer reflection of the tense atmosphere associated with Batman and the Joker’s battle.
The Notebook – Charleston, South Carolina, USA
The Notebook presents a timeless love story set in the 1940s. Allie and Noah's passionate relationship is told not only through characters but also through locations. Throughout the film, the nostalgic atmosphere of the South and the lifestyle intertwined with nature reflect the depth of love. Charleston and its surroundings host the most emotional moments of the story.
Shooting Locations:
- Boone Hall Plantation (Allie's House)
- Old Village, Mount Pleasant (near Noah's House)
- King Street (city centre)
- Cypress Gardens (rowing scene)
- The cheapest flights to Charleston are usually via New York or Atlanta. It would be wise to search for flight tickets in advance on Bilet.com and set a price alert.
- For accommodation in the city, the Mount Pleasant area is recommended. It is ideal for both nostalgic ambiance and proximity to filming locations.
- Definitely spend a day at Cypress Gardens. This area where the rowing scene was shot allows you to experience the romance in the movie firsthand. Boat rental is available.
- Boone Hall Plantation : The magnificent home where Allie lives with her family was filmed here. Walking through the gardens feels like you're in the movie.
- Cypress Gardens : A quiet lake, ducks, ivy... This location, etched in memories with its rowing scene, is a temple of romance.
- King Street & Downtown Charleston : Scenes from the movie will come to life as you walk these streets filled with old shops, antique shops, and colonial architecture.
- Edisto Island : You can see similar beach houses to the house Noah restored and feel the ocean breeze here.
Take an evening cruise on Charleston Harbor. As the sun sets, the skyline takes on the romantic tones of The Notebook.
City of God – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
City of God is a heartbreaking tale of coming of age and crime set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Inspired by true events from the 1960s to the 1980s, the film tells the story of children growing up in the shadow of poverty and violence. While Rio 's famous beaches, carnivals and cheerful facade stand aside, City of God introduces the viewer to the city's lesser-known, harsh but real side.
Shooting Locations:
- Cidade de Deus (Tarıkent Neighborhood)
- Barra da Tijuca and surroundings
- Praia do Pepê (beach scenes)
- Centro – Rio's historic district
- It is possible to reach Rio de Janeiro with connecting flights from Türkiye. You can set a price alert by searching for the most suitable Rio flight tickets on Bilet.com.
- For accommodation in Rio, the safer areas of Copacabana, Ipanema or Barra da Tijuca are recommended. These areas are close to the beach and easy to reach from the city center.
- Favela tours should be done with a guide. It may not be safe to walk around alone in areas like the neighborhood where City of God takes place. Socially responsible tours with local guides offer both a conscious and safe option.
- If you want to see the beach scenes from the movie, Praia do Pepê is ideal for both observing local life and taking a peaceful walk in the morning.
- Cidade de Deus Neighborhood : This area, which the film takes its name from, is one of the shantytowns built during Rio's development process. This area, which is still a lively neighborhood today, should be visited on social guided tours instead of going alone.
- Barra da Tijuca : The more modern side of the city. Some of the street scenes in the movie were shot here. The area is also known for its long beaches.
- Centro & Lapa : Some of the film's transition scenes were shot in these historic areas of the city. Walking around Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arch) in particular is a great way to see Rio's architectural diversity.
You may come across local cinema events, open-air film screenings or community projects during your stay in Rio de Janeiro. You can enrich your cultural experience and explore the real-life stories in the film more deeply by checking out Bilet.com's event calendar.
Notting Hill – London, England
Notting Hill is a modern fairy tale set in one of the world's most iconic cities, London. Bookshop owner William and famous actress Anna's paths cross in Notting Hill, a street known for its colorful streets and unique neighborhood vibe.
The film is etched into memories not only with its romantic story but also with its intimate details about daily life in London. From Portobello Road to pastel-colored houses, from small bookstores to city parks, every corner makes the audience say, "Love is possible in London ."
Shooting Locations:
- Portobello Road (William's bookshop and neighbourhood scenes)
- Rosmead Road (iconic blue door)
- Ritz Hotel (final scenes)
- Kensington Gardens (park scene)
- Direct flights to London can be easily found on Bilet.com. You can catch advantageous ticket opportunities by setting a price alert.
- Boutique hotels or Airbnb-style apartments in the Notting Hill area can be an ideal accommodation option for those who want to experience the film atmosphere.
- The flea market on Portobello Road on Saturdays is a great opportunity to both shop and relive street scenes from the movie.
- Take a walk in Kensington Gardens and feel the peaceful park atmosphere from the movie.
- Portobello Road : This street, where William's bookshop is located, offers a true London experience with its colourful houses, vintage shops and street musicians.
- Blue Door (Rosmead Road): The iconic blue door, shown as William's house in the film, can still be visited. A classic stop for those who want to take photos.
- The Ritz London : The luxury hotel scenes where Anna stays in the movie were shot here. Just looking at the entrance is fascinating enough.
- Kensington Gardens : The romantic park scenes in the movie were shot in this city park. Especially walking in the morning allows you to discover the quiet side of London.
Movie-themed walking tours are quite popular in London. With a tour that includes the Notting Hill route, you can visit the locations where the scenes from the movie took place with a guide and learn the details behind the scenes. You can also enrich your trip by checking out the cultural and artistic events that coincide with your trip on Bilet.com.
Chungking Express – Hong Kong, China
Wong Kar-wai's iconic film Chungking Express tells two parallel love stories set amidst the fast pace and lonely crowds of 1990s Hong Kong. The film treats the city not just as a backdrop, but as a living organism that reflects the characters' moods. Neon lights, narrow streets, night markets and rainy avenues... This chaotic yet fascinating side of Hong Kong has become synonymous with Chungking Express.
Shooting Locations:
- Chungking Mansions (the building where the first story takes place)
- Mid-Levels Escalator (common in the second story)
- Central District (night street scenes)
- Lan Kwai Fong and surrounding area (bar and market scenes)
- You can reach Hong Kong from Türkiye with direct or connecting flights. You can search for the most suitable flights on Bilet.com and catch the opportunities that suit your budget with the price alert.
- Tsim Sha Tsui and Central districts offer accommodation options that are both central in terms of transportation and where you can capture the film atmosphere.
- Chungking Mansions is still standing and busy. It is safer to visit during the day. You can try different cuisines and breathe in the movie atmosphere.
- You can experience Wong Kar-wai's cinematographic perspective by joining outdoor walking routes or photography tours in the city.
- Chungking Mansions : This chaotic building, where the story of the first police character in the film takes place, is a meeting point of different cultures today. The shops and restaurants inside still carry the energy from the film.
- Mid-Levels Escalator : The area where the second police character and the girl in the cafe cross paths. Walking on Hong Kong's longest open-air escalator is a cinematic experience in itself.
- Central & SoHo: You can feel the heartbeat of Chungking Express here with its narrow streets, neon lights and night markets.
- California Tower area : Most of the market and cafe scenes in the movie were shot in this area. It's now full of modern bars, but the atmosphere is still familiar.
For those who want to follow in the footsteps of Hong Kong cinema, there are various Wong Kar-wai themed walking tours organized in the city. Also, check Bilet.com's cultural calendar to make sure you don't miss any Asian cinema screenings you may come across during your trip. You may even be able to watch Chungking Express at an open-air screening.