7 Must-Visit Destinations Inspired by Your Favorite TV Shows & Movies in 2025

Turn your streaming obsessions into unforgettable travel experiences with these iconic filming locations from today's hottest shows and timeless classics. Discover where to find Game of Thrones, Emily in Paris, and more fan-favorite settings in real life.

From Screen to Reality: Visit These Destinations Inspired by Your Favorite Tv Shows and Movies in 2025

Have you ever binge-watched a show and found yourself dreaming about visiting its breathtaking filming locations? You're not alone! TV and movie tourism has skyrocketed in recent years, with fans eager to immerse themselves in the real-world settings of their favorite on-screen stories.

According to recent tourism studies, filming locations can see visitor increases of up to 300% after appearing in popular shows or movies. From medieval fortresses to tropical beaches, these destinations offer both stunning Instagram opportunities and authentic cultural experiences beyond their on-screen fame.

Ready to step into the worlds of your favorite characters? Let's explore seven incredible destinations inspired by your favorite TV shows and movies that deserve a spot on your 2025 travel itinerary.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Real King's Landing from "Game of Thrones"

With its imposing stone walls rising dramatically from the azure Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik served as the perfect setting for King's Landing, the capital city in HBO's epic fantasy series "Game of Thrones." The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, became instantly recognizable to millions of viewers worldwide and remains one of the most popular TV tourism destinations globally.

What to Experience:

• Walk the ancient city walls that defended the fictional capital (featured in seasons 2-8)

• Explore St. Dominic Street, where many market scenes and the infamous "shame walk" were filmed

• Visit Fort Lovrijenac, which doubled as the Red Keep throughout the series

• Take photos at the Jesuit Staircase where Cersei's walk of atonement began

Travel Tip: Book a specialized Game of Thrones tour led by locals who worked as extras during filming for behind-the-scenes insights you won't find elsewhere. May and September offer perfect weather with fewer crowds than peak summer months.

2. Paris, France - Live Your "Emily in Paris" Fantasy

Netflix's hit series "Emily in Paris" has reignited travel passion for the City of Light, showcasing both iconic landmarks and charming hidden corners that most tourists miss. While the show presents a somewhat idealized version of expatriate life, the beautiful Parisian filming locations are very real and waiting to be explored by fans of the series.

What to Visit:

• Place de l'Estrapade in the 5th arrondissement, where Emily's apartment building stands

• Terra Nera restaurant (5 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques), which transforms into "Les Deux Compères" in the show

• Jardin du Luxembourg, where Emily frequently jogs and meets Mindy

• La Maison Rose in Montmartre, the pink corner café featured in several episodes

• Palais Garnier, the opulent opera house where Emily attends the ballet

Travel Tip: Create your own "Emily in Paris" walking tour using Google Maps to mark all filming locations. The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain neighborhoods contain many key spots within walking distance of each other. For authentic Parisian cuisine beyond the show's tourist spots, explore the vibrant Le Marais district.

3. Seoul, South Korea - Experience "Squid Game" & "XO, Kitty" Settings

Korean entertainment has taken the world by storm, with shows like the intense survival drama "Squid Game" and the charming teen series "XO, Kitty" showcasing different facets of South Korea to global audiences. From ultramodern cityscapes to traditional hanok villages, this dynamic country offers visitors a fascinating blend of past and future that K-drama fans will instantly recognize.

What to Explore:

• Seongsu-dong neighborhood, the trendy "Brooklyn of Seoul" featured prominently in "XO, Kitty"

• Yangpyeong Dumulmeori, the riverside location where Gi-hun meets the mysterious salesman in "Squid Game"

• Korean Film Council (KOFIC) Namyangju Studios, where many key K-drama productions film indoor scenes

• Gyeonggi English Village in Paju, which served as the international school setting in "XO, Kitty"

• Wolmi Traditional Park, featuring the iconic rainbow-colored staircase from "Squid Game"

Travel Tip: Purchase a T-Money card for convenient access to Seoul's excellent public transportation system, making it easy to visit filming locations throughout the city. Download Naver Maps rather than Google Maps for more accurate navigation in South Korea.

4. Southern Iceland - Explore "The Witcher" Filming Landscapes

The otherworldly landscapes of Iceland provided the perfect backdrop for the fantasy realm of "The Witcher." With its black sand beaches, massive glaciers, and volcanic terrain, Iceland's natural beauty is so spectacular it appears almost magical on screen. Fans of Geralt of Rivia can follow in the monster hunter's footsteps through some of Europe's most dramatic natural scenery.

What to See:

• Reynisfjara Beach near Vík, with its dramatic black sand and basalt columns (featured in multiple battle scenes)

• Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, used for the snowy wilderness scenes and monster encounters

• Djúpalónssandur Beach on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where several pivotal character moments were filmed

• Krýsuvík geothermal area near Reykjanes, with its steaming vents and multicolored soil that created the show's alien landscapes

Travel Tip: Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable, and its rugged terrain requires proper preparation. Rent a 4WD vehicle if exploring independently between April and October, or join specialized "Witcher filming location" guided tours that operate year-round with appropriate safety equipment.

5. Phuket, Thailand - Explore "White Lotus Season 3" Luxury Locations

Following successful seasons set in Hawaii and Sicily, the third installment of HBO's acclaimed series "White Lotus" transports viewers to the tropical paradise of Thailand. Phuket's luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage provide a stunning setting for the show's signature blend of satire and drama, making it one of 2025's most sought-after TV tourism destinations.

What to Experience:

• Four Seasons Resort at Nai Yang Beach, the primary filming location that serves as the fictional "White Lotus Thailand"

• Old Phuket Town's colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, featured in several key character exploration scenes

• Phang Nga Bay's iconic limestone karsts, where the show's dramatic boat excursion takes place

• Phuket's night markets and street food scenes that provide the backdrop for crucial plot developments

• Wat Chalong temple complex, which appears in the show's cultural exploration storyline

Travel Tip: Visit during the November to April dry season for the best weather and to experience the filming locations under the same beautiful conditions seen in the show. Many luxury resorts offer special "White Lotus Experience" packages that include visits to filming locations with exclusive behind-the-scenes information.

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico - The Ultimate "Breaking Bad" & "Better Call Saul" Pilgrimage

The stark desert landscapes and distinctive Southwestern architecture of Albuquerque and surrounding areas became characters in their own right in these critically acclaimed series. Fans continue to flock to this captivating corner of the American Southwest to follow in the footsteps of Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, and Saul Goodman through the actual filming locations that brought these iconic shows to life.

What to Visit:

• Walter White's house at 3828 Piermont Drive NE (exterior viewing only—please respect this private residence)

• Twisters restaurant at 4257 Isleta Blvd SW, which served as Los Pollos Hermanos throughout both series

• The Dog House hot dog stand at 1216 Central Ave NW, featured in multiple pivotal scenes

• "Saul Goodman's office" at 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, now a bar called Hooligan's Tavern

• Sandia Mountains and surrounding desert areas, featured in numerous scenic backdrop shots and key scenes

Travel Tip: Albuquerque's desert climate means extreme temperature variations—pack layers and plenty of sun protection when visiting filming locations. Several specialized tour companies offer comprehensive "Breaking Bad RV Tours" that cover all major filming sites with guides who worked as extras on the shows. Book at least two months in advance as these tours frequently sell out.

7. Vancouver Island, Canada - The Hidden Gem Behind Netflix's "Maid"

Netflix's powerful limited series "Maid" highlights the natural beauty of Vancouver Island as the backdrop for its moving story of resilience and survival. The lush forests, charming coastal communities, and moody Pacific Northwest atmosphere provide a striking contrast to the challenging subject matter, making this an underrated but spectacular filming location worth exploring.

What to Explore:

• Ten Mile Point in Victoria, where the waterfront mansion Alex cleans is located

• Colwood's Esquimalt Lagoon and Royal Beach Park, featured in several beach scenes

• Downtown Victoria locations, including the iconic ferry terminal and harbor views

• Greater Victoria's picturesque coastal roads seen in driving sequences

• The "Value Maids" office (actually Fisher Building in downtown Victoria)

Travel Tip: Rental cars book quickly on Vancouver Island, especially during summer months. Reserve well in advance if you plan to visit multiple filming locations across the island. Visit between May and September for the best weather and ferry service.

Bonus Destinations That Deserve a Mention

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France - The stunning coastal setting for key scenes in "Killing Eve"

Albufera Natural Park, Spain - Where "The Night Manager" filmed its Mediterranean sequences

Baltimore, Maryland - The authentic urban backdrop for "The Wire," offering a gritty contrast to more polished TV locations

Tips for Planning Your TV & Movie-Inspired Journey in 2025

1. Research filming locations thoroughly before booking - Many productions use multiple locations for a single fictional place. Official tourism websites often provide detailed filming location maps and guides.

2. Visit during shoulder season when possible - Popular filming locations like Dubrovnik and Paris can get extremely crowded during peak travel periods, making photography difficult and experiences less enjoyable.

3. Support local businesses near filming sites - Many small shops and cafes near famous filming locations have interesting behind-the-scenes stories and memorabilia not found in guidebooks.

4. Respect private property and local residents - Many filming locations are residential homes or working businesses with limited public access. Always observe posted signs and maintain appropriate distance.

5. Book specialized filming location tours - Professional guides can provide access to locations not easily reached independently and share insider knowledge about the production process.

6. Create a custom Google Map - Before your trip, mark all desired filming locations on a custom map to optimize your route and maximize sightseeing efficiency.

7. Pack show-themed props for unique photos - Small, lightweight items like House Stark pins for Game of Thrones locations or Emily's phone case for Paris can make your travel photos uniquely memorable.

Beyond the Camera: The Real Magic of Film Tourism

What makes these destinations truly special goes beyond their on-screen appearances. Each location offers authentic cultural experiences, local cuisine, and opportunities to connect with communities that exist long after production crews depart. The best film tourism experiences balance fan enthusiasm with genuine cultural exploration.

According to Tourism Research International, film-induced tourism generates billions in revenue annually, with 80% of surveyed travelers reporting that movies and TV shows influence their vacation choices. This phenomenon, officially termed "set-jetting," continues to transform previously overlooked destinations into thriving tourist attractions.

Which TV or movie location tops your travel wish list for 2025? Have you already visited a filming location that lived up to your expectations? Share your experiences and dream destinations in the comments below!