Best destinations for movie lovers

For many film lovers, the idea of sitting in a favorite armchair and enjoying the latest Hollywood blockbuster is a perfect Saturday night. And who can blame us? Being immersed in impressive, magical and unusual worlds can not only alleviate stress and inspire imagination, but it can also create a serious case of wanderlust.

What happens when the final credits roll? Take the next step and become part of the movie for real by visiting some of these fantastic destinations for movie lovers…

New Zealand, Lord of the Rings

The breath-taking scenery in Lord of the Rings was all filmed in New Zealand. With a natural abundance of rolling valleys and fields of greenery that seem to go on forever, it was the perfect place to bring the fantastical work of J.R.R.Tolkien to life.

Although no hobbits can found in the grassy hills of Auckland, fans of the film can be transported to Hobbiton with a movie set day trip to this most magical and iconic of lands. Discover the village of Bilbo Baggins and his fellow hobbits, and take a peek in the hill-based huts yourself! Pose in front of the pond, or even take a break at the Green Dragon Inn. Even without visiting the movie set, New Zealand is a popular choice for any Lord of the Rings enthusiast as simply hiking around the natural landscape feels like a trek through Middle Earth itself.

Tokyo, Lost in Translation

Bill Murray is something of a legend among movie lovers of all genres, yet his Tokyo title Lost in Translation has fast become a cult classic. Here he stars as an aging movie star, where he meets Scarlett Johansson, an ignored and unhappy wife accompanying her photographer husband on a business trip. The pair meet and form an unlikely friendship, finding escape in each other while feeling lost in the foreign land of Tokyo.

Wander around the curious districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya, where the movie was filmed and imagine you too are on a soul-searching trip in the capital of Japan. When night falls, it would be rude not to hire a karaoke booth at the Shibuya branch of Karaoke-kan (where the movie scene was actually filmed) and don a pink wig while singing the night away, re-enacting the charming duet of Murray and Johansson.

Paris, Amelie, Moulin Rogue

As a city filled with charm and culture, it is no wonder that Paris is a popular destination for acclaimed movie directors. It would be impossible to mention Paris without noting the Moulin Rouge, the infamous cabaret that has become something of an institution in the City of Love. After being immortalized on film in 2001 by a glamorous cast including Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, the Moulin Rouge cemented its place in pop culture history. Available for bookings still to this day, you can easily visit the show-stopping extravaganza when touring Paris – but stay away from the ‘green fairy’!

For something more off the beaten track, Amelie is a quirky story with even more eccentric characters. Take a tour around Montmartre where the film is based and follow in the footsteps of the film’s stylishly cute leading lady, Amelie.

London, Harry Potter

Popular with children and adults alike, the mystical tale of Harry Potter has captured the world’s imagination. Truly engrained into British culture, many young parents may in fact have been enthralled by the adventures of Harry when the film was first released almost 10 years ago!

If you’re visiting London, why not spend a day at the Warner Bros studio tour, located 20 miles North West of the capital city? Here you can venture down Privet Drive to see the iconic cupboard under the stairs, or begin your magical journey on board the Hogwarts Express. A long day of sorcery and witchcraft can be rounded off with a well-earned Butter beer. Take a day off from being a muggle and revel in the magic with this unique insight into the world of wizardry.

New York, USA

No self respecting film or TV fan could plan a trip to a movie destination without wanting to hot foot it to New York. From the bright lights of Times Square to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge there is a movie set around every corner. Take a tour of the Village to recreate famous scenes from Friends, head uptown to hang with Carrie and the girls from Sex and the City or head to Central Park to wallow in genuine living, breathing movie history. Love a good adventure film? Complete your day by going to the top of the Empire State Building looking for King Kong. The whole city is one big film set - and you’re more than likely to come across a pilot, a show or a movie being filmed.