Top 15+ places you’ve probably visited that feature in blockbuster films

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

If you could transport yourself into the world of your favourite film, what would it be? Dining on an epic feast in the Hogwarts Great Hall? Skating down Venice Beach with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling? Or how about lounging on the sun-kissed island of Ko Phi Phi Le with a bunch of fellow nomadic travellers, all looking for an alternate way of living? While you can't actually step into the cosmos of your favourite fantasy film series, you can experience some of the magic by visiting the filming locations. Some of which you'll find you may have already frequented due to their popularity and accessibility. From the idyllic Greek island of Skiathos to the bustling Broadway destination of Times Square, here are 15 places you've probably been that feature in hit films… (Picture: REX/AP/GETTY/WARNER BROTHERS)

1) Central Park, New York, US

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

It's no surprise that hundreds of movies have been filmed in New York City's iconic Central Park. Not your average playground, the 843 acre urban park is the most visited park in the United States, and for good reason, too. Not only is the sprawling estate made up of green meadows, gardens, glistening waters, and unique bridges and architecture, Central Park is also home to an array of attractions, including performance and music venues, a zoo, and educational facilities. This picturesque part of the world - located slap bang in the middle of the bustling city - is one of New York's most popular tourist attractions. Which is why many of you reading this will have recognised areas of Central Park in films such as Bride Wars, 27 Dresses, Sex in the City, Music and Lyrics, Factory Girl, The Devil Wears Prada and Taxi, to name a few… (Picture: Getty Images)

2) Venice Beach, California, US

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Recently we saw Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling rollerblading past residents and holidaymakers in neon 1980s-esque outfits during the Greta Gerwig-directed 2023 Barbie movie. But Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California, has been the backdrop to a slew of other films over the years, simply because it's such a stunning, vibrant and eclectic part of the world. If you've ever visited LA, chances are you'll have headed straight to Venice Beach to experience the stunning stretch of sand along the Pacific Ocean, and to step foot on the world-famous boardwalk. Whether films and series like Baywatch, Xanadu, I Love You, Man or Nightcrawler influenced you to visit or not, this Californian jewel will remain a major tourist destination way into the future (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

3) Greenwich Village, New York, US

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Greenwich Village, otherwise known as The Village, is a neighbourhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan in New York City. Historically, it was the hub of early and mid-20th century American bohemian culture, and was known for its coffeehouses, bookstores, bars, and clubs. American novelist and poet Jack Kerouac coined the term 'Beat Generation,' and Greenwich Village was a major setting for its artistic residents who leaned towards an alternative lifestyle. In terms of where you've seen Greenwich Village on TV, films such as Ghostbusters, 13 Going On 30, Inside Llewyn Davis and PS I Love You all feature scenes shot in the area (Picture: Getty Images)

4) South Bank, London, UK

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

It's all popping off in London's South Bank - the heart of the capital city's cultural scene. Located on the edge of the River Thames, it's a famous landscape home to world-class arts venues likes the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, and the BFI film theatre. Many will have walked - or jogged - alongside the river that's lined with trees, bustling restaurants and old school pubs, meaning the area is always busy and filled with activity. From South Bank, you can also see other classic London landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and Big Ben, but its eye catching surroundings and dynamic atmosphere are what convince directors to film at the location time and time again. From The Boat that Rocked, About Time and the Pierce Brosnan-led 1999 James Bond film, The World is Not Enough, some pretty famous movies have taken place here (Picture: Getty Images)

5) Times Square, New York, US

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Time Square is another famous New York location that draws in an estimated 50 million visitors annually - so chances are, at least one person reading this has ventured to see what all the fuss is about. But being a cultural and entertainment hub brimming with Broadway theatres, music halls, and hotels, it's easy to see the appeal of the place. Times Square is also famous for the 24/7 brightly lit billboards, advertising the biggest new releases in the entertainment industry. Speaking of, the Midtown Manhattan location has been the setting of multiple major movies, including I Am Legend, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Taxi Driver, The Devil Wears Prada, Spider-Man, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Friends With Benefits (Picture: Getty Images)

6) Salzburg, Austria

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Famed for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the shooting location of the 1965 Julie Andrews-led film, The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a breathtaking baroque city. Located in Austria on the border of Germany, Salzburg is as charming as it is magical, which is why almost one million visitors flock here each year. Explore the narrow lanes and majestic squares, walk along the Salzach river, and marvel at the majestic and old-worldly architecture. All while enjoying a cup of coffee or a cold beer, accompanied by some Salzburg food favourites like the famous Bosna, which is best enjoyed standing up as you take in the sights of the historic Old Town. And, if you're a Sound of Music fan you can book the official tour, where you'll visit the likes of the Mirabell Gardens where the song 'Do-Re-Mi' was filmed, Nonnberg Abbey and the Mondsee Wedding Chapel (Picture: Getty Images)

7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Piccadilly Circus is another one of London's most famous and popular tourist decorations. Travellers come from all over the world to check out the bright neon signs, cinemas, theatres, shops and restaurants, all of which are quintessentially British but world famous. The London landmark is centred around the Eros fountain, more formally known as the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, which has been dubbed as 'London's most famous work of sculpture.' So, when you've wondered around Piccadilly Circus in the past, also know that the location has provided its setting to films such as Bridget Jones's Diary, The Dark Knight, Trainspotting and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Picture: Getty Images)

8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

There seems to be a theme here. In that some of London's biggest tourist attractions have found themselves wrapped up in major movies. For those who've visited London and experienced the likes of South Bank and Piccadilly Circus, chances are you've wandered around Trafalgar Square, too, which has been a significant landmark since the 1200s. You'll find Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster in Central London, where some of the capital's top attractions, including The National Gallery live. The area is also home to an array of other statues, monuments and historic buildings, like Nelson's Column and the two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains. Entertainment-wise, blockbusters like the Bond movies Casino Royale, Skyfall, and Spectre, plus Wonder Woman, St. Trinian's and The Avengers have all filmed here (Picture: Getty Images)

9) Petra, Jordan

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

In 1985, the Petra Archaeological Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2007 it was officially named as one of the new seven wonders of the world. Whether you've already stepped foot on one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, or it's on your bucket list to go, Petra's beauty has long driven directors and filmmakers to the location. Some of the most well-known and classic movies to be shot here include Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Martian, Aladdin and Dune. Petra itself is half-built and half-carved into the sandstone rock, and is surrounded by vast mountains that naturally serve as gorges and passages. The wonder dates back to around 300 B.C. and was originally the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom (Picture: Getty Images)

10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Christ Church College in Oxford is most famous for being one of the largest colleges of the prestigious Oxford University. It's also where many moments in Harry Potter were filmed, including the grand staircase, which served as the backdrop to the famous entrance scene when Professor McGonagall met Harry, Ron and Hermione for the first time. Many of the stunning hallways of Christ Church were used for scenes too, most notably when Hermione showed Harry the Quidditch trophy his father James won years before. Students of Christ Church of course get to see these filming locations on a daily basis, and can also grab their meals in the famous Harry Potter dining hall. However, many will know that you don't have to be studying at Oxford to get a glimpse of the magic, as the Visitor Centre in the Meadow provides tickets for visitors to look around the college and cathedral (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

According to the official website, the Atelier des Lumières in Paris was a 'former steel foundry created in 1835,' but was transformed into a digital centre in 2018. The art centre 'puts forward digital, immersive and contemporary exhibitions' where 'young and old alike come to live a unique experience, explore limitless universes, and let themselves be carried away to the heart of Art.' One of the most famous images transformed into an incredible immersion is Van Gogh's famous Starry Night, which was used during a scene in Netflix's Emily in Paris, when Lily Collin's character Emily visited with her friends Gabriel and Camille (Picture: Getty Images)

12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Recently, Lindsay Lohan swapped the US for Ireland to film her Netflix romcom, Irish Wish. While visiting a slew of Irish landmarks, including Lough Tay, home to the legendary 'wishing chair,' and the historical town of Westport in County Mayo, Lindsay and co also headed to the iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. In regards to the cliffs, they're one of Ireland's favourite (and most famous) visitor experiences. They overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the stunning Aran Islands, where travellers can walk along the paved pathways to take in the breathtaking view. Aside from the latest movie to be filmed on the Cliffs of Moher, plenty of other blockbusters have used the landscape, too. This includes Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Leap Year, The Princess Bride, and Ryan’s Daughter (Picture: Getty Images)

13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Raise your hands - after first watching Mamma Mia! back in 2008, how many of you contemplated booking a holiday to the stunning Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos where it was filmed? Since the movie dropped all those years ago, thousands of fans have actually made the trip - not only to bask in the summer sunshine, but also to visit the famous filming locations - especially the Agios Ioannis Chapel where the wedding procession was filmed. Greece is a major vacation destination anyway, thanks to its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, and of course, the stunning architecture. So for ABBA and Mamma Mia! fans, the combination of both has made these two particular islands even more of a holiday hotspot (Picture: Getty Images)

14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Caesar’s Palace is one of Las Vegas' most famous luxury hotels and casinos. It's located on the classic Las Vegas Strip between Bellagio and The Mirage, and is a well known haunt for celebs such as Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bieber, Usher and Cher. Alongside being a hotel and casino, Caesar's Palace also offers an array of world-class entertainment, with many famous names taking to its stage. Over the years, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, Judy Garland and Mariah Carey have all put on spell-bounding shows. But not only is Caesar's Palace famous for all of the above - it's been a location in numerous major films, too. This includes: Hells Angels on Wheels, Where It's At, The Only Game in Town, The Electric Horseman, Rocky III, Oh, God!, Rain Man, Ocean's Eleven, Dreamgirls, and The Hangover, to name a few… (Picture: Getty Images)

15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

1) Central Park, New York, US, 2) Venice Beach, California, US, 3) Greenwich Village, New York, US, 4) South Bank, London, UK, 5) Times Square, New York, US, 6) Salzburg, Austria, 7) Piccadilly Circus, London, UK, 8) Trafalgar Square, London, UK, 9) Petra, Jordan, 10) Christ Church College Oxford, UK, 11) The Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France, 12) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 13) Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece, 14) Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, US, 15) Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

Ko Phi Phi Le is an island of the Phi Phi Archipelago, located in the Krabi province of Thailand. A true tropical paradise, many who have visited the island - alongside the main island of Ko Phi Phi Don - fall instantly in love with the unreal landscape. But it's not hard to see why. From the crystal clear waters, huge limestone rocks jutting out of the sea, and the whitest sands known to man, this stunning part of the world provides visitors with a real-life utopia. Unlike the main isle, Ko Phi Phi Le is much smaller, and only accessible by tour or chartered fishing boat. So, many make a day of it, and hire local boatsmen to take them out into the waters where they can go snorkelling and explore the underwater world. Tourists who visit the islands are always drawn to the famous Maya Bay, where the Leonardo DiCaprio-led film The Beach was filmed (Picture: Getty Images) This article was originally published in March 2024

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