7 Top Filming Locations In The World For The Cinephile In You

Some movies' locations are so real and captivating that the thought of visiting that place for real sometimes lingers in your head. As travel blogs, different cultures and languages inspire one to travel, so does films. From the famous Nakatomi Plaza from Die Hard to in LA to desert landscapes from Star Wars in Tunisia, here's a list of best movie locations you can visit in the world.

1. The Godfather: Savoca, Italy

Inspired from arguably the best film ever made, we've all tried mimicking the thick Italian accent of Don Corleone. If this cult classic has always fascinated you, visiting the coastal town of Savoca near Sicily is a must, an offer you can't refuse. There are 'Godfather Tours' specially created for the fans which include a private tour to the various locations the film was shot in. You can visit Bar Vitelli, where Michael asks Senor Vitelli if he can marry his daughter, the Piazza Fossia, and the quaint little church where Apollonia and Michael get married.

Though much has changed over time, roaming in the streets of this island would definitely give you a glimpse of the 70s era. In addition to the site tours, the guides will also give you an insight into the Sicilian Mafia's history. Make sure to stop by and taste the great Sicilian wine and cuisine.

2. Nakatomi Plaza, Die Hard: LA, USA

Shouting "yippie kay yay, mother******" from the top floor of Fox Plaza – more commonly known as Nakatomi Plaza, its fictional name – sounds really fun and you can actually do it by visiting the skyscraper located at Century City. Not much has changed inside the tower after 30 years. The elevators still look the same, the basement where the limo crashed, and the signs have also not changed. You can easily recognize the helipad where John McClane jumped off from in the climax, and also the stairs where he killed the blonde guy. Your visit to Fox Plaza will be a trip down the memory lane where you can cherish the classic cult film.

3. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989): Petra, Jordan

The whole Indiana Jones series is filled with spectacular movie locations. From Utah's Arches National Park to the amazing sites in Spain, Germany, and Italy, including the Grand Canal in Venice. Petra stands out among these as this 2000-year-old location is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The site which attracted historians and archaeologists now lures fans of this cult film as well. People book special Indiana Jones Tours to recreate exact scenes of the film and match the footsteps of Harrison Ford in the film. This 75-meter-high canyon is simply mesmerizing to look at.

4. Harry Potter Series: London, England

Catch your train to Hogwarts at the famous King Cross Station in London. Just look out for platform 9 3/4. The number is embedded in the wall. There's a photo area around it where you can pick a trolley and pretend to ram inside the wall to start your mystical journey. This is free of cost. Get your favourite Harry Potter merchandise at the Harry Potter Store at the station. Visit at the early hours to avoid the rush. Next up, head over to  St Pancras International Hotel which was shown multiple times in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Remember the Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone? Well, that location is the Leadenhall Market in the city. The market, with an ornately painted roof and Victorian architecture will bring back all the fond memories of the movie.

5. The Overlook Hotel, The Shining: Yosemite National Park and Colorado, USA

While the major film shooting was done at an elaborate film set made in EMI Elstree Studios, England, Two hotels were used as an inspiration to recreate the Overlook: The Ahwahnee Hotel located in Yosemite National Park in California for its eerie yet remarkable interiors and the Timberline Lodge in Oregon for its exteriors. However, The Stanley Hotel in Colorado was the original inspiration even though the movie wasn't shot there. Presently, the hotel features a spa, restaurant, bed-and-breakfast, along with guided tours for fans of Kubrick's classic horror film.

6. 127 Hours: Utah, USA

127 Hours is based on the extraordinary true story of Aron Ralston, who was trapped in a canyon with his arm hedged by a boulder. To escape death, he decided to do what most would never think of doing – cutting off his arm.

A visit to Moab, Utah will bring out many emotions in you. The place is famous for its fabulous canyons and red rock formations. Head over to Blue John Canyon to see the exact location where Aron was trapped. The pristine pool shown in the film is called the Homestead Crater, located at the Homestead Resort. The pool is available for visitors to swim inside the crater.

If all your body parts are precious to you, make sure you don't make the same mistake that Aron made and go with a group of people.

7. Jurassic Park: Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii

A trip to Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii will take you back to the Mesozoic Era where you will only see stretches of vegetation and no other form of life. It is a remote island, perfect for shooting a film about dinosaurs. The natural beauty of the location is worth it – with dense jungles, calm rivers, waterfalls, and untouched beaches to check out. In addition, fans can visit the Blue Hole in Kauai, the Olokele Valley, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, and the spectacular Manawaiopuna Falls.

And hey, if a bush whooshes and you hear an unusual roar, you better start running.

So the movie buff that you are, you will surely enjoy visiting the places mentioned above, from reel to real.