From Screen to Scene
How movies and TV shows inspire the journeys we take in real life—and the iconic places you can visit yourself.
On my recent trip to Paris, I stepped onto the first level of the Eiffel Tower.
I expected to be dazzled by the views.
Beyond the sweeping views, a table caught my attention—stacked with posters of films that had featured the Eiffel Tower.
From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, there it was: Paris not just as a backdrop, but as a star in its own right.Movies don’t just entertain us.
They shape the places we dream about.
They make us want to go there.
Movies and TV series don’t just entertain us—they plant seeds of wanderlust.
Here are seven iconic screen-inspired destinations worth adding to your list.
1. Paris, France – The Eiffel Tower on Screen
The Eiffel Tower has starred in everything from Midnight in Paris to Inception. Seeing it in person, with its cinematic history displayed, brings a sense of déjà vu.
🔗 Visit Eiffel Tower Official Site
✨ Insider Tip: Book tickets online in advance for sunset. The golden-hour glow is pure cinema.
2. New Zealand – Middle-earth Magic
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings transformed New Zealand into Middle-earth. From rolling hills in Matamata (Hobbiton) to the dramatic peaks of Fiordland, the landscapes are as surreal as on screen.
🔗 Hobbiton Tours
✨ Insider Tip: The Hobbiton Evening Banquet Tour lets you dine like a Hobbit under lanterns.
3. Rome, Italy – La Dolce Vita
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita immortalized the Trevi Fountain, making it a pilgrimage site for film lovers. Tossing a coin here has become a ritual for travelers worldwide.
🔗 Trevi Fountain Info
✨ Insider Tip: Visit early morning or late at night to avoid the crush of daytime crowds.
4. Tokyo, Japan – Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation captured Tokyo’s neon glow and quiet moments of connection. The Park Hyatt Tokyo—where much of the film was set—remains a favorite for travelers seeking the film’s dreamy atmosphere.
🔗 Park Hyatt Tokyo
✨ Insider Tip: Have a cocktail at the New York Grill on the 52nd floor for sweeping views of Shinjuku.
5. New York City, USA – Ghostbusters Headquarters
Instead of the obvious choices, step into cinematic nostalgia with the iconic firehouse from Ghostbusters in Tribeca. It’s still an active firehouse, but fans flock there for photos.
🔗 Hook & Ladder 8
✨ Insider Tip: Combine your visit with a food tour in Tribeca for a day of culture and bites.
6. Santorini, Greece – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
The island’s whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches shot to stardom thanks to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. The film’s breathtaking backdrops made Santorini a dream spot for generations.
🔗 Visit Greece – Santorini
✨ Insider Tip: Oia is famous for sunsets, but Pyrgos village offers equally stunning views with fewer crowds.
7. Scotland – Outlander Trails
The TV series Outlander sparked a wave of heritage tourism in Scotland. Fans visit Doune Castle (Castle Leoch in the show) and the dramatic Highlands where Claire and Jamie’s story unfolds.
🔗 Visit Scotland Outlander Guide
✨ Insider Tip: Take a guided Outlander tour—you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories while visiting historical landmarks.
🎬 Final Takeaway
From Paris to New Zealand, pop culture continues to inspire how we see the world—and how we travel it. The next time you watch a film or series, notice the setting. It just might become your next adventure.