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Movie Buffs and Travelers Unite! You Can Visit All of These Movie Locations

A great movie can take you out of your seat and into the scene. Sooner or later, virtual reality will literally be doing just that, and watching a movie will be much more of an experience. But at this point, we’re still sitting down in chairs (at least most of us are) while watching a movie. But my point is that a movie’s interesting or beautiful scenery doesn’t have to be something you only see on your screens.

Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.’ / A camel is standing near Al Khazneh in Petra, Jordan.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Flickr, Rutger Geerling

Ever wanted to see where Indiana Jones trailed? Or where Harry and Sally had that “exhilarating” meal? Countless movies have easily accessible locations that you can, by all means, visit on your next trip. While it may feel like every movie out there now is filmed on a green screen, some are filmed in real places in real-time.

Let’s go on a trip through movieland and see which locales can actually be visited.

Overlook Hotel – ‘The Shining’

Where? Timberline Lodge, Oregon

The Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ was a massive and intricate set on a sound stage at EMI Elstree Studios in England (which was the largest set ever built at the studio). But the fictional hotel is based on two real hotels in the United States. Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel in California was the inspiration for the interior, while Oregon’s Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood was used for the exterior and establishing shots.

Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance in ‘The Shining,’ the Overlook Hotel is seen in the background. / Exterior shot of Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Flickr, H.L.I.T.

If you didn’t know already, the movie was based on a Stephen King novel by the same name, and in the book, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, was the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel. King was disappointed that Kubrick didn’t shoot the film at The Stanley.

The Baseball Diamond – ‘Field of Dreams’

Where? Dyersville, Iowa

If you ever find yourself in Dyersville, Iowa, you can visit the actual Field of Dreams. It’s about 25 miles west of Dubuque, and it’s located on a farm that offers tours of the famous baseball field and the home that served as the movie set for the Kinsella family in the 1989 film. The field has become one of the most iconic landmarks in America.

Ray Liotta in ’Field of Dreams.’ / Parents and children play baseball, on the set of ‘Field of Dreams.’

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Steve Cukrov, Shutterstock

The century-old Lansing family farm from the Field of Dreams inspired millions. The movie was an Academy Award nominee for Best Picture of the Year, by the way. If you feel like getting a little taste of heaven, you should check this place out. Remember, it’s a place where dreams can come true!

Katz’s Deli – ‘When Harry Met Sally’

Where? New York, New York

Katz’s Deli in New York City has a sign designating the seat where Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal were filmed in one of the most famous movies scenes ever shot. The popular New York deli is one restaurant you need to visit when you got to New York, but don’t think that no one else is thinking the same thing.

Meg Ryan in ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ / Exterior shot of Katz’s Deli restaurant.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Wikipedia

The deli sees tons of people not just enjoying the legendary corned beef but also having fun recreating this scene. The deli is located at 205 E. Houston St. in Manhattan. And if you do, go there for lunch, don’t forget to say “I’ll have what she’s having” to the waiter at some point in your meal.

Art Museum Steps – ‘Rocky’

Where? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You can run the famous steps and recreate the famous scene from ‘Rocky’ if you find yourself outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia. Now known as the “Rocky Steps,” these 72 iconic stone stairs lead up to the museum entrance where Rocky Balboa trained. There’s also a bronze statue of the boxer that you can pose with.

Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky.’ / Group of a young woman taking a photo near Rocky Statue in Philadelphia.

Source: Philadelphia Magazine / Visit Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, by the way, is the third-largest museum in the country. This spot is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. At the museum, visitors can check out the Rocky Statue that was originally created for a scene in “Rocky III.” The statue memorializes the boxer with his arms raised, which is perfect for Instagram shots.

The Parkers House – ‘A Christmas Story’

Where? Cleveland, Ohio

A Christmas Story is based in Indiana, but the exterior house shots were filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. For anyone who’s curious to see house can check out the Parkers’ home, which is located at 3159 W. 11th Street in Tremont. After purchasing the home, a real-life fan of the movie, Brian Jones, set about renovating the house.

Peter Billingsley in ‘A Christmas Story.’ / The Parkers House in Ohio.

Source: MovieStillsDB/ NBC4 WCMH-TV

He completely changed the interior into an exact replica of the house in the film. It’s open to the public, and it serves as a museum that is full of props and memorabilia. There’s also an “official” Chinese food restaurant a few blocks away from the house, but it’s not the exact location featured in the holiday film.

Ohio State Reformatory – ‘Shawshank Redemption’

Where? Mansfield, Ohio

For about 100 years, the Ohio State Reformatory has operated as a prison. It was closed down in 1990, and used as the site of the movie ‘Shawshank Redemption.’ Producer Niki Marvin chose this site for its timeless style… and because it was vacant. The prison now gives tours that take you along The Shawshank Trail, which features 15 filming locations.

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in 'Shawshank Redemption' / Interior shot of Ohio State Reformatory.

Source: MovieStillsDB / WEWS

For anyone who loved the movie (and really, who didn’t…), you’ll be glad to know that a few of the spots in the tours include: Warden Norton’s office, the Parole Board room, Brooks’ hotel room, and Andy Dufresne’s escape tunnel. Pretty cool, right? Separate self-guided tours are also possible. The site is located just over 60 miles from Ohio’s two largest cities: Columbus and Cleveland.

Chippewa Square – ‘Forrest Gump’

Where? Savannah, Georgia

In 1994, audiences around the world fell in love with Forrest Gump. Forrest sits on that famous park bench at a bus stop and shares his life story. The opening scene shows a feather floating above the trees, which glides past the Independent Presbyterian Church and eventually lands on the ground near the bench.

Tom Hanks in the famous scene from 'Forrest Gump.' / Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Wikimedia Commons

That famous bench is located in Chippewa Square in the historic district of Savannah in Georgia. It was placed there as a film prop and has since been moved to the Savannah History Museum. Chippewa Square is a popular photo-taking spot and a worthy tourist stop as it also features exhibits on the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and more. Go ahead and say one of his famous lines from the movie while you’re sitting on the bench.

The Mrs. Doubtfire House – ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

Where? San Francisco, California

Robin Williams might have been dressed as a woman in the 1993 comedy, but the home in the film was the real deal. The home was actually sold for a whopping $4.15 million in 2016, but that doesn’t mean that fans can’t stop by and take a few photos outside. The beautiful house has four bedrooms, three and a half baths, an office, a wood-burning marble fireplace, and a garden – for those who are curious.

Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire with director Chris Columbus in the ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ movie set. / Visitors stand near the Mrs. Doubtfire House.

Photo by Moviestore Collection, Shutterstock / Source: Pinterest

The 3,300-square-foot Victorian home overlooking the San Francisco Bay is clearly a valuable piece of property. But if you don’t have a few million in cash and really just want to check it out in person, you can drive down to 2640 Steiner Street in the Pacific Heights in San Francisco.

Al Khazneh – ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’

Where? Petra, Jordan

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the same world as Indiana Jones? Well, it doesn’t have to be a thing of fantasies. Al Khazneh, the giant sandstone temple built in one of the more mesmerizing places on earth, is in Petra, Jordan. It was featured in the film as the Canyon of the Crescent Moon.

Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.’ / A camel is standing near Al Khazneh, Petra, Jordan.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Flickr, Rutger Geerling

While this spot doesn’t actually hold the Holy Grail, it is nonetheless a gorgeous spot for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike. It was carved out of sandstone rock in the first century A.D. It’s been a very popular tourist attraction ever since the location was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment – ‘Sex and the City’

Where? New York, New York

Although you can’t enter the building, Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic apartment sits on Perry Street, which was featured in the HBO show as well as the movie ‘Sex and the City.’ The location has become a popular stop for tourists who want to feel what it would be like to be Carrie or one of the girls. You can take an Instagram shot and wander the West Village.

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in ‘Sex and the City’ / Exterior shot of Carrie Bradshaw's House in NY.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Flickr, Rob Young

The West Village is one of the best places to spot celebrities in New York City, by the way. Who knows – maybe you’ll even run into Sarah Jessica Parker! Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick, live with their kids in Greenwich Village in New York City. She’s a true New Yorker.

Christ Church Cathedral – ‘Harry Potter’

Where? Oxford, England

Yes, that’s right, Hogwarts is real. Well, at least the building is. The Harry Potter series took exterior shots of Oxford Christ Church Cathedral, which is the basis for Hogwarts. Thanks to movie magic, the church became Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There were actually a few locations used around England. The Christ Church Cathedral was used for its 16th-century stone staircase.

Scene from the ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone’ in the famous Great Hall. / Interior view of the famous Great Hall in Christ Church Cathedral.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Kit Leong, Shutterstock

Every year, more than 300,000 visitors tour this Church Cathedral, many of whom are Harry Potter fans. For about $27, you can take a walking tour and see all the recognizable locations from the movies, like the Great Hall and the staircase from the scene where the new students first arrived at Hogwarts.

Café des Deux Moulins – ‘Amelie’

Where? Paris, France

Amelie was a whimsical, happy-go-lucky tale of a girl as she makes her way through life in Montmartre. The success of the movie has put the town on the map. People now travel from all over the world, even just to stop for a day in Paris to visit the cute café that Amelie worked at in the movie.

Audrey Tautou in a scene from ‘Amelie.’ / Exterior shot of Café des Deux Moulins in the evening.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Petr Kovalenkov, Shutterstock

This quaint little cafe is up the west end of Montmartre hill, and it’s an actual place where you can get your caffeine fix for the day before venturing off through the streets of Paris. This tourist hotspot is actually adored by locals, so you’ll need to reserve a table in advance. It’s mostly the unique experience of the restaurant that keeps people coming through the doors.

Bates Motel – ‘Psycho’

Where? Universal City, California

The Hollywood theme park at Universal Studios has quite a few film sets that you can see. And the Bates Motel might be the creepiest. The house and motel were built on the Universal lot for the Alfred Hitchcock film ‘Psycho.’ The facade of the Bates Motel has stood there since the movie began filming in 1959.

Longshot of Bates Motel in ‘Psycho.’ / Bates Motel, located in the Universal Studios Hollywood Park.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Anton_Ivanov, Shutterstock

The place is still a ‘must-see’ when going to Universal Studios Hollywood. You can visit the Bates Motel on the backlot tour, which is available to general admission guests. The backlot tour takes between 50 – 60 minutes. The attraction is suitable for all ages in case you were wondering, but the little ones might get a little scared.

Alexander Farm in Waikato – ‘Lord of the Rings’

Where? Waikato, New Zealand

When director Peter Jackson was searching for a location to shoot the film ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,’ he happily stumbled upon a 1,250-acre sheep farm in Waikato, New Zealand. It was there that they built the set for the film. They had help from the New Zealand Army to make 39 Hobbit Holes scattered across the plot.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, coming to the Hobbiton in the 'Lord of the Rings.' / Alexander Farm in Waikato, New Zealand.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by EQRoy, Shutterstock

The gardens surrounding the fictional land of Hobbiton were planted a year before filming began. Hobbiton still exists as a movie set and now serves as a tourist attraction. Guides take guests around the 12-acre set, showing them significant spots from the film and explaining how it was made. Complimentary Hobbit drinks are provided, too!

The Church – ‘Sound of Music’

Where? Mondsee, Austria

The church reached international fame thanks to the wedding scene in ‘Sound of Music,’ where Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer were filmed inside. It’s basically the reason why more than 200,000 people visit the church every year. It’s also the reason why this church is one of the most photographed churches in the world.

Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in a wedding scene from the ‘Sound of Music’ / Exterior shot of the Collegiate Church of St Michael, in Mondsee town, Upper Austria.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by BBA Photography, Shutterstock

The former gothic monastery is striking. Its two towers go up 52 meters into the sky. It was constructed in the 15th century and is the second biggest church in Upper Austria. In 2005, Pope John Paul II upgraded the church to a basilica. In 2009, it was reopened after a huge restoration, which resulted in the title “Austria’s monument of the year.”

Bar Vitelli – ‘The Godfather’

Where? Savoca and Forza d’Agro, Italy

In the ‘70s, the mob drama ‘The Godfather’ was released, and cinema has never been the same. The groundbreaking film is still considered the best film of all time. The Italian scenes were actually set in Corleone, but Francis Ford Coppola thought the city was a bit too developed at the time to use for shooting the film.

Al Pacino and Simonetta Stefanelli in a wedding scene from 'The Godfather' / Entrance to Bar Vitelli in Italy.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Pinterest

Instead, the locations of Savoca and Forza d’Agro were chosen. One spot from the film is Bar Vitelli, which amazingly still has the same beaded curtains featured in the film. The cities of Savoca and Forza d’Agro were also used in ‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘The Godfather Part III.’ FYI, the scenes where Michael Corleone’s son performs in the opera and where his daughter dies on the steps were shot at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.

Beverly Wilshire – ‘Pretty Woman’

Where? Beverly Hills, California

The wealthy neighborhood of Beverly Hills is home to Rodeo Drive, the two-mile street where rich people shop at more than 100 luxurious stores. That fancy drive also includes one of the oldest hotels in the city: the Beverly Wilshire. And ‘Pretty Woman’ fans will recognize it because it was there that Vivian Ward stayed with Edward Lewis.

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in 'Pretty Woman.' / Exterior shot of The Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Marco Rubino, Shutterstock

Vivian spent a week at this hotel taking bubble baths, drinking champagne, and falling in love with the suave and dreamy Edward. Today, visitors who want the full movie experience can get a mani-pedi at the hotel’s spa, which plays the 1990 movie for customers as they sip champagne and get pampered.

Check out all the Pretty Woman facts * here * NOTE http://wpa.historybyday.com/pop-culture/pretty-woman-movie-secrets-we-never-would-have-guessed/

Public Square – ‘The Avengers’

Where? Cleveland, Ohio

Even though ‘The Avengers’ takes place in New York City, a large chunk of the film was shot at Cleveland’s Public Square. In the film, however, it was referred to as “Stuttgart Square.” The square is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Food trucks regularly make an appearance, and popular public speakers make their stands there.

Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans in 'The Avengers.' / Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Kenneth Sponsler, Shutterstock

The Cleveland area is full of other filming locations from this movie. Like the scene where Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) is interrogated while tied to a chair was shot inside a warehouse at Ashland and Cedar. When Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) go down a circular staircase at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, they were actually at the NASA facility in Sandusky, which is an hour outside Cleveland.

Palais Galliera – ‘The Devil Wears Prada’

Where? Paris, France

Anne Hathaway took the role of the aspiring fashionista Andrea Sachs for the 2006 movie ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ It was mainly shot in New York, but some parts were filmed in Paris. For instance, the fashion show that Andy went to for Paris Fashion Week was held at Palais Galliera, which is a fashion museum.

Anne Hathaway in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' / Palais Galliera exterior and garden view in Paris.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Anders photo, Shutterstock

And the scene where she decides that being Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep’s) assistant isn’t really what she wants and throws her phone into the fountain? Well, that was at the Fontaine des Fleuves et Place de la Concorde.

Fun fact: of all the film roles Meryl Streep did in her long and impressive career, playing Miranda Priestly was a turning point because it was the first time she had men telling her that they could relate to her character.

Notting Hill – ‘Notting Hill’

Where? London, England

In the ‘90s, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts made people fall in love with the romantic comedy ‘Notting Hill,’ which was shot in the London neighborhood of the same name. How fitting! The opening scenes were filmed on Portobello Road, the street where Will’s bookshop was located. At the time, that bookstore was actually an antique shop. But today, it’s home to a shoe store.

Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in a scene from 'Notting Hill.’ / A woman is sitting in front of the famous Notting Hill bookshop.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Awana JF, Shutterstock

At 91 Landsdowne Road (around the corner from Rosemead Gardens), is the house where William Thacker (Hugh Grant) brings Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) to his sister’s birthday party. Will’s tiny house with the blue door sits at 280 Westbourne Park Road, but the owners have since painted it and changed the exterior appearance a little bit.

Hook and Ladder 8 Firehouse – ‘Ghostbusters’

Where? Tribeca, New York City

Who you gonna call? Well, you can call your travel agent and book a vacation to New York City and see the location of the firehouse that ‘Ghostbusters’ was filmed at. The Hook and Ladder 8 is located at the corner of Varick Street in New York City, and you’ll find a fully functioning firehouse.

Scene with the ‘Ghostbusters’ car near the Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse. / Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse in NY.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Life In Pixels, Shutterstock

In 1984, it was famously known as HQ for a group of goofy poltergeist killers in the ‘80s comedy hit ‘Ghostbusters.’ While the firehouse was only used for exterior shots (the interior scenes were shot at Fire Station 23 in Los Angeles), it is still a popular spot for Manhattan visitors to snap photos and pretend to kill ghosts. The logo sign used in the film still hangs in the station, too.

Nakatomi Plaza – “Die Hard”

Where? Fox Plaza, Los Angeles

According to the chief engineer of the Fox Plaza, which was completed in 1987, it is probably because of the large number of redundancies in its design that it was intended as a filming location. The building has been used in at least four major motion pictures by Fox Studios, one being (obviously) the 1988 action film ‘Die Hard.’

Nakatomi Plaza on fire, a scene from ‘Die Hard.’ / The building of Fox Plaza in LA.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Wikipedia

In the film, the building was given the fictional name of Nakatomi Plaza. Almost the whole film was shot in the plaza, apart from a few scenes of a Christmas party. The plaza was also the main setting for the rock & roll comedy ‘Airheads.’ And for Fight Club fans, this building was one of the many brought down at the end of Fight Club.

Jungle – ‘Jurassic Park’

Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii

Parts of Hawaii really do look like a land before time, and no doubt, it was an obvious choice for the filming location of the classic ‘Jurassic Park,’ the movie’s remote island where dinosaurs were being cloned and brought back to life. When the film came out, it was praised for its CGI, which now may seem laughable.

Laura Dern in ‘Jurassic Park.’ / Photo from Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, a ‘Jurassic Park’ sign in the front and a view to the mountain in the back.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Free to Travel Mama

But at the time, it was incredible (as well as super scary for kids). A lot of the shooting took place at the beautiful Kualoa Ranch. The ranch was also used as a location for films like Godzilla and the new Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle. Hawaii’s beauty has long been a desired filming location for producers looking for beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and deep jungles.

The Art Institute – ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’

Where? Chicago, Illinois

The John Hughes film was filmed all around the Chicago area, and one of its most notable scenes was shot in the Art Institute of Chicago. True fans can visit the iconic Chicago museum to feel like Ferris Bueller for a moment. Hughes explained the scene, describing how the Art Institute was “a place of refuge” for him in high school.

Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara and Alan Ruck in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’ / Entrance to The Art Institute of Chicago.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by MaxyM, Shutterstock.

He said that the paintings that are seen in the sequence (by artist Edward Hopper, Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, Mary Cassatt, Amodeo Modigliani, and Jackson Pollock) are his favorites. When Ferris and Sloane kiss in front of the stained-glass window, the camera centers on George Seurat’s painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” which Hughes said, “I always thought this painting was sort of like making a movie.”

Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago – ‘The Blues Brothers’

Where? Chicago, Illinois

The Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago was where the scene in ‘The Blues Brother’ was filmed. It was the scene where Pastor James Brown provides guidance for brothers Jake and Elwood. The church, at 3235 E. 91st St., was also used in scenes for ‘Brewster’s Place,’ ‘Mike and Molly,’ and even ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’

James brown as the pastor in ‘The Blues Brothers’ / Exterior shot of Pilgrim Baptist Church in South Chicago.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Wikimedia Commons

In 2006, the church was actually involved in an electrical fire, which left the site heavily damaged. No one was injured in the fire, but it was the second time in one year that a church in Chicago named Pilgrim Baptist was struck by fire. In January of that year, the historic Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville was also destroyed. Coincidence?

Alcatraz – ‘Escape From Alcatraz’

Where? San Francisco, California

“Escape from Alcatraz” was a 1979 thriller starring Clint Eastwood. And fans of the movie might be happy to hear that Alcatraz is a real place that can be visited. At one point, it was a fully functioning jail that housed famous criminals like Al Capone. The National Park Service gives tours of “The Rock” by ferry. Rumor has it that the jail is haunted.

Clint Eastwood in ‘Escape From Alcatraz.’ / Aerial view of the prison island of Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by MintImages, Shutterstock

Feeling up to it? You can take a boat from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. As part of the fascinating tour, you can see the dummy head that was used in the real escape that the movie was based on. Trips are popular so, if you want to avoid any disappointment, it’s best to book ahead.

Circus Liquor – ‘Clueless’

Where? Sylmar, California

The valley? As if! Cher from the classic ‘90s film ‘Clueless’ was robbed in front of this iconic liquor store that sits in North Hollywood. Locals and tourists find themselves photographing the famous clown sign in front of this liquor store, which is located at 5600 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood.

Alicia Silverstone in ‘Clueless.’ / Circus Liquor Store on Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Source: New Dress A Day / Photo by Walter Cicchetti, Shutterstock

That scene where Cher got mugged is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, just based on the fact that Cher argues with the mugger for not wanting to dirty her designer dress. Fun fact: the spot where Cher and Dionne cheer up Tai was at the former Crocodile Café, which is now Kabuki Japanese Restaurant in Burbank. The space is still recognizable, though the pink walls have been painted over.

Formosa Café – ‘L.A. Confidential’

Where? Los Angeles, California

You too can dine at the Formosa Cafe, the famous Los Angeles diner where scenes from the mystery-drama ‘L.A. Confidential’ were shot. And if you go there for a quick bite, you’ll probably spot a celebrity or two, as many celebs have been known to dine there in real life. For instance, Bill Hader, Johnny Depp, and Tim Burton have all been known to dine at Formosa.

Kim Basinger in L.A. Confidential. / Exterior shot of Formosa Café in LA.

Source: Curbed LA / IMDB

Both the interior and exterior of the cafe can be seen in two key scenes in the 1997 movie, which was set in early 1950s LA. Other productions that used the café include ‘Swingers’ (1996), ‘Still Breathing’ (1998), ‘The Majestic’ (2001), and an episode ‘Bosch,’ in an episode called “Blood Under the Bridge” from 2017.

The McCallister Home – ‘Home Alone’

Where? Winnetka, Illinois

Okay, let’s be real: if you are a ‘90s kid, you most likely wished you had Kevin McAllister’s amazing house. I mean, do you remember how cool that staircase was? Although decades have passed since the movie was released, Home Alone remains a pure classic, especially during the holiday seasons.

Macaulay Culkin and Catherine O'Hara in ‘Home Alone.’ / Famous iconic mansion of Kevin McCallister.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Emma_Griffiths, Shutterstock

Macaulay Culkin was the most adorable kid in the world. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind staying home alone in a house like that. The house featured in the film is actually located right outside of Chicago on a quiet street. You can visit it at 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL. Unfortunately, you can’t take a tour of the inside but, you do get a perfect view of the exterior.

Pike Place Market – ‘Sleepless in Seattle’

Where? Seattle, Washington

The Pike Place Market is where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner’s characters have a meal and take a walk in the ‘90s film ‘Sleepless in Seattle.’ Their meal took place at the Athenian Inn, which has been there for over a century. And even though that scene took up only 1 minute and 38 seconds of screen time, it made an impact on the movie-going public.

Scene from ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ the entrance to the Pike Place Market is in the background. / The Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Source: The Movie District / Photo by EQRoy, Shutterstock

All these years later, the place is still one of Seattle’s top tourist attractions. Word has it that this market is also one of the best places to grab seafood in all of Washington. The Athenian Inn was founded by three Pappadakis brothers, who came from Greece (hence the “Athenian” name). It opened up in 1909.

New Trier Township High School – ‘Uncle Buck’

Where? Winnetka, Illinois

If you’re anything like me, ‘Uncle Buck’ was a childhood favorite. It’s by far one of the best ‘80s comedies and perhaps the best John Candy film. The school that John Candy pulls up to in his jalopy car while he babysits his brother’s children is none other than New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois. The high school can be found at 7 Happ Road in Northfield.

John Candy as Buck Russell in ‘Uncle Buck.’ / Sign of Trier Township High School in Winnetka.

Source: MovieStillsDB / nydailynews.com

Director John Hughes, a Chicago native, was known for using the city area as a backdrop for most of his films. So many scenes in this movie made a lasting impression on me, and even when I watched it again so many years later, it still made me laugh. Talk about a timeless classic! RIP John Candy. You are missed.

The Plaza Hotel – ‘The Way We Were’

Where? New York, New York

Countless films have been filmed at The Plaza Hotel, like ‘Home Alone 2,’ ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ and Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest.’ But the 1973 film ‘The Way We Were,’ with legends Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand, was one of the more famously shot films. The luxurious hotel was one of the filming locations for the movie.

Robert Redford in ‘The Way We Were.’ / Exterior shot of The Plaza hotel in New York, NY.

Source: YouTube, LFMMistakes / Photo by ARTYOORAN, Shutterstock

You can just visit the lobby or even book a room and live like stars for a few days. You can go on the guided Classics tour where you’ll get to see where Katie and Hubbell met for the last time, and stand in the same spot that Katie delivered the famous line, “Your girl is lovely, Hubbell.”

The Virgil – ‘A Star Is Born’

Where? Los Angeles, California

Okay, so I have to admit that I have yet to see ‘A Star is Born.’ Yes, yes, I know – I need to see it. And yeah, yeah, I’ll get to it. But for those who have seen it and would like to check out the place where Lady Gaga’s Ally sings for the first time, you can see the actual stage at The Virgil. The place is actually a family-owned cocktail bar that can be visited for comedy and variety shows.

Lady Gaga as Ally and Bradley Cooper as Jack in ‘A Star Is Born.’ / Interior shot of The Virgil.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by Garen A., Yelp

The Virgil was established in June 2012 by nightlife managers Louie and Netty Ryan, of Temple Bar Concepts. They also founded Townhouse/The Del Monte in Venice, California, and Santa Monica’s Temple Bar (now closed), among a few others.

Tiffany & Co. – ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

Where? New York, New York

If you’re trying one of the many women who adore Audrey Hepburn, you definitely have to stop by Tiffany & Co. in New York City. That way, you can peer into the same window she did while eating a danish and sip coffee. But you won’t be able to eat an iconic breakfast in the jewelry store because the store’s cafe is closed for renovations.

Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ the entrance to Tiffany & Co. is seen on the background. / Exterior view of Tiffany & Co.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Photo by littlenySTOCK, Shutterstock

It’s supposed to open again in 2021. Tiffany & Co. shares a block and a wall with Trump Tower. Typically, the first-come-first-serve café can have people waiting in line for two hours. So if you’re hoping to get the Breakfast at Tiffany’s experience, you’ll need a lot of patience – not only to wait for it to reopen but to stand in a line for that long.

Buffalo Bill’s Home – ‘The Silence of the Lambs’

Where? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The silence of the Lambs is a well-known psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film was released in 1991 and starred Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling. In the movie, Clarice is being stalked by “Buffalo Bill” in this house. If you want to stop by there, it’s located near Pittsburgh in rural Pennsylvania.

Ted Levine as Jame

Source: MovieStillsDB / Today Show

The address is 8 Circle Street, Layton, Pennsylvania. The house was sold in 2016 for almost $200,000. Would you want to move into the house? Fortunately for the new owner, the basement used in the movie was filmed on a soundstage. The scariest thing about this house is the fact that it has five bedrooms but just one bathroom. Yikes!

Phil Connors House – ‘Groundhog Day’

Where? Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

Groundhog Day is another must-see film. This hilarious movie stars Bill Murray, who finds himself living the same day over and over again, Groundhog Day. Can you imagine how annoying that would be? I wouldn’t even be able to tell anybody because I know how unbelievable it sounds. Anyway, just like in the movie, the Victorian is actually bed and breakfast.

Bill Murray as Phil Connors in ‘Groundhog Day.’ / Exterior shot of Phil Connor's house.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Maternity Week

That’s right. You can even stay there now if you want. It’s called the Cherry Tree Inn bed and breakfast, and it’s not located in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. You can actually find it in Woodstock, Illinois. The address is 344 Fremont Street, Woodstock, IL. If you are ever in the area, you should definitely stay at this spectacular house.

Noah’s Home – ‘The Notebook’

Where? Martins Point, South Carolina

When I think of a classic romance novel, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks comes to mind. When the book was made into a movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, it left audiences in tears. We couldn’t get enough of their love story. A notable part of the story is when Noah builds the house the way Aly pictured it, proving he still loves her.

Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in ‘The Notebook.’ / Exterior shot of Noah’s Home in South Carolina.

Source: MovieStillsDB / CHStoday – 6AM City

Unfortunately, no one actually renovated the house. The filmmakers decided to use the already beautiful Martins Point home, which obviously makes more sense. They just made it look run down for the “before” scenes. If you want to rent out this 5-bedroom 4.5 bathroom home, it will only cost you $12,000 a month! If you’re interested, the address is 204 Martins Point Road, South Carolina.

The Banks’ Home – ‘Father of the Bride’

Where? Pasadena, California

Father of the Bride is a hilarious ‘90s comedy. The premise is a classic story of a father, played by Steve Martin, who has trouble letting go of his oldest daughter as her wedding is approaching. If you have seen this beloved movie, chances are you noticed the gorgeous house. Well, here is something you probably didn’t know.

Steve Martin and Kimberly Williams in ‘Father of the Bride.’ / The Banks’ home in California.

Photo by Touchstone, Kobal, Shutterstock / Source: Flickr, nan_usa_1

The house featured in Father of the Bride is actually a private residence in Pasadena, California. I, for one, would love to live there! For all you movie buffs who want to see this stunning property, the address is 843 S El Molino Ave Pasadena, Ca. You can just drive by and imagine a wedding happening in that backyard.

The Cottage – ‘Top Gun’

Where? Oceanside, California

Top Gun is an ‘80’s thriller surrounding a young pilot who managed to learn a lot from his civilian instructor. This memorable movie is even being remade and called, Top Gun: Maverick, it’s expected to be released on June 25th, 2020. This adorable 500 square foot blue cottage, is where Maverick (Tom Cruise), waited when he was late for his dinner with Charlie.

Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis in ‘Top Gun.’ / The blue ‘Top Gun’ cottage in California.

Source: MovieStillsDB / Cool San Diego Sights!

This home was only used for exterior shots. We saw Tom Cruise waiting on that porch. For all you Top Gun fans that want to pay this house a visit, it’s located at 102 N Pacific St Oceanside, California. If you’re in the area, you can just go over there and snap a picture of the home.