10 Places That Became Tourist Hotspots Because of Movies

Movies have a way of making places unforgettable. Sometimes it's the story. Sometimes it's the scenery. And sometimes, it's both. That's why millions of travelers now visit destinations they first saw on screen—a trend known as set-jetting.

From the peaceful hills of the Shire to the streets of King's Landing, these filming locations have become real tourist attractions. Some even transformed local economies after appearing in blockbuster films and TV shows.

Here's where you can step into your favorite stories:

1. Where can you visit the real Shire?

The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit — Matamata, New Zealand

Hobbiton isn't a movie set that disappeared after filming. It's a permanent attraction built on a working sheep farm near Matamata. Visitors can explore hobbit holes, Bagshot Row, and the famous Green Dragon Inn on guided tours.

The rolling Waikato countryside already looks like Middle-earth, making the experience feel authentic even without the movie connection. Tourism New Zealand has long credited The Lord of the Rings trilogy with inspiring travelers from around the world.

2. Which English castle became Hogwarts?

Harry Potter — Northumberland, England

Alnwick Castle served as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Fans can walk through the same courtyards where Harry learned to fly a broomstick and even join broomstick training sessions offered on-site.

Even if you're not a Potter fan, the castle's medieval architecture and rich history make it one of England's most impressive historic landmarks.

3. Where is Luke Skywalker's island?

Star Wars — County Kerry, Ireland

Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Ireland's west coast, became Luke Skywalker's remote hideaway in the latest Star Wars films.

Getting there isn't easy. Boat trips depend on weather, and visitors must climb hundreds of ancient stone steps carved into the island. The reward is one of Europe's most dramatic landscapes, along with a monastery that dates back more than 1,000 years.

4. Which desert became Mars?

The Martian and other sci-fi films — Jordan

With its towering sandstone cliffs and endless red sand, Wadi Rum has played the role of Mars in several Hollywood films, including The Martian.

Visitors can stay in Bedouin desert camps, explore canyons by jeep or camel, and watch the landscape glow red at sunrise and sunset. It's easy to see why filmmakers keep coming back.

5. How did Game of Thrones change Dubrovnik?

Game of Thrones — Croatia

Dubrovnik's medieval Old Town became King's Landing, turning the Croatian city into one of Europe's biggest film tourism success stories.

Walking tours now take visitors to famous filming spots, including the city walls, Fort Lovrijenac, and the Stradun. Research estimates that the series brought hundreds of thousands of additional visitors and generated millions of euros for the local economy.

The popularity also created challenges, leading the city to introduce visitor management measures to protect its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

6. How did Twilight put a small town on the map?

Twilight — Forks, Washington

Before Twilight, Forks was known for logging. After Bella Swan and Edward Cullen arrived, it became a destination for fans worldwide. Local businesses credit the franchise with bringing a steady stream of visitors and helping the town reinvent itself.

Today, fans visit Forks High School, Bella's truck, Charlie's house, and the annual Forever Twilight Festival. It's one of the clearest examples of how a fictional story can reshape a real town.

7. Which Greek island starred in Mamma Mia!?

Mamma Mia! — Skopelos, Greece

If you've dreamed of turquoise water and white chapels after watching Mamma Mia!, Skopelos is the place you're looking for. Most of the film's iconic outdoor scenes were shot here, including Kastani Beach and the clifftop Agios Ioannis Chapel.

Visitors can climb the chapel's famous steps, relax on the island's beaches, or join boat tours that visit the film's best-known locations.

8. Where was The Sound of Music filmed?

The Sound of Music — Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg's historic streets and gardens became unforgettable through The Sound of Music. Mirabell Gardens, where the "Do-Re-Mi" scene was filmed, remain one of the city's most visited attractions.

Guided tours cover filming locations across Salzburg and the surrounding countryside, but even without the movie connection, the city's baroque architecture and Alpine backdrop make it worth visiting.

9. Which country became Hollywood's fantasy landscape?

Game of Thrones, Interstellar & more — Iceland

Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches have appeared in everything from Game of Thrones to Interstellar. Its dramatic landscapes can look like another planet without the need for special effects.

Popular filming spots include Þingvellir National Park, Reynisfjara Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain, and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Combined with generous film incentives, these landscapes have helped make Iceland one of the world's favorite filming destinations.

10. Where is the real Friends apartment?

Friends — Greenwich Village, New York City

The apartment building seen in Friends is real, and you can still find it at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets in New York City's Greenwich Village. While the interiors were filmed on a Hollywood soundstage, the exterior has become a must-visit stop for fans.

The building is a private residence, so you can't go inside, but nearby cafés and the neighborhood's charming streets make it an easy addition to any New York walking tour.