Traveling around movie sets is already an unforgettable experience, but exploring the places that brought successful series to life also turns any itinerary into a veritable marathon of emotions.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: discover Middle Earth in New Zealand
New Zealand is synonymous with epic movie sets. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies used the country's natural landscapes to create Middle Earth.
In Matamata, the village of Hobbiton was kept as a tourist attraction, with the hobbit houses and the Green Dragon pub. Tongariro National Park has served as the dreaded Mordor, while Queenstown and Fiordland appear in several adventure scenes. These movie sets are so striking that New Zealand has become a must-see destination for fantasy fans.
Game of Thrones: castles, medieval landscapes and the universe of Westeros
The series "Game of Thrones" is famous for its grandiose sets, which have helped to create the epic atmosphere of the saga. The Iron Throne Room, for example, was recreated in the studio. However, many real locations can be visited in the countries:
- Croatia (Dubrovnik, which became King's Landing);
- Northern Ireland (Dark Hedges, setting of the King's Road);
- Spain (Seville, like the Gardens of Dorne).
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul: Albuquerque's iconic settings
Superlab, the meth lab created by Gustavo Fring, is one of the most iconic settings in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul".
The series was shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and many of the locations used in the scenes can be visited, including the famous car wash and Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant (in real life, Twisters). The city has become a reference point for those who enjoy alternative routes full of personality.
Friends: the charm of New York and the most famous building in the series
Although shot in a studio, "Friends" immortalized the façade of the building in New York's Greenwich Village where Monica, Rachel, Chandler and Joey supposedly lived. Central Perk, the fictional café, became a symbol of the series, and the building's real address is a must-see for fans who want that classic selfie. Walking through the streets of the neighborhood is like stepping into an episode of the series.
Peaky Blinders: Liverpool and the atmosphere of the 1920s
Although the plot is set in Birmingham, "Peaky Blinders" was mainly shot in Liverpool, a city chosen for its Victorian industrial architecture.
Various themed tours take fans through the main settings of the series, including the streets, pubs and warehouses that appear in the Shelby family's adventures.
The Walking Dead: zombie apocalypse in Atlanta and Senoia
The city of Atlanta and the small town of Senoia, Georgia, have been transformed into the setting for "The Walking Dead". Landmarks such as the Jackson Street Bridge (where Rick Grimes sees Atlanta deserted), Grady Memorial Hospital and the town of Woodbury are visited by fans from all over the world.
Senoia even retains the façade of the Alexandria safe zone used in filming and welcomes visitors who want to experience the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the series.
Sense8 and Black Mirror: SP in the spotlight of international series
São Paulo has also become an international backdrop. "Sense8" shot remarkable scenes during the LGBT Pride Parade on Avenida Paulista, showing the energy of the city.
Black Mirror used the Santa Ifigênia Viaduct and the Copan Building for the episode "Striking Vipers". The city has entered the radar of major productions and shows that series settings can be closer than you think.
Downton Abbey: the aristocratic charm of Highclere Castle
The imposing Highclere Castle, in West Berkshire, England, is practically a character in "Downton Abbey". Open to visitors, it offers an immersion into the Crawley family's world, with gardens and exhibitions on the history of the estate. It's the perfect setting for those who appreciate the charm of the British aristocracy and want to feel part of a historical drama.
Outlander: Scotland's historic and cinematic landscapes
Scotland served as the backdrop for the first season of "Outlander". Towns such as Falkland and historic buildings near Edinburgh appear as backdrops, transporting visitors directly to the 18th century. Scotland's natural landscapes, castles and villages are an invitation for those who want to travel back in time and experience a story of romance and adventure.
Travel on your own itinerary with Happy Tours!
Whether you're exploring the sets of films shot in New Zealand or visiting the locations of series in New York, Liverpool, Atlanta or São Paulo, get ready to experience movie-worthy moments. Rent a car with Happy Tours, put together your itinerary and discover up close where your favorite stories have come to life. After all, every trip can be the start of a new season in your own series!
