Locations and settings are a big part of what makes a movie or TV show memorable, and the very best productions spare no expense scouting, securing and enhancing their signature spots. Here are some spectacular ones that are worth including in your next holiday itinerary:
1. Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand
If you love Sir Peter Jackson’s masterpieces, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set is a must. Just two-and-a-half hours away from Auckland, the spectacular 1,250-acre sheep and beef farm outside of Matamata was turned into charming Middle-earth, complete with hobbit holes, lush gardens and amenities such as the working pub Green Dragon Inn. Besides a basic guided tour, you’ll be able to choose from experiences such as a Behind The Scenes Tour (with a visit to the Art Department’s workshop and refreshments) and an Evening Banquet Tour (with a dinner feast of traditional Hobbit fare in the Green Dragon Inn dining room). Live out the magical world of JRR Tolkien in real life!
Conveniently post your snaps and stories on Insta using AIRSIMe, an eSIM that provides mobile data at local rates in over 100 destinations. SAFRA members enjoy 10$ off AIRSIMe eSIM credits.
2. K-drama locations, Seoul, South Korea
Love a good K-drama? Myriad spots in the South Korean capital played hosts to well-known drama series like Kingdom, Hotel Del Luna, My Sassy Girl, and more. A few must-visits include Namsan Tower, the communications and observation tower that offers panoramic, 360-degree views of Seoul from the top of a hill (Boys Over Flowers, The Legend of the Blue Sea and Itaewon Class); Cheonggyecheon Stream, a peaceful stream which runs through the city alongside fountains, art works and more (Vincenzo, True Beauty and You Raise Me Up); and Lotte World, one of the most featured Korean theme parks in K-dramas – it’s often a date spot in in K-dramas such as Business Proposal, True Beauty, Love Alarm and Stairway to Heaven.
While in Seoul, sign up for other adventures and experiences through Klook, where SAFRA members enjoy up to 10% off sitewide.
3. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Find yourself, a la Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. Besides pausing a visit to the healer Wayan, and staying in a peaceful villa, you can also survey the knick-knacks at Pasar Seni, the main market located opposite the Ubud Palace. For picturesque views of the terraced rice-fields, head to the Tagalalang rice terraces.
Accommodations-wise, book yours through Agoda, where SAFRA members get 8% off worldwide.
4. Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fans of the legendary TV series Game of Thrones will instantly recognise this place – the filming location for the Red Keep, the seat of power for all the Seven Kingdoms. Also known as St Lawrence Fortress, a large number of memorable scenes were filmed here, including King Joffrey’s name day tournament and the Battle of Blackwater in the bay. Built in the 11th century, the stronghold, which sits atop a jagged rock outcrop, served as an important lookout to scan for invading Venetian forces. Besides this landmark, there are several other spots in Dubrovnik that were used liberally as filming locations for the show – the Jesuit Stairs, Gradac Park and Pile Gate, to name a few.
Have peace of mind on your travels with insurance from AIG – SAFRA members enjoy 20% off the purchase of any single trip plan.
5. King’s Cross Station, London, UK
As any fan of JK Rowling’s bestselling series of Harry Potter books – and franchise of eight movies – will know, King’s Cross is where students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry catch the Hogwarts Express. In the wizarding world, Harry and his friends get to the platform by dashing through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10. In real-life King’s Cross, there’s a platform 9¾ on a wall in the station concourse. To find it, look out for a luggage trolley embedded in the wall. Accessible at all hours, there’s no fee for photo-taking. When the Harry Potter shop next door is open, a photographer is on hand to help you take a photo with a scarf in your house colours, which is then available for you to view and purchase. When in London, the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, is highly recommended.
Book your flights and hotels through Trip.com, where SAFRA members get up to 8% off.
6. Ghostbusters Firehouse, New York City, USA
The iconic Manhattan firehouse (14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013) from the 1984 classic Ghostbusters is home to the real-life firefighting team Hook & Ladder Company 8. While visitors should be respectful of the firefighters’ space and time, they’ll be treated to a tour if the servicemen are available – ask them about the collection of melted clocks and phones they’ve accumulated from the various fires they’ve put out. Not only was the 1903 Beaux-Arts building used for the exterior scenes of the fictional firehouse in Ghostbusters, it also appeared in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot and in an episode of the sitcom Seinfeld.
Research and plan your New York City trip with AIRSIM data. SAFRA members enjoy 15% off the AIRSIM Prepaid Card.
Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!
