Have you ever wanted to step into a movie scene? Start in these places!

Screen dreams

Have you ever wanted to step into a movie scene? Start in these places!

Some movie and TV moments stick with us long after the credits roll. The good news is that many of those scenes were filmed in real places you can actually visit today, and most of them are free of charge! These locations let fans step right into the stories they love: Friends, Seinfeld, Jurassic Park, and more! If you enjoy traveling with a side of nostalgia, these famous filming locations are worth adding to your list.

Friends - Apartment building at 90 Bedford Street, New York City

Image: Ilse Orsel

Fans of Friends will instantly recognize this Greenwich Village corner. While the apartment interiors were filmed on a studio set, the exterior shots came from this very building at Bedford and Grove Streets. It has become a must-see spot for fans who love snapping photos and imagining they’re with Monica in apartment 20!

Full House - Painted Ladies, San Francisco

Image: Martin Zenker

Those colorful Victorian houses from Full House are not just TV magic. You can find them facing Alamo Square Park, where visitors often sit on the grass and admire the view. It feels relaxed and familiar, especially if you grew up watching the opening credits. The Tanner house itself sits a short walk away for the truly devoted.

Jurassic Park - Hanapepe Valley, Kauai

Image: Yohann LIBOT

You know that jaw-dropping helicopter scene in Jurassic Park? Well, it was filmed right here. Hanapepe Valley is lush, dramatic, and very real. Visitors can explore the area through guided tours that point out filming locations from both Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. Thankfully, no dinosaurs are roaming around today!

The Crown - Belvoir Castle and historic houses, England

Image: Timoune Aracama

The Crown uses several grand estates to recreate royal life. Of course, Buckingham Palace was not available, but Belvoir Castle, Wilton House, Burghley House, and Hatfield House were, and they all appear throughout the series. These historic homes are open to visitors and offer a glimpse into both television history and the actual British aristocracy, all in one elegant outing.

Sex and the City - Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment, New York City

Image: Krishna Dubagunta

Carrie’s famous apartment from Sex and the City still stands at 66 Perry Street in the West Village. While you cannot go inside, fans love stopping by for photos and a walk through the neighborhood. It pairs nicely with a guided tour that covers other memorable spots from the show.

Shawshank Redemption - Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield

Image: Milad Fakurian

The prison from The Shawshank Redemption may be set in Maine, but it was filmed in Ohio. The Ohio State Reformatory has not housed inmates in decades and now offers tours. Its imposing architecture looks exactly like it did on screen, making it a powerful stop for movie lovers.

Amelie - Cafe des 2 Moulins, Paris

Image: Rafael Camacho Greilberger

This cozy Paris cafe played a starring role in Amélie and still welcomes customers today. Located in Montmartre, it keeps nods to the film in its decor while serving classic French fare. Even a quick coffee here feels like stepping into a romantic movie moment.

Seinfeld - Tom’s Restaurant, New York City

Image: Jim.henderson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Seinfeld fans will recognize the exterior of Monk’s Cafe right away. Tom’s Restaurant in Morningside Heights was used for outside shots and remains open for business. Visitors report that the food lives up to the fame, making it a fun stop for lunch and nostalgia.

Sleepless in Seattle - Pike Place Market, Seattle

Image: Angel Ceballos

Sleepless in Seattle used several real Seattle locations, including Pike Place Market. Visitors can wander through the stalls, watch fish being tossed, and imagine scenes from the movie. Nearby, the houseboat used in the film can also be spotted, making this an easy and charming movie-themed walk.

Rocky - Stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia

Image: Luisa Frassier

The Rocky steps are as iconic as movie locations get. Visitors regularly recreate the famous run up the stairs, sometimes with theme music playing from a phone nearby. You do not need a museum ticket to enjoy the moment, and the view from the top makes the effort worthwhile.