We all have that one movie we’re obsessed with and wish we could be a character in. Whether you dream of walking the hallways of Hogwarts School as one of the students, or you ponder over what it would be like to live in the Shire with the hobbits, being able to be apart of your favourite film for a while makes it so much more real. And for those rolling their eyes at the movie nerds, you have just admit you get just a little bit excited at the idea of being able to step into your all time favourite film.
But what if you could? While some movies are disappointingly just a set in Hollywood, there are many famous movie settings that you can actually visit in real life. Check out some of these world-class movie sets that are still around for you to visit…
Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment, ‘Sex and the City’ (New York, New York)
At number one on our list is Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City. While you won’t actually be able to enter the building, fans of Sex and the City will love walking through the same iconic streets in the west village while being able to admire the glamorous apartments that line these privileged streets. Even better, why not stop on the steps for a quick Instagram picture? You’ll be sure to have your friends jealous for days and will probably be receiving DM’s into next week. Just be sure to plan your timing just right as this is a pretty popular tourist spot, and there’s nothing worse than having other people dive bomb into your boomerang.
The house from 10 Thing I Hate About You
This rom-com from 1999 seems to be just as popular today as it was with teenagers back in the 90’s in which we see a young Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger as they navigate through the maze of high school, dating and teen life. And for those that have dreamed of sitting on the balcony or swinging in a similar garden swing that’s tied to the grand tree, you might be in luck. Just two years ago in 2018, the Seattle property went on the market for $1.6 million.
But for those of us who aren’t quite in the market for a property of this size, you could always drive past and take a quick go on the swing if no one’s in. Not that we would recommend it…
Hanapepe Valley, ‘Jurassic Park’ (Kauai, Hawaii)
Are you a Jurassic Park fan? For those that have dreamed of walking through the valleys where Steven Spielberg’s legendary dinosaurs once roamed, those green hills and mysterious mountains are real. While the dinosaurs aren’t there, fans are able ride four wheelers through the mysterious jungle terrain and take helicopter rides over the legendary Manawaiopuna Falls in Hanapepe Valley in Hawaii. The valley is every bit as breath-taking as you would imagine and for those who have been fans since the beginning, this experience offers you the opportunity to step back into the original sets, before Jurassic world came out.
The McCallister home, ‘Home Alone’ (Winnetka, Illinois)
We’re not sure there could be anyone who doesn’t like the Home Alone movies. While the house might have been through some chaos on set, it’s actually every bit as charming as it was before the chaos ensued in real life and is based in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka. Nearly 30 years after the films release, fans are still able to take tours past the McAllister’s home and recreate Kevin’s famous shocked face outside the gates. Just don’t get carried away and try to get through them.
Rocky – Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ranked the second most popular movie set in the world, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is home of the 68 steps that was used for the Italian Stallone race and was famously dubbed “The Rocky Steps”. For rocky fans that wish to walk the very same steps where Rocky Balbao trained for his epic ring battle with Apallo Creed, you’re in luck. Visitors can walk up and down the steps until their heart’s content as they preside over the token training place of this famous film.
The Cromwell Hotel in Oceans 11, Las Vegas, Nevada
While it was originally named Barbary Coast at the time of filming and later on Bill’s Gamblin Hall, before it was eventually closed, renovated and reopened as the Cromwell Hotel, this venue is still available for visits for fans of Ocean’s 11. It may look a little different now, but fans are still able to walk through the elaborate hotel as they picture the action packed robberies that took place.
And if you really want to get into the spirit before visiting the old set, why not try out online slots games before you head over the Ocean’s 11. It will give you a little chance to practice before heading over the play in front of the crowds, and there are some pretty impressive jackpots to be won too.
King’s Cross Station, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (London, England)
So it may not be such a novelty for Londoners, but for Harry Potter fans that are still wondering whether there really is a platform 9-and-3/4, there really is a wall with the platform name on at Kings Cross Station in London. What’s more, fans are able to get a picture pushing the trolley through the wall. And to top if off, there’s a Harry Potter store near by that looks like Ollivanders wands.
So there you have some of the best movie sets that are still around to visit! While it’s time to get packing your suitcase, in the meantime, why not pull up Netflix and put on your favourite film while trying your hand at the latest online casino game. Who knows, you might even win enough to fund the trip.
