Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit
Slide Nr 1
It’s that time of year when we all check our calendars, book time off, and decide where our next vacation might take us. While the real world has plenty of options, the reel world is also brimming with fictional places that many fans would give anything to visit in person. Maybe you’re tempted by mystic connections, keen to meet colourful locals, drawn to pulsing urban playgrounds or just want to see a superhero? Whatever the need, we’ve got you covered! Allow us to be your fictional travel agent, as we tour the film and TV locations that inspire you to dream of places beyond the borders of the map.

By Victoria Luxford

0/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 2
Gotham City (Batman) – Portrayed in film, television, video games, theatre and, of course, comics, Gotham is the home of billionaire Bruce Wayne and the crime-fighting hero Batman (although neither have been seen in the same room together!). Visitors to Gotham may want to be wary of the city’s notorious crime rate, but will delight in the Gothic architecture (said to be inspired by mid-20th-century New York City), the vivid nightlife and the dynamic locals. Areas of interest include the popular Iceberg Lounge, run by The Penguin; the towering Wayne Enterprises building; and, for the bravest among you, maybe a tour of Arkham Asylum!

1/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 3
Metropolis (Superman) – A shining jewel contrasting with Gotham’s grit, Metropolis is a city that seems to embody the spirit of its protector, the noble Superman. Tourists flock to Metropolis in hopes of catching a glimpse of the hero in flight, while taking in local sights like the famous Daily Planet Building with its giant globe statue, or marvelling at the technological achievements of LexCorp and S.T.A.R. Labs. It even has its own burger chain: various iterations of Metropolis have portrayed Big Belly Burger as the go-to fast food spot for Metropolitans.

2/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 4
Hill Valley, California (Back to the Future) – Few places boast the nostalgic Americana of Hill Valley, a truly idyllic town that has retained its charm since the 1800s. No matter what time you visit, you’ll find the imposing Clock Tower, a treasured local landmark overlooking the town square; the popular Lone Pine Mall (or was it Twin Pines?); and the diner that was the place of work for future mayor Goldie Wilson (Donald Fullilove). While the town is generally quiet and cosy, visitors should keep an eye out for local celebrities like eccentric inventor Doctor Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and ne’er-do-well Biff Tannen (Thomas F Wilson)!

3/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 5
Wakanda (Black Panther) – You won’t find anywhere more beautiful, safe or technologically advanced than the country of Wakanda. In fact, the hardest part of your trip might be getting in! The country boasts a futuristic infrastructure and a proud history overseen by King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman). Hidden from the rest of the world until 2018, when the late ruler made their presence known, Wakanda has since become the hot new destination for those who seek a mix of stunning landscapes and 21st-century convenience. They are still slow to welcome visitors, but those who can get past the tight borders will remember their trip to Wakanda… forever!

4/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 6
Woodsboro, California (Scream) – Now, hear us out. Yes, Woodsboro has been the scene of many brutal killing sprees, starting in the mid-’90s and resurfacing only recently. However, this will be a bucket list trip for fans of true crime! Walk in the footsteps of the heroic Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and celebrity author Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox), and see how the Ghostface murderer’s many reigns of terror were brought to an end. We’ve been assured the town is now safe to visit again, but we would still advise that you not answer your phone, and always remember the rules of horror movie survival!

5/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 7
Shermer, Illinois (John Hughes Movies) – What do Home Alone, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Vacation movies all have in common? They take place in the same fictional town of Shermer, Illinois. Writer and director John Hughes based most of his comedies in the same town, creating a shared universe long before the comic book movie craze. This makes Shermer a must-visit for many, although tourists would have to contend with a number of problems. Aside from the high rates of school truancy and Christmas family chaos, notorious crime duo the Wet Bandits are said to prowl the neighbourhoods.

6/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 8
Rivendell (The Lord of the Rings) – Populated by ageless elves, Rivendell is a cross between a forest city and a spa retreat! The stunning architecture is matched only by the rejuvenating atmosphere and goldmine of historical intrigue. Visit the spot where The Fellowship of the Ring was formed, or simply relax and take in the slower pace of life (quite literally – Rivendell keeps its own calendar due to time passing a little bit slower than the rest of Middle Earth). Hobbiton may have the parties, and Gondor its military might, but Rivendell is truly the place to be.

7/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 9
New Asgard (Thor) – Out of tragedy has risen one of Earth’s most popular tourist traps. Following an attack by Thanos, the alien realm of Asgard was destroyed and resettled, with the coastal Norwegian town of Tønsberg becoming New Asgard and seeing a prosperous rebirth under the rule of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson). Leaning into its association with history, visitors can grab an ice cream at Infinity Conez, take a guided tour of magical relics, and go for a ride on a flying ship. Just watch out for the occasional attack from vengeful God Killers!

8/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 10
Riverdale – If we were selling you on the Riverdale of the original Archie comics, it would be one for the nostalgia fans. Those stories are filled with visions of the American dream, as characters wrestled with the obstacles of teenage life. However, the 2017 TV adaptation showed Riverdale in a very different light. Instead of proms and mall visits, there are cults, mysterious killing sprees and illicit relationships. It’s a lot more scandalous than it used to be, but taking a walk on the wild side of town can often make for the most interesting vacation anecdotes!

9/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 11
Mos Eisley (Star Wars) – “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” As sales pitches go, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness) didn’t deliver a ringing endorsement of this small spaceport, but fans of intergalactic history will love its connections. Visit the Cantina for live music, and to see the spot where the legendary Luke Skywalker met Han Solo – before the latter got involved in a gunfight! While the exterior looks suspiciously like Tunisia, behind every door is a new adventure waiting to happen.

10/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 12
Emerald City (The Wizard of Oz) – If the towering skyline of the capital city of Oz isn’t visible, all you have to do is follow the Yellow Brick Road! The mystery surrounding this majestic place is countered by its beauty. Gleaming with jewels and glass, in the city’s centre stands the Royal Palace of Oz. It’s a tricky journey to get there, and we wouldn’t bank on getting an audience with the all-powerful Wizard. However, you might make some interesting new friends along the way!

11/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 13
Sunnydale, California (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) – Some may describe their home town as ‘The Entrance To Hell’, but Sunnydale really can back up that claim. Mysteriously well-developed for such a small population, it boasts a bustling entertainment district and many areas of natural beauty. Also, suspiciously, a lot of graveyards. Yes, Sunnydale may be beset by vampires and demons, but what else would you expect when the local high school is set on the Hellmouth, a portal between this realm and the next? Hey, at least the local nightclub, Bronze, is good!

12/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 14
Pawnee, Indiana (Parks and Recreation) – An unassuming town with a questionable history, Pawnee nonetheless is a vibrant hub of local government. Where else could you visit a place that erroneously claimed to be the birthplace of Julia Roberts, or that has a disturbing obsession with a miniature horse named “Li’l Sebastian”? The show Parks and Recreation perfectly lampooned the quirks of small-town living, making Pawnee an attractive destination for those who like their trips a bit different. You’ll hear the very laws of the town being devised while eating at JJ’s Diner (an unofficial meeting place for those in power), while the Pawnee Zoo will be happy to tell you about their recent penguin wedding.

13/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 15
Springfield (The Simpsons) – Described by Time magazine as “America’s Worst City”, and Newsweek as “America’s Crud Bucket”, Springfieldians will argue that their colourful history only adds to the charm. Whether it’s a local businessman trying to block out the sun, or the entire town being put under a glass dome, there’s always something going on. Personally, we would recommend a tour of the Duff Beer brewery, a visit to Krusty Burger, and maybe a bit of local sport watching the Springfield Isotopes. For a small town, it has had some famous citizens, including two former US Presidents!

14/15
Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.
Slide Nr 16
Whoville (The Grinch) – Whoville is actually part of two Dr Seuss stories, the second being Horton Hears a Who! The city described as residing on a speck of dust either on a flower or a snowflake (depending on the adaptation) is at its most charming in the story of the Grinch. Filled with joy and celebration, any town that can win over the heart of a legendarily grouchy creature who plots to steal Christmas is surely worth spending time in. In addition to the lovable residents, the wild and wacky architecture of the town is sure to provide something different, and make your heart grow two sizes as well!

15/15
Editor's Choice
The Shows That Put Cities On The Map
Locations featured on TV shows can become a character in their own right. We look at 18 cities that were indelibly transformed by the shows that used them as a setting

Drink Like Hollywood: The Iconic Tipples Of The Silver Screen
From classic cocktails to refreshing brews and even diabolical drinks, here’s what to put in your glass if you want to sip like the stars of the silver screen

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Staying Cool: 10 Destinations To Beat The Summer Heat

Most summer vacation plans might start with sun, sea and sand, but not everyone copes well with blistering heat. If that sounds like you, then help is at hand…

The Essentials: Top Cultural Highlights In August

We’ve got a flavourful festival, soulful sounds and a powerful cinematic gem to help you keep your summer going swimmingly this August

13 Refreshing Summer Mocktails To Savour

Whether you’re fully alcohol-free or simply shunning the hard stuff during a heat wave, these mocktails will sate your thirst for something cool, delicious and very grown-up

TV’s Chosen Families: 14 Shows That Embrace LGBTQ+ Kinship

Sometimes, the family you find offers more love than the one you were born to – especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Here, we look at the most endearing chosen families on TV

10 Of The Best European Cities For Food Lovers

From moussaka in Athens to Kaiserschmarrn in Vienna, we share the best cities for sampling Europe's unique and diverse cuisine – plus a secret for saving while you savour

I Do (Not Know What To Wear): A Style Guide For Wedding Guests

RSVP in style: we take you through the dos and don’ts of making it onto the best-dressed guest list, without upstaging the happy couple on their special day

10 City Destinations Worth Rediscovering

Looking for help in deciding your next city break destination? Discover new highlights and evolving travel trends at 10 classic destinations

10 Simple Outfit Swaps To Take You From Day To Night

You don’t need an entire outfit change – these easy swaps will have you looking stylish all day, whether the sun is rising, setting or somewhere in between

One Golden Summer: One Unmissable Prize Draw

Upgrade your summer by entering to win incredible experiences across London, from concerts to sporting exploits and luxe hotel stays – only for Amex Gold Cardmembers

Challenge Yourself: Learn To Forage

Many of us find sustenance in the calming, grounding effects of nature, but Livia Formisani is looking for sustenance of a more literal sort – and she finds that, and more

A Distinctive Blend: The World’s Most Unusual Coffee Houses

You appreciate a good cup of coffee and enjoy relaxing in your favourite café or coffee house, but do you ever yearn for something just a little bit different?

Live Like A Local In… Bristol

Why not dip your toes in the cool waters of Bristolian life to see if it's as good as everyone says it is?

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit

0/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

1/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

2/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

3/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

4/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

5/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

6/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

7/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

8/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

9/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

10/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

11/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

12/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

13/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

14/15

Hollywood Holidays: 15 Fictional Film & TV Destinations We’d Love To Visit.

15/15

Editor's Choice

The Shows That Put Cities On The Map

Drink Like Hollywood: The Iconic Tipples Of The Silver Screen

No Comments

Related Articles

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US ON