Travel destinations based on popular movie locations around the World

By Julius Choudhury

From the Spanish Steps in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" to the Palace of Versailles in "Marie Antoinette," films often use amazing spots around the world as their shooting locations. We look at a few popular travel destinations followed by their stills in movies.

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region

Film shot: "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997)
It served as the residence of the Dalai Lama until the 1959 Tibetan Uprising and has now been converted into a museum. In the film, this UNESCO World Heritage site is where the protagonist Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) meets with the 14th Dalai Lama who becomes his tutor in world geography, science, and Western culture.

'Seven Years In Tibet': Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region

Directed by: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Cast: Brad Pitt (L), David Thewlis, B.D. Wong

Palace of Versailles, France

Film shot: "Marie Antoinette" (2006)
The seat of French political power from 1682 to 1789, the gorgeous palace is open to the public on all days except Mondays. From its intricately designed garden to the Museum of the History of France inside the main palace, the beautiful estate is a must-visit location for all tourists. Several of the film's scenes were shot in the gardens and inside the palace.

'Marie Antoinette': Palace of Versailles, France

Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Cast: Kirsten Dunst (L), Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn

Ko Phi Phi Le, Krabi Province, Thailand

Film shot: "The Beach" (2000)
The "perfect beach" as depicted in the Danny Boyle movie is just a 90-minute ferry ride away from the town of Krabi or Phuket Pier in Thailand. In the film, protagonist Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio) comes across a map, which eventually leads him to this tropical paradise.

'The Beach': Ko Phi Phi Le, Krabi Province, Thailand

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (2nd from L), Daniel York, Patcharawan Patarakijjanon

Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

Film shot: "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999)
Opened in 1725, the 135-step path connects the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. In the film, this is where protagonist Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) arranges a meeting with Meredith (Cate Blanchett), Marge Sherwood (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Peter Smith-Kingsley (Jack Davenport) at a cafe near the steps.

'The Talented Mr. Ripley': Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

Directed by: Anthony Minghella
Cast: Matt Damon (R), Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett (L)

Skopelos Island, Greece

Film shot: "Mamma Mia!" (2008)
The gorgeous locations of Skopelos island were used extensively during the shooting of the musical. There's plenty for tourists to explore – from the sun-kissed Kastani Beach (pictured) to the rustic church of Agios Ioannis Kastri.

'Mamma Mia!': Skopelos Island, Greece

Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd
Cast: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried (R), Dominic Cooper (L)

Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu island, Hawaii, USA

Film shot: "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008)
In the film, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) tries to cope with his devastating breakup from longtime girlfriend Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) and decides to take a Hawaiian vacation to get over her. The luxurious and beautiful Turtle Bay Resort was used as the backdrop for the romantic comedy.

'Forgetting Sarah Marshall': Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu island, Hawaii, US

Directed by: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Jason Segel (pictured), Kristen Bell, Paul Rudd, Mila Kunis

New York City, New York, USA

Film shot: 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961)
From the opening scene featuring the Tiffany & Co. jewelry store on the Fifth Avenue, to Holly Golightly's (Audrey Hepburn) swanky apartment on the East 71st Street, the classic hit showcases the glitzy Upper East Side of Manhattan perfectly.

'Breakfast at Tiffany's': New York City, New York, US

Directed by: Blake Edwards
Cast: Audrey Hepburn (pictured), George Peppard, Patricia Neal

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand

Films shot: "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003); "The Hobbit" trilogy (2012, 2013, 2014)
Located about 6.2 miles (10 km) southwest of the town on Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set was used in all the six films as the backdrop for the Shire, the rustic fictional residence of the hobbits. Guided tours are conducted regularly, where guests are taken around iconic film locations such as the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn where you can refresh yourself with a complimentary drink of Hobbit Southfarthing beverage.

'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring': Matamata, New Zealand

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen (pictured), Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett