Set-Jetting Europe 2025: Film Location Destinations + Visa Requirements

Set-jetting—traveling to destinations featured in films and TV shows—is exploding in 2025. This guide covers Europe's hottest filming locations, from Netflix series to Hollywood blockbusters, plus essential visa compliance for your cinematic journey.

What is Set-Jetting?

Set-jetting is the practice of traveling to destinations featured in movies, TV shows, and streaming content. It's driven by the desire to experience the magic of favorite films and series in real life.

Why Set-Jetting is Booming in 2025:

• 📺 Streaming explosion: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ filming across Europe
• 📱 Social media influence: Instagram-worthy locations from popular shows
• 🎬 High production values: Shows feature stunning European destinations
• 🌍 Accessible travel: Schengen area makes multi-location trips easy
• 📈 40% increase: Tourism to filming locations rose significantly in 2024

Trending Netflix & Streaming Locations

Game of Thrones Universe (Croatia, Spain, Iceland, Ireland)

🇭🇷 Croatia - "King's Landing"

• Primary locations: Dubrovnik (King's Landing), Split (Meereen), Trsteno (Red Keep gardens)
• Best time to visit: April-May, September-October (fewer crowds)
• Set-jetting highlights: Walk the City Walls, visit Rector's Palace, Iron Throne replica photos
• Budget: €40-60/day
• Visa: 90/180 rule applies

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour:

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Cost: €25-40
• Highlights: Walk Cersei's "Walk of Shame" route, see Red Keep exteriors
• Pro tip: Early morning tours avoid crowds and harsh lighting

🇪🇸 Spain - "Dorne"

• Primary locations: Seville (Water Gardens of Dorne), Girona (Braavos), Zumaia (Dragonstone)
• Seville highlights: Alcázar of Seville (Sunspear palace), Plaza de España
• Girona highlights: Cathedral steps, Jewish Quarter (House of Black and White)
• Budget: €50-80/day

🇮🇸 Iceland - "Beyond the Wall"

• Primary locations: Vatnajökull National Park, Dyrhólaey, Höfn
• Set-jetting highlights: Glacier hiking where Jon Snow walked, dramatic coastlines
• Best for: Adventure travelers, photographers, nature lovers
• Budget: €100-170/day
• Unique experience: Northern Lights (October-March) add extra magic

Bridgerton (UK - technically non-Schengen, but connected via Eurostar)

Bath, England - "Bath Assembly Rooms"

• Key locations: Royal Crescent, Holburne Museum, Bath Abbey
• Set-jetting experience: Regency architecture, period costume tours
• Connection to Europe: Easy Eurostar connection to Paris for extended European trip
• Best combined with: Paris (Versailles for more period drama settings)

Emily in Paris (France)

🇫🇷 Paris Filming Locations

• Emily's apartment: Place de l'Estrapade (5th arrondissement)
• Café de Flore: Classic Parisian café featured multiple times
• Pont Alexandre III: Romantic bridge scenes
• Palais Garnier: Opera house exteriors
• Gabriel's restaurant: Actual restaurants you can dine at
• Budget: €70-110/day
• Set-jetting tours: €35-50 for guided Emily in Paris walks

Instagram-Worthy Spots:

• Savoir office building: 1 Avenue George V
• Emily's favorite bakery: Du Pain et des Idées
• Champagne bar: Harry's Bar (claims to be oldest cocktail bar in Europe)

The Crown (UK + European Locations)

Monaco Connections:

• Monte Carlo Casino: Featured in Grace Kelly episodes
• Prince's Palace: Exterior shots, public tours available
• French Riviera: Connected filming locations in Nice, Cannes

Spanish Connections:

• Seville doubling for Australia: Season 4 filming locations
• Madrid: Various palace exteriors

Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) - Spain

🇪🇸 Madrid Filming Locations

• Royal Mint of Spain: The actual heist location (exterior only)
• Cuatro Torres Business Area: Modern Madrid skyline shots
• Retiro Park: Character development scenes
• Toledo: Professor's hideout locations
• Set-jetting tour: €30-45, includes major filming spots

Lupin (France)

🇫🇷 Paris & Normandy

• Louvre Museum: Opening sequence filming location
• Père Lachaise Cemetery: Key scenes
• Étretat cliffs (Normandy): Dramatic coastal scenes
• Château de Chantilly: Elegant exterior shots
• Combined tour options: Paris + day trip to Normandy filming locations

Elite (Spain)

🇪🇸 Madrid School & Nightlife

• Universidad Europea de Madrid: Las Encinas school exterior
• Madrid nightlife districts: Malasaña, Chueca featured prominently
• Retiro Park: Character scenes
• Young traveler appeal: Attracts 18-30 demographic specifically

Classic Movie Locations Still Popular

Roman Holiday (Italy)

🇮🇹 Rome - Eternal City Tour

• Spanish Steps: Audrey Hepburn's iconic scenes
• Trevi Fountain: Wish-making scene
• Mouth of Truth: Truth-telling scene at Santa Maria in Cosmedin
• Castel Sant'Angelo: Romantic evening scene
• Vespa tours: €50-80, recreate the movie experience

The Sound of Music (Austria)

🇦🇹 Salzburg & Surroundings

• Mirabell Gardens: "Do-Re-Mi" fountain and gardens
• Hellbrunn Palace: Glass pavilion ("Sixteen Going on Seventeen")
• Lake Wolfgang: Opening scene mountains
• Sound of Music tour: €35-50, extremely popular
• Best time: April-October for gardens in bloom

Mamma Mia! (Greece)

🇬🇷 Greek Islands - Skopelos & Skiathos

• Skopelos: Primary filming location (Kalokairi island)
• Church of Agios Ioannis: Wedding scene chapel (challenging hike!)
• Kastani Beach: "Lay All Your Love on Me" beach scene
• Island hopping: Ferry connections make multi-island trips possible
• Budget: €50-75/day on islands
• Best time: May-June, September (perfect weather, fewer crowds)

Spectre (Austria, Italy)

🇦🇹 Austria - Sölden

• Gaislachkogl peak: Ice Q restaurant (Spectre clinic)
• Cable car access: €30-40 return trip
• Alpine skiing: Winter sports destination

🇮🇹 Italy - Rome

• Vatican City: Car chase scenes
• Via dei Fori Imperiali: High-speed pursuit route
• Palazzo Cadenza: Meeting scene location

2025's Hottest New Set-Jetting Destinations

Wednesday (Romania - but planning European connections)

🇷🇴 Romania (Joining Schengen 2024-2025)

• Cantacuzino Castle: Nevermore Academy exterior
• Brașov: Gothic atmosphere, medieval streets
• Connections: Easy to combine with Hungary, Bulgaria for extended trip

The Witcher (Various European Locations)

🇭🇺 Hungary

• Vajdahunyad Castle (Budapest): Various fantasy scenes
• Buda Hills: Forest and countryside scenes
• Visegrád: Medieval castle exteriors

🇵🇱 Poland

• Ogrodzieniec Castle: Kaer Morhen exteriors
• Morskie Oko Lake: Stunning mountain lake scenes
• Krakow: Various urban scenes

🇸🇰 Slovakia

• Spiš Castle: One of Europe's largest castle complexes
• High Tatras: Mountain wilderness scenes

House of the Dragon (Spain, Portugal)

🇪🇸 Spain - New Locations

• Cáceres: Medieval old town (King's Landing scenes)
• Trujillo: Historic plaza and castle
• Monsanto, Portugal: Ancient village settings

Planning Your Set-Jetting European Adventure

Multi-Location Itineraries

Game of Thrones Grand Tour (21 days)

• Days 1-7: Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split)
• Days 8-14: Spain (Seville, Girona)
• Days 15-21: Iceland (Ring Road, filming locations)
• Total budget: €1,800-2,800
• Best time: May-September for Iceland accessibility

Netflix European Tour (14 days)

• Days 1-5: Paris (Emily in Paris, Lupin)
• Days 6-10: Madrid (Money Heist, Elite)
• Days 11-14: Rome (Various series + classic films)
• Total budget: €1,200-2,000

Romantic Europe Movie Tour (18 days)

• Days 1-6: Italy (Roman Holiday, Under the Tuscan Sun)
• Days 7-12: Austria (Sound of Music, Spectre)
• Days 13-18: Greece (Mamma Mia!)
• Total budget: €1,400-2,200

Schengen Visa Planning for Set-Jetting

Maximize Your 90 Days:

• Popular filming countries: Often more expensive, plan shorter stays
• Budget filming countries: Extend stays in Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary
• Seasonal considerations: Match filming seasons for authentic atmosphere
• Use our calculator: Optimize time across multiple countries

Strategic Country Sequencing:

1. Start expensive (Switzerland, Norway) when budget is fresh
2. Middle phase (France, Germany, Spain) for main experiences
3. End budget-friendly (Eastern Europe) to extend trip

Booking Set-Jetting Tours

Types of Tours Available:

Walking Tours:

• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Cost: €20-50 per person
• Best for: City filming locations, detailed explanations
• Popular in: Paris, Madrid, Rome, Dubrovnik

Full-Day Tours:

• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Cost: €80-150 per person
• Best for: Multiple locations, transportation included
• Popular for: Sound of Music (Salzburg), Game of Thrones (Croatia)

Multi-Day Packages:

• Duration: 3-7 days
• Cost: €300-800 per person
• Best for: Complete immersion, accommodation included
• Available for: Game of Thrones, The Witcher locations

Self-Guided Options:

• Mobile apps: GPS-guided tours with audio commentary
• Cost: €5-15 per app
• Flexibility: Go at your own pace
• Best for: Independent travelers, budget-conscious

Set-Jetting on Different Budgets

Budget Set-Jetting (€50-70/day)

Strategies:

• Self-guided tours: Use apps and online resources
• Public transport: Research filming locations accessible by bus/train
• Free locations: Many exteriors can be viewed without entry fees
• Hostels: Meet other fans, share information and costs
• Eastern Europe focus: More affordable with great filming locations

Best Countries:

• Poland (The Witcher), Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia

Mid-Range Set-Jetting (€80-120/day)

Enhanced Experiences:

• Guided tours: Professional insights and behind-the-scenes stories
• Museum entries: Interior locations, costume displays
• Themed accommodation: Hotels near filming locations
• Regional transport: Trains and buses to reach all locations

Balanced Itinerary:

• Mix expensive (Austria, France) with affordable (Croatia, Spain) countries

Luxury Set-Jetting (€150+/day)

Premium Experiences:

• Private tours: Customized itineraries, personal guides
• Exclusive access: Behind-the-scenes experiences, set visits
• Luxury accommodation: Hotels used by productions, castle hotels
• Fine dining: Restaurants featured in shows/films
• Private transport: Chauffeurs, scenic route optimization

Set-Jetting Etiquette & Tips

Respectful Tourism

Local Communities:

• Respect residents: Don't block doorways, driveways for photos
• Support local businesses: Shop and dine in filming locations
• Environmental awareness: Don't damage natural filming locations
• Cultural sensitivity: Understand that filming locations are real places

Photo Ethics:

• Private property: Don't trespass for the perfect shot
• Other tourists: Share popular photo spots respectfully
• Local customs: Dress appropriately for religious/cultural sites

Maximizing Your Experience

Research Before You Go:

• Watch content: Re-watch relevant episodes before visiting
• Behind-the-scenes: Read about filming challenges and interesting facts
• Local impact: Understand how filming affected the location
• Best viewing angles: Research optimal photo spots

Technology Tools:

• Screenshot locations: Save reference photos from shows
• GPS coordinates: Many fan sites provide exact filming locations
• Social media: Follow location tags for current conditions
• Weather apps: Match filming conditions when possible

Set-Jetting Photography Tips

Recreating Iconic Shots:

• Golden hour: Film/TV typically shot in optimal lighting
• Seasonal matching: Visit during same season as filming if possible
• Costume elements: Small props or clothing items for authenticity
• Multiple angles: Filming uses various perspectives

Social Media Strategy:

• Hashtag research: Use show-specific hashtags for engagement
• Geotag accuracy: Help other fans find exact locations
• Story vs post: Share behind-the-scenes in stories, finals as posts
• Credit sources: Tag tour guides, local businesses

Emerging Set-Jetting Trends 2025

Virtual Reality Previews

• VR experiences: Preview filming locations before traveling
• Augmented reality: Apps overlay scenes onto real locations
• 360-degree tours: Experience locations from home first

Sustainable Set-Jetting

• Train travel: Choose overland routes for multi-location trips
• Local guides: Support community-based tourism
• Extended stays: Slower travel, deeper exploration
• Off-season travel: Reduce overtourism impact

Interactive Experiences

• Escape rooms: Themed around popular shows
• Costume experiences: Dress like characters while touring
• Cooking classes: Learn to make foods from shows
• Language lessons: Learn phrases from international series

Conclusion: Lights, Camera, Travel!

Set-jetting in Europe offers the perfect blend of entertainment and cultural exploration. From the medieval streets of Dubrovnik to the romantic cafés of Paris, filming locations provide a unique lens through which to experience European culture and history.

Key Set-Jetting Success Tips:

1. Plan around seasons: Match filming conditions when possible
2. Balance popular and hidden: Mix famous spots with lesser-known locations
3. Support local communities: Respect residents and support businesses
4. Document responsibly: Share experiences while being considerate
5. Stay visa compliant: Use our calculator to maximize your European adventure

Essential Planning Tools:

• Our Schengen Calculator for visa compliance across multiple countries
• Location-specific apps for guided tours
• Social media for real-time updates and tips from other fans
• Booking platforms for themed accommodations and experiences

Remember: Set-jetting is about more than just visiting filming locations—it's about connecting with stories that moved you while experiencing the rich cultures and stunning landscapes of Europe.

Whether you're following in Tyrion Lannister's footsteps through Dubrovnik or sipping coffee at Emily's favorite Parisian café, your set-jetting adventure will create memories that blend the magic of cinema with the reality of European travel.

Ready to plan your cinematic European adventure? Use our Schengen Calculator to design the perfect route through your favorite filming destinations while staying perfectly compliant with visa requirements.

Action! Your European set-jetting adventure awaits!