The best Netflix series to watch often feature compelling narratives set against visually striking backdrops, and many of these filming locations are real places that viewers can visit. From the historic streets of European cities to dramatic natural landscapes, exploring these destinations offers a deeper connection to the shows and provides unique travel opportunities.
Table of Contents:
- The Global Appeal of Netflix Filming Locations
- Historical Dramas and Their Authentic Settings
- Contemporary Series: Urban Landscapes and Modern Adventures
- Exploring Natural Wonders: Where Fiction Meets the Wild
- Beyond the Screen: Planning Your Own Location-Inspired Trip
- The Economic and Cultural Impact of Location Filming
The Global Appeal of Netflix Filming Locations
Netflix’s expansive library offers a passport to worlds both familiar and fantastical. The platform’s commitment to diverse storytelling often translates into filming across numerous countries, utilizing authentic locations that lend credibility and visual richness to the narratives. For viewers, these series become more than just entertainment; they are invitations to explore the real places that inspire or host the on-screen drama. This phenomenon has created a growing interest in ‘set-jetting’—traveling to visit the actual filming locations of popular movies and television shows. The appeal lies in experiencing firsthand the atmosphere, architecture, and landscapes that viewers have come to know and love through their screens. It’s an in-depth way to connect with stories, offering a tangible link to the fictional worlds that capture our imaginations. This trend is not limited to blockbuster productions; even smaller, independent series can draw attention to unique locales, showcasing their beauty and cultural significance to a global audience. The ability to walk the same streets, stand on the same vistas, or explore the same historical buildings as beloved characters adds a layer of depth to the travel experience.
Historical Dramas and Their Authentic Settings
Historical dramas often rely heavily on authentic settings to transport audiences back in time. The choice of filming locations is paramount, as these places must evoke the era and atmosphere of the story being told. Netflix has produced several series that excel in this regard, utilizing real historical sites and meticulously recreated environments.
The Crown: Royal Residences and British Heritage
The critically acclaimed series The Crown meticulously recreates the lives of the British Royal Family, and its filming locations are as integral to the show’s authenticity as its costumes and performances. While Buckingham Palace itself is rarely used for filming due to security and operational reasons, the series masterfully employs other grand estates and historic buildings across the United Kingdom to stand in for royal residences and significant historical backdrops. For instance, Lancaster House in London has frequently served as a substitute for Buckingham Palace interiors, its opulent rooms providing the necessary regal setting. Other notable locations include Windsor Castle, which is a working royal residence but has also been used for filming, and various stately homes like Highclere Castle (famous for Downton Abbey) and Wilton House in Wiltshire, which have stood in for royal palaces and country estates. The series also takes viewers to locations like Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham House in Norfolk, often using exterior shots or different estates to capture the essence of these private royal retreats. The attention to detail in selecting these sites—from the imposing architecture to the surrounding landscapes—enhances the viewer’s immersion in the historical period. Fans interested in tracing the footsteps of the monarchy can visit many of these accessible locations, experiencing a tangible connection to the history depicted on screen.
Bridgerton: Regency England’s Idyllic Countryside and Estates
The romantic world of Shondaland’s Bridgerton is brought to life through a stunning array of stately homes and picturesque landscapes in England, primarily in and around London and Bath. The series captures the essence of Regency-era England with its grand ballrooms, manicured gardens, and charming country estates. While the fictional Mayfair and other London districts are implied, the actual filming often takes place in meticulously preserved historic sites. For example, the opulent interiors seen in the show frequently belong to grand country houses such as Wilton House, Holkham Hall in Norfolk, and Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London, which doubles as the exterior of the Bridgerton family home. The iconic Featherington residence’s exterior was filmed at No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath, a museum that offers a glimpse into Georgian life. The series also utilizes locations like the historic city of Bath itself, with its Georgian architecture providing a perfect backdrop for street scenes and social gatherings. The picturesque countryside settings, often filmed in areas like the Cotswolds, further enhance the romantic and idyllic atmosphere. These locations are not just backdrops; they are characters in themselves, contributing significantly to the show’s visual splendor and historical ambiance. Visiting these sites allows fans to step directly into the world of dukes, duchesses, and high society.
The Queen’s Gambit: Mid-20th Century Europe and North America
The compelling journey of chess prodigy Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit spans various cities and continents, reflecting Beth’s rise through the chess world. The series masterfully captures the distinct aesthetics of the mid-20th century across different locales. While much of the show was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and Berlin, Germany, these cities often stand in for other significant locations. For instance, various settings in Toronto, including the historic Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum, were used to depict orphanage interiors and hotel rooms. The iconic Cincinnati hotel ballroom where Beth faces Benny Watts was filmed at the Carlu in Toronto. Paris, a key location for Beth’s international tournaments, was largely recreated using sets and locations in Berlin, such as the stunning Palais am Funkturm and the historic Adlon Hotel. The orphanage where Beth grows up was filmed at various locations, including an old hospital in Toronto. The series’ ability to evoke different cities and time periods through careful location selection and set design is remarkable. While the specific locations may not always be immediately recognizable as their intended counterparts, the overall atmosphere and historical detail are remarkably consistent. This approach allows the production to achieve a global feel even when filming primarily in a few key areas.
Contemporary Series: Urban Landscapes and Modern Adventures
Modern series often leverage the distinct character of real cities and towns to build their narratives. These locations provide a contemporary feel, adding a layer of realism or a specific cultural context to the on-screen events.
Stranger Things: Nostalgia-Infused American Towns
The phenomenon that is Stranger Things is deeply rooted in the nostalgic portrayal of a quintessential 1980s American small town. While the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, is the primary setting, the show is filmed predominantly in and around Atlanta, Georgia, and other surrounding towns in the state. Locations like Jackson, Georgia, have served as stand-ins for Hawkins’ main streets and residential areas, capturing the idyllic yet eerie small-town American aesthetic. The iconic Hawkins Middle School and High School exteriors were filmed at Bunch and Patrick High School in Stockbridge, Georgia. The eerie woods and the secretive Hawkins National Laboratory are often depicted in natural settings and former industrial sites around Atlanta. The show’s creators deliberately sought out locations that evoked a sense of 1980s Americana, often utilizing period-appropriate architecture and atmospheric landscapes. For fans, visiting these towns offers a chance to see the real-life inspirations behind the Upside Down’s more mundane, yet equally unsettling, counterpart. The series taps into a collective memory of a bygone era, and the chosen filming locations are crucial in recreating that specific mood and visual style.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel): The Streets of Madrid and Beyond
The high-octane thrills of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) are intrinsically linked to the urban landscape of Spain, particularly its capital, Madrid. While the iconic Royal Mint of Spain is a fictionalized set, the series draws heavily on Madrid’s distinctive architecture and atmosphere to ground its daring heists. Key external shots and scenes depicting the city’s bustling streets, historic plazas, and modern infrastructure were filmed in various parts of Madrid. The distinctive red building that serves as the exterior for the Royal Mint in the early seasons is actually the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) headquarters in Madrid. Other scenes, like the dramatic shootout in season 2, were filmed near the Spanish Senate building. Beyond Madrid, the series has also utilized locations in other parts of Spain, including Toledo and the Basque Country, for specific plot points and visual variety. The show’s international appeal has also led to scenes being filmed in other countries, such as Italy, South Korea, and Germany, particularly in its later iterations and spin-offs. The series effectively uses these real-world settings to enhance the sense of urgency and realism, making the fictional heists feel more tangible.
The Witcher: Fantasy Realms Rooted in European Scenery
The dark fantasy world of The Witcher is brought to life through impressive and often rugged landscapes primarily across Central and Eastern Europe. The production team sought out locations that could evoke the medieval and fantastical feel of the Continent, with a particular emphasis on natural beauty and dramatic terrain. Poland, the homeland of the book’s author Andrzej Sapkowski, served as a significant filming location, with areas like the Błędów Desert and the Ojców National Park providing some of the wilder, more untamed landscapes. However, much of the filming for the early seasons took place in Hungary, utilizing its historic castles and rolling hills, such as the Komárom fortress and the Tata Castle. For later seasons, the production moved to the Canary Islands, Spain, where the volcanic landscapes of La Palma and Gran Canaria offered a stark, otherworldly backdrop for certain scenes. The forests of Wales and parts of the Czech Republic have also contributed to the series’ diverse visual palette. The aim was to find locations that felt ancient, imposing, and largely untouched by modern civilization, allowing the fantastical elements of the story to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. These locations provide a rich mix of scenery, from dense forests and dramatic coastlines to imposing mountains and ancient ruins.
Exploring Natural Wonders: Where Fiction Meets the Wild
Some Netflix series are dedicated to showcasing the planet’s natural beauty, using real-world filming locations to highlight ecosystems and wildlife. These productions often require extensive travel to remote and stunning environments.
Our Planet: Documenting Earth’s Most Remote and Beautiful Ecosystems
The visually stunning documentary series Our Planet is a testament to the power of filming in authentic, often remote, natural locations. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series explores Earth’s diverse habitats and the challenges they face. Filming took place across more than 50 countries, capturing an incredible array of wildlife and landscapes. From the icy plains of Antarctica and the Arctic to the lush rainforests of the Amazon and Borneo, the crew ventured to some of the most inaccessible corners of the globe. Locations featured include the Serengeti in Tanzania for its iconic wildlife migrations, the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the vast savannas of Kenya, the ancient redwood forests of California, and the frozen fjords of Norway. The production team utilized modern technology, including drones and remote cameras, to capture intimate wildlife behavior and sweeping vistas without disturbing the natural environments. The series not only showcases the planet’s impressive beauty but also highlights the urgent need for conservation. Each episode is a journey to a different biome, offering viewers a glimpse into ecosystems that are vital to the health of our planet. The filming locations themselves are the stars, demonstrating the incredible biodiversity and fragile balance of nature.
Sense8: A Global Journey Across Diverse Continents
The ambitious science fiction series Sense8, created by the Wachowskis, is renowned for its truly global scope, with characters connecting across continents. To reflect this interconnectedness, the series was filmed in numerous cities around the world, offering viewers a vibrant and diverse visual experience. Key filming locations included Chicago, USA, where much of the initial story unfolds; San Francisco, USA, known for its iconic landmarks and distinct neighborhoods; London, UK, providing a familiar urban backdrop; Berlin, Germany, with its unique blend of history and modernity; Nairobi, Kenya, showcasing a different facet of urban life and culture; Mumbai, India, bringing its bustling streets and vibrant colors to the screen; and Seoul, South Korea, highlighting its futuristic architecture and dynamic cityscape. Additionally, significant portions of the series were filmed in Italy, particularly Naples and Iceland, offering dramatic natural landscapes. The extensive use of real-world locations allowed the series to capture the authentic atmosphere and cultural nuances of each city, reinforcing the theme of global connection. For fans, the series serves as a visual tour of some of the world’s most iconic and culturally rich destinations.
Beyond the Screen: Planning Your Own Location-Inspired Trip
For many viewers, seeing a favorite series filmed in a particular location sparks a desire to visit. Planning a trip based on these filming destinations can be a rewarding experience, offering a unique perspective on the places and the shows themselves. The first step is to identify the specific series that resonate most and then research its primary filming locations. Websites and fan communities dedicated to these shows often compile detailed lists of where scenes were shot. Once potential destinations are identified, it’s crucial to research practical travel information. This includes visa requirements, transportation options, accommodation, and the best times to visit each location. For example, visiting the picturesque towns used in Bridgerton might involve exploring the English countryside during the spring or summer for optimal weather and garden blooms. Similarly, a trip to the filming sites of Stranger Things in Georgia could be combined with exploring Atlanta’s broader attractions. Consider the feasibility of visiting specific landmarks; some, like royal residences, may have limited access or require advance booking. Others, like city streets or natural parks, are more readily accessible. It’s also beneficial to look for guided tours that focus on filming locations, as these can offer in-depth insights and make navigation easier. Remember that while a location might stand in for another on screen, experiencing the real place offers its own unique charm and discovery. Authenticity is key, and exploring beyond the exact spots where cameras rolled can lead to unexpected delights, much like the spontaneous adventures of characters on screen.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of Location Filming
The selection of filming locations for major Netflix productions like those discussed has a significant economic and cultural impact on the regions involved. Economically, film and television production brings substantial revenue through local spending on accommodation, catering, transportation, equipment rental, and the employment of local crews and actors. This influx of spending can provide a significant boost to local economies, particularly in areas that may not have a strong existing tourism infrastructure. Furthermore, the visibility gained from being featured in a popular series can lead to increased tourism long after production has wrapped. Destinations that were once relatively unknown can become popular tourist spots as fans seek to experience the real-world settings of their favorite shows. This can create new job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Culturally, being chosen as a filming location can raise a region’s profile, showcasing its unique heritage, architecture, and natural beauty to a global audience. It can foster a sense of pride among local communities and encourage investment in preserving historical sites and natural landscapes that are crucial for attracting further productions. However, it’s also important to consider potential downsides, such as the disruption filming can cause to local life and the environmental impact of large crews and equipment. Responsible production practices and community engagement are therefore vital to ensure that the benefits of location filming are maximized while mitigating any negative consequences. The relationship between popular culture and real-world destinations continues to evolve, with streaming services like Netflix playing an increasingly significant role in shaping global travel trends and local economies.
