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Budapest

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Europe's Top 10 Story-inspired Escapes

Discover Europe's Best Destinations for Movie Lovers

A curated guide to European destinations where film, television, and literature leave their most memorable imprint.

Some trips feel like stepping into a favorite movie, TV show, or novel. Across Europe, you’ll find places that bring famous stories to life through beautiful cities, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable hotels. Here are 10 countries where film, television, and literature can help inspire your next getaway.


Emily in Paris, Amélie, Midnight in Paris...

1. France: Paris, Champagne, Cannes

France is made for story-inspired travel. Paris is full of famous film locations and literary history. Champagne offers rolling vineyards and elegant estates, while Cannes brings Riviera glamour and seaside charm. Together, they create a trip that feels romantic and timeless.

  • Kimpton St Honoré Paris
    CERTIFIED

    Kimpton St Honoré Paris

    27-29 Boulevard des Capucines
    Paris, 75002, France
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel

    InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel

    2 Place de la Comédie
    Bordeaux, 33000, France
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Regent Carlton Cannes
    CERTIFIED

    Regent Carlton Cannes

    58, boulevard de La Croisette
    Cannes, 06400, France
    • Parking
    • Pool
    • Pets Allowed

Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, The White Lotus, The Talented Mr. Ripley...

2. Italy: Rome, Sicily, Venice

Italy has starred in some of the world's most beloved films. Rome offers famous landmarks and lively streets, while Sicily provides coastal beauty and a rich history. Venice completes the journey with winding canals, grand palaces, and unforgettable views. Every stop feels like a movie set.

  • InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
    CERTIFIED

    InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

    Via Vittorio Veneto 62
    Rome, 00187, Italy
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena
    CERTIFIED

    Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena

    Calle Buccari 10
    Venice, 30132, Italy
    • Pets Allowed
  • Kimpton Villa Miramare Taormina

    Kimpton Villa Miramare Taormina

    Via Guardiola Vecchia, 27
    Taormina, 98039, Italy
    • Parking
    • Pool
    • Pets Allowed

Braveheart, Outlander, Harry Potter, Skyfall...

3. Scotland: Edinburgh, the Highlands, Isle of Skye

Scotland's landscapes feel made for the big screen. Edinburgh combines history, mystery, and literary roots; the Highlands offer mountains, lochs, and sweeping views, and the Isle of Skye is known for its rugged beauty. It's an adventure-filled trip with unforgettable scenery.

  • Kimpton Charlotte Square
    CERTIFIED

    Kimpton Charlotte Square

    38 Charlotte Square
    Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ, United Kingdom
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Staybridge Suites Dundee

    Staybridge Suites Dundee

    Lower Dens Mill
    Dundee, DD4 6AD, United Kingdom
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
  • Holiday Inn Express Inverness
    CERTIFIED

    Holiday Inn Express Inverness

    Stoneyfield
    Inverness, IV2 7PA, United Kingdom
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed

Bridgerton, Jane Austen, Shakespeare...

4. England: London, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon

England is packed with famous stories and iconic settings. London offers well-known filming locations and literary landmarks. Bath is perfect for fans of period dramas, while Stratford-upon-Avon celebrates the life and work of Shakespeare. It's a classic route for book and film lovers.

  • InterContinental London Park Lane

    InterContinental London Park Lane

    One Hamilton Place
    London, W1J 7QY, United Kingdom
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon
    CERTIFIED

    Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon

    4 Chapel Street
    Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HA, United Kingdom
    • Parking
  • Holiday Inn Express Bath
    CERTIFIED

    Holiday Inn Express Bath

    Lower Bristol Road
    Bath, BA2 3QU, United Kingdom
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed

Spy, Dracula, The Day of the Jackal...

5. Hungary: Budapest, Eger, Szentendre

Hungary offers a different side of Europe, filled with history and charm. Budapest is known for its stunning river views and grand buildings. Eger adds castles and local culture, while Szentendre is a colorful town loved by artists. It's a great choice for travelers looking for something a little different.

  • Crowne Plaza Budapest

    Crowne Plaza Budapest

    Váci út 1-3
    Budapest, 1062, Hungary
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
  • InterContinental Budapest

    InterContinental Budapest

    Budapest Apaczai Csere J.u. 12-14
    Budapest, 1052, Hungary
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • voco Budapest D8

    voco Budapest D8

    8, Dorottya Str.
    Budapest, H-1051, Hungary
    • Pets Allowed
Young woman in green dress and brown hair stands in an archway of the historic Fisherman Bastion in Budapest, Hungary looking down at the city. The photo was taken on a summer morning. Warm morning sun over Budapest. Young people discover Europe.

Normal People, Derry Girls, The Banshees of Inisherin...

6. Ireland: Dublin, Galway, County Clare

Ireland combines storytelling, music, and natural beauty. Dublin is famous for its writers and lively culture. Galway brings a creative spirit and coastal charm, while County Clare offers dramatic cliffs and Atlantic views. It's a trip full of character and heart.

  • voco The Club - Dublin Gateway
    NEW TO IHG

    voco The Club - Dublin Gateway

    Goffs Avenue,
    Kill Village, Co. Kildare, W91 APW9, Ireland
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • InterContinental Dublin

    InterContinental Dublin

    Simmonscourt Road
    Dublin, 4, Ireland
    • Parking
    • Spa
  • Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre

    Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre

    28-32 O'Connell Street Upper
    Dublin, D01 T2X2, Ireland

Before Sunrise, The Sound of Music, Amadeus...

7. Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt

Austria feels like a storybook come to life. Vienna is known for its grand architecture and film history. Salzburg charms visitors with its old-world beauty, and Hallstatt offers picture-perfect lakeside views. Together, they create a peaceful and romantic escape.

  • Holiday Inn Vienna City

    Holiday Inn Vienna City

    Margaretenstrasse 53
    Vienna, 1050, Austria
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
  • InterContinental Vienna
    CERTIFIED

    InterContinental Vienna

    Johannesgasse 28
    Vienna, 1030, Austria
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • voco Villach

    voco Villach

    Europaplatz 1 - 2
    Villach, A-9500, Austria
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa

Vicky Cristina Barcelona , Money Heist, The Shadow of the Wind...

8. Spain: Madrid, Seville, Barcelona

Spain is all things history, culture, and creativity. Madrid is energetic and modern, Seville is known for its palaces and colorful streets, and Barcelona is filled with art, architecture, and literary connections. Together, they make for a lively and memorable trip.

  • InterContinental Madrid
    CERTIFIED

    InterContinental Madrid

    Paseo De La Castellana 49
    Madrid, 28046, Spain
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Hotel Indigo Barcelona Plaza Espana

    Hotel Indigo Barcelona Plaza Espana

    Gran Via de las Corts Catalanes 322
    Barcelona, 08004, Spain
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
  • Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella
    CERTIFIED

    Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella

    C. Lince, Km 187
    Marbella, 29603, Spain
    • Parking
    • Pool
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa

Mamma Mia, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Before Midnight...

9. Greece: Athens, Crete, Thessaloniki

Greece combines ancient stories with island beauty. Athens is home to legendary landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. Crete offers beaches, mountain villages, and deep history. Thessaloniki combines rich Byzantine heritage and a lively waterfront with a dynamic food scene. It's an easygoing destination where history, food, and festive energy come together.

  • InterContinental Crete

    InterContinental Crete

    Akti Koundourou 17
    Crete, 72100, Greece
    • Parking
    • Pool
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre

    Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre

    Michalacopoulou Street 50
    Athens, 11528, Greece
    • Parking
    • Pool
  • Holiday Inn Thessaloniki

    Holiday Inn Thessaloniki

    Monastiriou 8
    Thessaloniki, 54629, Greece
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed

Run Lola Run, The Empress, Dark, The Bourne Supremacy...

10. Germany: Berlin, Hamburg, Munich

Germany overflows with history, culture, and cinematic appeal. Berlin is known for its creative energy and famous film locations. Hamburg adds waterfront charm and a colorful arts scene. And Munich combines historic architecture with Bavarian traditions. Together, they showcase a fascinating side of Europe that feels both modern and timeless.

  • Holiday Inn Hamburg - HafenCity

    Holiday Inn Hamburg - HafenCity

    Ueberseeallee 15
    Hamburg, 20457, Germany
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
  • InterContinental Berlin
    CERTIFIED

    InterContinental Berlin

    Budapester Strasse 2
    Berlin, 10787, Germany
    • Parking
    • Pets Allowed
    • Spa
  • Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich
    NEW TO IHG
    Select IHG One Rewards benefits offered, points awarded on eligible folio charges

    Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich

    Dachauer Strasse 37
    Munich, 80335, Germany
    • Pets Allowed

FILM, FICTION & EUROPEAN ESCAPES

Tips for Planning a Set-Jetting Vacation

Choose the Right Story: Pick a film, show, or book that inspires you, and a destination worth exploring beyond the screen.

Go Beyond the Filming Sites: Plan to visit famous film spots, local restaurants, museums, and neighborhoods.

Book Early: Popular filming destinations can fill up quickly, especially after new releases. Reserve hotels, tours, and timed-entry tickets early when possible.

Confirm Access: Some locations are private homes, protected landscapes, or seasonal sites. Check opening hours and visitor policies before you go.

Respect Local Life: Follow local rules and be mindful of residents and businesses.

Time Your Visit: Early mornings, weekdays, and off-season trips often mean fewer crowds.

Pack Smart: Bring comfortable shoes, weather-ready layers, and essentials for a full day of exploring.

Leave Time to Wander: Some of the best discoveries happen in the places that didn’t make it to the screen.

Use Travel Rewards: Redeem points, earn perks, and make your trip go further. Explore IHG One Rewards benefits.

Consider a Guided Tour: Local experts can add context and help you find hidden gems.

Choose Flexible Bookings: Plans can change, so look for cancellation-friendly options.

Recommended for You

Things to do in Europe if you like Film and Literature

Movie

4 Film Festivals Worth Traveling For

1. Cannes Film Festival, France: A glamorous Riviera classic, ideal for travelers who want cinema, sea views, and glamour.

2. Venice Film Festival, Italy: Set on the Lido, this historic festival pairs major premieres with the beauty of Venice.

3. Berlin International Film Festival, Germany: A bold city festival with global films, creative energy.

4. San Sebastián International Film Festival, Spain: A coastal festival where cinema, beaches, and exceptional food come together in one memorable 

Plan Your Trip Around These 5 Literary Festivals

1. Hay Festival, Wales: A world-famous gathering for books, ideas, and big conversations in the storybook town of Hay-on-Wye.

2.  Edinburgh International Book Festival, Scotland: A celebration of writing, culture, and debate in one of Europe’s most literary cities.

3.  Cheltenham Literature Festival, England: A long-running festival with author talks, fresh voices, and a lively town setting.

4.  Turin International Book Fair, Italy: A major book event that brings readers, writers, and publishers together in a refined Italian city.

5. Madrid Book Fair, Spain: A beloved open-air book fair where readers browse, meet authors, and enjoy Madrid’s park life.



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