75 Movies Set in European Destinations to Inspire Your Next Trip

The problem is that most ‘movies set in Europe’ lists are stuffed with films shot on Hollywood soundstages (looking at you, the fake London sets in Mary Poppins), even though you’re searching for that perfect blend of travel inspiration and entertainment.

Movies that don’t just show you beautiful locations but make you feel like you’re already walking along cobblestone streets in Prague or sipping wine in Tuscany.

After binge-watching countless European films and visiting 29 countries on the continent, including many of the filming locations myself, I’ve found that the movies that truly capture wanderlust aren’t just filmed in Europe–they’re the ones where the destinations become characters themselves.

Where you can practically taste gelato in Rome or hear the Sound of Music echo through Salzburg’s hills.

I’ve spent years curating this list while actually visiting many of these iconic filming destinations—Italy, Austria, Ireland, Greece, France, and more—so I know exactly which films deliver that “I need to book a flight right now” feeling versus those that just happen to have European backdrops.

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic dreaming of Notting Hill bookshops, an adventure seeker ready to follow Indiana Jones through ancient ruins, or a family looking for films that will get everyone excited about your upcoming European vacation, this handpicked collection of 75 movies will transport you across the Atlantic before you even pack your bags.

Note: I’ve pulled these film descriptions from IMDB and have only listed movies that feature characters traveling in Europe (at least within their home country). Otherwise, I’d be listing every movie made in Europe!

My Top 10 Movies That Inspire Travel to Europe

1. Roman Holiday (Italy) — One of my favorite classic movies set in Europe, with Audrey Hepburn falling for an American newsman in Rome.
2. Monte Carlo (France) — A guilty pleasure road-trip movie starring Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester, with the same fun energy as the Mary-Kate and Ashley adventures I grew up on.
3. Mamma Mia! (Greece) — One of my favorite movies set in Greece, full ABBA soundtrack included.
4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Italy) — A globe-trotting Nazi-thwarting adventure that makes you want to chase ancient mysteries across Europe yourself.
5. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Spain) — One of my favorites on this entire list, set against Barcelona’s summer glow.
6. The Sound of Music (Austria) — One of my favorite movies set in Europe since childhood, with real Salzburg filming-location tours you can take.
7. The Da Vinci Code (France) — One I can watch again and again, with its fast-paced thriller narrative weaving through Paris.
8. The Spy Who Dumped Me (Netherlands) — One of my favorite girls’ trip movies, with genuinely great Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis chemistry, plus filming in Budapest too.
9. Queen (Netherlands) — One of my favorite movies about a woman traveling solo and thriving, following a Delhi bride on an unplanned solo honeymoon through Paris and Amsterdam.
10. Chasing Liberty (Czech Republic) — A nostalgic favorite covering Prague, Venice, Berlin, and London in one classic road-trip arc.

Did I miss your travel destination? Here’s a quick guide for picking my top film per country.

Movies Set in Austria

Austria, a German-speaking country located in Central Europe, is characterized by mountain villages, baroque architecture, Imperial Hofburg history, and Alpine terrain.

Having been to Vienna, its Danube River capital, which plays host to several beautiful palaces such as Belvedere, which houses iconic art, and Salzburg, home to Mozart and fantastic views of the Alps, I can say yes, the hills are really alive with music!

The Sound of Music (1965)

A woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower.

Head to Salzburg for tours centered on The Sound of Music, featuring filming locations such as Hellbrunn Palace, home to the iconic gazebo!

Based on my own visit to Salzburg, it’s a city well worth the trip!

It’s been one of my favorite movies set in Europe since childhood.

Rated: G

Forever My Love (1962)

The romantic “Sissi” trilogy condensed into one film.

Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria falls in love with young Princess Elisabeth.

Since my visit to the Sisi Museum in Vienna, Austria, I’ve been a bit obsessed with Sisi, aka the Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

From being picked as the Empress over her sister to her tragic death, she’s a riveting historical figure.

Rated: PG

Before Sunrise (1995)

A French grad student named Celine (Julie Delpy) meets an American boy named Jesse (Ethan Hawke) on the Budapest-Vienna train. They get off the train in Vienna and hang out for a while.

Planning a trip to this spectacular city? I have tips on how to get from Vienna to Salzburg for your own train adventure, based on my own visit to Austria.

Rated: R

Movies Set in Belgium

Belgium, a country in Western Europe, charms visitors with its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and world-renowned chocolate and beer.

The capital city, Brussels, serves as the heart of the European Union and delights with its stunning Grand Place, quirky Manneken Pis statue, and countless chocolatiers.

Bruges enchants with its fairy-tale canals and cobblestone streets, while Ghent impresses with its medieval castle and vibrant university atmosphere.

In Bruges (2008)

Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.

Rated: R

Movies Set in the Czech Republic

Another place I’ve loved, especially the capital city, Prague, which mesmerized me with its Gothic spires, the iconic Charles Bridge, and the impressive Prague Castle complex overlooking the Vltava River.

Chasing Liberty (2004)

Anna wants to be like other eighteen-year-old girls her age. But she’s the President of the United States’s daughter and always guarded. In Prague, he breaks a promise to her, which leads her to run away with a stranger to see Europe.

Chasing Liberty is a favorite of mine!

It’s a must on my list, not only because I’m nostalgic for it, but also because it covers several beautiful locations (Prague, Venice, Berlin, London, Chelmsford, and Washington, D.C.) and is a classic European road-trip movie!

Based on my own visit to Prague, Venice, Berlin, London, and DC, it’s a film that truly captures their magic.

Rated: PG-13

Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.

Filming also occurred in England, Italy, and New York.

Rated: PG-13

Last Holiday (2006)

Upon learning of a terminal illness, a shy woman decides to sell off all her possessions and live it up at a posh European hotel.

Rated: PG-13

EuroTrip (2004)

Dumped by his girlfriend, a high school grad decides to embark on an overseas adventure in Europe with his friends.

It was also filmed in Germany, London, and the Vatican City.

This is a film I held off watching for a LONG time. It’s just not my vibe, as it’s more of a guy film, but it does have some funny moments.

Rated: R

Movies Set in Denmark

Denmark is a Scandinavian country consisting of the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands.

Copenhagen, the capital, is home to royal palaces and the colorful Nyhavn harbor.

It is also home to the Tivoli amusement park, which inspired Walt Disney, and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue, making it a fantastic place for movies in Europe!

Copenhagen (2014)

While trying to track down his grandfather in Denmark, a surly Canadian strikes up a friendship with a teenage waitress who agrees to serve as his translator and guide.

Rated: Not Rated

The Prince and Me (2004)

At college Paige meets Eddie, a student from Denmark, whom she first dislikes but later accepts, likes, and loves; he proves to be Crown Prince Edvard. Paige follows him to Copenhagen, and he follows her back to school with a plan.

Rated: PG

Movies Set in England

England, the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stonehenge, and tons of Anglophile media that I eat up (Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, etc.), is a country in the British Isles bordering Scotland and Wales.

The capital, London, is the home of Parliament, Big Ben, and the 11th-century Tower of London.

It features other large cities, such as Liverpool, and quaint towns, such as Whitby, as well as the university centers of Oxford and Cambridge.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Identical twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, later discover each other for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together.

This was one of the first films that made me want to take a trip to London.

Rated: PG

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001 + the sequels, but I won’t count those)

An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family, and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

Potter fans also don’t have to travel all the way across the pond; there’s the Universal Studios tour in Hollywood as well!

Rated: PG

Notting Hill (1999)

The life of a simple bookshop owner changes when he meets the most famous film star in the world.

Oh, you’re wonderful, Julia Roberts, in every film I see you in!

You can also visit the little shop seen in this film on a trip to London.

Rated: PG-13

The Holiday (2006)

Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other’s countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.

One of my favorite holiday films that certainly makes my list of movies that take place in Europe!

While the other half takes place in Los Angeles, it still has a ton of English charm.

Rated: PG-13

Paddington (2014)

A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.

Rated: PG

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

The Griswolds win a vacation tour across Europe, where the usual havoc ensues.

Rated: PG-13

If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969)

A tour guide is taking a busload of American tourists across Europe. The group of travelers includes a World War II veteran, a wife, and her cynical husband, young lovers, an Italian-American meeting his relatives for the first time, and Samantha Perkins, the beautiful but old-fashioned department store buyer traveling on her own.

The film also covers Belgium, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Rated: G

Winning London (2001)

When Chloe and Riley Lawrence are invited to London to participate in the International Model UN competition, they enjoy seeing the sights and find romance with cute British boys.

I LOVED the Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen films growing up! They really did inspire some of my early travels, especially my first trip to London.

I’m sad they’re hard to find, but Amazon boasts a few DVDs of them.

Rated: G

What a Girl Wants (2003)

An American teenager learns that her father is a wealthy British politician running for office. Although she is eager to find him, she realizes it could cause a scandal and cost him the election.

A classic millennial-girl film from my youth, Amanda Bynes is just amazing! Making it one of the best movies set in London.

Rated: PG

Movies Set in France

There are a LOAD of movies set in France! With its epic fairytale castles such as Chateau Pierrefonds, alpine villages, and Mediterranean beaches, what’s not to love?

Paris, its capital, houses art museums, including the Louvre, monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, and royal palaces like Versailles.

And that’s not even scraping the surface of the wines and Parisian cuisine!

You need to spend at least 2 days in Paris, or if you have more time, 3 days in Paris is ideal!

Monte Carlo (2011)

Three young women vacationing in Paris find themselves whisked away to Monte Carlo after one of the girls is mistaken for a British heiress.

Monte Carlo is one of my guilty pleasure movies. It reminds me of all the Mary Kate and Ashley adventure movies I used to watch growing up, but this time, it stars Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester.

Making it a European road trip movie you need to watch ASAP!

Rated: PG

Chocolat (2000)

A woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community.

Rated: PG-13

Funny Face (1957)

An impromptu fashion shoot at a bookstore brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk.

Rated: Not Rated

A Good Year (2006)

A British investment broker inherits his uncle’s chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.

Rated: PG-13

Julie & Julia (2009)

Julia Child’s story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s first book.

If you’re heading to the National Museum of American History in Washington DC, then you can view her actual kitchen!

Rated: PG-13

Ratatouille (2007)

A rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous restaurant.

Anthony Bourdain declared Pixar’s Ratatouille (2007) to be “quite simply the best food movie ever made”.

Though an animation, it’s a lovely and family-friendly movie set in Europe!

And if you haven’t already, try cooking ratatouille, it’s really good!

Rated: G

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

A murder inside the Louvre and clues in Da Vinci paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years, which could shake the foundations of Christianity.

The Da Vinci Code movie is one I can watch again and again, and still love its fast-paced thriller narrative!

Thought, based on my own trip to Paris, you’ll likely need a few more days in the City of Light than this thriller showcases.

Rated: PG-13

French Kiss (1995)

A woman flies to France to confront her straying fiancé but gets into trouble when the charming crook seated next to her uses her for smuggling.

This film would definitely make me hesitant to visit Paris, haha!

Rated: PG-13

Midnight in Paris (2011)

While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée’s family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.

It’s so steeped in classic Parisian life that it’s one of the best movies set in France, in my opinion!

Rated: PG-13

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Two con men try to settle their rivalry by betting on who can swindle a young American heiress out of fifty thousand dollars first.

I didn’t know about this film until recently, and it has become one of my favorite movies set in Europe!

They recently remade it, called The Hustle, but I wasn’t much of a fan, so make sure to watch the original, as I consider it one of the best comedic movies set in France.

Rated: PG

Before Sunset (2004)

Nine years after Jesse and Celine first met, they encounter each other again on the French leg of Jesse’s book tour.

Rated: R

Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

Full-time detectives Nick and Audrey are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the center of international abduction when their friend Maharaja is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.

Available on Netflix

Rated: PG-13

Paris Can Wait (2016)

The wife of a successful movie producer takes a car trip from the south of France to Paris with one of her husband’s associates.

Rated: PG

Passport to Paris (1999)

Twelve-year-old twins Melanie and Allyson Porter spend spring break in Paris with their grandfather, the U.S. ambassador to France.

The sights of Paris create a magnificent backdrop for the twins’ adventures.

Rated: G

🍿 Looking for more to watch set in Paris? Check out 27 binge-worthy TV shows and films!

Movies Set in Germany

Germany is a Western European country, with Berlin, its capital, home to art and nightlife, the Brandenburg Gate, and many WWII-related sites.

Munich is known for its Oktoberfest and beer halls, including the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus in the historic Old Town.

Numerous castles, such as Neuschwanstein and Nymphenburg Palace, are dotted throughout.

The Monuments Men (2014)

An unlikely World War II platoon is tasked to rescue art masterpieces from German thieves and return them to their owners.

Some scenes, including flights and footage of an American war base, were filmed at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England, as well as in Kent and East Sussex.

Rated: PG-13

Movies Set in Greece

Greece is a country composed of thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, making it a perfect place for an island-hopping itinerary!

Influential in ancient times, it is often called the cradle of Western civilization.

Its capital, Athens, is home to incredible landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Picturesque beaches, such as Santorini’s black sands, offer colorful places to relax, while the island of Rhodes boasts medieval history.

My Life in Ruins (2009)

A travel guide rediscovers her romantic side on a trip around Greece.

The film is set on location in Greece and Alicante, Spain, including Guadalest and Javea.

This was the first time that an American film studio was allowed to film on location at the Acropolis in Athens.

Rated: PG-13

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Four best girlfriends hatch a plan to stay connected with one another as their lives start off in different directions: they pass around a pair of secondhand jeans that fits each of their bodies perfectly.

I can’t promise magical pants, but I can provide you with a Greek packing list based on my own experience.

Rated: PG

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)

Following freshman year at college, best friends find it increasingly difficult to stay in touch. As their lives take different paths, it may take more than a shared pair of well-worn blue jeans to keep their bonds from completely unraveling.

The Greek portions of the movie were shot on the island of Santorini.

If you’re considering a visit, check out my pro and con guide to this iconic island.

Rated: PG-13

I love both of these films so much. They are some of the best movies set in Greece, and they are the perfect coming-of-age stories for girls and young women!

Mamma Mia! (2008)

The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her birth father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA.

As a musical fan, it’s one of the best movies set in Greece.

Rated: PG-13

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Five years after the events of Mamma Mia! Sophie prepares for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna as she learns more about her mother’s past.

Mamma Mia! and its sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are two of my favorite movies set in Greece! Though the latter wasn’t actually filmed there.

Rated: PG-13

Before Midnight (2013)

We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.

Rated: R

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023)

After the death of the family’s patriarch, Toula attempts to locate her father’s childhood friends in Greece for a family reunion.

Rated: PG-13

Shirley Valentine (1989)

Shirley is a 42-year-old bored Liverpudlian housewife who takes a holiday trip to Greece and meets a local man who bolsters her self-confidence. She evolves and transforms to the point that her husband doesn’t even recognize her.

Rated: R

🍿 Looking for more to watch set in Greece? Check out these 30 binge-worthy films!

Movies Set in Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, captivates travelers with its dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields.

The capital city, Reykjavik, offers vibrant culture and colorful architecture and serves as a gateway to natural wonders like the Northern Lights and the Golden Circle.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

When both he and a colleague are about to lose their job, Walter takes action by embarking on an adventure more extraordinary than anything he ever imagined.

Rated: PG

Movies Set in Ireland

Ireland, an island in the North Atlantic, is the second-largest island of the British Isles, the third-largest in Europe, and the twentieth-largest on Earth.

It is full of lush green fields and awe-inspiring sights such as the Cliffs of Moher.

Grab a Guinness and do some Dublin day tours to sites like Blarney Castle! You’ll be hard-pressed not to love the Emerald Isle and these movies set in Ireland!

Leap Year (2010)

Anna Brady plans to travel to Dublin, Ireland, to propose to her boyfriend, Jeremy, on Leap Day, because, according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a marriaget proposal on Leap Day must accept it.

Matthew Goode AGAIN!?!? Clearly, there’s a correlation here on my movies set in European cities list!

The Cliffs of Moher were used as a filming location in this film, as well as in Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, Irish Wish, and many others.

Rated: PG

P.S. I Love You (2007)

A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her ten messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.

Rated: PG-13

Irish Wish (2024)

When the love of Maddie’s life gets engaged to her best friend, she puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland.

Available on Netflix

Rated: TV-G

Movies Set in Italy

Italy, located along the Mediterranean coastline, has been the seat of incredible empires.

Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican and to landmark art and ancient ruins such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Other major cities include Florence, Venice, the city of canals, and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

It’s hard not to see why there are so many movies set in Italy!

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

When Dr. Henry Jones Sr. suddenly goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, eminent archaeologist Indiana Jones must follow in his father’s footsteps and stop the Nazis.

Rated: PG-13

Eat Pray Love (2010)

A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to “find herself.”

It is the quintessential movie set in Europe and inspired me to visit the very place Julia Roberts takes a bite of that slice in Naples!

Rated: PG-13

Letters to Juliet (2010)

Sophie dreams of becoming a writer and travels to Verona, Italy where she meets the “Secretaries of Juliet.”

I’ve dreamed of traveling to this picturesque city, and if you have to, check out these amazing things to do in Verona, Italy.

Rated: PG

The Italian Job (2003)

After being betrayed and left for dead in Italy, Charlie Croker and his team plan an elaborate gold heist against their former ally.

Rated: PG-13

When in Rome (2010)

Beth is a young, ambitious New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. However, on a whirlwind trip to Rome, she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love and is then aggressively pursued by a band of suitors.

This film is nothing like my trip, but I still really enjoyed it during my 3 days in Rome solo!

Rated: PG-13

Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

Daniel Ocean recruits one more team member so he can pull off three major European heists in this sequel to Ocean’s Eleven (2001).

The film was also shot in the United States, the Netherlands, France, Monaco, and Sicily.

Rated: PG-13

Gladiator (2000)

A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.

Unfortunately, a trip to the Colosseum does not include Russell Crowe.

Rated: R

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

A writer impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany in order to change her life.

After having visited Tuscany myself, I can certainly see the appeal!

Rated: PG-13

The Tourist (2010)

Frank, an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart. Elise is an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path.

Rated: PG-13

To Rome with Love (2012)

The lives of some visitors and residents of Rome and the romances, adventures, and predicaments they get into.

Rated: R

Summertime (1955)

A lonely American woman unexpectedly finds romance in Venice, Italy.

I haven’t heard many people mention this film, so I highly recommend it on this movies set in European cities list as it’s an underrated classic with the incomparable Katherine Hepburn.

Rated: Not Rated

Roman Holiday (1953)

A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome.

It’s one of the best classic movies set in Italy! And clearly another theme here with Audrey Hepburn.

Rated: Not Rated

Angels and Demons (2009)

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon works with a nuclear physicist to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican during one of the significant events within the church.

While it wasn’t actually filmed at the Vatican (they wouldn’t let them), it is a heart-stopping thriller worth watching!

But if you want to take in a thrilling view from the Vatican, I highly recommend climbing St. Peter’s dome.

Rated: PG-13

Inferno (2016)

When Robert Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks and they race across Europe together against the clock to foil a deadly global plot.

This film was also shot in Budapest and Istanbul.

Rated: PG-13

Murder Mystery (2019)

A New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage, but end up getting framed and on the run for the death of an elderly billionaire.

Available on Netflix

Rated: PG-13

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

In late 1950s New York, Tom Ripley, a young underachiever, is sent to Italy to retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy, named Dickie Greenleaf.

It’s one of the creepier movies that take place in Europe!

Rated: R

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

Lizzie McGuire has graduated from middle school and takes a trip to Rome, Italy with her class. And what was supposed to be only a normal trip, becomes a teenager’s dream come true.

Rated: PG

When in Rome (2002)

Twin sisters, Leila and Charli are en-route to Rome in order to participate in the Summer Intern Program. However, cupid strikes the two as they struggle to keep up with their respective jobs.

Rated: G

Just Married (2003)

A young newlywed couple honeymoon in Europe, where obstacles challenge their ability to sustain the marriage.

Filmed also in Salzburg, Austria.

I can still recall seeing this film in theaters with friends and laughing hysterically!

Rated: PG-13

In Search of Fellini (2017)

A shy small-town Ohio girl who loves movies but dislikes reality, discovers the delightfully bizarre films of Federico Fellini, and sets off on a strange, beautiful journey across Italy to find him.

Rated: R

A Room with a View (1985)

Lucy Honeychurch shares a brief romance with George Emerson in Florence. Yet as she tries to move on with her life and look for marriage elsewhere, can she truly forget the events of that summer?

I am not a big romance fan, but this list would be remiss without a film that features Florence so boldly.

Rated: Not Rated

Movies Set in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for its landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes.

Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII.

Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the city’s 17th-century “Golden Age.”

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

Best friends Audrey and Morgan unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of them discovers that the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy.

The Spy Who Dumped Me is one of my favorite girls’ trip movies! The pairing of Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis was genius, as they have incredible friendship chemistry!

It’s a must on my list of movies set in European cities!

The movie was also filmed in Budapest, one of my favorite places I’ve traveled to!

Rated: R

Queen (2013)

A Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon after her marriage gets canceled.

The film was also shot in Paris and Delhi.

It’s one of my favorite movies about a woman traveling solo for the first time and thriving!

Available on Netflix

Rated: Not rated

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Hazel and Gus are teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and fall in love. They both share the same acerbic wit and a love of books, especially “An Imperial Affliction”, so they embark on a journey to visit an author in Amsterdam.

Rated: PG-13

Movies Set in Portugal

Portugal, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and delicious cuisine (especially Pastéis de Nata).

The capital city, Lisbon, is famous for its colorful azulejo tiles, historic trams, and the iconic Belém Tower.

While Sintra, a fairy-tale town just outside Lisbon, enchants visitors with its romantic palaces, lush gardens, and the colorful Pena Palace perched atop misty hills.

The Ninth Gate (1999)

An unscrupulous dealer of rare books finds himself at the heart of a string of paranormal events when he is hired to find the last two copies of a text capable of summoning the devil.

Rated: R

Night Train To Lisbon (2013)

Swiss Professor Raimund Gregorius abandons his lectures and buttoned-down life to embark on a thrilling adventure that will take him on a journey to the very heart of himself.

If you’re visiting Lisbon solo, be sure to check out my guide for travel tips!

Rated: R

🍿 Looking for more to watch set in Portugal? Check out 6 binge-worthy TV shows and films!

Movies Set in Scotland

Scotland, a country in the northern part of Great Britain, is renowned for its rugged highlands, historic castles such as Stirling, and rich cultural heritage.

The capital city, Edinburgh, impresses visitors with its medieval Old Town, imposing Edinburgh Castle, and the annual Fringe Festival.

Made of Honor (2008)

Hannah surprises Tom, her best friend who is secretly in love with her, with the news of her engagement to a wealthy man. Things take a complicated turn when she asks Tom to be her main attendant.

Rated: PG-13

Movies Set in Spain

Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is full of fantastic food, diverse landscapes, architecture, and music.

Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical modernist landmarks, such as Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.

Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the breathtaking Alhambra palace and the historic Albaicín neighborhood with its winding Moorish streets.

Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia, dazzles visitors with its flamenco culture, the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and the stunning Real Alcázar palace, home to lush gardens.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.

Rated: PG-13

Knight and Day (2010)

A young woman gets mixed up with a disgraced spy who is trying to clear his name.

Filming was also done in the Spanish cities of Seville and Cadiz, the Austrian city of Salzburg, and the Jamaican town of Port Antonio.

Rated: PG-13

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Movies for Europe Trips

Watching movies set in your destination before you travel is one of the most underrated ways to build excitement.

If you only have time for one film per destination, here’s my best of list:

Best Romantic Movies Set in Europe

• Roman Holiday (Italy) — Classic Audrey Hepburn romance against the backdrop of Rome.
• Notting Hill (England) — A bookshop owner falls for the world’s most famous film star.
• The Holiday (England/USA) — One of my favorite Christmas films, with two women swapping homes and finding love.
• Before Sunrise / Before Sunset / Before Midnight (Austria, France, Greece) — Jesse and Celine’s romance unfolds across three European cities and nearly two decades.
• Under the Tuscan Sun (Italy) — After visiting Tuscany myself, I can certainly see the appeal of starting over there.
• P.S. I Love You (Ireland) — A young widow finds messages her late husband left behind to help her heal and start again.
• The Fault in Our Stars (Netherlands) — Two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group fall in love on a journey to Amsterdam.
• Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Spain) — A tangled summer romance set against Gaudí’s Barcelona.
• Letters to Juliet (Italy) — Verona’s “Secretaries of Juliet” help mend old and new heartbreaks alike.

Best Family Movies Set in Europe

• The Sound of Music (Austria) — Rated G, and a multi-generational favorite for those who adore musicals.
• Paddington (England) — Rated PG, gentle and charming for younger viewers exploring London.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (England) — Rated PG, a gateway into England’s wizarding world tourism.
• Ratatouille (France) — Rated G, a lovely and family-friendly animated trip through Paris.
• The Parent Trap (England) — Rated PG, twins, a summer camp, and a London-set family reunion plot.
• Passport to Paris (France) — Rated G, twin sisters spend spring break exploring Paris with their grandfather.
• Spider-Man: Far From Home (England/Italy) — Rated PG-13, a high-energy pick for older kids that tours multiple European cities.
• The Lizzie McGuire Movie (Italy) — Rated PG, a class trip to Rome turns into a teenager’s dream-come-true.

Best Movies for First-Time Europe Travelers

If you’re new to European travel and want a broad, multi-country taste before you go, start here:

• Chasing Liberty — Covers Prague, Venice, Berlin, London, and more in one classic European road-trip arc.
• Winning London — A nostalgic look at London sightseeing wrapped around a Model UN trip.
• The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno — Robert Langdon’s fast-paced thriller trilogy doubles as a tour through Paris, the Vatican, and a chase across Florence, Venice, and Istanbul.
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — A coming-of-age story that introduces Greece alongside three other storylines.
• Eat Pray Love — The quintessential first taste of Italy, food and all.
• Just Married — A honeymoon-gone-wrong comedy that tours Europe, including Salzburg, Austria.

What’s your favorite Europe trip movie? Did I miss yours?

Let me know in the comments below.

FAQs

Related Film Tourism Travel Guides

• Guide to Visiting Château de Pierrefonds, BBC Merlin’s Castle in France
• 30 Scenic Movies Set in Greece You Need to Watch Before You Visit
• 28 Fantastic Movies & TV Shows Set in Paris, You Need to Watch Before Visiting
• 13 Sound of Music Filming Locations in Salzburg, Austria + How to Visit Them
• 6 Famous Filming Locations in Portugal from Film and TV, and How to Visit Them
• 24 TV Series Set in Europe That’ll Inspire Your Next Vacation
• 75 Movies Set in European Destinations to Inspire Your Next Trip

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