5 Movie and TV Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit on a Budget
The travel trend known as set jetting — traveling to destinations made famous by film and television — has exploded in popularity, and several iconic filming locations are far more affordable than you’d expect.
Chasing fictional worlds doesn’t have to drain your bank account. The key is knowing which filming locations double as genuinely affordable travel destinations and timing your visit to avoid the peak crowds that drive up costs.
Here are five destinations where the on-screen magic is real and the price tag is surprisingly manageable.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Walk Through King’s Landing
Best known as the real-world King’s Landing from Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik’s medieval walled city is one of the most dramatic urban landscapes in Europe.
The trick to visiting affordably comes down to timing. Shoulder season visits in April or October offer a fraction of the summer crowds and significantly lower hotel rates, while the ancient walls, sea views, and filming sites remain just as cinematic.
Travelers can walk the City Walls, spot Fort Lovrijenac — recognizable to fans of the show — and grab a cheap lunch at a konoba, a traditional Croatian tavern, tucked away from the main tourist drag. Venturing even slightly off the beaten path can make a major difference in what you spend.
Vilnius, Lithuania: Europe’s Hidden Film Set
This underrated Eastern European capital has quietly doubled as medieval England, Cold War-era Eastern Europe, and more in dozens of productions from Stranger Things to Catherine the Great, thanks to its remarkably preserved Gothic and Baroque old town. Yet many travelers have never considered it as a destination.
Vilnius is consistently ranked among the most affordable capitals in Europe. Cheap flights are available from major hubs, budget-friendly accommodation is plentiful, and the city’s food scene punches well above its price point.
The bohemian Užupis district feels like a film set in its own right — an artsy, offbeat neighborhood that rewards those who wander on foot. For travelers who want a European city experience without the price tags of Paris or London, Vilnius offers remarkable value paired with genuine cinematic pedigree.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland: Fantasy Landscapes for Free
The rugged coastline of County Clare served as a dramatic setting in Harry Potter, and the wider Wild Atlantic Way has doubled as everything from fantasy kingdoms to period dramas.
Ireland’s rural west is far cheaper to explore than Dublin. Self-catering cottages keep lodging costs down, scenic drives replace expensive excursions, and most of the sweeping clifftop landscapes are free to access.
The practical advice is straightforward: rent a car, pack light, and follow the coast. For budget-minded travelers, this is one of those rare destinations where the most spectacular experiences — the views, the walks, the dramatic light — cost nothing at all.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: A Pilgrimage Hiding in Plain Sight
For fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Albuquerque is a pilgrimage destination hiding in plain sight. As an American road trip stop, it’s remarkably easy on the wallet.
Self-guided tours of filming locations are entirely free, making it one of the most accessible set jetting experiences anywhere. Old Town is walkable and full of affordable New Mexican food, and the city’s hotels and motels offer some of the best value of any destination in the Southwest.
For those planning a road trip through the American West, Albuquerque slots in perfectly as a budget-friendly stop with serious pop culture appeal. Don’t forget to try the green chile — a local staple that fans of the shows will recognize as part of the city’s identity.
Matera, Italy: An Ancient Cave City at a Fraction of the Cost
This ancient cave city in southern Italy has appeared in No Time to Die, The Passion of the Christ, and Wonder Woman, yet Matera remains far cheaper to visit than Rome or the Amalfi Coast.
The ancient cave dwellings carved into the ravine, called the sassi, can be explored on foot for free. The region’s food and wine is outstanding at a fraction of northern Italy’s prices, rewarding visitors with an authentic Italian experience without the tourist-inflated costs found in more famous cities.
To get there, fly into Bari, rent a car, and make a weekend of it. The combination of striking, otherworldly architecture and genuine affordability makes Matera one of the most rewarding set jetting destinations on this list.
What Budget Travelers Should Know
Set jetting doesn’t require a Hollywood-sized budget. Each of these five destinations proves that the locations behind some of the most iconic scenes in film and television are often more affordable than the famous cities travelers default to.
The common thread is straightforward: a little planning goes a long way. Choosing the right time of year, staying slightly off the most popular tourist routes, and embracing local food and culture over tourist traps can keep costs manageable — all while delivering the cinematic thrill of standing exactly where your favorite stories came to life.
BOTTOM LINE: From shoulder-season Dubrovnik to free self-guided tours in Albuquerque, these five filming locations prove you can chase your favorite on-screen worlds without a blockbuster budget — the key is smart timing and a willingness to venture off the beaten path.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
