Is there anything better than cuddling up to watch a good romantic film [1], either with your partner or by yourself (you're free to cry without judgement)? The stories are everything from relatable to heartbreaking to beautiful, and you usually fall in love with at least one of the main characters [2]. But in addition to the cute love stories, the backdrops in most romantic movies become characters all their own, adding just as much importance to the plot as those meet-cutes or epic kissing sessions. Landscapes are featured, apartments and houses are envied [3], and if anyone lives in Europe [4], well, sign us up. From You've Got Mail's charming New York City to The Holiday's quaint English countryside to 50 First Dates' tropical Hawaii, keep reading for see 11 spots from some of our favourite iconic romantic movies that you can visit in real life. Back your bags (and your tissues!).
Waikiki, Hawaii — Punch Drunk Love
Under the arch of the lobby of The Royal Hawaiian [6] is the place where Adam Sandler [7] and Emily Watson's characters kiss in Punch Drunk Love (it's also the shot that made the 2002 movie's poster). With breathtaking views of the Pacific and a gorgeous hotel known as the Pink Palace, who wouldn't feel the love in a place like this?
Oahu, Hawaii — 50 First Dates
While the Hukilau Café from 50 First Dates where Henry and Lucy first meet was built for the movie, there are plenty of Oahu destinations that you can actually visit, like Chinaman's Hat, the beach near the island where they have a date, and Sea Life Park [8], where Adam Sandler [9]'s character worked.
Los Angeles, CA — La La Land
If you want to recreate the iconic tap dance scene between Mia and Sebastian, all you have to do is go to Cathy's Corner in Griffith Park (there isn't actually a bench or any lampposts there, but that beautiful view is). You can also take a tour of Warner Bros. Studio where Mia worked in a coffee shop, Griffith Observatory where they danced among the stars, and the Lighthouse Cafe where Sebastian introduces Mia to his love of jazz.
Jamaica — How Stella Got Her Groove Back
The backdrop of white sand and blue water in How Stella Got Her Groove Back is enough to make anyone grab their wallets and book a flight. Just try and get Villa 11 at the Round Hill Hotel [10] in Jamaica — a three-bedroom villa with its own pool — to really live like Stella.
Paris, France — Amélie
This French romantic comedy features Paris so heavily and so beautifully. Amélie finds love with Nino after leading him on a scavenger hunt through Paris, which stopped at many iconic locations, including Café des Deux Moulins and the Sacré-Coeur. Why not head to Paris for a scavenger hunt of your own?
Vienna, Austria — Before Sunrise
It's while walking through Vienna that Jesse and Celine (played by Ethan Hawke [11] and Julie Delpy) fall in love in Before Sunrise. From platform No. 7 at the Westbahnhof train station to Maria Theresien Square to Kleines Café, the entire city is yours to explore and fall in love with.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands — The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars is set in Indiana but has some of its biggest moments in Amsterdam, including the one on the bench along the canal. In real life, a permanent bench wasn't actually at that specific location, but since the movie, a bench has been installed. You can also visit Anne Frank's house where Hazel and Gus have their first kiss.
Madison County, Iowa — The Bridges of Madison County
It may have only lasted four days, but the romance between Francesca and Robert in The Bridges of Madison County change their lives forever. And you can visit the town where it all took place. There are still many of the beautiful covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa, which inspired the book and movie.
New York, NY — You've Got Mail
What would a list of romantic moves be without Tom Hanks [12] or Meg Ryan [13]? In You've Got Mail, the two fall in love over email and instant message, and the New York City backdrop is just as charming as they are. To relive some of their moments, you can stop by Café Lalo, where Kathleen waits for Joe, and Riverside Park, where they finally realise who they've been communicating with.
In addition to You've Got Mail, another Meg Ryan favourite that takes place in NYC is When Harry Met Sally. Visit the famous Kat'z Deli where Sally has that orgasm scene.
London and Shere, England — The Holiday
In addition to the few scenes from The Holiday that were shot in London, you'll also want to hop on a train out to Shere, which is one of the most picturesque towns in the English countryside. It's where Iris (played by Kate Winslet [14]) had her cottage, and also ends up being where Cameron Diaz [15]'s character, Amanda, falls in love with Iris's brother, played by Jude Law [16]. The adorable cottage was built on a sound stage for the movie, but the town itself and it's cosy shops and pubs are all there waiting for you.
Tokyo, Japan — Lost in Translation
Lost in Translation is inseparable from its setting in Tokyo. Get the stunning view that Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson [17]) got from her room in the Park Hyatt Tokyo [18], and the hotel bar on the 41st floor, the Peak Bar and Lounge, is where Bob (Bill Murray [19]) meets Charlotte for the first time.