7 romantic comedy movie locations you need to visit.

Does anyone else have the urge to find out where their favourite movies are filmed and then plan a trip there so they can recreate the scene? Only me? Okay. 

Well, as someone who loves watching movies, in particular rom-coms, I'm always curious where those magical moments are created.

While some movies are filmed predominantly on a built set, it may surprise you that there are plenty of scenes in many of your favourite rom-coms that are actual locations you can visit. 

From Southeast Asia to the islands in Greece, these iconic rom-coms will transport you… literally. Here are 7 romantic comedy movie locations every hopeless romantic has to visit. 

Crazy Rich Asians.

Image: Warner Bros

I could not possibly make this list without mentioning one of my favourite romantic comedies of all time… Crazy Rich Asians. 

This romantic comedy takes NYU professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) all the way from New York to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) in order to attend his best friend's wedding. Once she arrives, a world of elite socialites and lavish parties awaits her, and she must face the pressures that come with Nick's ultra-wealthy family. 

Filmed in some of the most stunning locations, the movie is a pure tourism campaign for Singapore.

It showcases some of Singapore's iconic local sights, including Newton Food Centre, the famous hawker centre where you can try delicious food from incredible stalls, and Marina Bay Sands, the rooftop hotel where Rachel and Nick celebrate their engagement.

But if you are a big Crazy Rich Asians fan and find yourself pondering a trip to Singapore, you absolutely must visit Gardens by the Bay. This whimsical location featuring solar-powered trees that light up is the actual venue where Colin and Araminta host their wedding reception in the film. The scene is filled with dancing and extravagant decor. The real-life location is every bit as exciting. 

Watch the trailer for Crazy Rich Asians. Article continues after video.

Watch Crazy Rich Asians on Netflix.

Sex and the City.

Image: HBO

Okay, I'll admit I'm a little biased because I love Sex and the City so much, I did my own engagement photoshoot at this exact location. 

There's just something so romantic about movies set in New York City. And Sex and the City has been doing it since 1998. While I am an absolute fiend for the television series, the film definitely holds a special place in my heart.

Like the series, the movie follows Carrie Bradshaw and her friends in the next phase of life, as they continue to navigate love, friendship, and career changes in New York City. 

While there are a million and one amazing New York locations in the movie, one sticks out to me as the most romantic.

I'm talking about the New York Public Library. In particular, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

This stunning structure is where Carrie and Big (almost) tie the knot. Aside from the fact that he leaves her at the altar momentarily, it's one of the most romantic wedding venues on film.

As Carrie herself says, "Big and I would be married in a classic New York landmark that housed all the great love stories." I mean, come on. How poetic. 

Whether it's in Sex and the City, or a number of other movies including Ghostbusters, The Day After Tomorrow, Breakfast At Tiffany's and 42nd Street.

You can buy or rent Sex and the City on Prime Video.

Mamma Mia!

Image: Universal Pictures

I mean, does this come as a surprise to anyone? Every single shot in this film is absolutely breathtaking. 

The film follows bride-to-be Sophie when she invites three men from her mother's past to discover her father's identity before her wedding on a beautiful Greek island. Things get messy really quickly but the ABBA soundtrack is to die for. 

While the movie is set in the fictional island of Kalokairi, it was actually filmed on the two islands of Skopelos and Skiathos.

Skopelos promises crystal clear waters and stunning views, and is actually where part of the movie was filmed. The film's main locations in Skopelos were Kastani Beach on the southwest coast, the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, and Glysteri beach.

Stream Mamamia! on Netflix.

Ticket To Paradise.

Image: Universal Pictures

Starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, this 2022 movie is as scenic as it gets. 

Ticket To Paradise depicts a divorced couple who jets to Bali in order to convince their daughter not to marry a man she just met, who is local to Indonesia. 

You will be surprised to know that this movie, while set in Indonesia, was actually filmed in our own backyard.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, filming actually took place in Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays in Australia. With breathtaking sandy beaches and clear waters, Hamilton Island is just a hop, skip and a jump away if you're local to Australia.

Stream Ticket to Paradise on Paramount+ or Prime Video.

Notting Hill. 

Image: Universal Pictures

Rom-com PSA: the bookshop in Notting Hill actually exists. 

Starring the Queen of rom-coms, Julia Roberts and the 90s heartthrob, Hugh Grant, Notting Hill tells the story of two worlds colliding.

A British bookseller, William, unexpectedly falls for American actress Anna Scott when she enters his shop. Coming from completely different experiences, they struggle to make their relationship make sense. 

The real-life bookshop you can visit is called The Notting Hill BookShop.

For context, the bookstore in the movie is called The Travel Book Company, named after a store in London that the filmmakers wanted to film in. When they couldn't, they decided to build a bookshop set for filming. However, the original The Travel Book Company eventually closed down and was renamed The Notting Hill BookShop when it reopened. Now, it's a popular attraction for rom-com lovers visiting London.

Watch Notting Hill on Netflix.

La La Land.

Image: Summit Entertainment

True to the song in the film, La La Land is in fact filmed in the city of stars. A.K.A Los Angeles.

An aspiring actress, Mia, and jazz musician, Sebastian, fall in love while chasing their dreams in Los Angeles. The film is bittersweet and explores the delicate balance between love and pursuing one's passions. 

There are so many great spots around LA throughout the entirety of the film, but my favourite has to be Griffith Observatory.

During that titular scene, Mia and Sebastian share a magical moment as they dance together amongst the stars at the iconic planetarium. Located in California, Griffith Observatory offers amazing views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. It is the ultimate romantic spot. 

Fun fact: 1955's Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean was also filmed here, so it's doubly iconic. 

Stream La La Land on Stan or Prime Video.

Anyone But You.

Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment

As an Aussie myself, how could I forget Anyone But You? 

This rom-com is a classic enemies-to-lovers story, following Bea and Ben, two people who despise each other but are forced to pretend to be a couple when they attend a loved ones wedding. We love a forced proximity trope. As you can expect, it's complicated. 

Love or hate this movie, you have to admit that Sydney (I mean the place, though the actress is also undeniably beautiful) looks stunning on the big screen. Whether it's Bondi Beach or The Opera House, there are so many must-see spots. But my personal favourite are the beach scenes that were filmed around Palm Beach. I mean, Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so I didn't expect any less. 

Even the film's director, Will Gluck, told The Hollywood Reporter that he loved it. 

"It's one of the most beautiful places in the world, and you normally wouldn't be allowed to sleep there. It was probably the most fun I've ever had filming," he said.

You can watch Anyone But You on Prime Video or Binge.

Feature image: Universal Pictures.