15 Real-Life Locations From James Bond Movies You Can Visit

The James Bond franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its suits, gadgets, fast cars, martinis (shaken, not stirred), glamorous casinos, high-stakes chases, sophisticated villains, and dramatic music. But beyond the slick suits and stunts, what really steals the show are the jaw-dropping, passport-stamping, and stellar filming locations. Here are 15 such remarkable real-life locations featured in the films.

Piz Gloria, Switzerland: “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969)

At the top of the Swiss Alps, Piz Gloria is the climax of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Now doubling as a tourist cave with killer views, this former villainous lair offers a revolving restaurant where you can dine in evil-mastermind style — fancy, with a side of adrenaline. Strap on those skis and channel your inner 007 by reenacting the film’s nail-biting ski chase scenes. Just try not to wipe out; remember, Bond never does.

James Bond Island, Thailand: “The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974)

Meet James Bond Island, Thailand’s answer to a villain’s dream home. Originally called Ko Tapu, this limestone spike in Phang Nga Bay got a rebrand worthy of a 007 film after starring as Francisco Scaramanga’s not-so-humble abode in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Now, it attracts tourists faster than Bond attracts trouble. Enjoy boat trips in vivid turquoise waters to gawk at its iconic, needle-like structure and snap that perfect shot.

Venice, Italy: “Moonraker” (1979)

Venice, where even the gondolas aren’t what they seem, especially if James Bond is your gondolier. In “Moonraker,” Bond takes the term’ city tour’ to new heights, piloting a gondola that morphs into a hovercraft and cruises right onto the pavements of St. Mark’s Square. If you’re visiting, take a romantic gondola ride through the iconic canals and have your gondolier donned in a $5000 Armani suit to enjoy an average day in Venice, Bond-style.

Istanbul, Turkey: “From Russia with Love” (1963)

Ever wanted to sneak around an ancient underground water reservoir? Head to Turkey’s Basilica Cistern, where the atmosphere is 100% guaranteed to make you feel like agent ‘008’ on the run—even if you’re just running from overzealous souvenir vendors. And you might want to eat light too, to keep fit for your ‘Russian love’ or just in case they do chase you through the colorful, chaotic alleys of the Grand Bazaar, where every turn and corner offers a new burst of vibrant fabrics, aromatic spices, and the echoing calls of merchants.

Hashima Island, Japan: “Skyfall” (2012)

If you’re into post-apocalyptic aesthetics, Hashima Island should be your next travel bookmark. Once a humming coal mining town, this island is featured in “Skyfall” as Silva’s creepy lair, and it is now Japan’s favorite ghost town. Fondly known as Battleship Island because it looks more like a warship than a piece of land, you can explore the skeletal remains of abandoned buildings and collapsed structures. Tours are available, but let’s be honest, it’s not the sunny beach holiday you might be used to. It is great for a Bond villain hideout or a dramatic Instagram post.

Himeji Castle, Japan: “You Only Live Twice” (1967)

Step back in time and dodge a few shurikens at Himeji Castle, a real-life fortress straight out of “You Only Live Twice. If you’ve ever fancied yourself a ninja—or a tourist with unusually stealthy photo skills, this UNESCO World Heritage site is your perfect spot. Within its imposing walls, you can uncover the secrets of traditional Japanese castle architecture and feudal Japan’s military craft, the same ones that presumably helped Bond master the art of the silent takedown under the watchful eye of Tiger Tanaka.

The Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami, USA: “Goldfinger” (1964)

Dining at the luxurious Fontainebleau is an exhilarating experience, with several fine restaurants catering to diverse tastes. The vibrant nightlife at the hotel mirrors the energetic and stylish atmosphere for which Bond films are known. In “Goldfinger,” the Fontainebleau Hotel is where Bond begins his American adventure and first encounters his adversary, Auric Goldfinger.

The Bahamas: “Thunderball” (1965)

With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant underwater world, the Bahamas served as the quintessential paradise setting for Sean Connery’s Thunderball. His pursuit of the antagonist, Emilio Largo, takes him on a chase through luxurious resorts and along the bustling streets of Nassau. You can still experience all these things while strapping your scuba to explore some of the same underwater sites seen in the movie.

Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India: “Octopussy” (1983)

Picture this: Udaipur’s shimmering waters, a palace floating like a mirage, and Bond in the middle of it all, shaking down villains while probably shaking up a martini. Once the fictional lavish lair of the film’s enigmatic Octopussy, the Lake Palace now serves as a luxury hotel, allowing visitors to live like royalty—or a spy pretending to be royalty. Udaipur promises espionage-worthy escapades amidst opulent hospitality.

Monaco: “GoldenEye” (1995)

What happens in Vegas may have been said to stay in Vegas, but for Monaco, especially at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the secrets are as lavish as the décor. This iconic setting from “GoldenEye” is where Bond shows that while some gamble for fun, others do it while dodging international villains. Still a hotspot for the world’s elite gamblers, the casino remains open for anyone willing to bet their luck— And hey, don’t expect to leave with a license to kill when you’re left penniless by dawn.

Ice Q Restaurant, Sölden, Austria: “Spectre” (2015)

High at the top of the Ötztal Alps, where you might half-expect Queen Elsa of Arendelle to burst into song, the Ice Q Restaurant serves up more than just frosty elegance—transforming into the Hoffler Klinik, a high-tech wellness center where Bond meets the character Madeleine Swann. Austria’s Ice Q restaurant’s transparent and minimalist design gives a stylish gourmet dining experience. Just a tip: while the ambiance leans toward ‘secret ice fortress chic,’ the vibe is warm enough to thaw even the chilliest of hearts.

Tangier, Morocco: “The Living Daylights” (1987)

The typical Arab locale might conjure images of bustling markets and aromatic spice stalls, but Tangier kicks it up a notch. In “The Living Daylights,” Bond’s high-octane chase scenes through the Kasbah and the vibrant Grand Socco market are worthy of a reenactment. Perched high on a hill, the Kasbah isn’t just an old fortress; it’s a maze of history with winding alleyways that offer panoramic views and a nostalgic sense of the past. Today, whether you’re navigating through art galleries or sipping coffee in quaint cafes, Tangier retains its cinematic charm, still ready for an exhilarating drama.

Corfu, Greece: “For Your Eyes Only” (1981)

Consider Corfu as the Spartan Bond of Greek islands—suave, scenic, and secretly thrilling. Corfu isn’t just another sunny retreat; it was relaxing enough to make Bond ditch the tux for trunks in “For Your Eyes Only.” At the Achilleion Palace, which doubles as a ritzy casino, you can waltz through the ornate halls and gardens, where Bond once played a high-stakes game against the dastardly Kristatos.

New Orleans, USA: “Live and Let Die” (1973)

Word of advice: plan your visit to New Orleans to fall around Mardi Gras (typically between February and early March) because that’s when the city really flips the switch. “Live and Let Die” shows this dynamic festival with all the subtlety of a brass band in a library. Parade floats,  mouth-watering Creole cuisine, and masked revelers — it’s the one time of year you might actually blend in wearing a Bond-esque disguise.

Prague, Czech Republic: “Casino Royale” (2006)

In “Casino Royale,” Prague pulls a fast one on us all—mace, Speaker’s chair, despatch boxes, and even Bond’s unflappable demeanor, all neatly packed into a Czech library masquerading as London. The Strahov Monastery and Library, with its grand old shelves and hallowed halls, stands in for the British House of Commons, fooling everyone into thinking the scene was filmed in the UK. Visiting this scholarly sanctuary might make you want to whisper, “Order, order” into its halls, so grab a map, dust off your spy camera, and maybe practice your best parliamentary debate retorts.