Istanbul, Turkey
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It’s clear that spies love Istanbul. Whether it’s the lively, busy city streets, beautiful historic landmarks, or large markets that make for great chase scenes, James Bond can’t stay away from Turkey’s loveliest city – he has returned to the Queen of Cities three times in the films “From Russia With Love”, “The World is Not Enough” and “Skyfall”. The historical city was also the gorgeous backdrop of numerous car chases and gunfights in the action-packed “Taken 2” starring Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent racing against time to rescue his family.
The Alps, Switzerland
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As 007 found out “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, the scenic and majestic alps make a great backdrop for following wealthy villains to their mountaintop lair!
Udaipur, India
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Although India is a favorite destination for backpackers, Udaipur is less known than many of the other frequently visited regions; however, it certainly deserves more attention. The area’s stunning Taj Lake Palace was prominently featured in “Octopussy”.
London, United Kingdom
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The ultimate spy’s city. Home to MI6’s headquarters, it seems like every spy thriller and action movie of the last few years has had at least one scene set in the UK’s capital. London is James Bond’s home base, was prominently featured in “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”, and gets frequent visits from Jason Bourne throughout his film series.
Morocco
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This northern African country is prominently featured in the 1942 espionage classic “Casablanca”, as well as the recent “Mission Impossible, Rogue Nation”. Jason Bourne also spends some time in the cultural crossroad city of Tangier in “The Bourne Ultimatum”. Morocco is well-liked by Hollywood filmmakers; the country’s bustling cities and mystical landscapes make safe, dependable stand-ins for some of the world’s war-torn hotspots, such as Iraq in Ridley Scott’s “Body of Lies” and Libya in the 2016 film “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”.
Prague, Czech Republic
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Prague was home to most of the original “Mission: Impossible”, but the historic medieval city has also served as a filming location for many other films thanks to its status as the “Hollywood of the East”. Prague features prominently in Vin Diesel’s superspy adventure “xXx”, and most of James Bond’s “Casino Royale”, especially the parts of the film that take place in Montenegro, were actually shot in Prague!
Dubai, UAE
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Who can forget the adrenaline-packed scene where Tom Cruise climbs the exterior of the Burj Khalifa in “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”? Also playing a prominent role in the 2008 espionage thriller “Body of Lies” starring Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio, this skyscraper-filled city in the middle of the desert makes for an iconic spy film backdrop.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
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When Ursula Andress slowly walked out of the water in a white biking in “Dr. No”, a moment of cinematic history was born. If you’re traveling through Jamaica, be sure to check out the beautiful waters she walked out of in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Kyushu, Japan
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The southernmost island of Japan usually gets overshadowed by Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji, but it has plenty of beauty to attract tourists. James Bond certainly thought so in “You Only Live Twice”!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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An epic battle in “Moonraker” between James Bond and Jaws, one of his most memorable adversaries, was shot on the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, which overlooks the beautiful Brazilian city of Rio de Janiero.
