The Best TV Show Location Tours You Can Book Right Now

Best TV Show Location Tours You Can Book Right Now

If you’ve ever watched a show and thought, “I need to see that place in real life,” you’re not alone. TV show location tours have become their own travel niche, with operators offering dedicated trips to everything from King’s Landing to Hawkins. But not all tours deliver the same experience. Some give you behind-the-scenes access and knowledgeable guides. Others are basically a bus ride with a tablet playing clips.

This guide covers the best TV show location tours you can actually book, broken down by show, budget, and what you really get. I’ve taken a few of these myself and learned where it’s worth spending and where you can skip. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just looking for a unique day trip, this should help you pick the right tour and avoid wasting money.

What to Look for in a TV Show Location Tour

Before you hit “book,” a few things separate a great tour from a disappointing one. Here’s what I check every time:

• Guide expertise. Is the guide a local who actually worked on the show, or someone reading off a script? Some of the best tours are run by former extras or crew members. That insider knowledge is worth paying for.
• Group size. Large groups (25+ people) mean less access, more waiting, and fewer chances to ask questions. Small groups (10 or fewer) are almost always better for a TV show location tour.
• Transportation included. Some tours require you to drive yourself between stops. If you’re not comfortable with unfamiliar roads or left-side driving, look for a fully guided option with transport.
• Access to restricted areas. Some tours include entry to private property, closed studios, or areas normally off-limits. These offer real behind-the-scenes value and unique photo opportunities.
• Cancellation policy. Weather, filming schedules, or travel changes can disrupt plans. Always check if you can reschedule or cancel at least 24-48 hours before.
• Recent reviews. A tour that was great three years ago might have a different team now. Look at reviews from the last 2-3 months on Viator, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor.

If a tour checks all these boxes, it’s probably a solid choice. If it’s missing several, consider whether the price really matches the experience. Travelers who want extra peace of mind might consider comparing travel insurance policies that cover tour cancellations, especially for high-demand trips that need booking months ahead.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland and Croatia

Game of Thrones fans have some of the best organized tours available. The two main options are Northern Ireland and Dubrovnik, and they offer pretty different experiences.

Northern Ireland: The Studio Tour

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, is the official behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll see actual sets (the Great Hall, Castle Black), costumes, props, and interactive exhibits. It’s self-guided, so you go at your own pace, and the amount of detail is impressive. Tickets run about $50-$70 for adults. Book at least 2-3 months ahead during summer and holiday weeks. One downside: outdoor locations like the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour aren’t included with the studio ticket, so you’ll need a separate tour or rental car to visit those.

Dubrovnik: The Walking Tour

The Dubrovnik walking tours focus on King’s Landing exteriors: the Jesuit Staircase (Cersei’s walk of shame), Fort Lovrijenac, and the city walls. Most tours run 2-3 hours and cost between $60 and $100 per person. The best guides are locals who worked as extras or location scouts. They’ll point out details most tourists walk past. A few things to know: these tours involve a lot of stairs and cobblestone streets, and summer crowds can make the old town feel crowded. Spring and fall are better for photos and comfort.

Which one to choose? If you want studio detail and props, go with Northern Ireland. If you want to walk through a city that feels like a character itself, take the Dubrovnik tour. Both are good, but they serve different fan priorities.

Stranger Things Filming Locations in Georgia

The Stranger Things tour is mostly an exterior locations experience around Atlanta, Georgia. The main operator is Atlanta Movie Tours, which offers a 4-hour “Hawkins” tour covering the Starcourt Mall exterior, the Wheeler house, the Byers house, the Hawkins Lab, and a few other sites. Prices typically range from $60 to $100 per person. The tour mixes driving and short walks, and you’ll see the actual houses used for filming, not replicas.

Here’s the thing: some locations are private residences, so you can’t go inside or even walk up to the porch. You take photos from the sidewalk or across the street. That works for pictures, but if you’re expecting full access like a studio tour, you’ll be disappointed. For superfans, it’s still exciting, especially if the guide shares details about how scenes were shot. For casual viewers, it’s more of a sightseeing drive with commentary.

Mistakes to avoid: Check if your tour date falls during active filming seasons. Production schedules can close off locations without much notice. Also, wear comfortable shoes and bring water—summer in Georgia is brutal, and you’ll be walking between stops. If you want to show your fandom, a Stranger Things hoodie or map poster makes a decent souvenir after the tour.

Outlander Location Tours in Scotland

Outlander fans have some of the most physically demanding but rewarding tours around. Most tours operate out of Edinburgh or Inverness, with multi-day options covering sites like Culloden Battlefield, Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), and the Falkland area (Inverness village). Prices vary: a full-day group tour runs about $120-$180 per person, while private multi-day tours can cost $500 or more per person.

Small group vs. private: Small group tours (8-15 people) offer a decent balance of cost and intimacy. Private tours are expensive but let you set the pace, stay longer at sites you love, and skip ones that don’t interest you. For most travelers, a two-day tour from Edinburgh covering the main sites is a sweet spot.

Practical logistics: Driving yourself is possible but not recommended if you’re unfamiliar with narrow, winding Highland roads and single-track lanes. Guided tours handle all the logistics, and the guides are usually locals with deep knowledge of both the show and Scottish history. Seasonality matters: spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer milder weather and fewer midges. Summer brings crowds and midges. Winter tours run but expect shorter days and cold, wet conditions.

Physical demands: Some sites require walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs (Doune Castle has tight spiral stairs), or standing for long periods. If mobility is a concern, a private tour with a flexible itinerary is a better choice. Pack a waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, and a warm layer—even in summer. Travelers dealing with chilly Highland mornings might appreciate a Scottish wool blanket, and a compact travel umbrella is useful for sudden rain.

Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul Tours in Albuquerque

Albuquerque is prime territory for Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fans. The most popular option is the Breaking Bad RV Tour, which lasts about 3-4 hours and costs around $65 per person. You travel in a bus, not an actual RV, but you visit Walter White’s house, the car wash, the Los Pollos Hermanos exterior, and other key locations. The tour includes a guide who shares behind-the-scenes stories and trivia. A longer, 6-hour version covers additional spots and costs around $120.

Which option is best? The 3-hour tour works for casual fans who want the highlights. The 6-hour version is better for hardcore fans who want more context and don’t mind a longer day. Both are well-run by experienced local operators. If you’re a Better Call Saul fan, look for tours that specifically include locations like the nail salon and the courthouse. Most standard Breaking Bad tours don’t cover these, so check the itinerary before booking.

Practical tips: Albuquerque gets very hot, especially in summer. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. A portable phone charger is also handy because you’ll be taking photos constantly. The tour vehicles don’t always have accessible USB ports, so bring your own power bank. Most tours run year-round, but fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking between stops.

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, just outside London, is the gold standard for TV show location tours. It’s not a walking tour of film exteriors—it’s the actual soundstages and backlot where the films were made. The standard ticket costs about $100-$150 per person and includes entry to the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and the Platform 9 3/4 train. You’ll also see thousands of props, costumes, and animatronics.

Booking advice: You need to book at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons like summer and Christmas. Tickets sell out regularly. The tour is self-guided with audio guide options, so you can spend as much time as you want in each area. Budget at least 3-4 hours, plus travel time from central London (about an hour by train or coach).

Studio tour vs. walking tours of London locations: The studio tour is consistent, well-maintained, and massive. The outdoor walking tours of London—covering Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley), the Millennium Bridge, and King’s Cross Station—are cheaper ($30-$50) but vary a lot in guide quality. If you only have one day, the studio tour is the better bet. If you have more time, do both, but check recent reviews for the walking tour operator.

For fans who want to bring something home, the Harry Potter collectible wands from the studio gift shop are a popular pick. If you book the studio tour through a platform like Viator, check if coach transport from central London is included—it saves the hassle of trains and buses.

How to Choose the Right Tour for Your Budget and Schedule

TV show location tours range from $50 for a 2-hour walking tour to $500+ for multi-day packages. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Single-location walking tours ($50-$100): Best for city-based shows like Sex and the City, Friends, Seinfeld, or Downton Abbey (though Downton is a bit more expensive). These are short, easy to fit into a day, and don’t require special gear.
• Half-day driving tours ($60-$150): Best for Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and Game of Thrones (Dubrovnik). These cover multiple stops and include transportation. Good value for time spent.
• Full-day or multi-day tours ($120-$500+): Best for Outlander, Harry Potter studio tour, and combination tours in Northern Ireland. These are immersive and need a full day or more. Good for dedicated fans who want depth.

If you’re on a tight budget, focus on single-location tours in cities you’re already visiting. If you can spend more, a multi-day package that includes accommodation removes planning stress and often gets you into sites closed to the public. If you’re booking multiple tours in one trip, consider a travel credit card with rewards or cancellation protection. And check if your hotel or hostel offers discounts on local tours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking TV Show Location Tours

I’ve seen travelers waste money or get frustrated because they didn’t check a few details. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Booking with unlicensed operators. Some unofficial guides offer “walking tours” that are just someone showing you spots from memory with no permits. Stick to established operators with verifiable reviews and a real office or website.
• Not reading cancellation policies. Many tours have strict cancellation windows (24-72 hours). If your flight changes or you get sick, you might lose the full amount. Travelers who want coverage might consider travel insurance policies that cover trip interruptions—it’s cheap peace of mind.
• Underestimating travel time. Tours in Scotland, Croatia, and Northern Ireland often involve drives that take longer than you’d expect. Roads are narrow, parking is tight, and tourist season traffic is real. Arrive early, and don’t book another activity too close to the tour end time.
• Ignoring seasonality. Summer crowds mean packed tours, limited availability, and heat. Winter means short days and cold, sometimes closed sites. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) give you the best balance of weather, crowds, and tour availability.
• Expecting full set access. Most outdoor tours show exterior locations on private property. You won’t walk into Walter White’s house or the Wheeler living room. Manage expectations: you’ll see where they filmed, not where the characters live.

A travel insurance policy that covers tour cancellations is a small investment that can save you hundreds if something goes wrong. I use one that covers lost baggage and medical emergencies—it’s paid for itself a few times over.

Should You Book a Tour or Go DIY?

Not all shows need a guided tour. Some are easy to do yourself with a bit of research. Here’s how I decide:

• DIY-friendly shows: Friends (the Greenwich Village building), Seinfeld (Monk’s Cafe), How I Met Your Mother (the apartment exterior in NYC), The Office (Scranton, though the actual offices are in California). These are single spots in accessible cities. A good guidebook or map app is enough.
• Tours worth paying for: Game of Thrones (Northern Ireland and Dubrovnik), Outlander (remote Highlands), Harry Potter (studio tour), Stranger Things (private residences need guide access). For these, a tour provides access, context, and logistics you can’t easily get on your own.

If you’re short on time or visiting a city for just a day or two, book the tour. If you have flexibility and enjoy planning, DIY can be cheaper and more personal. I’ve done both, and for most people, the guided tour is a better use of time—especially for shows with locations spread out over large areas.

What to Pack for a TV Show Location Tour

What you pack depends on the tour type, but these essentials apply to almost all of them:

• Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet for 2-6 hours. Don’t wear new shoes. Break them in first, or bring your most trusted pair.
• Portable phone charger (power bank). Between GPS, photos, and checking reviews, your phone will drain fast. A 10,000mAh battery pack will get you through a full day.
• Camera or phone with good lens. Most tours allow photos without flash. For indoor sets (like the Harry Potter studio), a fast lens or a phone with good low-light performance makes a difference.
• Water bottle. Many tours don’t include stops for drinks, and tourist prices are inflated. Bring a reusable bottle and refill when you can.
• Weather-appropriate clothing. Check the forecast before you leave, and pack layers. A light rain jacket is useful in Scotland and Northern Ireland even in summer.
• Notebook or app for trivia. Guides often share details you won’t find online. Write down interesting facts or save them in a notes app later.

For urban walking tours, a small crossbody bag or backpack works fine. For nature-heavy tours like Outlander, consider more robust hiking shoes and a waterproof shell. I always pack a travel umbrella for sudden rain, and a compact daypack for extra layers.

Final Tips for Getting the Most from Your Tour

You’ve booked the tour, you have your gear. Here’s how to make the day deliver:

• Book early. High-demand tours (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones studio, Outlander multi-days) sell out weeks or months ahead. Set calendar reminders for when tickets go on sale.
• Check recent reviews. A tour that was great in 2022 might have changed guides or routes. Look at reviews from the last 2-3 months on the booking platform.
• Ask for off-the-beaten-path spots. Good guides know hidden locations not in the brochure. Ask politely at the start if they have any “bonus” stops or lesser-known filming sites.
• Take photos without flash. Flash can damage old sets, costumes, and props. If a guide says no flash, don’t argue—it’s for preservation.
• Engage with the guide. Ask questions, share favorite episodes, show some enthusiasm. Guides who see you’re interested will often share more details and let you linger a bit at certain stops.
• Respect the locations. Many filming sites are private homes, businesses, or protected areas. Don’t trespass, don’t litter, and don’t climb barriers. It keeps the sites open for future fans.

Now it’s time to book. Whether you’re walking through King’s Landing, standing outside Hawkins Lab, or stepping onto the Great Hall set, a good TV show location tour turns your screen obsession into a real-world memory. Check the specific tour pages for each show above to find availability and pricing for your dates. Most operators offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before, so you can lock in your spot without worrying about last-minute changes.

If you’re planning a trip around multiple shows, consider a package that bundles tours, hotels, and transport for a smoother experience. The right tour is out there—you just need to book it.