10 Iconic Television Locations You Can Visit Right Now

Iconic Television Locations

If you’re planning a trip this summer, you might consider a journey to your favorite TV or streaming series—or at least their iconic locations. Both real and recreated, you can immerse yourself in all sorts of places seen on the small screen. Here’s our list of 10 iconic television locations you can visit right now.

The Crown - The Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels seen in the Netflix series are, of course, not the real ones. They are created by London-based Juliette Designs, a husband-and-wife team who specialize in creating crown jewels for movies, TV, and touring exhibits. They are not on display, but why go to see replicas when you can see the real thing?

Displayed under armed guard, the Crown Jewels are available for public viewing in the same place where they have been shown and stored since 1661—the Tower of London in London, England. Featuring some 23,578 gemstones, this central part of the Royal Collection is, as we’ve recently seen with the coronation of King Charles, still in use for royal functions.

Stranger Things - Starcourt Mall

Though Stranger Things takes place in the fictional Hawkins, Indiana, it is actually filmed in Georgia, with one of its most recognizable locations sitting empty in Duluth. Gwinnett Place Mall actually closed a few months before appearing in the series and was chosen as the stand-in for Starcourt Mall because it was empty. You might be able to look around there now, but if you want to see it, you’d better hurry.

Earlier this year, Duluth County’s board of commissioners approved an action plan for the site that will completely raze the existing structure in favor of a new community center featuring seven villages oriented around central park and including living space, retail, and a cultural arts center reflecting multiple international cultures. When exactly the mall will be torn down is not known as the development process is set to take place over the next 20 years.

The Sopranos - Tony's House

You’ve seen Tony Soprano walk down the winding walkway of this real New Jersey home, but you might not want to walk up it yourself since the house is a private residence. Unlike the movie location for Stephanie’s house from Short Circuit, this home is not open for tours or visitors, but you can still view it if you find the address. Fans often stop and take pictures of themselves at the end of the driveway in a robe, picking up a paper like Tony Soprano.

The 5,600-square-foot North Caldwell estate was built in 1987 and features four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. When it last sold in 2019, the famous mansion was listed for $3.4 million. If you’re a superfan with that kind of money, maybe you can snap it up when it hits the market again.

Breaking Bad - The RV

There are many recognizable locations from Breaking Bad and its spinoff series Better Call Saul, but none are more iconic than Walter White’s RV. While the original RV might not be easily accessible, the locations where the two series were shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico are, and what better way to see them than on a group tour in a replica of that infamous RV?

Breaking Bad RV Tours does just that, in a recreational vehicle complete with bullet holes and large stove—for stew, right? Along the way, visitors can see a string of locations, including Jesse’s house, Chucky’s, the RV Junkyard, Walt’s house, and many more, including the Breaking Bad Store.

The Crown - The Churchill War Rooms and 10 Downing Street

The Churchill War Rooms feature prominently in The Crown and, while sets were used for the series, the real ones are open to the public. Located underneath King Charles Street in London, the once-secret underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his advisors determined the course of World War II has been preserved exactly as it was and is open for daily tours.

The tour also includes the Winston Churchill museum, which provides a fascinating and in-depth exploration of the life and legacy of one of England’s most important Prime Ministers. And while the real 10 Downing Street is, of course, closed to the public, visitors to the museum can take photos of themselves outside a replica of its legendary front door.

The Simpsons - Springfield

The only “location” for the filming of this house is, obviously, an animation cell (and now animation software), but fans can visit the town of Springfield in all its wacky splendor at the Universal Studios Florida attraction, Springfield: Home of the Simpsons. Featuring midway games, Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, and the original Simpson’s Ride that began it all back in 2008, Springfield is full of fun. In addition to the rides, visitors can enjoy lots of places to shop and eat.

There are meet-and-greets with characters, statues and scenes for photo ops and more. The complex includes Duff Brewery (featuring a limited-service bar), Moe’s Tavern, and Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck. You can even get a non-alcoholic Flaming Moe and stop into Lard Lad Donuts for the signature pink icing and sprinkles donut Homer Simpson loves.

Game of Thrones - The Wall and Other Locations

While Game of Thrones was shot in several different locations in various countries, many of the most memorable spots can be seen and visited in Ireland. The Wall and Castle Black were staged at Magheramorne Quarry in Northern Ireland, which is closed to the public, but if you ask around, you can get directions to a spot where you can view the still-painted wall from a distance. While you’re tooling around Ireland on your dragon, you can also visit several other locations from the series.

These include Northern Ireland’s Ballintoy Harbour, which housed Pyke Castle and is a real working harbor. You can also go to Castle Ward, overlooking Strangford Lough, which was used as Winferfell.

Friends - The Friends Apartments and Central Perk

This is actually two locations. The real one is the exterior of the building that was used for establishing shots in the series, which is located in Greenwich Village, New York City. Of course, no one wants you going up to their actual apartment, and the ones in the building are nothing like the show’s sets. However, at the expanded Central Perk Café at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, you can dine in a replica of the Central Perk coffee shop from the series.

In addition to Central Perk, the experience also includes Chandler and Joey’s apartment, Monica’s apartment, and a Greenwich Village set. You can also buy all sorts of themed items in the Friends Shop, which features real props and costumes from the series on display.

Sherlock - 221B Baker Street

Actually located between 237 and 241 Baker Street in London, England, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is considered the official home of Sherlock Holmes. Baker Street had no 221 at the time the Holmes stories were written and when it was extended, the address was occupied by the Abbey National Building Society, which used to answer Homes’ mail. That institution has since been shuttered and the Holmes Museum now has the honor, complete with a 221B placard.

While it wasn’t used in the filming of Sherlock, the museum is only about a mile away from the real exterior used in the series, 187 North Gower Street, and is quite a bit more interesting. It features the world’s largest collection of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia and gifts, housed in a fully-realized Victorian apartment interior that looks as though Holmes could walk in at any moment.

Downton Abbey - Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle in Hampton, England, has been featured as the titular Yorkshire country estate in the series and films following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family. The castle, which was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers in World War I, is open for general admission tours and guided tours. It has also fully embraced its cinematic heritage, with its tours accessing many areas used in filming.

From the grand oak staircase to Jackdaws Castle, to the state dining room, visitors can revisit many scenes and places from Downton Abbey during their visit. You can even book a stay at the castle’s Grotto Lodge or London Lodge, or hire it for private events, including weddings.