Step into the world of Marvel superheroes and discover the real-life locations that brought iconic scenes to life! From the bustling streets of New York City to the vast landscapes of Wakanda, Marvel has used some of the most stunning locations in the world to set the stage for its action-packed blockbusters. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love exploring amazing destinations, this guide will take you to some of the most unforgettable Marvel filming locations where you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite superheroes.
1. Avengers Tower – New York City, USA
The towering headquarters of the Avengers plays a central role in many Marvel films, including The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. While the tower itself is a CGI creation, the real-life location of Avengers Tower is based in the heart of Manhattan, New York City.
What to See:
Walk around Manhattan and explore famous landmarks like Times Square and Central Park, both of which have appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While you won’t find the towering Avengers headquarters in real life, you’ll feel like a hero yourself as you explore the streets where Captain America, Iron Man, and others fought to save the world.
Travel Tip:
Take a Marvel-themed tour in New York City to visit filming locations like Grand Central Station (featured in The Avengers) and Stark Tower. Don’t miss The Marvel Store at Rockefeller Plaza for exclusive merchandise!
2. Wakanda – South Africa
The highly advanced and secretive African nation of Wakanda in Black Panther became one of Marvel's most beloved locations. Although Wakanda itself is a fictional place, many of the stunning landscapes featured in the film were filmed in South Africa, specifically in locations like The Drakensberg Mountains and KwaZulu-Natal.
What to See:
Visit The Drakensberg Mountains, which served as the backdrop for the awe-inspiring scenes of Wakanda’s landscapes. KwaZulu-Natal is another beautiful region to explore, with its vast savannahs and lush forests, making it the perfect location for the world of Black Panther.
Travel Tip:
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the spirit of Wakanda, explore South Africa’s rich cultural heritage with visits to Zulu villages and nearby game reserves, where you can spot Africa’s famous wildlife in their natural habitat.
3. Spider-Man’s New York – Queens and Brooklyn, USA
The friendly neighborhood Spider-Man calls Queens home, and many of his adventures are set in and around New York City. Filming locations for Spider-Man movies like Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home showcase familiar spots throughout the city.
What to See:
Start by visiting Queens, Spider-Man's hometown. You can also head over to Brooklyn and visit iconic filming locations such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Coney Island. For an even deeper Spider-Man experience, head to Peter Parker’s high school, which is actually filmed at Forest Hills High School in Queens.
Travel Tip:
Check out Queensbridge Park, where some of the movie's more personal moments were filmed, and don’t forget to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, which makes an appearance in the films as Spider-Man swings across the city.
4. Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum – New York City, USA
The Sanctum Sanctorum, the mystical headquarters of Doctor Strange, is located in the heart of New York City. In the films, the Sanctum is depicted as a building in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, but in reality, this magical location is an urban legend, with the exterior filmed at an actual location in Manhattan.
What to See:
Explore Greenwich Village, the home of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum, and check out the stunning architecture of the streets of New York. While the Sanctum itself is part of the mystical world of Doctor Strange, you’ll love the quirky vibe and culture that Greenwich Village has to offer.
Travel Tip:
Visit Washington Square Park nearby, which also appears in Doctor Strange. Greenwich Village is filled with art, cafes, and historic buildings, so take your time to explore the area on foot.
5. Thor’s Asgard – The Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
While Asgard, the home of Thor, is depicted as a majestic city in the stars, several real-world locations were used to portray its rugged landscapes. The most notable of these is Þingvellir National Park in Iceland.
What to See:
Head to Þingvellir National Park, where scenes of Thor’s home were filmed. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanic valleys, lakes, and craggy hills that reflect the majestic world of Asgard.
Travel Tip:
Iceland is known for its incredible natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. Don’t miss the chance to explore the volcanic landscapes and rugged terrain surrounding Þingvellir.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy – The Butchart Gardens, Canada
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Ego the Living Planet is depicted as a lush, vibrant planet filled with colorful gardens. The real-world filming location for the stunning gardens of Ego is The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada.
What to See:
Visit Butchart Gardens to walk through beautiful floral landscapes, including the Sunken Garden and the Rose Garden. The vibrant colors and lush surroundings will make you feel like you've stepped into the mystical world of Ego.
Travel Tip:
The gardens are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring and summer, when the flowers are in full bloom. Explore nearby Victoria for more Marvel-themed attractions.
7. The Sokovia Incident – Dubrovnik, Croatia
The fictional country of Sokovia, where the dramatic battle in Avengers: Age of Ultron takes place, was filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This historic city served as a stand-in for Sokovia’s capital.
What to See:
Wander through the Old Town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which was used for various scenes involving Sokovia’s destruction. The city walls, Fort Lovrijenac, and Stradun (the main street) all appear in the film’s climactic battle.
Travel Tip:
Dubrovnik is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. After exploring the Marvel locations, relax on the beautiful beaches or take a cable car ride for panoramic views of the city.
8. Black Widow’s Russian Origins – The Petrodvorets Palace, Russia
In Black Widow, the origins of Natasha Romanoff are explored, and one of the key locations is the stunning Petrodvorets Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. This magnificent palace doubles as the home of the Black Widow’s Russian roots.
What to See:
Visit Petrodvorets Palace, a grand example of Baroque architecture, and explore its beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains. The palace’s opulent interiors are just as spectacular as its exterior, making it a must-see destination for Marvel fans.
Travel Tip:
St. Petersburg is a beautiful city full of culture and history. Be sure to visit other sites such as The Hermitage Museum and Nevsky Prospect for a complete Russian experience.
9. Ant-Man’s San Francisco – San Francisco, USA
The action-packed world of Ant-Man comes to life in the bustling city of San Francisco. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the streets of Downtown, this vibrant city serves as the backdrop for Scott Lang's shrinking adventures.
What to See:
Stroll through San Francisco’s Chinatown, where many of the film's action sequences were shot. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge for a dramatic view of the city, and check out Alamo Square Park, which appears in the film’s iconic shrinking sequences.
Travel Tip:
San Francisco is a fun and quirky city to explore, with plenty of hills, cafes, and hidden gems. Don’t miss a ride on a classic Cable Car to get the full experience!
10. Captain America’s Shield – The Plaza Hotel, New York City, USA
In Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America fights to protect America’s interests, and one of his most iconic moments is wielding his mighty shield. The Plaza Hotel in New York is where Steve Rogers’ shield gets its iconic makeover.
What to See:
Explore The Plaza Hotel, an iconic New York City landmark where Captain America’s shield is created. The hotel has a rich history, making it a perfect backdrop for a superhero story.
Travel Tip:
The Plaza Hotel offers luxurious accommodations and is located near famous locations like Central Park and 5th Avenue, perfect for fans of Marvel and New York.
Your Marvel Adventure Awaits
These incredible Marvel filming locations bring the action of your favorite superhero movies to real-world settings. From the majestic landscapes of Wakanda to the bustling streets of New York City, these locations offer fans the chance to step into the world of Marvel superheroes and relive the most epic moments of the films.
Ready to embark on your own superhero adventure? Use our flight search tool to book your tickets to the ultimate Marvel movie locations and get ready to save the world—one filming location at a time!