Explore the Hidden Spy Filming Locations Around the Globe
With Amazon now at the helm of the upcoming James Bond film, fans of the iconic series are reminiscing about the exotic destinations featured in past installments. Speculation is rife about where and when the next adventure will unfold. From the sleek modernity of Vauxhall’s MI6 headquarters to luxurious hotels, ancient cities, and private islands, the British agent’s travels have spanned far and wide, accumulating countless air miles.
From villainous lairs and grand estates to action-packed sequences across continents since the 1962 setting in Jamaica for Dr. No, Bond has left his mark everywhere from Shanghai to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. These films, infused with glamour and intrigue, have made their filming locations famous, attracting tourists seeking a taste of the spy lifestyle. For instance, Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay has been affectionately dubbed “James Bond Island,” while a scenic road trip along Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road, as seen in Daniel Craig’s No Time To Die, has become a must-do for movie enthusiasts.
If your goal is to experience the thrill of traveling like 007, here are some of the top Bond filming locations to follow in the footsteps of the suave international super spy.
Morocco007 has twice been sent to Tangier, Morocco in the films Spectre (2015) and The Living Daylights (1987). The journey from MI6 headquarters to Morocco has led 007 to Tangier on two occasions. In Spectre, Bond and Madeleine Swann find themselves in the coastal city of Tangier, with its distinctive shuttered houses and tall palm trees, after escaping from Austria. Similarly, The Living Daylights, released in 1987, featured Timothy Dalton’s Bond investigating a KGB plot to eliminate enemy spies in Tangier. The city’s rich history portrays it as a former haven for spies and a refuge for pirates, now evolving into a vibrant destination with a flourishing café culture, Art Deco cinema, and serene beaches perfect for a holiday.
Moving on to Cairo, Egypt, where The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) was filmed. Roger Moore’s Bond embarked on an Egyptian mission in the film, shot against the backdrop of Cairo’s ancient treasures and remarkable architecture. Landmarks such as the Gayer Anderson Museum, Al Muizz Street, and the historic Ibn Tulun Mosque were prominently featured in the movie, offering a glimpse into the city’s beauty and heritage. Fans of the Bond series can now partake in tours that trace Moore’s adventurous journey through Cairo, providing a unique experience for those visiting the Egyptian capital.
In the Scottish Highlands, iconic landscapes of Glencoe and Glen Etive served as the setting for various Bond films, including Skyfall (2012), From Russia With Love (1963), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), and the upcoming No Time To Die (2021). Bond’s Aston Martin navigated through the picturesque scenery en route to his family home at the fictional Skyfall Lodge, passing by landmarks like Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag. Additionally, Eilean Donan Castle, a medieval stronghold where three lochs converge, made an appearance as Scotland’s MI6 headquarters in The World is Not Enough, adding a touch of Scottish charm to the franchise.
Heading to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where the Bond character was conceived by author Ian Fleming, and where films like Dr. No (1962), Live and Let Die (1973), and the upcoming No Time to Die (2021) showcased the idyllic beaches of Ocho Rios. Bond’s retirement beach hut was specially constructed in Port Antonio for Craig’s final appearance, while the opening of a luxury resort at Goldeneye, Ian Fleming’s former residence, has provided fans with a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Bond on the Caribbean island nation.
In the Swiss Alps, Piz Gloria restaurant, located atop the Schilthorn peak in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, served as Blofeld’s lair in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). At almost 3,000 meters above sea level, the revolving restaurant offers a Bond-themed
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