You’ve watched the shocking finales, you’ve obsessed over every slow zoom and suspicious glance, and — let’s be honest — you’ve probably paused the screen more than once just to Google, “Where was this filmed?” From the cliff-hugging hotels of The White Lotus to the stately manors of Knives Out and the surprisingly suspenseful sidewalks of New York’s Upper West Side, these settings steal the show almost as much as the storylines. But here’s the real twist: you can visit them.
That’s right – grab your carry-on and your remote, because you’re about to tour some of the most iconic destinations that mystery and thriller TV shows and films have ever set foot in. Whether you’re chasing sun, suspense, or a little of both, our guide will take you straight into the scene — no script required.
Taormina, Sicily — The White Lotus, Season 2
San Domenico Palace, Taormina
If you found yourself clutching your Aperol Spritz a little tighter during The White Lotus, Season 2, you’re not the only one. Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s eastern coast, became an overnight sensation thanks to its screen time in HBO’s addictive chaos-comedy. Between the jaw-dropping shots of the San Domenico Palace and the twisty antics unfolding just beyond its infinity pool, Taormina suddenly became a main character in the story. The show captured that odd intersection of decadence and dysfunction, using the town’s faded palatial beauty to full effect.
You’ll want to plan at least a few days here, because once you get a glimpse of the ancient Greek theater carved into the hillside, with snowcapped Mount Etna smoldering in the distance, you’ll wish you had more time before flying back home. The narrow streets take twists you don’t see coming, much like the show — except your plot involves pistachio cannoli and a long lunch. Don’t miss a day trip to Mount Etna for a lava-strewn landscape unlike anything you’ve seen, followed by a glass of local Nerello Mascalese wine. The White Lotus fans might come for the drama, but what really grabs you is how alive the place feels…even when it’s perfectly still.
Porto Heli, Greece — Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Now let’s talk about the kind of place where a billionaire might throw a murder-mystery party. Porto Heli plays host to Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery with a confidence that says, “Yes, my water really is that blue.” Tucked along the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, this part of Greece saw a big bump in online searches after the movie dropped, with viewers desperate to trace the footsteps of Detective Benoit Blanc. You can almost hear the clink of cocktail glasses and the distant sound of plotting as you picture that cliffside compound.
Even if you’re not solving a multi-millionaire’s murder, there’s more than enough intrigue to keep you entertained. Start with a stay at Amanzoe, the ultra-luxury resort used as the film’s private island stand-in — you’ll see what all the buzz is about the moment you step foot in the marble-clad spa or your own pool pavilion. The area is made for slow mornings, outrageous dinners, and dramatic yacht entrances. Yet there’s more than glamor here: scenic hikes, olive groves, and islands like Spetses are just a quick boat ride away.
Devon, England — Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate
Greenway Estate by Hannah Hawke licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Let’s take a step back in time — to a place where the tea is strong, the cliffs are steep, and the thrill of a mystery is never far off. Devon, England, is making noise again, thanks to the constant stream of Christie adaptations popping up, most recently Death on the Nile and the buzz building around BBC’s Murder is Easy. And right in the middle of it all is Greenway: Agatha Christie’s former summer home, where décor, diaries, and original manuscripts bring her stories off the page.
At Greenway Estate, you can practically feel Hercule Poirot’s mustache twitching with suspicion. Once you’ve explored the estate, spend time hiking along the River Dart or tracing the South West Coast Path for windswept clifftop views that belong in a novel. The surrounding villages don’t try too hard to impress — they don’t need to. Cobblestone lanes, weather-worn pubs, and quiet coves make the whole county feel like it’s holding a secret, just waiting for someone to bring it into the light.
New York City, USA — Only Murders in the Building
Upper West Side, Manhattan
Only Murders in the Building turned New York City’s Upper West Side into the background of some very quirky crime-solving, and suddenly, classic apartment buildings like The Belnord (rebranded as “The Arconia” in the TV series) became pop culture landmarks. Watching Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez mix comedy with murder made the Upper West Side feel like there was much to be discovered behind those stone facades.
If you’re visiting the Big Apple, you can take a stroll past The Belnord and pretend you’re heading to a rooftop stakeout. Next, swing by Café Luxembourg or the famous Zabar’s for lunch — after all, even amateur detectives need fuel. Spend your afternoon wandering Central Park or catching a show or a concert at Lincoln Center, both of which have served as movie locations over the years.
Massachusetts, USA — Knives Out
Who knew that cozy armchairs, overcast skies, and aggressive amounts of plaid could set the stage for a world-class mystery? Massachusetts did. Knives Out may have been a modern whodunit, but its setting — think foggy woods, antique wallpaper, and suspiciously grand staircases — had all the makings of timeless intrigue. The Ames Mansion in Easton, used for filming interior shots, gave the movie a stately presence, while the surrounding towns practically whisper, “Don’t trust anyone.” Exterior shots of the mansion were filmed in Natick, while Ransom Drysdale’s ultra modern bachelor pad is located in Lincoln.
If you’re planning a fall trip, the foliage is the color of fire, the towns come with their own ghost stories, and local libraries seem like they could double as murder scenes. Walk through historic estates or take a scenic drive along Route 6A, hitting antique stores, general shops, and maybe a cider mill or two. Massachusetts has that New England charm that looks lovely in pictures, but feels even better in a tweed coat with a mystery to solve.
Maui, Hawaii — The White Lotus, Season 1
Hawaii 2025 by Alan Light licensed under CC by 2.0
Turning back to The White Lotus, let’s rewind to where it all started. Season 1 introduced us t the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and after that, no tropical vacation looked quite the same. The camera lingered on waves a little longer, the staff interactions felt loaded with suspense, and sunsets somehow seemed like foreshadowing.
Visiting Maui, Hawaii means snorkeling past sea turtles, road-tripping the curvy Road to Hana, or catching a sunrise atop the otherworldly Haleakalā crater. Combine that with luxury-level pampering at the resort, and suddenly you understand how characters could lose track of themselves. Even if you’re not worried about who might be plotting behind the cabana curtains, you’ll leave wondering how your trip turned into a story you’ll want to tell more than once.
You May Also Like: Up for a Binge-Worthy Trip? Great Destinations from Famous TV Shows
Lake Como, Italy — Assorted mystery/spy thrillers
Aah, Lake Como. You’ve seen it in Casino Royale, The Night Manager, and a dozen more international spy mysteries — and there’s a reason for that. It’s classy. It’s polished. It’s remote enough that a disappearance wouldn’t raise eyebrows (at least not right away). Como has that cinematic quality that directors and travelers both drool over, and it only takes one boat ride to see why.
As soon as you arrive in Italy, be sure to visit Villa del Balbianello — a filming hotspot that’s served as a backdrop for everything from lightsaber duels to private spy retreat scenes. The scenery that surrounds the villa looks just like a postcard: snow-dusted Alps in the background, colorful shorefront homes glinting across the water. Spend the day on a wooden speedboat pretending you’re in the middle of your own impossible mission, or enjoy a slow meal with lake views while plotting your next journey.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need a car to get around Porto Heli, Greece?
A: It’s helpful, but not absolutely necessary. Many resorts offer transportation, and taxis or boat transfers to nearby islands are easy to arrange. Renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore inland.
Q: Is Greenway Estate in Devon, England open year-round?
A: Greenway typically opens from March through October. Check the National Trust’s official website for current hours, tickets, and seasonal closures before planning your visit.
Q: Can you tour The Belnord building in New York from Only Murders in the Building?
A: The Belnord is a private residential building, so tours aren’t available. However, you can view the exterior from the sidewalk on West 86th Street and explore the neighborhood featured in the show.
Q: Are any of the Knives Out locations in Massachusetts open to the public?
A: Ames Mansion, used in filming, is part of Borderland State Park and open to visitors. While interior tours are limited, you can roam the grounds, picnic, and snap plenty of film-worthy photos.
Q: What’s a good alternative activity for families visiting Maui who aren’t staying at the Four Seasons?
A: Try the Maui Ocean Center, whale-watching tours (in season), or a guided hike on the Iao Valley trails. These offer fun, nature-focused experiences without the resort price tag.
Q: How do you get to Lake Como from Milan?
A: One of the easiest routes is by train. From Milan Centrale, take a direct train to Como San Giovanni station (about an hour). From there, ferries or rideshare options can get you around the lake.
Did we leave any of your favorite mystery TV shows off our list? Let us know in the comments section below!
Featured Image: Hawaii 2025 by Alan Light licensed under CC by 2.0
Leave a Reply