Bollywood movies have taken us on breathtaking visual journeys across the globe. While some of these locations seem like dreamlike fantasylands, they are very real and open for visitors. If you’ve ever wanted to walk the same streets as your favourite stars, here are five Bollywood movies shooting locations that you can visit.
1. Vienna, Austria
The capital of Austria, Vienna, is a city of romance, history, and art. Bollywood has made great use of its charming streets and cultural heritage. Films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya, and Albela were shot here. The movie shooting location for the song Bulleya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was the stunning Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses masterpieces like The Tower of Babel. Vienna’s beautifully decorated streets, especially during Christmas, make it an even more magical destination. Not just Bollywood, even Hollywood films like A Dangerous Mind have been filmed here. Despite its cinematic presence, much of the city remains unexplored on the big screen—making it a must-visit for film enthusiasts.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has shared a long relationship with Bollywood, spanning over two decades. It all began with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which showcased iconic locations like Liberty Bridge and the Opera House. More recently, movies like Rabta, Jab Harry Met Sejal, and Sultan have been filmed here. Lesser-known films like Aks (2001), starring Manoj Bajpayee and Amitabh Bachchan, were also shot in Budapest at Hero Square. The wrestling scenes in Sultan were filmed here as well. Even commercials, like the Cadbury 5 Star vacation ad and the Vivo ad featuring Ranveer Singh, have taken advantage of Budapest’s charm. The Chain Bridge, a key landmark, has been featured in Bollywood films, and you can even recreate the iconic moment of Nandini rushing towards Vanraj from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam—though the movie presented it as Italy!
3. Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a favourite among filmmakers, offering luxury, modernity, and an exotic desert landscape. The Bollywood movie shoot of Happy New Year took place at the Atlantis Hotel, featuring Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The city has also been the backdrop for films like Yalgaar, Dabangg, Welcome, and Race. Dubai’s Miracle Garden, with its fragrant floral sculptures, was featured in Hamari Adhuri Kahani, starring Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan. Bollywood fans can also visit the Bollywood Theme Park, where they can relive scenes from movies like Krrish, Ra.One, and Lagaan. Dubai is also home to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, featured in Bewakoofiyaan, Welcome Back, and Happy New Year. Other iconic locations include Dubai Mall (with the world’s largest aquarium), Dubai Creek (featured in Om Jai Jagdish), and the luxurious Palm Jumeirah, where celebrities like Shahrukh Khan own properties. Indian restaurants are plentiful, with even Asha Bhosale owning a restaurant serving dishes inspired by her family recipes. With its skyline, lavish resorts, and vast desert, Dubai is a true gem for Bollywood lovers.
4. Abu Dhabi, UAE
As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has hosted numerous Bollywood films. Tiger Zinda Hai, Bang Bang, and Dhoom 3 were all filmed here. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest, is open to non-Muslim visitors with a proper dress code. The mosque also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest carpet. The city is also home to the Capital Gate, a famous skyscraper featured in Bang Bang and Race 3. Another exciting movie shooting location in Abu Dhabi is Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster and various exclusive Ferrari-themed attractions. The Emirates Palace, a premium luxury hotel, has been a popular filming location for the Race series, Welcome, and Dabangg. With its stunning high-speed roads and sleek architecture, Abu Dhabi offers the perfect backdrop for action-packed Bollywood scenes.
5. London – A Bollywood Dreamland
From the majestic Tower Bridge in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom to the heartwarming moments of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham at Bluewater Mall, London has been a favourite Bollywood movie location for filmmakers. The city’s timeless charm shines in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, with scenes filmed at All Saints Church in Blackheath, while Blackheath Park set the stage for Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, where John Abraham blended football with film. Whether you’re tracing the cinematic footprints in Greenwich or reliving Bollywood magic at Warwick Castle, London offers a reel-to-real experience for every movie buff!
Conclusion
From the romantic streets of Vienna to the grandeur of Abu Dhabi, Bollywood has beautifully captured some of the world’s most stunning destinations. These Bollywood movie shoot locations are not just for the silver screen—they are real places waiting to be explored. If you’re a Bollywood fan looking for travel inspiration, these destinations offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of your favourite stars while experiencing breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures. So, pack your bags and get ready for a cinematic adventure of your own!
