Notting Hill

Explore the cities that star in your favourite romcoms

4 min read

Who hasn’t seen a romcom and hoped it could happen in real life?

Well, we can’t conjure up Prince or Princess Charming, but we can give you some movie-inspired travel advice…

Retrace the steps of your favourite characters on your next getaway. Whether you go on a quick city break or a transatlantic adventure, it’s time to bring the silver screen to life.

Clueless about Beverly Hills? As if!

With a killer soundtrack, a generation-defining makeover montage and a lot of laughs, Clueless is the classic 1990s romcom. It’s as much about female friendships as it is about Cher (Alicia Silverstone) and her attempts to win several boy’s hearts, including that of her ex-stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd).

Key spots: This film is all about the fantasy of Beverly Hills. Huge houses, perfectly coiffed looks and non-stop sunshine. But nothing says Clueless more than shopping. Head to Rodeo Drive to have a Cher-worthy spending spree.

Get there: Fly direct to Los Angeles.

Loving Notting Hill in London

The quintessential romcom, Notting Hill is as funny as it is sweet. The story of bumbling book shop owner Will (Hugh Grant) and glamorous movie star Anna (Julia Roberts) can melt even the most cynical of hearts. The pair’s encounters take place almost entirely in West London’s colourful streets and secret gardens.

Key spots: One of the most memorable scenes in the movie takes places when Anna and Will sneak into the private Rosmead Garden. It is still private, but it opens its gates every Sunday to the public. If you’re feeling hungry afterwards, recreate Will and Anna’s dinner date at Japanese restaurant Nobu.

Get there: Fly direct to London City, Heathrow or Gatwick.

Your ticket to Moulin Rouge! Paris

Baz Luhrmann’s all-singing, all-dancing Moulin Rouge! is completely captivating. It’s no wonder that it won two Oscars for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.

This love story is all about how a naive poet Christian (Ewan McGregor) falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge show Satine (Nicole Kidman).

Key spots: We know Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman are in this movie, but the real star of the show is Montmartre. Tourists flock to this part of Paris in droves, but you can still lose yourself in the winding cobbled streets and discover some of its old magic. Of course, for film fans, no trip here is complete without seeing a show in the famous Moulin Rouge… Just remember to make your reservations in advance.

Get there: Fly direct from Dublin or Cork to Paris.

New York fairytale: When Harry Met Sally

What’s not to love about When Harry Met Sally? Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) are a classic rom-com pairing. They hate each other, grow to like each other and then… We’ll let you watch the film to find out the rest. When you see it, you can then relive all the best parts in some of its most famous New York filming locations.

Key spots: This film is all New York, all the time, from walks through Central Park to a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But the main part everyone remembers is the iconic Katz’s Deli scene. And the good news is that it’s a real place on the Lower East Side, so you can go in and order what Sally’s having for yourself.

Get there: Fly direct to New York JFK or Newark.

Hop aboard for your Roman Holiday

Despite being the oldest film on our list, Roman Holiday is timeless and infinitely charming. And this romp that takes place in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Rome is the playground for Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) and reporter Joe (Gregory Peck) who meet by chance and share an unforgettable day together.

Key spots: A Vespa tour of Rome is really the perfect way to pay homage to Roman Holiday, and to navigate the ancient streets of the Eternal City. If you’d rather go on foot, GPS My City has a four-hour route that takes in all the key sights of the movie and of the city itself. Just remember to stop for an ice cream break or three.

Get there: Fly direct to Rome.

Book your next adventure today!

Related Articles
Fly, Run, Explore: Top Marathons with Aer Lingus
In News 4 min read
7 street foods in London that you will definitely not want to miss
In News 4 min read
Behind the scenes: Take a tour of London in 59 seconds
In Routes 4 min read
Behind the scenes: Take a tour of Edinburgh and the Highlands in 59 seconds
In Routes 4 min read