Wes Anderson is a highly influential filmmaker known for his distinct visual style and quirky, offbeat storytelling. Many of his films are set in unique, fantastical worlds, and some even feature real-life locations that have been transformed into Anderson’s signature aesthetic. If you’re a fan of his work and want to plan a travel itinerary inspired by his films, there are a few places you might want to consider visiting.
One of Anderson’s most famous films, The Grand Budapest Hotel, is set in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka. While this country doesn’t actually exist, the film was shot in the real-life city of Görlitz, Germany. Görlitz is known for its beautiful old town and its many historic buildings, some of which were used as sets in the film. If you visit Görlitz, you can see the Sächsische Schweiz National Park, which was also featured in the film.
What about a visit the picturesque island of Kőszeg, Hungary, the setting for Anderson’s movie “Fantastic Mr. Fox”? Explore the rural countryside and visit the local farmers market to sample some of the delicious local produce.
Mehrangarh Fort
Another of Anderson’s films that has a strong sense of place is The Darjeeling Limited, which is set in India. The film was shot in several locations throughout the country, including the cities of Mumbai, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the characters from the film, you can visit these cities and see the sights they see, such as the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
A visit the quirky and colorful town of San Sebastián, Spain, the setting for Anderson’s movie “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”. Take a boat tour to see the famous Belafonte ship and visit the aquarium where the film’s characters worked.
Narragansett, RI, USA
Finally, Moonrise Kingdom, one of Anderson’s most beloved films, is set on an island off the coast of New England. While the island in the film is fictional, the landscapes and buildings used in the film were inspired by real places on the coast of New England. You can visit the town of New Shoreham on Block Island, Rhode Island, which was one of the main inspirations for the film, or you can explore the beaches and forests of the region to get a sense of the natural beauty that inspired Anderson.
A trip inspired by Wes Anderson’s films can take you to some truly unique and fascinating places around the world. Whether you want to explore the historic old town of Görlitz, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of India, or take in the natural beauty of New England, there are plenty of options to choose from.