The best movies for European city scenes

Monday, 30 January 2012 12:05 PM

With the Oscars coming up in the next few weeks on 26 February, we thought we’d look at some of our favourite movies for European city scenes. If you haven’t been to these places, these movies will be calling out for you to go and if you have then they will make you dream of wanting to go back. So, get comfy on the sofa, grab your bowl of popcorn and you never know you might be inspired to take a short city break. 

Midnight in Paris - Paris
The new Woody Allen film, which has just been nominated for an Oscar itself, sees a screen writer, played by Owen Wilson having a love affair with the city of Paris, by exploring it each evening at midnight. He is taken on a magical journey around the city and transported back to the 1920’s where he discovers the glory days of the French capital and meets some of the city’s most famous former residents, including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Scott Fitzgerald. If you haven’t already fallen in love with Paris then this movie will surely make sure you do. 

Before Sunrise - Vienna
This is one of the most beautiful films on our list, a simple story of two people who meet on a train and decide to spend the night walking around Vienna together. A film which concentrates wholly on dialogue and backdrop, the beautiful shots will take you on a journey around Austria’s elegant capital, causing you to become as enamoured with it, as the two protagonists are with each other. 

 

 

The Talented Mr. Ripley - Italy
If you love all things Italian, then you’ll love the stunning cinematography of The Talented Mr. Ripley, set in the beautiful Italian landscapes. Taking you from the art deco buildings of Palermo on the isle of Sicily, to the captivating volcanic islands in the bay of Naples; Procida and Ischia, The Talented Mr. Ripley will make you think about impersonating someone else too, if it will allow you to stay there.

 

L’Auberge Espagnole / Pot Luck - Barcelona
We didn’t choose the obvious Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona for this one, but instead chose the little known L’Auberge Espagnole or Pot Luck, as it is called in English, which really captures the very essence of this fascinating city. The movie follows the story of French guy who moves to Barcelona to study abroad and ends up sharing a house with students from all over Europe. The movie is in French, Spanish and English, so great to brush up on your languages and will show you all the best spots of Barcelona, including Gaudí’s famous Parc Güell. It’ll definitely have you yearning to back.  

 

The Tourist - Venice
Although this movie didn’t get great reviews from the critics, if you want to go on tour of the charming city of Venice, then this movie is first class. Race across the city’s elegant rooftops, cruise down its narrow canals, visit some of its most lavish hotels and dine out by candle light under its romantic lighting. If you haven’t had a romantic city break in Venice yet, you’ll definitely want to plan one after watching this.
 

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