Booking.com Reveals the Destinations Behind the Latest Street Racing Blockbuster
The exhilarating movie series centered on street car racing is speeding into cinemas for its tenth installment on May 10. It might have started life as a low-key endeavor about LA street racers, but this franchise has now transformed into a saga of blockbusters with worldwide appeal. With almost half (43%) of global travelers wanting to travel to a destination they saw featured in a movie,* we are sharing four destinations where this new adventure was filmed and where travelers can experience their own car escapades, be it on two wheels or four. From the glitz and glam of the streets of Los Angeles to the historical culture of Rome, all coupled with the thrilling car action might just inspire the next vacation destination for travelers seeking their next adventure.
Lisbon, Portugal
This coastal capital city is bustling with plenty of character and charm. Situated on the western bank of Portugal, it's known for its distinct music, beautiful architecture, and yellow trams. It is now also finding fame as it speeds into this latest film. In the movie, the vibrant cobbled streets provide a beautiful backdrop to some of the scenes, before the cast whizz off in their fast cars. Cameras have been spotted capturing the city’s iconic Arco da Rua Augusta building and the nearby Praca do Comercio, the grand, harbor-facing plaza. Travelers who want a more laid-back experience on wheels can book a Private Tuk-Tuk Tour to explore Lisbon’s sights including the largest town square in Europe. Travelers will wander through Alfama, one of the oldest neighborhoods in town with historic buildings and traditional houses, and also home to the famous number 28 yellow tram route. Before stopping off at the Fado Museum to discover the history of the traditional music genre or exploring the flea market area and Lisbon cathedral.
Where to stay: The Flexi 10 is a quirky, boutique stay featuring a miniature car collection in the lobby that makes it the perfect pitstop for car and driving enthusiasts. The B&B also boasts a tranquil courtyard overlooking the Lisbon landscape and is located in a quiet street for those who want to be near the action but sleep peacefully. Rooms are elegantly decorated with blackout curtains to provide guests with uninterrupted sleep, and the bathrooms come complete with a spacious bathtub and towel warmer rail.
London, United Kingdom
From Piccadilly Circus in the West End to the Southbank along the River Thames, London has played host to many chart-topping blockbusters over the years. The capital city is a returning location for the global movie series, with the rebellious petrolheads crossing continents to fight terror and indulge in street racing theatrics once again. For travelers wanting a unique driving experience, try a London Classic Car Tour, and take to the streets in a vintage car accompanied by a local guide to see iconic landmarks from St Paul's Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament and the Shard. Or live like a local and delve into the hidden spots of the city with a Secret London Taxi Tour. Travelers will visit lesser-known sights including Roman ruins and timber-framed buildings pre-dating the Great Fire of London, alongside hidden courtyards and forgotten statues as they discover the secret history of the city – all from the comfort of a classic British taxi.
Where to stay: Bed down in the heart of Mayfair at St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London. A popular area amongst the rich and famous and a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace, this Victorian hotel exudes opulence and sophistication. The hotel offers luxury car experiences for guests including airport transfers, leisure excursions, and day trips, with a selection of exclusive vintage and classic cars which are favorites of the royals and have made star appearances in popular British movies. The Booking.com Travel Sustainable property implements sustainable methods and practices to protect the environment and offer its guests a more sustainable stay, from a ban on single-use plastics to offering tours and activities organized by local guides and businesses.
Rome, Italy
Rome will be a series first for this particular film franchise. Streets in Rome’s historic center were closed to facilitate filming, with motorcycle scenes taking place in central Rome around the Spanish Steps. A magnet for visitors since the 18th century, these 135 gleaming steps rise in all their glory and provide a perfect people-watching perch. Located in central Italy, Rome is known for its vast historical culture and architectural landmarks: travelers can take a stroll down one of the oldest roads into Rome, the Via Appia Antica, or visit the famous large neoclassical 19th-century square, Piazza del Popolo. With 39% of travelers wanting to visit a specific landmark from a movie,* venture to the Colosseum, the large amphitheater that housed over 60,000 spectators in Roman days and where the cast was spotted filming scenes. The sights are best explored on foot in this walkable city, but for those who want a more creative way to explore, take a Segway Tour of Rome. Switching gears, travelers will ride an electric scooter around the ancient ruins and get a chance to enjoy a unique virtual reality experience to step back in time and see Rome in days gone past.
Where to stay: For an authentic Italian experience, a stay at the Relais Donna Lucrezia is recommended. The Booking.com Travel Sustainable guest house provides a hearty breakfast with fresh ingredients including cheese, salami, and eggs taken from the farm for guests to start their day. Those staying here can also tour the city in style in a classic Italian car with a private driver and guide to help discover the historical and architectural culture of Rome. With main attractions including the Villa Borghese, a popular large, landscaped garden, and the Trinità dei Monti Church nearby, there’s plenty for travelers to see while staying at this guest house.
Los Angeles, United States
Situated in southern California, this entertainment capital is a film buff's dream. Famous for its sprawling Hollywood hills, fancy cars, and a plethora of studios dotted across the city, it’s no wonder LA was chosen as a filming spot for this new movie. Filming once again took place for the tenth iteration of the franchise in the historic Angelino Heights neighborhood. Visitors to LA can drive through the streets of the city themselves in an environmentally friendly way by renting a fully electric or hybrid car to get behind the wheel themselves, although stay below the speed limit. Film fans visiting the city can purchase a ticket for Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood to explore the film sets at the iconic studio and theme park. Travelers can immerse themselves in a movie experience with a behind-the-scenes look at props and cars from the blockbuster film as part of an exhilarating ride at the studios. To learn more about the four-wheeled stars of the show, visitors can also race to the Petersen Automotive Museum, the world’s largest automotive museum in the world.
Where to stay: Bed down at the cosmopolitan hotel, The Shay, a Destination by Hyatt, just a short ride away from the studios. Opt for a stay in one of its stylish rooms with a balcony to enjoy sweeping views of the LA skyline. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool and bar to enjoy some tantalizing cocktails before heading out to explore the nightlife. Guests may also be lucky enough to catch one of its many events, from rejuvenating rooftop yoga sessions to DJ residencies and local art exhibitions. The property holds a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its efforts to provide guests with a more environmentally friendly stay. This includes taking steps to reduce its waste management, serving up farm fresh dishes in its Etta restaurant, and serving local craft beers.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.