007 was here: WKNDTRP venues featured in Bond films

Who doesn’t love James Bond? He’s got irresistible style, swagger, gentleman-ly charm, dexterity and he’s well-traveled! The latest Bond film just hit the theatres and we are here for it! I have to say I am really going to miss Daniel Craig playing the main role because he’s been killing it as the suave Mr. Bond since Casino Royale in 2006. It’s only been a day since the world release of No Time to Die and we’re seeing five star reviews so that’s exciting. To celebrate I’ve put together a fun mix of locations that have been featured in the Bond films. As the world’s best spy, Bond has without a doubt gotten around on his many foreign adventures in every single movie, always suited up in the fanciest cars striding into the flashiest hotels. There’s the daredevil action we love but also a yearning to visit all these incredible places we see on-screen. 007 has easily seen more than 50 countries but I will bring you 7 favorite locations from check ins at spectacular hotel lobbies and villas to high speed chases atop iconic landmarks to backpacker-style rendezvous points at crowded street markets and rustic haunts. The best part? You can find all of these venues in the WKNDTRP app in case you want to go for an MI6 adventure of your own.

Rules Restaurant in Spectre - LONDON

Rules Restaurant is one of London’s oldest in Maiden Lane Covent Garden going as far back as ‘78. The star of the menu is game sourced from a private estate and the tradition continues on in its classic ambience. Gorgeous antiquities and works of art decorate the whole place. We see this elegant London restaurant in Spectre where MI6 members M, Q and Moneypenny meet, and get this - you can actually book the table from the movie - just ask for M’s table at reservations, they’ll know what you mean.

Fontainebleau Hotel in Goldfinger - MIAMI BEACH

Who can forget the infamous mastermind Auric Goldfinger from the timeless classic Goldfinger? You could say this is the most popular Bond film and storyline to-date with so many unforgettable moments. An image of Shirley Eaton covered head to toe in gold paint comes to mind and we’re instantly back there in Miami Beach at this iconic hotel. No pun intended but the atmosphere of Fontainebleau is the perfect blend of modern-day luxury and the glamour of the ‘golden’ era. It’s unmissable. Keep in mind these days a valid health pass is needed for entry.

Grand Bazaar in Skyfall - ISTANBUL

Now I know what you’re going to say. Bond is usually synonymous with the magnificent landmarks, quaint scenes of the ocean and country and cobblestoned pavements in Europe. But in reality, Istanbul is one of Ian Fleming’s favourite places to be and it’s become that signature 007 location, like we see in Skyfall. The film begins with a wild motorbike chase through the busy Grand Bazaar and the crowds of stalls at the scene didn’t stop the chase from reaching the rooftops. Grand Bazaar is super interesting. The stalls sell all sorts of unique Turkish gifts you could bring back home and the rich history of the streets is really felt here.

Monte Carlo Casino in GoldenEye - MONACO

We love Côte d'Azur and unsurprisingly so does Bond! It’s one of those “wish I could be there” moments in GoldenEye watching Bond share a drink with a beautiful woman inside Casino de Monte Carlo - a famed casino in Monaco and a popular tourist destination for lovers of the gambling life. Order yourself a martini and don’t forget to take yours just like MI6’s best spy - shaken not stirred. You haven’t really seen Monaco without paying a visit here. Gambling hours are 2pm to 6am.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club & Peninsula Hotel in Die Another Day - HONG KONG

Hong Kong makes few appearances in the films but in Die Another Day (one of my favourite movies) Bond meets Andrea Anders at The Peninsula. It’s really not a secret that The Peninsula is a testament of Hong Kong’s finest accommodation and it only makes sense that it is given the coveted title of “the Grand Dame of the Far East”. And what about Causeway Bay’s Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - Pierce Brosnan avoids custody by plunging into the waters of the Victoria Harbour - such a rush! One of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the city, it is an exclusive venue for sailing, paddling and rowing. 10/10 would recommend.

Strahov Monastery in Die Another Day - PRAGUE

In Casino Royale, Bond’s boss M wasn’t actually in the British House of Commons when Bond’s failed mission caused a scene in Madagascar. No, she was actually in Strahov Monastery. This beautiful monastery on its own is a world-famous tourist attraction that lovers of books and history cannot get enough of. Seriously! The real kicker is the fact that it’s a rare library that houses manuscripts from the medieval ages and a must-see art gallery as well. We recommend the special group tour to get the full experience.

Villa di Fiorano in Casino Royale - ROME

Bond wouldn’t be Bond without a romantic affair in a lavish historic villa. It’s at this stunning property in Roma where 007 meets newly widowed Lucia Sciarra and romances her. We are here for the romantic tension but can’t help but be enchanted by this villa in the heart of the Appia Antica park. Four-hectares of garden with swimming pool and fountain from the 1700s.

And so DanieI Craig goes out with a huge bang. Who knows who will play Bond next. Some say it’ll be a woman. But what we do know is that Bond never dies. If you want to actually visit these famous filming locations, YOU CAN! Head on over to the WKNDTRP app, check out these venues and start planning for your next wknd trip - make it a 007 weekend.