James Bond On A Budget: 007 Filming Locations To Visit On The Cheap

Bond On A Budget: 007 Filming Locations To Visit On The Cheap
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Daniel Craig attending the World Premiere of Spectre, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday October 26, 2015. See PA Story: SHOWBIZ Bond. Photo credit should read: Matt Crossick/PA Wire
Matt Crossick/PA Wire

Since film fans were treated to that very first iconic shot of Sean Connery’s super-suave James Bond at the card table in 1962’s Dr No, we’ve followed the character through five decades of espionage, intrigue and some of the most exciting action scenes in cinematic history – not to mention, the thousands of air miles he’s racked up during his many missions to locations as far-flung as the Bahamas and North Korea.

As Daniel Craig reloads his trusty Walther PPK for another shot at the baddies in the upcoming Spectre, Hertz has put together a list of some of the James Bond franchise’s most famous filming locations which you can see for yourself throughout the world – all without breaking the bank.

James Bond on a budget
Thailand – The Man with the Golden Gun(01 of07)
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If you fancy a trip to one of the most diverse and cultured places in the world, Thailand is a great choice. The good news is that it’s cheap once you’re out there although flights may be a bit pricey. Head to Phang Nga Bay, where Scaramanga had his hideout in The Man with the Golden Gun, now formally known as ‘James Bond Island’. While flights can be expensive, there’s the option to make a few stopovers to keep costs down. Choose Hostels over hotels and eat in local eateries, you’ll be shocked at how little the true Thai experience can cost. (credit:Diego Delso)
Rome – Spectre(02 of07)
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On his latest venture, Bond is seen racing through the streets of Rome. A notoriously expensive city, full to the brim of Roman history and culture, it can be done on a budget. Stay on the outskirts of the city in a small B&B, grab a couple of budget flights and eat in Italian eateries down the cobbled backstreets to keep costs down and experience what real Rome has to offer. (credit:Jebulon)
Venice – From Russia With Love / Moonraker / Casino Royale(03 of07)
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Arranging to visit one of the world’s most romantic getaways with a loved one is bound to earn you some serious brownie points – just don’t let on that it’s really because you’re off to see the place where Roger Moore motored across St Marks Square in a gondola. Also the city is where Daniel Craig’s Bond whisked away Vesper Lynd before tragedy befell them both, Venice is nonetheless a stunning city filled with historic architecture and unrivalled views. Wondering how you’ll do it on a budget? Stay just outside of the city as hotels in central Venice come with a price. If flights are a lot cheaper fly to Milan and jump on the train to your final destination. (credit:Tony Hisgett)
Amsterdam – Diamonds Are Forever(04 of07)
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One of Europe’s top affordable city breaks, if you’re still looking for an excuse to visit then perhaps walking over the same bridges as Sean Connery drove will do the trick. Here posing as a smuggler named Peter Franks, Bond arrives to meet a contact – then gets into a spot of bother when the real Peter Franks turns up. From what locals call the Skinny Bridge you can see the house where Bond goes to meet Tiffany Case, set amidst the amazing Amsterdam backdrop. Bond obsessives and weekend breakers alike will find something to love here. (credit:Francisco Anzola)
Hamburg – Tomorrow Never Dies(05 of07)
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The second biggest city next to Berlin with its canals and waterways is the perfect low-cost getaway. One of the all-time greatest car chases by Brosnan took place in the city. Take a stroll to the Galeria Kaufhof, also featured in Tomorrow Never Dies and stop by the Hotel Atlantic where Bond stayed during his visit to the German city. Flights, food, drink and hostels all come in at a reasonable price, so if you want to check out a slice of Germany, consider Hamburg as an option
Iceland – Die Another Day(06 of07)
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It may seem like a distant place but you’ll easily find budget flights to Iceland, where Pierce Brosnan went up against Toby Stephens in the former’s final appearance as James Bond. Here, the ‘Cars on Ice’ show is in full effect, but we can’t promise you’ll get a glimpse of the massive ice palace where the bad guys hang out – and not just because it’s apparently invisible. Iceland has also served as a filming location for the likes of Tomb Raider, Game of Thrones and Batman Begins – an extremely impressive CV when it comes to filming locations. (credit:Hansueli Krapf)
Istanbul – Skyfall /The World Is Not Enough(07 of07)
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A city known for its beauty, culture and buzzing atmosphere. The World is Not Enough filmed scenes at the Kucuksu Palace in the Beykoz district, a stunning royal building which you can visit when travelling to the city. Although the city has become more expensive over the years, flights are reasonable, taxis are cheap and the street food is a bargain, allowing you to see all the sights for a budget price.

Or, if you'd rather stay local, head over to Hertz to check out the UK-based filming locations.