Where Was National Lampoon’s European Vacation Filmed?

By Michael Ferguson

National Lampoon’s European Vacation is a classic comedy movie directed by Amy Heckerling. It follows the Griswold family as they embark on a hilarious and disastrous European vacation.

The movie is filled with iconic scenes that have become a part of pop culture. But have you ever wondered where the movie was filmed? Let’s take a look at some of the locations used in National Lampoon’s European Vacation.

London, England

The movie starts in London, England, where the Griswold family visits some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Some of the scenes were filmed at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square. The scene where Clark accidentally drives on the wrong side of the road was filmed on Lambeth Bridge.

Paris, France

The Griswold family then heads to Paris, France. The majority of scenes in Paris were shot on location in the city.

Some recognizable landmarks that appear in the movie include Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde. The scene where Clark crashes into a French bicycle race was filmed at Champs-Élysées.

Rome, Italy

The final leg of the Griswold family’s trip takes them to Rome, Italy. Many iconic locations were used as backdrops for various scenes throughout Rome including St. Peter’s Basilica and Trevi Fountain.

The Bottom Line

National Lampoon’s European Vacation is a classic comedy movie that has stood the test of time. With its hilarious antics and memorable characters, it is no surprise that this film remains a fan favorite even today! And now that you know where some of these iconic scenes took place, you may want to visit these locations yourself someday!

  • London scenes: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square
  • Paris scenes: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde
  • Rome scenes: St. Peter’s Basilica and Trevi Fountain