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10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy - Best TV Shows About Italy

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I don’t know about your home country but in the UK, every minor celebrity seems to have their own travel TV shows about Italy. Inevitably, at least one episode features this B-list personality strolling down cobbled streets in a straw hat slurping pasta and sipping chianti. And who could blame them?!

There aren’t just lots of travel shows about Italy focusing on food or culture either. Some of the best Italian shows on Netflix, for example, are dramas set amongst the crowds of Florence or vineyards outside Venice.

If you’re visiting Italy soon, you will no doubt want to seek out as many awesome films and shows about Italy as you can!

Check out these blog posts for recommendations of movies set in Venice , Rome , Sicily , and the rest of Italy .

But if you are specifically looking for a mix of travel shows and TV shows set in Italy, you’re in the right place! Here are some of the best options. There’s a slight UK bias but you should be able to source most of these recommendations wherever you are.

List of TV Shows About Italy: Travel Shows and More

1. travel man: 48 hours in….

English | 11 Seasons (so far) | 30-60m | Watch on Channel 4

  • Season 2, Episode 6: Venice with Jo Brand
  • Season 3, Episode 4:  Naples with Jack Dee
  • Season 3, Episode 5:  Florence with Rebel Wilson
  • Season 5, Episode 1:  Rome with Matt Lucas
  • Season 7, Episode 4:  Milan with Morgana Robinson

Let’s start with not just one of the best Italy travel shows, but one of my favourite travel shows of all time. Presented by Richard Ayoade since 2015 with Joe Lycett taking over in 2021,  Travel Man  usually focuses on easy weekend city break destinations from the UK.

The presenter goes on a weekend break with a famous guest, usually a comedian/comic actor, and they have a lovely time.

So far, the show has covered many major Italian cities with direct flights from the UK. They still have Palermo, Catania, Turin, Verona, Genoa, Palermo, Bari, and Bologna plus some others yet to cover so we don’t have to rule out more Italian content in the future!

All episodes are free to watch on Channel 4  in the UK and some of the series are on  Netflix  for international audiences.

Travel Man: 48 Hours In... Naples with Jack Dee

2. From Scratch 

English, Italian | 8 Episodes | 60m | Watch on Netflix  

Although it didn’t get the love it deserved when first released at the end of 2022, this limited series is one of the best Italian shows on Netflix . 

From Scratch  is a show based on the memoir by Tembi Locke (also incredible). She’s an American who studies abroad for a year in Florence where she meets her future husband, who is a chef from Sicily . However, once they return to the US to live together, illness and family tensions seek to tear them apart.

I must warn you that the last few episodes are unbelievably sad (you’ll be ugly crying throughout). But it displays incredible scenery from both Tuscany and Sicily as well as lots of Italian cooking!

From Scratch (2022) Best TV Shows About Italy

3. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

English, Italian | 2 Seasons (so far) | 60m | Watch on BBC iPlayer

Hands down,  this  is one of the most popular Italian TV shows if not  the  most popular Italy travel show of all time.

Tucci, who speaks Italian and has Italian heritage on both sides of his family, is on a quest to explore all 20 regions in Italy. He’s deep diving into the dishes, flavours, wines, and heart of everywhere from Bolzano to Basilicata.

So far, he’s covered: Campania, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardia, Tuscany, Sicily, Veneto, Piedmont, Calabria, Sardinia, Puglia, and Liguria. Unfortunately, CNN cancelled the show after two seasons in 2022 but Tucci has promised to continue without them. Watch this space!

4. The White Lotus

English | 2 Seasons (so far) | 60m | Watch on Amazon Prime

The White Lotus  was a HUGE hit when HBO released season one in 2021. It’s a drama set in a hotel of the same name in Maui where one of the characters ends up dead. Since it’s an anthology show, season two was transplanted to another White Lotus hotel with an almost entirely new cast in Taormina , Sicily . 

It’s absolutely one of the most popular TV shows set in Italy in recent years. And the best part is, you don’t really need to watch the first season to understand this one! Although you really should, they’re both incredible television shows.

Season two will make you want to stay in a five-star hotel, until you look at the room rates, of course. Luckily, there are tons of gorgeous agriturismos and villas in Sicily you can book instead.

The White Lotus One of the Best TV Shows About Italy

5. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

English | 12 Seasons | 60m | Watch on Amazon Prime

  • Season 2, Episode 6:  Sicily
  • Season 8, Episode 10:  Rome
  • Season 10, Episode 8:  Southern Italy

Anthony Bourdain was the master of food and travel TV shows. I always end up watching at least one episode from one of his shows before travelling anywhere, because he seems to have travelled  everywhere .

You can’t help but learn something you didn’t expect from Anthony Bourdain. In his landmark series Parts Unknown he shows Italy, and all of the places he travels to, in a different light than 99.9% of travel TV series in Italy.

It’s a real shame he didn’t shoot more episodes in Italy but it’s understandable that he didn’t since this country is well-traversed terrain. The show is called Parts Unknown , after all!

Anthony Bourdain has two other travel food shows,  No Reservations  and  The Layover , with episodes set in Italy. These shows and Parts Unknown  often appear on Netflix, so watch out for them the next time you are searching for Netflix Italian TV shows.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

6. Somebody Feed Phil (+ I’ll Have What Phil’s Having)

English | 6 Seasons/Limited Series | 45-60m | Watch on Netflix | Watch on Amazon Prime

  • Season 2, Episode 1:  Venice
  • ( Season 1, Episode 2:  Italy)

The Anti-Bourdain (in a good way!), Phil Rosenthal is an affable presenter who will inspire you to eat all of the things and travel to all of the places. While making lighthearted ‘my wife’ jokes, feeding the crew, and making his loved ones back in the US jealous of his treats, of course.

Somebody Feed Phil is one of the best TV shows in Venice I’ve ever watched. During my trip to Venice in April 2023, I visited almost all the places suggested during his episode! As a Netflix Original, it’s one of the top Italian TV shows on Netflix too.

If you weren’t aware,  Somebody Feed Phil  started out as a PBS show called  I’ll Have What Phil’s Having . You used to be able to watch every episode for free on YouTube but sadly, it’s been taken down.

I’m still mentioning it as the Italy episode was perfect and you can still access it through Amazon Prime in some countries.

Somebody Feed Phil One of the Best TV Shows About Italy

7. Francesco’s Italy: Top to Toe

English, Italian | 4 Episodes | 60m | Watch Free on YouTube

One of the more random entries on this list, I literally searched ‘Italy’ in BBC iPlayer before my trip to Rome in June 2018 and found this travel show from 2006. Francesco da Mosto is a Venetian architect who drives his Alpha Romeo Spider across Italy, from the north to the south. 

This TV show is super helpful if you’re planning a trip but you’re not sure  where to go in Italy . It covers the entire country!

Just some of the things I learned about from watching this Italy TV programme were more about the Fiat car, the British Aristocracy’s history in Tuscany, and the poverty of Sicily. British actress Dame Maggie Smith even makes an appearance!

Even though it’s no longer on BBC iPlayer, you can play all four episodes for free on YouTube.

Francesco's Italy: Top to Toe

8. The Trip to Italy

English | 6 Episodes | 30m | Watch on Amazon Prime

I still don’t understand the  The Trip… format. There have been four seasons so far (2010’s  The Trip  set in the Lake District, 2014’s  The Trip to Italy , 2017’s  The Trip to Spain  and 2020’s  The Trip to Greece ). 

But then these series are re-released as films? Plus, the premise is that comedic British actors Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan visit restaurants in these places to ‘review’ them for a newspaper column, which is fake.

They even play fictionalised versions of themselves featuring kids they don’t have in real life. Is this what  Made in Chelsea  is like?!

Regardless, it’s still a fun TV series set in Italy. They follow in the footsteps of the British romantic poets and visit lots of places from Capri to Piedmont .

Although you can watch it through Amazon Prime , this is another show that often hits Netflix .

Read next: 27 Best Movies About Greece (& Ancient Greece): A Big Fat List

The Trip to Italy

9. Everybody Loves Raymond

English | 9 Seasons | 30m | Watch on Channel 4

  • Season 5, Episodes 1&2: Italy

Yes, I’m including the two episodes of the US sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond  that were set in Italy on this list! It’s my list, I can do what I like.

Coincidentally, Phil Rosenthal of  Somebody Feeds Phil  was the creator of  Everybody Loves Raymond  so it all ties together. Ray Romano plays Ray Barone, a family man with three kids living in Long Island, NY with his parents living across the street.

I remember watching  Everybody Loves Raymond  on Channel 4 every morning before school. I used to look forward to the Italy episodes in Rome at the start of season five as they would always make me dream of visiting Italy one day.

In the UK, you can watch every episode for free on Channel 4 but I’m sure you can stream them in other places worldwide.

Everybody Loves Raymond

10. Master of None

English, Italian | 3 Seasons | 30m | Watch on Netflix

  • Season 2, Episode 1: The Thief
  • Season 2, Episode 2:  Le Nozze

Raise your hand, who wants to take a break from your life to be a pasta-making apprentice for three months? Oh, and you also get to live in the gorgeous city of Modena, Italy ? Me too, my friend. Me too…

Master of None  is mostly set in New York but the first two episodes of season two are in Italy. There are homages to Italian neorealist film  The Bicycle Thief  and it’s so wanderlust-inducing that it has to be one of the top Italian Netflix shows.

Master of None

Other TV Shows About Italy: A Taste of Italy  (2021),  Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy (2014),  Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands  (2016),  We Are Who We Are  (2020),  Luna Nera  (2020),  My Brilliant Friend ,  Hotel Portofino  (2022)

TV Shows About Italy: That’s a Wrap!

Have you watched any of these TV shows set in Italy? Do you have any more recommendations for TV shows about Italy? Let me know in the comments below! 

22 Amazing Films set in Italy to Inspire you to Visit

travel shows about rome on netflix

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

3 thoughts on “ 10 TV Shows About Italy To Watch Before Your Trip ”

Pingback: Best Travel Shows Italy — I Live Italy

travel shows about rome on netflix

“Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix is an amazing show if food is also important during the trip. The show contains 22 cities on different continents, and Venice and Modena (Italy) was also beautifully represented. Apparently a new season is also coming. Philip Rosenthal is the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond”.

travel shows about rome on netflix

Hey Coenraad! Yes, I LOVE Somebody Feed Phil!! I wrote this guide back in the spring of 2018 so I hadn’t heard of him then…

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The Italian Way of Life

30 Top Italian Shows on Netflix for Learning Italian

Immersing yourself in Italian shows on Netflix is a great way to enhance your Italian language skills, improve your language learning , and learn new words.

By interacting with genuine dialogue, you’ll grasp the nuances of everyday Italian conversations and get a captivating peek into Italy’s rich culture. Get ready to start this entertaining linguistic adventure.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Start with our top three picks.

Top Picks: Best Italian Shows on Netflix

Top pick for drama: la vita bugiarda degli adulti.

travel shows about rome on netflix

Immerse yourself in this captivating TV series “La Vita Bugiarda degli Adulti,” a newer adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel that delves into the transformative journey of a young girl in 1990s Naples, exploring love , family , and self-discovery in contrasting worlds.

Watch the trailer .

Top Pick for Romance: Summertime

travel shows about rome on netflix

“Summertime” stands out as a top pick, blending a captivating love story set on the stunning Adriatic Coast with the opportunity for language learners to enhance their informal Italian language skills, gain insights into young Italians’ romantic interactions , and immerse themselves in picturesque Italian landscapes.

Top Pick for Crime: Suburra

travel shows about rome on netflix

Watch this riveting portrayal of the intertwined web of corruption involving politicians, the church, the mafia, and real estate developers, set against the backdrop of Ostia’s seedy underbelly, making it a captivating and thought-provoking Italian drama on Netflix.

Suggested Reading : Unlock your travel potential with 135 Basic Italian Phrases and a downloadable PDF cheat sheet.

Now that you’ve discovered our top three picks, get ready to explore an extensive list of 30 captivating Italian Netflix shows that will immerse you in Italy’s language, culture, and diverse stories.

From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, each show offers a unique opportunity to enhance your language skills and deepen your understanding of Italian society . Get ready for an exciting journey through the rich world of Italian television.

30 Essential Italian Shows on Netflix for Language and Culture

1. la vita bugiarda degli adulti.

Experience “La vita bugiarda degli adulti,” a TV series directed by Edoardo De Angelis and adapted from Elena Ferrante ‘s novel. Set in 1990s Naples, the story follows Giovanna Trada, a girl from an affluent family who navigates the transition into adolescence and rebels against societal expectations.

Drawn to her mysterious aunt Vittoria, Giovanna embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery , navigating love, friendships, and family conflicts. Balancing the contrasting worlds of Naples, she confronts the complexities of the city’s bourgeoisie and the rawness of its underbelly.

  • Genre : Drama
  • Suitable for : Fans of Elena Ferrante’s novel and intermediate to advanced Italian learners seeking a captivating portrayal of a young girl’s journey from childhood to adolescence in 1990s Naples.

2. Summertime

“Summertime” is an Italian TV series weaving a modern-day love story between two young individuals from dissimilar backgrounds who stumble upon love on the breathtaking Adriatic Coast .

The series draws inspiration from the celebrated Federico Moccia’s novel “Three Meters Above the Sky.”

“Summertime” is perfect for those looking to polish their informal Italian language skills and grasp how young Italians interact and engage romantically. Furthermore, you will be introduced to picturesque Italian landscapes and understand local dining customs.

  • Genre : Romance
  • Suitable for : Drama and romantic comedy lovers and beginners to intermediate Italian learners due to its simple language and entertaining narrative.
Further Reading : 25 Best Italian Romance Movies : Top Love Films to Watch

“Suburra” is a riveting Italian drama available on Netflix. Set in the seaside town of Ostia, the series takes inspiration from a political scandal involving a contentious land development plan near Rome.

The narrative dives deep into the intertwined relations between corrupt politicians, the church, the mafia, and real estate developers, all operating on the thin line between law and lawlessness. With power being the prime motivation for all, not everyone succeeds.

“Suburra,” the Italian Netflix show’s inaugural language series, offers a gripping viewing experience , with its complex plot twists provoking deep thought.

It starts with a land deal in Ostia involving a host of characters from Vatican officials to members of Rome’s Municipal Commission, rival gangsters, and Mafia bosses, all implicated in the transaction. This show offers a revealing look into the intricate fabric of Italy.

  • Genre : Drama, Crime
  • Suitable for : Crime-drama aficionados and advanced Italian learners due to complex dialogue.

4. Generazione 56K

The 2021 Italian series, “Generazione 56K,” revolves around Matilda and Daniele. Their lives intersected during their youth when internet connectivity was confined to workplaces or depended on slow modems, a nod to the show’s title.

After a chance of online interaction in their thirties, the show’s main characters re-establish their connection, navigating the drastically evolved world of contemporary dating and career paths molded by the internet.

  • Genre : Drama, Comedy
  • Suitable for : Those interested in nostalgic narratives and beginners to intermediate learners of Italian.

5. Viola come il mare

Shot amidst the picturesque scenery of Sicily , “Viola come il mare” is a 2022 Italian series spotlighting Viola’s life. After a long stint in the Paris fashion scene, she returns to her hometown, Palermo, determined to unearth the identity of her unknown father.

She ventures into a fresh career as a crime journalist for a digital news outlet, where she meets the skeptical yet skilled chief police inspector Francesco Demir. As they collaborate on murder investigations, with Viola documenting the stories and Francesco solving them, the series merges drama and romance beautifully.

  • Genre : Drama, Romance
  • Suitable for : Romance and crime-drama enthusiasts and intermediate Italian learners.
Recommended Reading : 10 Flirtatious Pick Up Lines in Italian (with Audio)

6. Guida astrologica per cuori infranti

Based on the best-selling book by Silvia Zucca (a must-read for advanced Italian learners), “Guida Astrologica per Cuori Infranti” spins a story of camaraderie , love , professional life , unusual encounters , and tragicomic occurrences through Alice Bassi’s perspective.

Alice, a voluntarily single young woman in her early thirties, works as a production assistant for a modest TV network. She yearns for enduring love and job contentment as she grapples with scanty career growth.

  • Suitable for : Those drawn towards astrological-themed narratives and advanced learners of Italian, given its intricate language use.

7. Mare Fuori

“Mare Fuori” is arguably one of the most popular Italian TV series on Netflix. Notably, most of the dialogue is in the Neapolitan dialect , challenging even for native Italians who often opt for Italian subtitles, a common practice in Italy.

Although unsuited for mastering standard Italian, its exceptional storytelling and production quality make it a worthwhile watch.

The series portrays the lives of teens housed in Naples’ Juvenile Detention Center, struggling to reconcile with their situation while longing for their forfeited freedom and selfhood within this rigid environment.

The institution, located by the sea, symbolizes hope , yet seemingly unattainable for them. The show explores themes of morality, teenage life amidst hardships, and the pursuit of self-identity.

  • Suitable for : Advanced learners of Italian

8. Incastrati

Embark on a laughter ride with the 2022 Italian TV series “Incastrati” or “Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery,” starring the renowned Italian comedy duo Ficarra e Picone.

This comedy series unfolds the misadventures of Valentino and Salvatore, two hapless TV technicians who accidentally stumble upon a crime scene. To divert suspicion, they tidy up the crime scene, using their crime TV show knowledge, which sets off a series of hilariously disastrous events in their lives.

  • Genre : Comedy, Crime
  • Suitable for : Comedy lovers and intermediate Italian learners.

9. Un medico in famiglia

Delve into “Un medico in famiglia,” a classic Italian TV show from the 90s that has etched its place in Italian television history . The series follows the Martini family’s journey, comprising a widower doctor, his three children, and his father.

They move to Poggio Fiorito, where the doctor becomes a part of a cutting-edge healthcare center. With significant viewership and critical acclaim, the series has achieved cult status and is celebrated as one of the best Italian TV shows.

  • Suitable for : Those interested in family-themed narratives and beginners to intermediate learners of Italian.

10. Vendetta: Truth, Lies, and The Mafia

This six-part documentary series pays tribute to the courageous individuals who confronted mafia criminality in Italy during the 90s. The surge in mafia-related killings and illicit activities gave birth to an anti-mafia uprising in the 90s led by Italian journalists and legal bodies.

Tune into this Italian TV documentary series to reveal the true story of Sicilian crime and the deeply rooted mafia influence within Italian institutions. Catch glimpses of archival Italian talk shows, news bulletins, courtroom hearings, and interviews with the judges and journalists involved.

  • Genre : Documentary
  • Suitable for : Documentary enthusiasts and advanced learners of Italian due to its intricate exploration of historical real events.

11. Medici: The Magnificent

Revered as one of the finest Italian TV productions in recent times, The Medici is a collaborative endeavor between Italy and the UK.

The series explores the Medici family’s dominion in Italy during the Renaissance, eventually succumbing to wars, Vatican State political conspiracy, and struggles to retain economic and political dominance.

Also available in English, this series offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Renaissance’s most distinguished family.

  • Genre : Drama, History
  • Suitable for : History enthusiasts.

“Boris,” an Italian series from 2007 to 2010 and now available on Netflix, gives an insider’s perspective on the production of an Italian TV show.

The narrative reveals the shocking truths of the television industry to a new intern, showcasing the frequent sacrifices in quality for financial gain and success. This series has amassed considerable popularity in Italy .

  • Genre : Comedy, Drama

13. Fedeltà

“Fedeltà” is a Netflix Italian series inspired loosely by Marco Missiroli’s renowned novel, also available in English. It navigates themes of passion and betrayal, and their implications, through the lives of a couple living in Milan .

  • Suitable for : Drama lovers and advanced Italian learners due to the intricate narrative and language use.

14. Sotto il sole di Riccione

Debuting on Netflix in 2020, “Sotto il sole di Riccione” takes viewers to the Riviera Romagnola, synonymous with fun-filled, relaxing holidays. A group of youths spending their summer on the beaches of Riccione forms a bond, aiding each other through their dreams and summer romances .

  • Suitable for : Comedy and drama lovers and intermediate Italian learners due to its entertaining narrative and language use.

15. Il commissario Montalbano

Based on the celebrated crime novels of Andrea Camilleri , this beloved TV series introduces viewers to Salvo Montalbano, a police chief in the fictional Sicilian town of Vigata.

Each episode of this series, rated as one of the best Italian television series , witnesses him battling mafia activities, murders, kidnappings, and diverse organized crime issues in Sicily. Although episodic, each installment is crafted like a standalone TV movie, bound by an ongoing narrative thread.

  • Genre : Crime, Drama
  • Suitable for : Crime drama fans and advanced Italian learners due to its complex narratives and language use.

“Baby” is an Italian teenage drama from Netflix, situated in Parioli, one of Rome’s poshest and most trendy districts. The plot revolves around a group of students from a prestigious high school who find themselves entangled in prostitution. The narrative is inspired by real events that took place in Rome years ago.

  • Suitable for : Drama lovers and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its complex narrative and language use.

17. Luna Nera

“Luna Nera,” or “Dark Moon,” is a 2020 Italian fantasy series from Netflix, a pioneer in its genre on the platform. Set in the 17th century, the storyline trails a 17-year-old girl who unravels her family’s heritage of witchcraft. To spice up the tale, her boyfriend’s father is a witch hunter, making it clear who his prime target is.

  • Genre : Fantasy, Drama
  • Suitable for : Fantasy lovers and intermediate Italian learners due to its relatively easy language and engaging narrative.

18. Luna Park

“Luna Park” is an Italian Netflix show drama series that takes place in 1960s Rome, chronicling the life of a young, spirited woman raised in her family’s circus enterprise.

The series captures the charm of classic Italian melodramas, skillfully intertwining themes like long-lost twins and fortune-telling in an enthralling and theatrical manner.

If you enjoy daytime dramas and light-hearted, engaging TV , this lively show, with its enchanting soundtrack and unpredictable storyline, won’t disappoint you. “Luna Park” is a practical resource for studying the Italian language related to family relationships and understanding the lifestyle of various societal classes in 20th-century Italy.

  • Suitable for : Drama lovers and beginners to intermediate Italian learners due to its simple language and narrative.

“Zero” spins the story of Omar, a young Italian of Senegalese descent, who has grown up in a housing estate on the peripheries of Milan. Determined to protect their homes from impending property developers, Omar, and his friends gear up for a battle.

However, the plot thickens as Omar’s intense shyness, verging on invisibility, surprisingly morphs into an actual superpower where he becomes physically invisible when overwhelmed by emotions. The question is, can he use this extraordinary power to his advantage?

  • Genre : Drama, Fantasy
  • Suitable for : Drama and fantasy enthusiasts and intermediate Italian learners due to its engaging narrative and contemporary language use.

20 È stata la mano di Dio

“È stata la mano di Dio” is a deeply personal tale by acclaimed filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino . Presented at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, the film garnered the Silver Lion award.

The story orbits around Fabietto, a teenager from the 80s who is profoundly attached to his family, embodying the passions and vulnerabilities typical of his age.

However, his smooth-sailing life is disrupted when his parents suddenly pass away, leaving Fabietto wrestling with the solitude of a young individual yet to find his footing in the world, along with the sudden burden of tragic and abrupt freedom.

  • Suitable for : Drama lovers and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its intense narrative and contemporary language use.

21. Carlo e Malik

Italian Netflix show "Carlo & Malik"

A 2018 crime drama, “Carlo e Malik,” is a collaboration between RAI (Italian public television) and Netflix.

It follows a veteran Rome detective, bearing prejudices against the expansive immigrant population in Rome, paired with a detective from Ivory Coast.

Together, they probe into a series of murder cases intertwined with the immigrant culture in the capital, addressing the contemporary and contentious issue of immigration in Italy.

  • Suitable for : Crime drama fans and intermediate Italian learners.

Italian Netflix shows: Cuori

Dive into the enchanting world of “Cuori,” a 2022 Italian series set in the heart of the 1960s, unfolding the stories of three heart surgeons at a hospital in Turin, Northern Italy.

The drama intensifies with the entry of Delia, an accomplished heart surgeon who crosses paths with her past lover, Alberto, who happens to be a dear friend of her husband Cesare and the head of the cardiology department.

The plot seamlessly incorporates drama , emotion , and comedy .

  • Suitable for : Drama lovers and intermediates in Italian.

23. Liberi Sognatori

“Liberi Sognatori” is a poignant series that recounts the life stories and tragic ends of brave Italians who dared to stand against their country’s organized crime.

Key figures include Libero Grassi, a Sicilian clothing manufacturer who refused to pay Mafia’s extortion demands, journalist Totò Francese, and Renata Fonte, a politician committed to preserving the Porto Selvaggio natural park.

  • Genre : Biography, Drama
  • Suitable for : Biography, drama lovers, and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its historical and complex narrative.

travel shows about rome on netflix

The 2021 Italian Rai series “Blanca” charts the journey of Blanca, a young police trainee proficient in audio file decoding, stationed at a police department in Genoa, Northern Italy.

After losing her sight in a tragic fire that also claimed the life of her elder sister, Beatrice, at the age of twelve, Blanca develops a strong sense of justice that propels her towards a law enforcement career.

This Italian Netflix show’s lack of a specific dialect or accent makes it an ideal tool for honing your Italian listening skills .

  • Suitable for : Crime drama fans and beginner to intermediate Italian learners.

25. Leonardo

“Leonardo” is a historical drama series that breathes life into the exceptional journey of Leonardo da Vinci , spotlighting his personal struggles and revolutionary scientific breakthroughs. The series covers his time in Renaissance Italy, living and working conditions, and challenges in multiple spheres.

  • Genre : Biography, History
  • Suitable for : History enthusiasts and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its historical context and complex language use.

26. Benvenuti Al Sud

Benvenuti al Sud

Anxiety grips a Northern Italian postman when he is reassigned to a charming town near Naples, worrying about his safety. His dream was to settle in Milan, but instead, he finds himself grappling with the cultural differences of the South.

“Benvenuti Al Sud” explores the contrasting facets of Italy’s northern and southern regions and society’s perceptions of these disparate zones.

If you appreciated “Un Medico In Famiglia,” you will likely enjoy this Italian comedic film. The focus on human interactions , enriched by the stunning Italian landscapes, adds to its charm.

  • Suitable for : Comedy and drama lovers and intermediate Italian learners due to its entertaining narrative and cultural language use.

27. Il Processo (The Trial)

“Il Processo” showcases the architectural splendor of Mantua in this gripping Italian series on Netflix. The plot unfolds with the murder of Angelina, a 17-year-old girl whose body is discovered floating in a city canal.

The lead detective, Elena, is entangled in a precarious situation as her ties to the case could endanger her career. Yet, she chooses to proceed with the investigation.

As the prime suspect happens to be the daughter of the city’s wealthy businessman, the case quickly becomes a public spectacle . The narrative leaves viewers guessing with its twists and turns .

Crime enthusiasts won’t be left unsatisfied, and the series is best appreciated in Italian with English subtitles.

  • Suitable for : Crime drama fans and advanced students due to its complex narrative and language use.

28. Il nome della Rosa

Adapted from Umberto Eco’s renowned Italian literary masterpiece , “The Name of the Rose,” this TV series trails a monk and his novice followers as they investigate a series of puzzling deaths.

However, their inquiries invite the wrath of a powerful inquisitor. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a Middle Ages abbey.

  • Genre : Historical Drama, Mystery
  • Suitable for : Fans of historical dramas and mysteries and advanced Italian learners due to its intricate narrative and historical language use.

29. Gomorra

Italian show to watch: Gomorra

Derived from the acclaimed novel by Roberto Saviano, this multi-season Italian series immerses viewers in the world of the Camorra, a notorious mafia organization based in Naples.

The series emphasizes the illicit endeavors of drug traffickers and individuals associated with criminal syndicates linked to business and political circles. The narrative mainly revolves around the influential Savastano family, led by Pietro, a towering figure in the region.

  • Suitable for : Crime drama fans and intermediate to advanced Italian learners due to its complex narrative and language use.

30. Chiedimi se sono felice

“Chiedimi se sono felice” follows the story of three friends, unsatisfied with their jobs, who share a common dream: to stage their own theatre performance. Their aspiration triggers a series of humorous yet touching incidents, leading to a rift amongst the trio that lasts three years.

This 2000 comedy delves into friendship , romance , betrayal , ego , and reconciliation themes. It strikes a balance between humor, moving moments, romantic elements, and drama, demonstrating how love can swiftly endanger a friendship.

  • Suitable for : Fans of comedic dramas and intermediate Italian learners due to its engaging narrative and modern language use.

Italian Netflix Shows: Question & Answers

master Italian with TV shows

How can I improve my Italian by watching Italian series on Netflix?

Engaging with Italian TV shows is one of the best ways to enhance your Italian language proficiency. It immerses you in everyday conversational Italian, helping you grasp the language’s rhythm, sounds, and vocabulary. Simultaneously, it provides a window into Italian society and culture.

Depending on your proficiency level, different strategies can maximize your learning:

  • Beginners can start by watching Italian Netflix shows with English subtitles, aiding in familiarization with the language’s sounds and speed.
  • A gradual introduction to the language can be achieved by watching a show in your native language with Italian subtitles, aiding in word recognition and usage.
  • Pre-watching a show in your language before watching it in Italian can benefit beginner to intermediate learners, as it aids contextual understanding.
  • For intermediate or advanced learners, watching an Italian show with Italian subtitles helps connect spoken words to written text.
  • As an advanced learner, watching shows in Italian without subtitles can be challenging but helpful for honing listening skills and pronunciation.
  • Consider both original Italian shows and your favorite shows dubbed in Italian for a broader selection and to add an educational twist to your leisure time.

Can I become fluent just by watching Italian TV shows?

While watching Italian shows is highly recommended for its natural dialogue, slang, accents, and phrases, it should complement other study forms like flashcards, conversation, podcasts , Italian news sites , and reading for a holistic learning experience.

Should I use English or Italian subtitles?

While Italian subtitles are eventually recommended, English subtitles are fine for beginners.

Does it matter which Italian TV shows I watch?

Remember that Italy’s rich dialectal variation might make some shows challenging for beginners. It’s better to choose shows with familiar accents at the start.

Are these Italian shows only available on Netflix?

Some shows may be available on other streaming services like Amazon Prime or others, so checking for availability there is also recommended.

How can I access Italian Television Content on Netflix from the United States, United Kingdom, or other locations?

One of the best things you can do to access Italian film and TV content unavailable in your local region is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN allows you to connect to Netflix’s Italian selection by masking your IP address, making it appear like you’re in Italy .

Just subscribe to a VPN service, and you can then access your Netflix account to start watching Italian content. Find a suitable option within your desired budget by conducting a Google search.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Italian shows on Netflix is an entertaining way to pass the time and a valuable opportunity to enhance your Italian language skills and gain a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, these shows provide a window into authentic Italian conversations and storytelling. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the captivating world of Italian television take you on a linguistic and cultural adventure. Buon divertimento!

Further Reading :

  • 200 Best Italian Business Names : Unique Name Ideas.

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7 Best New Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

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Most avid travelers experienced a decline in their favorite hobby last year. But exciting adventures, new cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are still accessible to us all via our favorite travel shows. Explore the world from the comfort of your couch with these travel shows you can stream right now.

1. Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

Hulu, cnn on demand.

Take a guided tour of Italy with host Stanley Tucci as he travels from Naples to Rome, sampling cuisine and learning about Italian history and culture along the way. The Devil Wears Prada and Hunger Games actor takes on a new role as host, telling personal stories as he is joined by his wife and friends. Inspired by his own Italian heritage, Tucci is so passionate about his journey through the country and the food that he’s tasting, viewers will feel like they’re on the Amalfi Coast themselves. Season one is currently airing on CNN and available on Hulu . A second season has already been planned for 2022.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

While Zac Efron’s adventure show may not be the ultimate in high-brow entertainment, the High School Musical star’s charisma and enthusiasm make Down to Earth an incredibly fun watch. The actor, joined by wellness guru Darin Olien, travels the globe, attempting to learn about sustainability and the environment. He also samples local cuisines and shamelessly indulges in the local tourist activities. All of season one is available now on Netflix, and filming for a second season has already begun.

3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Watch Gordon Ramsay travel the world, learning old-world methods of cooking from locals, in his new food-based travel show on Disney + . In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , viewers experience the chef abandoning his reputation as a loud, hyper-critical judge. Instead, he spends his time learning new techniques and trying new food, incredibly excited to be there and impressed by every meal he tries. Each episode features a new location and new group of welcoming locals excited to share the history of their food. There are two seasons available already, with season three set to air in mid-2021.

4. Our Planet

Narrated by David Attenborough, Netflix’s Our Planet offers an in-depth exploration of the world’s habitats, focusing on the effects of climate change and global warming. While the thesis of the documentary is science-based, the creators’ clear passion for nature shines through. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the show itself is self-reflective and inspirational. With footage from 50 countries, episodes cover jungles, deserts, forests, and virtually every landscape imaginable, virtually guaranteeing a deep dive into any viewer’s favorite destination.

5. Taste The Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Explore the United States with Food Network personality Padma Lakshmi as she seeks to understand the connection between U.S. food and U.S. culture. Every episode features a different American city, where Lakshmi meets with immigrants from around the world, seeking to understand how the diversity of the country’s chefs has shaped what we define as American cuisine. This one-season series is a moving, emotional exploration of culture, heritage, and identity, available for streaming on Hulu .

6. Long Way Up

Reunited for their third joint travel adventure show, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman go on an ambitious motorcycle ride in Apple TV’s Long Way Up . Starting in Ushuaia, a city at the tip of South America, the two friends ride for more than 100 days and 13,000 miles, crossing borders and country lines, making their way into Argentina, Chile, and Peru, all the way up to Central America and Mexico. Fans of Long Way Round and Long Way Down will love this third installment, all of which is available for streaming.

7. Street Food

For another food-based travel show, try Netflix’s Street Food , and its two available seasons, Street Food: Asia and Street Food: Latin America . Each episode takes place in a different city, with interviews of three to four street food chefs and their featured dishes. This show takes a deep dive not only into the cuisine, but primarily into the people who make it, emphasizing the journey of the individual cooks. The featured dishes are often region-specific and emblematic of the conditions and circumstances of both the city and the chef. The show focuses on the vendors’ backstories, teaching viewers about local poverty, history, culture, and identity.

These are just a starting point; there are a lot more shows out there worth a look. All you have to do is go on a surf vacation from the comfort of your couch.

Editor’s Note: Can’t get enough virtual travel? Jordan Palmer has more on Beeyonder , the new travel company created so anyone can travel the world.

Image of Greg Robertson

Greg Robertson has worked as an editor and writer for some of the top newspapers and websites in the country, leading him to live all across the country. He now calls Las Vegas home, but has journeyed from the sunshine of California and the rain in Seattle, to the humidity of Arkansas and the snow of Minnesota. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

Global Travel Planning

Best Italian TV series on Netflix & Amazon Prime to watch now!

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2022

Discover the best Italian series on Netflix and Amazon Prime for 2022 and beyond

Are you looking for the best Italian shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime? I have you covered! In this article, you will find binge-worthy Italian TV series on Netflix to watch now.

Whether you are looking for some travel inspiration for Italy , have an interest in Italian culture or trying to learn Italian these Netflix Italian series will fit the bill!

In this article, you will find the best Italian TV shows on Netflix with information included about where in Italy they were filmed (the perfect inspiration for your next visit to this beautiful country)

Get ready for these ultimate binge-worthy Italian Netflix and Amazon Prime series!

Please bear in mind that not all these Italian TV shows may be available to watch on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Italy) PLUS 10 Amazon Prime Libraries and more we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark and start watching today!

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Roman Empire

Suburra: blood on rome, with surfshark vpn you can, liberi sognatori / ordinary heroes, carlo & malik, first team: juventus.

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The Young Montalbano

Looking for other tv series or films to watch on netflix or amazon prime, italian shows on netflix and amazon prime to watch today.

Although not in Italian this epic series follows the turbulent, violent reigns of Commodus, Julius Caesar and Caligula.

This series is a mix of documentary and historical drama and is based on the historical events of the Roman Empire.

Each season tells a different story – Season One is about Emperor Commodus, season two Julius Caesar and season three is about Emperor Caligula.

Genre – Historical interest/Documentary

Seasons – 3 (15 episodes in total)

  • Season One – Commodus: Reign of Blood consists of 6 episodes.
  • Season Two – Julius Ceasar: Master of Rome consists of 5 episodes
  • Season Three – Caligula: The Mad Emperor consists of 4 episodes.

Starring – Sean Bean narrates season 1 with Steve West taking over in seasons 2/3.

Where in Italy – Set in Ancient Rome

Colosseum in Rome

If you would like  access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world  (including USA/Canada) we recommend  Surfshark VPN.  You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house.  Click here for more information about Surfshark

In this Italian TV show a battle ensues between the Vatican, corrupt politicians and organised crime following an argument over land in a seaside town near Rome.

Three main characters dominate the series – Aureliano Adami and Alberto Anacleti are both gang members but from different groups while Gabriele Marchilli is the son of a local cop.

The series is based on the 2015 film Suburra which was inspired by the novel written by Giancarlo De Cataldo and Carlo Bonini (also called Suberra) and was the first Netflix Italian language original series.

There are a total of 24 episodes over 3 seasons.

Genre – Action/Crime

Seasons – 3 (2017/2019/2020)

Starring – Alessandro Borghi, Giacomo Ferrara, Filippo Nigro

Where in Italy – Rome

Rome

Set in 17th-century Italy this fantasy drama follows a teenager (Ade) who learns about her destiny among a family of witches.

Anyone showing signs of witchcraft is persecuted by a group called the Benandanti. Ade falls in love with the son of the leader of the Benandanti and must hide her emerging powers.

This series has received a mixed bag of reviews – check it out and judge for yourself!

Genre – Drama/fantasy

Seasons – 1 season with 6 episodes. Season 2 is expected sometime in 2021 – watch this space!

Starring – Antonia Fotaras, Giorgio Belli, Gloria Carovana

Where in Italy – 17th century Italy

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Follow the lives of 4 citizens who through their courage, sense of civic duty and ultimate sacrifice helped to transform Italian society.

Genre – Crime TV / Italian Drama Series

Seasons – 1 season (4 episodes)

  • Episode 1 – Walking Tall
  • Episode 2 – Justice on my father’s death
  • Episode 3 – Standing for my land
  • Episode 4 – A Brave Choice

Starring – Giorgio Tirabassi,Marco Bocci,Cristiana Capotondi

Where in Italy – Palermo, Salento and Sicily

Palermo

Drama involving an investigation following a crime that could involve all of the main characters.

With many twists and turns this drama series is a good choice for fans of murder mysteries and crime thrillers.

Genre – Drama

Seasons – 1 season in 8 parts

Starring – Vittoria Puccini, Francesco Scianna, Camilla Filippi

Where in Italy – Set in Mantova

Mantova

A veteran detective and rookie team up to investigate a string of murders across Rome.

The series has received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Genre – Crime TV drama

Seasons – 2 – 2018/20 (24 episodes)

Starring – Claudio Amendola, Miguel Gobbo Diaz

Not available through Netflix in your country? Get unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Italy, the USA, and the UK) with Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Rome Trevi Fountain

In this Italian TV show two teen girls from a wealthy part of Rome end up living double lives after becoming involved in the city’s underworld.

Genre – Teen TV show

Seasons – 3

Starring – Bernadetta Porcaroli

Follow Juventus on and off the pitch in this Italian TV show as they attempt to win the Italian and Champions Leagues in Europe.

Genre – Sports Documentary

Seasons – 2

Starring – Juventus football team!

Where in Italy – Turin

Turin

A woman who returns to her home town after 17 years disappears mysteriously one night leaving her children to her family legacy.

Genre – Supernatural/Horror

Seasons – 1

Starring – Valeria Bilello,Luca Lionello,Federico Russo

Where in Italy – In the South Tyrol of northern Italy on the border with Austria and Switzerland.

South Tyrol

Detective Montalbano

Based on the novels of famous Italian crime writer Andrea Camilleri the series follow the life of Italian Detective Salvo Montalbano as he deals with murder, corruption and more in his work on the island of Sicily.

Genre – Drama/Suspense

S easons – 15 (37 episodes)

Starring – Luca Zingaretti, Peppino Mazzotta, Angelo Russo 

Where in Italy – Sicily

A boat on the sea near a town in Sicily as seen on some Italian TV series on Netflix

The prequel to the Detective Montalbano series set in the beautiful Sicilian (fictional) town of Vigata.

Set in the early 1990s we meet the young Montalbano at the beginning of his career.

Genre – Suspense

Seasons – 2 (12 episodes)

Starring – Michele Riondino, Alessio Vassallo

Where in Italy – Vigata, Sicily

Vigata, Sicily

If you are looking for more travel inspiration or language learning opportunities you may enjoy these articles:

  • Best Danish TV series on Netflix and Amazon Prime
  • Best French TV series on Netflix and Amazon Prime
  • Best French movies to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime
  • Best Australian TV series on Netflix
  • Best British TV series on Netflix and Amazon Prime
  • Binge-worthy German TV series on Netflix
  • Best Spanish TV shows on Netflix 2021
  • 15 best Scandinavian & Nordic Noir Netflix series you can’t miss
  • Best travel documentaries on Netflix to inspire your travels
  • Italian movies not to miss on Netflix
  • Best Spanish movies to watch on Netflix
  • Best German Movies on Netflix

If you enjoy travel reading you may like to check out my best books set in (or about) Italy too!

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  • I due papi (The Two Popes);
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  • Il gladiatore (The Gladiator);
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  • Ben – Hur;
  • La Dolce Vita;
  • Vacanze Romane (Roman Holidays).

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

  • The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
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Travel Gear

  • Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
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Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Although I live in Italy, travel is part of my life. Since I caught the travel bug my motto has remained the same, "Traveling it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller". My home is wherever I am and when I visit places I like to seek for adventures, new places to visit and new people to meet. I'm passionate about music and books, art and archaeology.

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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

Enjoy the thrill of the chase in paris, a stanley tucci tour of italy, and a puppet’s-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming tv shows..

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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

In “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy’s food and wine.

Courtesy of CNN

While we wait for borders to open , these fuel-your-wanderlust shows will take you off the couch to Italy, England, Norway, France, and Peru (by magic shopping cart). Can you tell we’re excited about Michelle Obama’s fantastical new global food show, Waffles and Mochi ? It debuts next week on Netflix. Until then, explore the world from home by streaming any of these 26 travel shows and TV shows set in foreign countries.

Waffles and Mochi

Watch it : Netflix

A Sesame Street –style kids’ TV show for the budding chef, Waffles and Mochi follows the eponymous puppets—one a sweet little monster with waffles for ears, the other a sentient pink rice ball—around the world as they seek out fresh global ingredients and learn about healthy eating and cooking.

This show will appeal to adults as much as to toddlers. To start: Michelle Obama costars (this is part of the Obamas’ production deal with Netflix) as a grocery store owner who teaches Waffles and Mochi about the wide world beyond the Land of Frozen Food. Off on fabulous journeys they go—to Japan, Peru, Italy, where they have friendly encounters with famous chefs like Samin Nosrat and José Andrés, as well as special guests Rashida Jones, Queer Eye ’s Tan France, Zach Galifianakis, Sia, Common, and more (technically, Mandy Moore). Start streaming it on Netflix March 16. —Laura Dannen Redman

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Watch it : CNN

Actor Stanley Tucci kept spirits afloat with his cocktail and cooking demos on Instagram during lockdown. When travel restrictions lifted in Europe last year, Tucci traveled to Italy—where he has deep roots—to film this six-episode series exploring food and culture through Italy’s people, cities, and regions: Sicily, Tuscany, Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

For those desperately missing Italy, Tucci is the perfect knowledgeable yet curious tour guide, introducing his friends—winemakers, chefs, and authors—who he pokes a little fun at, and taking you on tours, such as around Florence’s Renaissance-era wine windows, aka “little doors of paradise.”

If the show leaves you craving more, buy his two Italian cookbooks— The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends and The Tucci Cookbook— and preorder his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . The series has been renewed for season two. — Annie Fitzsimmons

Who is Lupin? He’s a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, a sort of French superhero at the heart of Maurice Leblanc’s short stories, “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar.” These early 20th-century Sherlockian tales inspire the new Netflix show, Lupin , starring Omar Sy ( The Intouchables ) as a Senegalese immigrant in today’s Paris who follows Arsène’s escapades as a road map for revenge.

In the pilot episode Sy’s Arsène struts through the Louvre disguised as a janitor, plotting a jewelry heist like a cohort of Danny Ocean. Lupin is also full of lust-worthy shots of the city: a room with a view of Sacré-Cœur; the Eiffel Tower from every angle; the Jardin du Luxembourg in the rain; a bustling café. A heist thriller is only as good as its setting, and Lupin —and Paris—deliver. —L.D.R.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

Courtesy of Starz

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Watch it : Starz

If the popular period drama Outlander didn’t already have you craving a trip to Scotland, this travel show starring Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser in Outlander ) and Graham McTavish ( Outlander’s Dougal Mackenzie) will seal the deal. Even if you’re not an Outlander devotee, this Scottish duo, who are constantly making jabs at each other and themselves, are ideal guides for this literal campervan road trip through Scotland. Their banter is on point (you can tell they’re good pals IRL), and they transport viewers into the heart and soul of the country without taking themselves too seriously.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Scottish culture and history. For the food and drink episode, Heughan and McTavish visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries and introduce viewers to Scottish seafood. For the sports episode, they try their hand at archaic Highland Games (aka throwing a massive hammer) and playing golf on Scotland’s most hallowed turf. And for the song and dance episode, viewers learn more about bagpipes and traditional Scottish dancing—Heughan and McTavish are game guinea pigs while also offering insights and knowledge into the theme at hand.

I’m not always big on traditional “travel shows,” but I absolutely love this one and am ready to book my first trip to Scotland ASAP after watching. — Michelle Baran

Watch it : Apple TV

West London’s Richmond upon Thames, with its distinctly British cobblestone shopping alleys, parks, and lively pubs, is the backdrop to the story of very American Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis.

Lasso is an American football coach hired to reboot a Premier League British football team, AFC Richmond. An eternal optimist, Ted is someone you wish you knew—warm and funny, with leadership skills that win over nearly everyone he meets in this fish-out-of-water story.

The Apple TV show isn’t really about sports, though there are plenty of soaring, heart-pumping soccer—football!—scenes. There are love triangles and mishaps, a delightful cast of characters, and the realization that you can do the impossible if you just “Believe,” Ted’s motto. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. —A.F.

The head of government rides her bike to work: two clues this series isn’t set in the United States. In Copenhagen, everyone rides a bike. Maybe “Danish political drama” doesn’t sound compelling but this is, with a standout cast of well-developed characters. It follows the path of politician Birgitte Nyborg and how demands of her rise to power clash with her family life. Concerns about media news coverage are among the issues making this drama universal. The show, with an 8.5 IMDb rating, originally aired 2010–2013; Netflix plans a fourth season for 2022. — Pat Tompkins

If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Bridgerton yet (apparently, it’s Netflix’s most successful series ever ), and you miss the U.K., it’s time to settle into Shonda Rhimes’s soapy, steamy Regency-era drama that reimagines the time as one when equality reigns: Black and white people coexist as equals, and the Queen is Black.

It centers on the romance between debutante Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, reluctant Duke of Hastings. Scenic British locations include the Bridgerton family home, Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London; promenades in Bath’s green parks and Royal Crescent; and parties at Wilton House in Salisbury as the Duke’s country mansion. — A.F.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

Courtesy of BBC

Killing Eve

Watch it : YouTube TV

When Eve, a British intelligence investigator, becomes obsessed by an assassin-for-hire, Villanelle, their cat-and-mouse chase leads the characters through Tuscany, Paris, London, and Romania. The glamorous destinations make this a bingeable spy thriller for travel lovers who crave dark humor, cliffhangers, and dreamy settings. —Ciera Velarde

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch it : Hulu

This 10-episode series from Mindy Kaling is nothing like the movie it takes its name from, except that there are four weddings and one funeral. London has never looked more magical as friends in their thirties fall in love, break up, and get married across rooftop parties in Trafalgar Square, conversations at the National Gallery and inside dreamy Notting Hill houses, and walks in Kew Gardens.

Like its cast, but unlike so many romantic comedies, it also showcases the diversity of the city through Indian family culture in Hounslow and the multicultural Southall Market. It’s completely addictive, and you might replay the final 10 minutes of the series (a wedding, of course!) over and over again. — A.F.

Un Village Francais/A French Village

Watch it : Amazon Prime

Over seven seasons, this series captures what German occupation of a fictional village, Villeneuve, meant for its inhabitants from 1940 to 1945. Instead of battles, we get the war’s impact on civilian life, an impact that affects everyone. It could have been a soap opera, but it’s not, thanks to complex characters and intriguing stories.

Among those in the first episode are Spanish refugees, a Jewish family, and the town doctor, all coping with the sudden upheaval of life in Occupied France. Travel to a different place and time in these 80+ episodes. — P.T.

Home for Christmas

The first Norwegian series from Netflix, Home for Christmas was filmed in Oslo and the small mining town of Røros, known for its colorful wooden buildings from the 1700s. We see the town and countryside dressed for the holidays, with snow, twinkle lights, and cider at Christmas markets aplenty.

But the festive season is just a vehicle for showcasing the complicated bonds of family. The show follows the up-and-down love life and quirky characters surrounding Johanne, a nurse in her thirties who feels pressure from her large, boisterous family to settle down. But what relationship can compete with her friendships? — A.F.

Call My Agent

Calling all francophiles. For those missing not just France but the language and people as well, this French-language Netflix show is génial . Call My Agent is a witty comedy about a Paris-based talent agency. The central cast of characters brings viewers along as they manage the many moods and demands of their high-maintenance actor clients. (They do everything from intervene when clients refuse to get intimate on a film set to help a client learn to drive for a movie role, plus attend ridiculous soirées to appease these high-strung celebs.)

As the series continues, deeper emotional themes around family, friendship, and love develop. I found myself tearing up (in a good way) by the end of the first season, something I wasn’t expecting at all at the start. The comic relief serves as a wonderful escape and there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing behind the scenes of France’s acting and filming world even if it is a fictional look. — M.B.

Indian Matchmaking

This is a reality show, with all its tropes and gimmicks, inviting us to be voyeurs of the Indian dating world. But Indian Matchmaking is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture of matchmaking and quasi-arranged marriages, for both the singles and families. It follows Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to pair clients both in the U.S. and India; the scenes in India are most vibrant and really make the show worth a watch even if you’re skeptical about the premise.

You feel like you’re sitting right next to the characters in that Mumbai restaurant or Delhi bar as they chat with friends or go out on that first (slightly awkward) date with their match. — M.B.

Watch it : HBO Now , Hulu , YouTube TV

If your family is driving you up the wall, imagine self-quarantining with Succession ’s Roy family. This addictive dramedy centers on who will take over a global media and hospitality empire as the family patriarch faces health issues. Because this dysfunctional family is crazy rich, the series transports us to the most exclusive corners of New York City, a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, and even a castle in England. The juicy Season 2 finale takes place on a private yacht in Croatia, so pour yourself some prosecco and lose yourself in someone else’s family drama. —C.V.

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Courtesy of Netflix

Pour yourself a cuppa and don your finest sweatpants, because we’re headed to Buckingham Palace, folks. Well, no filming was actually done in Buckingham Palace, but Lancaster House, Wilton House, and Waddesdon Manor serve as lavish, convincing stand-ins. Get ready to follow the trials and tribulations of the Windsors and get peeks at country-home castles, private train cars, African tree houses, and passels of corgis romping on the moors. —C.V.

Watch it : Hulu , HBO Now

Every time a local musician appears onscreen during this series (and they appear a lot), hearing the soulful jazz they play will transport you to New Orleans. Shot entirely on location in the city, Treme ’s storyline begins three months after Hurricane Katrina and follows its characters—musicians, bartenders, families—as they try to rebuild their lives. —C.V.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Watch it : Starz , Netflix , YouTube TV

After just one episode of Outlander, you’ll be eager to traverse the peaks of Scotland’s evergreen Highlands and drink a wee dram of whisky. This time-travel series, shot on location in Scotland, creates a fantasy world that feels rooted in a real place. —C.V.

Broadchurch

Watch it : Amazon

South England’s Jurassic Coast is the real-life setting for this moody crime drama set in a fictional seaside town. Millions of years of coastal erosion have formed striking rock formations along the craggy cliffs and beaches of the region—the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage–recognized area even serves as an important plot device. —C.V.

Ugly Delicious

Watch it: Netflix

In each episode of this docuseries, the James Beard Foundation award–winning chef David Chang focuses on a specific food (one episode is about fried rice, another about barbecue) and then bounces from country to country to taste local iterations of the same dish. After the first episode (which involves pizza: lots and lots of pizza), you’ll learn not to watch on an empty stomach. —C.V.

Top of the Lake

Viewers will be instantly hooked by Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show was filmed on the South Island of New Zealand, and the titular lake provides an eerie and dramatic background for the emotionally heavy show. —C.V.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Night Manager

Watch it : Amazon Prime Video

Great writing, fast-paced action, and an all-star cast (Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie) make this drama unmissable. The story follows a hotel night manager recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of a corrupt businessman. The show is rumored to be the most expensive miniseries ever made by the BBC, and travel-hungry viewers will enjoy the gorgeous locations, like Majorca, Spain; Zermatt, Switzerland; and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat visits culinary colleagues in Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Berkeley, California, to explain how—you guessed it—salt, fat, acid, and heat are the essential elements to master when cooking any meal. Samin’s passion for food radiates through the screen, and you’ll be left hungry and inspired to test out some of her cooking tips—with her cookbook by the same name —yourself. —C.V.

If you want to lean into the current news, Fortitude is one way to go. Set in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (but filmed in Eastern Iceland), this drama is about a deadly virus that turns infected people into murderers. Winter-travel lovers: Get ready for sweeping icy landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frigid, rocky beaches. —C.V.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

Photo by Eduardo Castaldo/HBO

My Brilliant Friend

Although this show follows two childhood friends as they grow into women in postwar Italy, the true star is Naples , with its crowded sidewalks, lively piazzas, and ancient architecture. (In the sixth episode, viewers get to travel to the volcanic island of Ischia, to summer with the characters on beaches lapped by turquoise waters). —C.V.

The makers of Our Planet leave no corner of Earth untouched. This breathtaking nature docuseries allows you to swim with whales, swing from tree to tree with orangutans, and explore the Serengeti, all from your couch. The camerawork is remarkable: You’ll ask yourself “how did they even film that?!” at least four times per episode. —C.V.

Big Little Lies

Oh, what we’d give to be social distancing in one of the spacious seaside mansions on this show. The frothy mix of petty neighborhood squabbles, a mysterious death, and the sweeping shots of the Pacific Ocean makes watching Big Little Lies roughly 10 times better than watching the news. And if you’re inspired to plan a trip to Monterey after watching the show (and, of course, after virus concerns are lifted) , we’ve got you covered . —C.V.

>>Next: Around the World in International Films

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16 Best Italian Series on Netflix to Watch in April 2024

Imagine this: it’s late in the evening, and you’re comfortably curled up in bed while watching an addicting Netflix series.

This up-to-date guide to the best Italian shows on Netflix  will help you do exactly that.

It covers feel-good romantic comedies, crime series, intriguing documentaries and more. Many of these shows have beautiful backdrops too, featuring cities like Rome and Naples!

Here’s the full list, with trailers and streaming links included:

1. Suburra: Blood on Rome (2017)

2. the law according to lidia poët (2023), 3. an astrological guide for broken hearts (2021), 4. generation 56k (2021), 5. baby (2018), 6. the trial (2019), 7. everything calls for salvation (2022).

  • 8. Di4ries (2022)

9. Framed! A Sicilian Murder Mystery (2022)

10. the lying life of adults (2023).

  • 11. Running for My Truth: Alex Schwazer (2023)

12. First Team: Juventus (2018)

13. luna nera (2020), 14. curon (2020), 15. fortune seller: a tv scam (2022), 16. supersex (2024).

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Italian Title: Suburra – La serie Genre: Crime Main   Actors: Alessandro Borghi, Giacomo Ferrara, Eduardo Valdarnini

Corruption, murders involving the Mafia, messy politics and even the Vatican—this show is great for binge-watching because of all the action! It’s set in a seaside town in Rome, with different groups fighting over the land there because the town will soon become a gambling paradise.

There are three main characters here, all from different backgrounds. Aureliano comes from a Mafia family, while Spadino is a gypsy who’s also a gang member. Finally, Lele is the son of a police officer, but he still gets drawn into crime. They form a complicated alliance, with their families also involved in the power struggles.

Italian Title: La legge di Lidia Poët Genre: Legal drama Main Actors: Matilda De Angelis, Eduardo Scarpetta, Pier Luigi Pasino

This captivating series is based on a real-life figure: Lidia Poët, who was Italy’s first female lawyer back in 19 th -century Turin.

At the start of the show, Lidia takes on the case of a man accused of murder because her fees are cheaper than male lawyers. All throughout, she’s forced to fight against prejudice and go against social norms—she even almost couldn’t get her license just because she’s a woman!

Each episode features a new legal case that gets wrapped up by the end. It’s fun to watch because Lidia is sassy, plus the makeup, costumes and other visual details are all well done.

Italian Title:   Guida astrologica per cuori infranti Genre: Romantic comedy Main Actors: Claudia Gusmano, Lorenzo Adorni, Michele Rosiello, Alberto Paradossi

Alice is a single woman in her 30s who lives in Turin, but she doesn’t feel fulfilled.

She’s in for a ride, though, after she meets Tio, a quirky but endearing astrologer who suggests that the answers to her relationship woes can be found in the stars. Alice is skeptical at first, but then she soon finds herself trying it out, using horoscopes to guide her romantic decisions.

The show’s two seasons go through all of the zodiac signs for each episode. It’s a totally underrated gem, and there are plenty of sweet, feel-good moments, whether you believe in astrology or not!  

Italian Title: Generazione 56K Genre: Romantic comedy Main Actors: Angelo Spagnoletti, Cristina Cappelli, Gianluca Colucci, Fabio Balsamo

“Generation 56K” is another romantic comedy—but it comes with a dose of nostalgia. It goes back and forth between the 90s and the present, showing how different relationships have become because of the internet.

Daniel and Matilda first meet and fall in love as teenagers in Naples, when the Internet was still barely emerging. Then more than 20 years later, they meet again through a dating app, and they try to figure out how they really feel about each other.

This had me hooked because Daniel and Matilda have excellent chemistry! The episodes are also just at 30 minutes each, so it’s a fast-paced watch.

Genre: Drama Main Actors:  Benedetta Porcaroli, Alice Pagani, Riccardo Mandolini, Chabeli Sastre Gonzalez

“Baby breaks away from the usual teen drama or crime series because it portrays a controversial topic: underage prostitution.

Chiara and Ludovica are two high school students at an elite school in Rome. Chiara seems like she has the perfect life because she has a wealthy family, but she feels suffocated by the expectations and hypocrisy around her. On the other hand, Ludovica struggles with family issues and escapes from her problems by going to nightclubs and drinking.

As they become friends, Chiara finds out Ludovica is doing prostitution—and she starts to get involved in it too.  

Italian Title: Il processo Genre: Legal drama Main   Actors: Vittoria Puccini, Camilla Filippi, Francesco Scianna

Here’s an Italian series that revolves around crime but isn’t Mafia-based!

“The Trial” kicks off with a brutal murder of a teenage female escort. Two determined women then battle it out in court: Elena Guerra, the relentless prosecutor, and Virginia Ferrara, a famous defense lawyer who has never lost a case.

Elena is deeply affected by the case because of a personal connection, and she becomes consumed by her quest for justice. On the other hand, Virginia aggressively defends her client, Linda, against the seemingly overwhelming evidence. As tensions start to heighten, rules get betrayed, and the lines between guilt and innocence blur.

Italian Title: Tutto chiede salvezza Genre: Drama Main Actors: Federico Cesari, Fotinì Peluso, Andrea Pennacchi, Vincenzo Crea

Daniele suddenly wakes up in a psychiatric ward after crashing his car and then going back home. Even though he sees no good reason for being there, he’s given no way out. This forces him to get to know the other patients, who have conditions like bipolar disorder and catatonia, and form deep connections with them.

He then gradually starts to figure out in bits and pieces exactly what happened to him, all while trying to understand what’s really meaningful in his life.

Even though it might seem like a dark show at first, its message is about emotional healing and human connection, and I felt attached to the characters because they all have their distinct stories! 

8. Di4ries  (2022)

Italian Title: Di4ri Genre: Teenage drama Main Actors:  Andrea Arru, Flavia Leone, Pietro Sparvoli, Sofia Nicolini

“Di4ries” revolves around middle school students so it’s definitely for a younger audience! Still, it’s a fresh, realistic take on the coming-of-age genre.

Pietro is a 12-year-old boy who has to deal with his parents’ arguments along with misadventures at school, including exams, school trips and bullies. He also somehow gets into a love triangle with two girls in his class.

The show does a great job of capturing the complexities of growing up in a modern world, with social media and peer pressure. The format is also interesting since you’ll get to see different perspectives, with major characters talking directly to the camera.

Italian Title: Incastrati Genre: Comedy Main Actors: Salvatore Ficarra, Valentino Picone

“Framed!” combines two genres you don’t normally see together: crime and comedy. On top of this, the main characters are played by Ficarra and Picone , a popular comedy duo in Italy.

In the show, Salvo and Valentino are both TV technicians and friends. One evening, they head to an apartment but then find a corpse there that was recently just shot. They’re scared of getting framed for the crime, so they hurry to find an alibi and hide the dead body. As the investigation proceeds, they also try to not get caught by the cops, who are looking for the Mafia.

You’ll find both slapstick and absurd humor here, especially as they accidentally cause more and more problems for themselves!  

Italian Title: La vita bugiarda degli adulti Genre: Drama Main Actors: Giordana Marengo, Valerie Golino, Alessandro Preziosi

“The Lying Life of Adults” is based on the novel by Elena Ferrante, a popular ( and anonymous! ) Italian author who’s known for her introspective storytelling.  

Giovanna is a rebellious teenager in Naples in the 1990s—and like plenty of teenagers, she feels very disconnected from her family. She even overhears her father comparing her to his estranged sister, Vittoria, whom he dislikes.

This makes her curious about her aunt Vittoria, so she requests his father to have them meet. She then discovers a whole new darker side to Naples—and unearths family secrets too.

Watching it actually got me asking myself: what does being an adult really mean?

11. Running for My Truth: Alex Schwazer  (2023)

Italian Title: Il caso Alex Schwazer Genre: Documentary Main Actors: Alex Schwazer, Kathrin Freund, Sandro Donati

Alex Schwazer is a former Italian race walker and Olympic athlete who was widely adored until he fell from grace because of a doping scandal. “Running for My Truth” explores his life and career—and what really happened behind the scenes.

It’s a documentary, so it’s true to life and features Alex Schwazer himself! A turning point in his career was when he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, which got him banned from the sport. He then admitted to using the drugs and was allowed to return to the competition eventually—but then got banned again later for eight years because of another doping accusation.

Genre: Documentary Main Actors:  Massimiliano Allegri, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chellini, Andrea Barzagli 

If you’re a football fan, this mini-series belongs on your watchlist!

It takes an in-depth look at the famous Italian football club Juventus F.C. during the 2017-2018 season. You’ll get to see interviews and personal stories of the club and its players, including Gigi Buffon and Paulo Dybala, as well as the coaches.

All in all, the show follows the team through key moments of the season, including Serie A matches, UEFA Champions League games, and Coppa Italia fixtures. Of course, it also shows their games and intense training routines! I found these exciting to watch, with the camera angles and music setting the mood.

Genre: Fantasy Main Actors: Antonia Fotaras, Giada Gagliardi, Manuela Mandracchia

Back in the 17 th century, women were being accused of witchcraft and persecuted—but what if there really were witches among them?  

In “Luna Nera,” Ade is a midwife who suddenly discovers her powers of witchcraft. After her grandmother is executed for it, Ade runs to the woods and finds a group of women there who are also witches.

On top of this, she starts to like Pietro, a young man whose family is actively involved in the witch hunts. As she comes to accept her abilities, Ade has to make difficult choices.

I adored the visuals here, from the ancient buildings to the special effects!

Genre: Supernatural Main Actors: Valeria Bilello, Margherita Morchio, Federico Russo, Luca Lionello

A small, eerie town that’s steeped in legends and secrets—this is the backdrop of “Curon,” a psychological thriller that builds up to a grand finale.

Anna Raina left her hometown 17 years earlier under mysterious circumstances, but now she goes back to Curon with her teenage twins, Daria and Mauro.

But then she disappears—and the twins slowly find out that their family’s history is connected to the town’s dark past. The town is known for its bell tower that’s submerged in a lake, and—according to legends—it emits a haunting sound.

If you’ve watched “Dark,” a German series on Netflix, then the atmosphere here is similar!

Italian Name:   Wanna Genre: Documentary Main Actors: Wanna Marchi, Stefania Nobile

“Fortune Seller” dives into one of Italy’s biggest scams ever.

Wanna Marchi, a salesperson and self-proclaimed fortune-teller, and her daughter Stefania Nobile became popular on TV during the 1980s and 1990s. This was when teleshopping and infomercials were all the rage.

They became the masterminds of an elaborate scam by selling fake weight loss products, talismans and even psychic services. These all promised quick solutions to personal problems, and they swindled millions of euros from unsuspecting victims.

I felt disturbed while watching the interviews of victims, police and legal experts, but it’s also a useful reality check about how fraud can happen in any era.

Genre: Drama Main Actors: Alessandro Borghi, Jasmine Trinca, Adriano Giannini

This up-and-coming Netflix series is based on true events.

A young man named Rocco Siffredi lived a humble life growing up. But as he escapes the small, normal life he had, he finds himself becoming one of the world’s most successful adult entertainment stars.

Episode by episode, his past begins to unravel—from his childhood and family, to how he views love—and the starting point that got him to his career is revealed.

The show touches on taboo, untalked-about subjects, like what it means to be male and how sexuality, adult entertainment and love coexist (or if they can).

Hopefully this guide has given you an idea of what to watch next ! What’s great about these is you can binge them from start to finish, with both reliable Italian and English subtitles available. 

A lot of Italian learners actually like practicing the language with the series above, including “Suburra” and “An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts.”

For more Italian TV shows (outside of Netflix), there’s this guide too:

Italian TV shows are amazing! We’ve got you covered from Italian drama series to comedies with the 20 best Italian TV shows out there, from “Gomorra” to “Zio Gianni.”…

To build up your Italian vocabulary, there are shorter clips too on FluentU.

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travel shows about rome on netflix

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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Stanley Tucci in Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)

Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country's regional cuisines.

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  • 86 User reviews
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The 12 Best Films Set In Rome Italy (+ the 3 Best Italian Shows on Netflix Set In Rome)

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Looking for something new to watch on TV? We are having a love affair with the Rome thanks to film and television. Here’s our list of our favourite 12 films set in Rome Italy available on Netflix and Amazon Prime. There are also 3 Italian TV series on Netflix if you wanted a longer escape. These Italian shows on Netflix and Amazon will help you discover (or relive) the thrill of a trip to Rome. See if you can notice a difference between American-made films set in Rome and Italian-made films set in Rome!

12 Films Set in Rome

There’s a line in the movie, Nine, that the world sees Rome the way the films portrayed it.

If that’s true, then the world sees Rome as the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain… and the Castello d’Angelo.  I expected Colosseum and the Vatican to be in establishing shots of Rome but surprised that  Castello d’Angelo is mentioned in several movies.

All the Italians are good looking  and well-dressed. Julia Roberts seems to do a lot of films set in Rome!

You can find some Italian movies on Amazon Prime for free, but certain of these Italian movies are only available to watch after a nominal charge on Amazon. The Italian films on Netflix are free for subscribers.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Roman Holiday is simply delightful and not just because of Audrey Hepburn. Watching this movie you realise how much the world has changed.

Plot : European princess Anne is just exhausted with her tour of European capitols. In Rome, she sneaks out of the palace to have a fun-filled adventure in Rome aided and abetted by a journalist played by Gregory Peck.

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Sadly, you can no longer sit and eat gelato on the Spanish Steps either and there are definitely no more children playing in Rome’s fountains.

No one disappears in a public place for the day either. Too many cell phone cameras and paparazzi around. Instead of helping her, the helpful Italian barber would have sold photos to the tabloids of Princess Anne’s haircut for a small fortune.

Scenery : All of Rome in its 1950’s black and white charm. You’ll see the Roman street life, the Vespas, the Spanish Steps before it became full of Italian designer shops, and a party near the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Available : on Amazon for a charge

The Trevi Fountain early in the morning

The Trevi fountain is a popular spot for scenes in movies about Rome Italy

La Dolce Vita (1961)

Another oldie but goody, La Dolce Vita is a Fellini masterpiece about a journalist and his hedonistic life in Rome (see also The Great Beauty below, which is a modern take on this theme).

La Dolce Vita was probably Fellini’s most commercially successful movie. Here’s that famous scene in the Trevi Fountain:

Oceans 12 (2004)

Oceans 12  is an American heist film with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and their famous friends.

Plot: Clooney and his buddies plan an elaborate heist to pay back the Vegas casino owner they robbed in Oceans 11. There’s also a  priceless Faberge Egg which requires an acrobatic dance through laser fields to steal. Standard Hollywood stuff.

My Unsolicited Thoughts: Beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. Pretty much that’s it.

Scenery : Large parts of the action happen in Rome but you don’t see as much of the city as I’d like. It’s all about the good looking actors. And, you get to see George Clooney’s villa at Lake Como.

Available: Netflix

Angels & Demons (2009)

Angels & Demons is another fast-paced American thriller with Tom Hanks playing Robert Langdon, Harvard professor and symbolist.

Plot:  There’s evil afoot when the Illuminati want to blow up Vatican City with a stolen tube of anti-matter while a conclave of Cardinals are meeting to pick a new Pope.  Langdon and an Italian nuclear scientist must save the day rushing around Rome to decode symbols and find out where the tube is hidden before it explodes.

My Unsolicited Thoughts: Action-packed thriller which keeps you engaged and deflects attention from the weak plot.

Scenery: Great shots of Central Rome and the Vatican – basically just like you had spent 3 days in Rome yourself!

Available : on Netflix

A grand hallway in the Vatican Museum

One of the grand hallways in the Vatican Museum – the Vatican is a popular setting for films set in Rome

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Eat Pray Love is an American movie in which a recent divorcee  travels the world to find herself and is considered one of the best travel movies recently made.

Plot : Liz leaves her unhappy marriage and travels the world for a year. She starts off in Italy – first stop Rome. In the Eternal City, she discovers the joy of good food, spirituality in India and love in Indonesia. Think How Stella Got Her Groove Back  made for a white suburban woman.

My Unsolicited Thoughts : Charming primarily because of Julia Roberts.

I honestly don’t understand how Liz can be from New York and not experienced amazing food, especially New York pizza. Or, she could have been the sort of person who obsessed over her size in which case Italy helped her be less neurotic.

I once went to a birthday party in New York where  one slice of chocolate cake got passed around a group of 12 people with nobody taking the piece because … carbs!!!

One scene describes the word for Rome as sex. Having seen quite a few Italian movies in my life, I can tell you that’s probably the word for all of Italy.

Apparently the Italian press did not like this movie and how it portrayed their country. I can see why – the film puts a romantic soft-focus lens on where the Roman homeless live. This is a dreamy Rome, like the self-involved main character.

Scenery : Lots of beautiful Roman vistas and Italian stereotypes. E.g., she goes to Pizzeria da Michele in Naples. But OMG the food porn is heavy. It will leave you craving Italian food.

To Rome With Love (2012)

To Rome With Love is a Woody Allen film paying tribute to the city’s reputation for romance.

Plot : There are four unconnected stories set in Rome with a splash of magic realism to them.

One story has Woody Allen’s usual neurotic character and his wife going to Rome to meet their daughter, her Roman fiancee and his family. The soon to be father-in-law is an amazing opera singer but only in the shower.

Woody Allen’s frustrated opera director character will not let up until he convinces the dad to go on stage and sing. One caveat: he has stage fright and can only sing in the shower.

Another story has a newlywed Italian couple come to Rome, accidentally spend the day apart, have sex with other people and then return to their small town.

A little adultery thrown into the beginning of every marriage … why  not? Apparently this story line is a miniature version of a Fellini movie which suddenly makes sense.

Another story has Alec Baldwin’s American architect go back and relive a romantic folly he had when he lived in Rome as an idealised youth.

The last story is about a middle-class man who wakes up and suddenly is a celebrity. Think Freaky Friday without the charm.

My Unsolicited Thoughts : In the end, everyone goes back to the status quo. Woody Allen is still a failed director, his father-in-law doesn’t want to be an opera star, the newlyweds return home etc. There’s a whole lot of failed dreams in these stories.

Scenery : Lots of central Rome and other parts you may not recognise. Alec Baldwin’s story is set in the charming Trastevere section.

Available : Amazon for a charge

Roman street at night

We came across this empty street in Trastevere on a food tour in Rome – so many movies about Rome Italy focus on the magic of its evening vibe.

Love Wedding Repeat (2020)

Plot : British man fumbles his way towards the American woman of his dreams while trying to ensure his sister’s wedding runs smoothly.

My Unsolicited Thoughts : An innocuous riff on the material Four Weddings and A Funeral did so well. Perfectly pleasant.

Scenery : Some views of Rome but most of the action takes place at the (admittedly gorgeous) villa.

Available : Netflix

My Country (2018)

My Country is an Italian movie with two brothers road tripping with the ashes of their dead father to his hometown in Molise, Italy.

Plot:   Before dying, a dad tells his Italian-American son that he actually has an older brother that the dad had left behind after World War 2 in Italy.

Son tracks down his older half-brother via Facebook and shows up on his doorstep in Rome. The two brothers road trip to Molise to scatter their father’s ashes.

My Unsolicited Thoughts:   Not a glossy Hollywood production but, nonetheless, with a quiet charm. I love the road trip in a 1970’s red Fiat Cinquecento.

Obviously the older brother has to teach the younger brother how to drive stick because most Americans can only drive automatic.

Scenery: After some scene-setting in Chicago, the action takes place mostly in Italy. First in the city of Rome and then, the mountainside area of Molise which lies about 3 hours away from Rome. They arrive in time for the Gnocchi Feast with lots of food which just made me hungry.

The region of Molise made news in 2019 when they announced that they would pay people to move to one of the 100+ of the smaller towns.

My two cents:  The region looked absolutely beautiful but even in the movie they had difficulty getting a WiFi signal.

Available: Amazon Prime

Nine is an American musical remake of 8 1/2, a classic Italian film by Fellini.

Plot : Daniel Day Lewis plays Guido, a famous director/charming man child who has writer’s block when he’s expected to make his next film.

The nine woman who have influenced him shows up in the magic realism of this movie, including his mother, wife, mistress, muse etc. Frankly, most men would have a nightmare  too in this instance.

My Unsolicited Thoughts : Just like To Rome With Love, a middle-aged man spends a lot of time navel-gazing. Enjoyable nonetheless because Daniel Day Lewis is a long tall glass of Pelligrino.

It’s all very meta being a movie about the making of a movie. In the end Guido is inspired to make the movie Nine. And, the story is really about the women who made Guido who he is.

Daniel Day Lewis goes all method and smokes like a fiend which does add authenticity.

The musical number “Be Italian” seems to indicate that being Italian is all about sex.

Scenery : Guido zigzags between Rome, the seaside south of Rome and the lake north of Rome.

The scenes of Rome are as delightful as ever, with daytime shots of Guido in his convertible car zipping by the Colosseum and the Forum and night-time shots of quiet Roman streets and fountains.

rooftop view of the Trevi Fountain

Rooftops of Rome and the fountains of Rome are popular scene setters in films set in Rome

The Great Beauty

The Great Beaut y,  Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film in 2014, is an art house film which harks back to Fellini.

Plot : A writer/journalist examines his hedonistic lifestyle after his 65th birthday surrounded by pretentious friends who also lives empty lives filled with frivolity.  This movie about self-discovery is a mix of ludicrous topics and sublime cinematography. E.g.,

  • a naked woman headbutts a brick wall in the name of “performance art” (imagine a naked Harry Potter if he had not managed to make it through Platform 9 3/4)
  • Adults gathering to watch a child throwing a tantrum (and paint on a canvas). And the punchline? People pay millions for the kid’s art.

My Unsolicited Thoughts : There’s probably a point to this movie. I’m just too unintellectual to get it.

My favourite lines in the movie:

Man: And what job do you do? Woman: Me? I’m rich. Man: Great job.

It’s probably the teens from Baby (television series, see below) who grew up and populate this movie.

Scenery : The main character has the most AMAZING duplex with a roof terrace overlooking the Colosseum. Clearly the one novel he wrote sold well.

There’s also beautiful images of Rome at night, assorted fountains such as the Piazza Navona etc.

Welcome Mr President! (2013)

Welcome Mr President! is an Italian comedy where an honest librarian/fisherman accidentally becomes Italian President.

Plot : Similar to Dave (1993) where an ordinary man stumbles into the presidency of his country. The accidental president injects some much needed integrity into the political system and gets the girl.

My Unsolicited Thoughts: We are back in television world where the old man gets a gorgeous, intelligent girl the same age as his son. The movie is dubbed over in English from the original Italian.

Scenery: Lots of central Rome scenes as well as a small Italian mountain village. The scenes set at the Quirinal Palace where the Italian President lives are magnificent.

Spectre (2105)

The scenes of Rome in this James Bond move are short but amazing. James Bond finds himself fairly early in the movie in Rome doing some recon work.  Bond really only has enough time for a quick romantic escapade and a thrilling car chase through the night streets of Rome.

3 Italian TV Shows on Netflix Set in Rome

Thanks to these Italian TV shows on Netflix, we can also get a glimpse of Rome from the Italian point of view. These Italian TV series on Netflix cover a range of drama genres – from teen to gangster and crime. Yet, they all deal in some way with the Roman underworld.

These Italian TV shows on Netflix have a few things in common:

First off, all of these Italian shows on Netflix feature beautiful people – even the gangsters.

Even the Italian gangster who is practically psycho in Suburro takes a mud bath to keep his skin soft.

Second, these Italian shows on Netflix all address the issue of racism in the country.

Italy is less ethnically homogenous society than traditionally. For example, a gangster in Suburro worries more that his girlfriend is black than that she is a prostitute.

In Carlo & Malik , the ethnic question is baked into the series plot.

Third, many of the Italian characters smoke like chimneys in these Italian shows on Netflix.

It’s especially noticeable compared to American-made tv shows and films set in Rome.

street art of the Roman wolf on the side of an apartment block

Italian TV series on Netflix focus on modern Rome with all of its urban problems.

Baby (2018-)

Plot: If Gossip Girl had a Roman setting and the teens rode around on Vespas. The sugar daddy slant makes it grittier, too.

Based on a true scandal in Rome in 2014 where two teenage girls from a wealthy neighbourhood were caught in a prostitution scandal with an older, powerful clientele. Prositution is legal in Italy but not sex with minors.

My Unsolicited Thoughts :  The ennui is real. What do rich kids who have everything do for kicks? Illegal stuff obviously.

Scenery:  The private school, homes, people – all super attractive and stylish. And beautiful cinematography.

Suburra: Blood on Rome (2017-2019)

Plot: Mobsters, gang members, and real estate developers vie in a deal to develop beachfront property owned by the Vatican into an Italian Las Vegas front for the Italian Mafia.

My Unsolicited Thoughts:  When it starts off with a Vatican official in the middle of an orgy, you know there will be some pearl-clutching moments.

I loved its messy, gritty, realistic portrayal of a modern city. It’s not the Rome of the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.

Scenery: Rome that the tourists don’t see. The Vatican rooms are beautiful.

I had never heard of the Romany subgroup Sinti who are also an organised gang in Rome.

Fans of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding will not be disappointed with the Sinti wedding!

Too bad the groom is gay and is being forced into marriage to cement family relations before a big gang war. Run girl run!

Carlo & Malik (2018)

Plot: Take a standard veteran cop training a rookie cop and throw in crimes set in Rome and systemic racism into the mix.

Malik, the rookie cop, came to Italy at the age of 5 as a refugee from the Ivory Coast. Lucky for him, he graduated at the top of his class at the Police Academy and his brilliant work prevails at the end of the day.

My Unsolicited Thoughts:  Interesting to see how Italian acknowledge the issues of racism and immigration in their society.

Although Malik insists he is Italian, many Italians refuse to acknowledge he is one of them.

Scenery: More Rome that you haven’t seen before mixed in with central Rome.

The Rome of the everyday Romans and Tourist Rome seem to exist in parallel lives. For example, episode two, the cops are investigating a body found at Ponte Sant’Angelo and you hear a tourist boat giving the narration of the bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo passing by.

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  • 25 Travel Shows On Netflix

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With international travel curtailed, watching travel shows on Netflix inspire us to dream, and there’s a huge list of excellent shows to remind us that is a world out there waiting. Netflix has some of the best content to keep our travel bug fed, from food to travel and nature. The best Netflix travel shows allow you to explore the world from our living rooms, experience new cultures, destinations and food without leaving the comfort of your chair or sofa. 

Watching travel shows will educate you about other countries and their people while introducing you to places you may have never considered visiting before. In addition, watching a travel show on Netflix can often prove just how easy it is to get around the world, and nothing is off-limits as long as you plan well. Watching a travel show on Netflix can be either inspirational or educational, with valuable information to prepare for a trip abroad as well as helpful information on a variety of topics including health and safety, how to pack, what to take and do’s and don’ts in different countries or even on cruises.

Travel shows are fun to watch as the producers often go to great lengths to make them entertaining for anyone interested in the destinations featured. So please sit back and enjoy incredible landscapes filmed with professional equipment by professionals who know what they’re doing. You’ll learn lots and soak up amazing sights and discover new places to travel abroad with the help of today’s technology.

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Travel Shows on Netflix

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1- Magical Andes

2- down to earth with zac efron, 3- zulu man in japan, 4- tales by light, 5- dark tourist, 6- jack whitehall: travels with my father, 7- guatemala: heart of the mayan world, 8- untamed romania, 9- street food asia, 10- somebody feed phil, 11- salt fat acid heat, 12- chef’s table, 13- ugly delicious, 14- high on the hog, 15- expedition happiness, 16- paul holywood’s big continental road trip, 17- pedal the world, 18- biking borders, 19- the kindness diaries, 20- magical land of oz, 21- planet earth i and ii, 22- cabins in the wild, 23- the world’s most amazing vacation rentals, 24- instant hotel, 25- travel man, top travel shows on netflix.

the best travel shows on netflix torres del paine national park

If you love exploring the mountains and people living in between them, this Netflix travel documentary will appeal to your sense of adventure.

Travel to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina’s southern tip, a region with abundant wildlife that thrives on its temperate climate because of its isolation from other continents’ animals.

The terrain ranges from diverse forests with giant trees like Patagonian Cypress, Andean Beech tree or Southern Chilean Myrtle to white-sand beaches washed by turquoise waves as seen in Ushuaia where Magellan landed 400 years ago and named it “Great Land.”

Discover Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point on Earth in Argentin a, and Torres del Paine Park, one of South America’s most beautiful places.

Follow the Andes through Mendoza up into Bolivia, where you’ll find Uyuni – a large salt flat that holds more than 11 billion tons of sediments left by ancient lakes from 15 million years ago.

Nearby La Paz offers an aerial tram ride for views like no other as it takes off over 2,600 meters above sea level with breathtaking panoramas of The Bolivian Plateau stretching out before you below.

If this isn’t enough adventure in South America , there are the mysteries of Machu Picchu to discover.

Released in: 2019

colourful toucan in costa rica

Down to Earth with Zac Efron is a Netflix travel documentary that follows the journeys of American actor, producer and singer-songwriter Zac Efron.

His travels to France, London , Sardinia, Iceland, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Peru cover the serious issue of sustainable ways in a light and easily digestible tone.

Together with wellness expert Darin Olien, Zac searches for the secrets to long life and good health.

The series also addresses attaining a higher level of eco-consciousness, with a good dose of thrills.

Zac explores the birthplace of eco-tourism in Costa Rica and learns how a county is obtaining power from 100% renewable sources.

Another interesting activity is exploring London’s clean eating, green walls and urban beekeeping.

From Calais to Paris and Lourdes in France , the theme of water is another fascinating subject to explore through this travel series.

Released: 10 July 2020

two women in kimonos walking through Kyoto's bamboo grove travel shows on netflix about japan

The Zulu Man in Japan is a documentary exploring Japanese culture and is a 48-minute visual experience.

The travel documentary is a collaboration between the award-winning Durbanite and some of Japan’s coolest musicians, including JP The Wavey, Ricky and Yoshi.

Zulu Man explores Japan’s food, culture, life and public transport in this contemporary cultural travel show that fans will love.

Released: 25 September 2020

netflix shows travel

Tales by Light is an Australian documentary reality television series that originally aired on National Geographic.

It follows several professional photographers worldwide as they capture images that tell a story through their eyes, and behind every powerful image lies a tale worth telling.

The photographers in Tales by Light push the limits of their craft and convey a sense of places and cultures through their art.

Each episode is focused on a different photographer, and the themes focus on protecting beautiful places and cultures around the wider world.

Released: 24 May 2015 and available on Netflix 11 November 2016

From a haunted forest to a nuclear lake and other places where death and tragedy occurred, if quirky and macabre travel spots attract you, make sure you watch Dark Tourist on Netflix.

The series visits Medellin and delves into the legacy of Pablo Escobar and on to Mexico City, where the followers of Santa Muerte spill their secrets.

In Japan, explore Tomioka, which was evacuated during the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a robot hotel, death worshipping cult and a suicide hotspot.

Explore murder locations in Milwaukee, where Jeffrey Dahmer did gruesome deeds, go on tours that investigate the assassination of JFK, meet vampires in New Orleans and take a tour of the Manson murders.

Dark tourism may not be mainstream but it’s an interesting show.

Released: 20 July 2018

best travel shows on netflix streaming

Travels with My Father is a series that follows comedian Jack Whitehall and his father across southeast Asia.

Father and son start off by exploring Vietnam , Cambodia and Thailand and move to Eastern Europe in the second series, while the third series is in the American West and the fourth series discovers Australia.

It’s a must-see for Jack Whitehall fams as this travel documentary series is a funny and heartwarming take on life.

Released: 22 September 2017

This documentary explores the rich landscape and culture of Guatemala, featuring the mysteries of ancient Mayan cities.

Guatemala is the heart of the 2000-year-old Mayan civilisation, which mysteriously collapsed.

This Netflix travel series starts in Petén, which has over 50 Mayan archaeological sites.

Maya culture continues to influence contemporary Guatemala, where four million people speak 24 Maya languages and traditions like weaving and counting the days in the Maya calendar still exist.

Watch this show on Netflix, and you’ll be itching to visit Guatemala’s museums, archaeological sites and towns.

Released: 11 December 2019

good travel shows on netflix about nature in Romania

Untamed Romania is a feature-length film that celebrates the natural beauty of Romania , featuring its wildlife.

The show is narrated by Victor Rebengiuc and was produced through 12 months of his travels around the country.

From the Danube Delta to the Făgăraș mountains, this beautiful travel diary showcases the different seasons in Romania and is a must-see for nature lovers.

If you’re interested in exploring Romania, this series is worth watching.

Released: 18 March 2018.

Food Travel Documentaries on Netflix

Some of the best travel shows are to do with food.

Street Food Asia is a relatable show on Netflix that takes viewers into the kitchens in the backstreets of Asia’s best food cities.

From Bangkok to Singapore, Delhi to Osaka , the American Netflix documentary by David Gelb and Brian McGinn will take you on an exciting exploration of popular dishes.

The show splices in archival footage with interviews and follows street cooks and how street food has played a part in the culture of each country.

It’s one of the best travel documentary series to discover Asian delights.

Released: 26 April 2019

This Netflix original follows the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond worldwide, visiting cities like Dublin, Bangkok, Mexico City, New Orleans, Buenos Aires and Cape Town.

The fourth season goes from Rio de Janeiro to the Mississippi Delta to Hawaii.

Experiences include eating street food in Chinatown and exploring Bangkok’s floating market.

From slurping pho in Saigon and drinking Vietnamese coffee to eating shakshuka and visiting a synagogue-themed hummus shop in Tel Aviv, readers go on a fascinating discovery of delicious recipes

Released: 12 January 2018.

food travel shows on netflix cheese in italy

New York Times Magazine columnist Samin Nosrat is the brainchild behind the docuseries, based on the award-winning book.

Salt Fat Acid Heat explores the ingredients at the heart of dishes around the world.

From olive oil and cheese in Italy to soy and miso in Japan, watching this travel show on Netflix is a great way for foodies to experience the world.

Released: 2018

colourful buildings in Stockholm featured on Netflix

Another famous travel show on Netflix is Chef’s Table, which follows the best chefs in the world, an episode at a time.

From the tranquillity of rural Sweden to the mountains of Peru and temples in South Korea , watching this chef show is a fantastic way to explore the world through its food culture.

Each episode follows a different chef and features each chef’s philosophies to cooking.

Released: 26 April 2015

Awards: 2018 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and many other awards since 2015.

Another popular chef show follows award-winning chef David Chang on a culinary journey of the popular hotspots.

Accompanied by a bevy of interesting characters, including artists, writers, activists and famous chefs, they use food to break down cultural barriers.

From top-notch kitchens to local eateries, the show is a showcase of food in some of the globe’s best foodie cities, including Copenhagen, Tokyo and Houston.

Released: 23 February 2018.

African-American soul food is the star of High on the Hog, a travel show on Netflix based on the eponymous book.

A culmination of years of work showcases the history of African American cuisine, tracing the journey from cultivating and harvesting to processing and cooking.

It’s a celebration of food that African slaves brought to America, including blackeyed peas, watermelon and okra.

This is one of the best travel shows to help you delve into this aspect of America’s history.

Released: 26 May 2021.

Road Trip Travel Shows On Netflix

woman in bed watching travel shows on netflix

Expedition Happiness follows a young German couple, Felix and Mogli, who take off on a road journey in a refurbished school bus.

From Alaska to Mexico, this travel show is about the couple’s search for happiness.

They leave city life in Berlin to feed their souls with their mountain dog.

Various setbacks make this show a riveting watch, and the characters are real people who have fears and hopes.

From worrying about whether soldiers have framed them by planting drugs under their bus to drinking tequila with a drug dealer, you’ll want to know whether they do find happiness in their travels.

Released: 4 May 2017.

Baker and actor Paul Hollywood, a fan of sleek sports cars, discovers how popular cars in Europe are connected with culture and identity.

In Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip, Paul visits France , Italy and Germany to drive popular cars such as the £2 million Italian Huayra, a 2CV in France and a German VW Kombi Camper Van.

Released: 28 May 2017

silhouette of cyclist

Follow a young millennial as he bicycles around the globe through 22 countries, searching for the meaning in life.

The 20,000 km journey is a year-long bicycle tour through multiple countries, visiting some of the most famous landmarks around the world.

From Germany to Turkey to South east Asia to New Zealand and the USA, Felix Starck has an adventure like no other, documenting his personal experience.

It’s a bucket list journey for cycling fans to watch.

Released: 29 October 2015

Some of the best travel shows are about exploring places while doing something good for humanity.

A 15,000 km bicycle tour around the world raising funds to build a school in Guatemala is a worthy cause to follow.

Follow the adventures of Max and Nono from Berlin to Beijing and be inspired by their Beijing to Berlin.

Released: 2019

The Kindness Diaries is a social experiment that puts the spotlight on generosity and selflessness.

Leon Logothetis goes on a road tour to find compassion from strangers.

This unique travel show is one of the best travel documentaries for an uplifting watch that brings hope in a world where greed is rampant.

Released: 21 February 2017

Nature Travel Shows On Netflix

Discover the magic of Australia while watching the Magical Land of Oz.

Australia is a beautiful country with many natural surprises, from the wild ocean to the highest peaks, from tropical savannahs to lush rainforests.

From wild numbats to giant cuttlefish, there is a myriad of wild creatures to meet.

Barry Humphries is the narrator of this popular show that reveals the challenges animals face in this land of extremes.

Released in: 17 February 2019

Sir David Attenborough narrates both Planet Earth and its sequel.

Both are the best travel shows for lovers of nature to devour.

From learning about flora and fauna to South east Asia’s smooth-coated otters, from Tibetan foxes to endangered Ethiopian ibex, leopards in Mumbai, Jaipur’s monkeys and Southern France’s catfish, these two nature travel documentaries on Netflix are sure to delight.

Released in: 2006 and 2016

Two men follow a competition to create a portable hotel in the wilderness consisting of eight cabins, each with its style and décor.

Competition rounds are based on themes, such as the battle of the dragon where a cabin built to look like the eye of the dragon competes against one that looks like a dragon’s claw.

Cabin designs are creative and watching the show will inspire you to pack your bags and head out into the wilderness.

A luxurious cabin inspired by a Welsh coal pit fights it out with a contemporary slate cabin. Other fantastic creations are a cabin inspired by the legend of King Arthur and a double-storey tepee.

Released: 2017

woman in a red bikini on a beach featured in a travel show in netflix

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals helps viewers discover unique vacation rentals covering a wide range of budgets.

The show highlights unique options such as a treehouse in Atlanta, a cabin in Hawaii with its own waterfall and a snake-shaped apartment in Mexico City.

There are plenty of luxury escapes to swoon over and some amazing experiences, such as waking up in a bed of marshmallow pillows in a room that costs $15,000 a night and sleeping in a bamboo pod in Bali.

From a private Bahamas island to the Yellow Ferry, which is the oldest surviving wooden ferry on the West Coast, to a cave in the Ozark Mountains, this travel show will wow you with a world of delightful accommodation choices.

Released: 2021

Instant Hotel is a reality show where teams of Australian homeowners stay in one another’s rentals and rate their experiences.

Each team and a judge scores each other based on a set of criteria including the property, location, attractions, value and a good night’s sleep.

The highest-scoring team moves to the Grand Final, and the prizes are impressive, such as $100,000 in cash and a stay at a Californian Instant Hotel.

Released: 7 November 2017

Travel Man follows the comic and his British celebrity guests as they explore cities like Hong Kong, Helsinki and Miami.

Fancy spending 48 hours in Athens with Dawn French or 48 hours in Florence with Rebel Wilson, or 48 hours in Istanbul with Adam Hills?

The programme a 48-hour itinerary in a format that moves fast with plenty of tips and a dash of humour.

The two-times nominated BAFTA show also won Best Factual Programme three years in a row at the RTS Midlands awards.

You can watch Travel Man on Amazon Prime.

Released: 30 March 2015

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Most of us can't be on the road 365 days a year, but that doesn't mean we have to stop exploring. With some of the best travel shows streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, we have the world at our fingertips, with episodes that take us from markets in Mexico to hawker stalls in Singapore to the farthest reaches of the Arctic, back home to BBQ joints in Charleston. Whether you'd rather follow the late Anthony Bourdain, Sir David Attenborough, David Chang, Samin Nosrat , Samantha Brown , Ewan McGregor, or the Fab Five along the way is up to you. Here, find some of our favorite travel shows available to stream right now (fictional and not), involving journeys by land, air, and sea—and lots and lots of eating.

This gallery was last published in March 2020. It has been updated with new information. All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Image may contain Human Person Food Culinary and Chef

Taste the Nation

With international travel largely on hold, there's no better time to explore our own backyard—which is exactly what host Padma Lakshmi did on her new Hulu show Taste the Nation . The show's first season, released in June, follows the Top Chef host and author as she quite literally tastes the nation , stopping at restaurants around the U.S. to sample the foods of a variety of Indigenous and immigrant groups. Expect to see some familiar faces, like comedian Ali Wong and spearfisher Kimi Werner , along the way. 

Watch now: Free with a Hulu subscription ( sign up for Hulu here )

Komodo dragon

Planet Earth and Planet Earth II

We had to wait 10 years between the debut of Planet Earth , a groundbreaking natural history show narrated by Sir David Attenborough, and its sequel Planet Earth II , but it was worth it. The first season, which focus on a specific biome and the flora and fauna that live there in each episode, spotlights smooth coated otters in Southeast Asia, Tibetan foxes, critically endangered Ethiopian ibex, and blue whales, among so many others. Our two favorite episodes, though, come from part II. In the sixth episode, the high-def cameras turn to cities to show how leopards in Mumbai, monkeys in Jodhpur, and catfish in southern France live alongside humans. And in what may be the most heart-racing episode of nature television, the islands episode of Planet Earth II follows a lone iguana racing against time—and a horde of snakes. 

Watch Planet Earth now: $3 per episode, $25 per season; amazon.com

Watch Planet Earth II now: $3 per episode, $20 per season; amazon.com

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Long Way Up

Believe it or not, actor Ewan McGregor has been in the travel show business for some 16 years. It all started with Long Way Round , a 2004 series that followed McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman on a motorcycle journey from London through Europe, Asia—and then after a flight to Alaska—Canada, and the U.S. all the way to New York City. The show was followed by 2007's Long Way Down, which took the duo from Scotland to South Africa, on motorcycles once again. Now, they've turned their bikes (electric this time) towards South and Central America, with the latest iteration following the duo some 13,000 miles from Ushuaia, Argentina, on the continent's southernmost tip, to L.A. As usual, hijinks, pitfalls, and stunning scenery are all on view. Neither of the earlier shows are available to stream in the U.S. currently (though you can find them on Apple TV+ in the U.K.), but Long Way Up is an Apple TV+ original and on view for all. 

Watch now: Free with an Apple TV+ subscription ( sign up for Apple TV+ here )

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Furniture Couch Coat and Sleeve

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Be sure to watch this show on a full stomach, or you'll be pausing to bake focaccia or cook tahdig along with affable host and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat cookbook author Samin Nosrat. In the four-part show, Nosrat travels the world, making stops in Mexico, Japan, Italy, and her home in California, to discover the properties of each of the show's title elements. There's cheese. There's olive oil. There's miso. There are tortillas. There's salsa. And just like that we're hungry again. (FYI, she's as delightful in person as she is on screen—and joined us for a Women Who Travel podcast episode soon after the show premiered.) Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

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Image may contain Clothing Apparel Jacket Coat Human Person Alice Levine Richard Ayoade Overcoat and Pedestrian

If you're familiar with Anthony Bourdian's The Layover, then the premise of British comedian Richard Ayoade's Travel Man will seem quite familiar. The goofy show follows the comic and primarily English celebrity friends as they galavant around cities like Helsinki, Miami, and Hong Kong over the course of 48 hours. If you're a Great British Bake Off fan, start with Ayoade's trip to Paris with original GBBO host Mel Giedroyc or the season two episode featuring current host Noel Fielding in Copenhagen . Other familiar faces include Paul Rudd in Helsinki and Bridesmaids' Chris O'Dowd in Vienna.

Image may contain Human Person Restaurant Food and Burger

Somebody Feed Phil

This Netflix original follows host Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond , as he eats his way through cities like Bangkok , Lisbon, Mexico City , New Orleans ,   Buenos Aires , Cape Town, and Dublin. The hyper-positive show was called "impossibly optimistic," by former Traveler editor Paul Brady, who spoke with Rosenthal before the first season's premiere in 2018. The fourth season, out October 30, takes Rosenthal from Rio de Janeiro to the Mississippi Delta and the islands of Hawaii to eat even more delicious grub.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Parts Unknown

Parts Unknown

You simply cannot have a list of the best travel shows and not feature the late Anthony Bourdain. In fact, he's on our list more than once. In Parts Unknown , the chef and travel personality circled the world many times over, in search of music, culture, humor, history, and—of course—really good food. Over 12 seasons (the last aired posthumously), Bourdain visited the indigenous Andes with Eric Ripert, the Sochi Winter Olympics, the Mississippi Delta, and, most famously, Hanoi with then-president Barack Obama. (That's season eight, episode two, if you want to jump right to it.) 

Watch now: $3 per episode, or $10 per season; amazon.com

Connected Season 1

Technically, Netflix's original show Connected is a science show, but that doesn't mean it isn't filled with travel. Plus, host Latif Nasser told us earlier this year that the show was built in the footsteps of Bourdain's Parts Unknown and No Reservations (with a dash of Bill Nye thrown inn). The show speaks to how the world is interconnected—like how Delaware's birds can offer clues about the Gulf's hurricane season or how sand from the Sahara impacts the Amazon. Throughout, you'll follow Nasser as he hopscotches around the world to speak with scientists to find out more. 

Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Street Food Asia

Street Food

Made by the same folks behind Chef's Table (spoiler: it's also on this list), this show moves away from formal restaurant kitchens and onto the streets, for a guide to some of the world's best curbside meals and snacks . The show's first season is all about Asia, traveling to nine different countries to meet the people behind the food, like Jay Fai from Bangkok's Raan Jay Fai , a Michelin-starred street stall serving up tom yum soup, and Truoc (pictured left), who serves a variety of snail dishes in Ho Chi Minh City . The second season, which hit Netflix in July, zeroes in on Latin America, with stops at Doña Vale's in Oaxaca for memelas and Las Chicas de las Tres food stall in Buenos Aires, run by chef Pato Rodriguez. 

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Lost Cities With Albert Lin

In this National Geographic –produced show, explorer and scientist Albert Lin tracks down some of the world's most famous lost cities. We're talking buried Knights Templar caves in Israel, El Dorado in the jungles of Colombia, and ancient, forgotten island cities in Micronesia. Along the way, he speaks with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to discover the origins of the legends and, in turn, the reality of those places today. 

Watch now: Free with a Disney+ subscription ( sign up for Disney+ here )

David Chang drinking pickle juice in Istanbul

Ugly Delicious

The second season of the David Chang –hosted Netflix series debuted in March 2020, taking viewers from Istanbul (pictured), to Tokyo , to Sydney , to… Outback Steakhouse? Along the way, he tackles balancing parenthood with restaurant life, cooks with Top Chef 's Padma Lakshmi , rubs elbows with comedians like Nick Kroll and Aziz Ansari, and gets a lesson in not calling all Indian food curries from Traveler contributor Priya Krishna . (If you want more Chang, try your hand at a recipe from his Momofuku cookbook, or watch Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner , also on Netlfix, where he joins one famous friend on a food tour of a city, like Chrissy Teigen in Marrakech.) 

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Produced by Vice , this show is about the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In it, actor Elliot Page and their film director friend Ian Daniel travel to learn about what it's like to be LGBTQ+ around the world. They meet with two-spirit Native Americans, head to ballroom scenes in New York City, and visit the gay bars of Tokyo to dive deep into the vibrant gay and queer culture. But the duo also spends time in Rio de Janeiro, Jamaica, and Ukraine, speaking with LGBTQ+ locals to learn about the discrimination and threats they face just by existing. Expect tears, both happy and sad. 

Image may contain Human Person Outdoors Clothing Apparel Nature Countryside and Rural

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Gordon Ramsey is involved, so of course this cooking and travel show is extreme. In the National Geographic –produced series, the Hell's Kitchen chef goes out of his element—and out of the kitchen—to learn cooking tips and tricks from locals in unusual locales, culminating in a cook-off of sorts to show off what he's picked up. Here, he heads to Peru's Sacred Valley to learn high altitude cooking, cooks seal with a Tlingit elder in Alaska , and learns about Berber food culture in Morocco. 

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Carmen Sandiego

Many of us got our first lesson in geography from this trench coat–wearing master thief, and today's kids can too, thanks to the Netflix reboot of this animated series. This high-flying, Robin Hood–style caper takes kids (and parents) with Sandiego as she jet sets between Rio de Janeiro , Matsumoto in Japan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, and more. There are three seasons available and plenty of educational value here for mapheads—plus pretty stellar animation. This year, an interactive choose-you-own-adventure style show, called Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal, came to Netflix and provides endless entertainment as Sandiego fights off the Villains International League of Evil (V.I.L.E.), with your (kid's) help. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Image may contain Nature Ice Outdoors Mountain Snow and Iceberg

If Planet Earth and Planet Earth II weren't enough Attenborough for your liking, get your fix on Netflix, thanks to Our Planet . This docuseries, made by the creators of Planet Earth in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and narrated by Attenborough, is almost a mix of the two, taking armchair travelers from the North American grasslands and the Everglades to the Arctic tundra and deepest parts of our oceans. Once you're done with the nine 50-minute episodes, switch over to Our Planet: Behind the Scenes to see how the 600-person crew filmed the series. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

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No Reservations

If you want even more Bourdain, Hulu has you covered with No Reservations and The Layover, two of his travel shows that preceded Parts Unknown . In No Reservations, Bourdain takes us to both familiar—Maine, Prague, the Philippines—and unfamiliar—Kurdistan, Mozambique, and deep into the Amazon—corners and kitchens of our world, introducing us to new foods, cultures, and personalities over nine seasons. The Layover takes that same premise, but shortens the time line drastically, knocking down Bourdain's time to explore to just 24 to 48 hours. Both are must-sees—it's Bourdain after all. 

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Chef's Table: BBQ

While you can watch some of world’s most extraordinary chefs (like Dominque Crenn ; Peruvian Virgilio Martínez , the owner of Lima's Central restaurant; and Swede Magnus Nilsson ) as they create impossibly complicated dishes in the original Chef's Table, we've become partial to its latest iteration, which is all about barbecue. The Netflix original docuseries follows pitmasters like Tootsie Tomanetz—the 85-year-old spitfire pictured above who minds the brisket and sausage at Snow's, outside of Austin—and Rodney Scott, known for his Low Country–style pulled pork and ribs. But the show doesn't stick to the American South. You'll head to Rosalia Chay Chuc's Yucatán home and visit the grills of Lennox Hastie in Sydney, too.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

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Travels with My Father

The first season of this Netflix original, which came out in 2017, follows British stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, across Southeast Asia, tracking the duo as they finish the gap year Jack never got to complete, just a few years late (eight, to be exact). It's everything you'd expect: a Thai full moon party and, of course, a trip to Cambodia's Angkor Wat, but the moments in between are what make the show really worth watching. Now, in the three seasons that have followed, the father-son pair have road tripped through Transylvania , visited Chernobyl , and gotten into drag with Sydney queens. Needless to say, it's a romp.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

This image may contain Kaoru Kobayashi Human Person Pub Bar Counter Worker Architecture Building and Tower

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Set in a tiny Tokyo diner that's only open from midnight to 7 a.m., the fictional show follows the Midnight Diner's owner and clientele as they share their trials and joys, all while eating whatever the owner, called Master, dishes up. In the diner, pork miso soup is the go-to, but Master will cook visitors anything they order, as long as he's got the goods to make it. Episodes are a little over 20 minutes long, so it's the most bingeable of the bunch. Watch with subtitles and don't—seriously, don't—watch while hungry. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

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Get your international fix by watching Antoni , Karamo , Jonathan , Tan , and Bobby makeover the wardrobes and lives of everyday “heroes” in Yass, Australia , and Tokyo in their Queer Eye specials. That said, we're partial to the U.S.-based seasons, where the Fab Five hits up Atlanta, Kansas City, and, most recently, Philadelphia to give new life to regular folks. Whether they're making over the sisters behind Jones Bar-B-Q in Kansas City or the small town mayor of Clarkston, Georgia, we're on board. Have tissues on hand, as you're all but guaranteed to shed a tear (who are we kidding, you'll sob). Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

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Places to Love

For many years, Samantha Brown was the only female host on travel TV , period. And while some, albeit small, growth has been made in this regard (Nosrat and Kellee Edwards are among the new faces), Brown is still one of the few women on the go on our screens. While she made her start on the Travel Channel with Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America, and Passport to China , you should really be checking out her latest show, Places to Love. Now in its third season, the show sees Brown discovering off-the-beaten-path spots in some of the world's most loved destinations as far-flung as Seoul and Auckland, and right in our backyard, like Phoenix and Dallas . 

Watch Places to Love now: Free on PBS

Watch Passport to Europe now: $2 per episode, $35 per season; amazon.com

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The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Ok, so this isn't as much of a travel show as it is a “what is Jeff Goldblum curious about” show—but it doesn't mean they don't travel all over the U.S. With each episode focusing on the actor's ceaseless interest in the minutiae of one specific thing (like tattoos, or pools, or RVs, or ice cream—it really runs the gamut). Over the course of the show, Goldblum visits Hawaii , Las Vegas , NASA’s neutral buoyancy lab in Houston , and so much more. If you love Goldblum, you'll probably love this show. 

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ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

Looking for some wanderlust-worthy TV shows to fuel your travel urge?  Here are 22 Travel Shows on Netflix to inspire, distract, or escape through, depending on what you need! 

The Best Travel Shows on Netflix

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Ride Along Travel Shows on Netflix

These shows and documentaries follow their hosts on their travels, bringing you into their lives and experiences around the world.

1. Down to Earth : Zac Efron (do I need to say any more really?) and wellness expert, Darin Olien, search the globe for healthy and sustainable ways of life in different cultures. There’s an episode for everyone: Zac soaks in an Icelandic spa, talks to centenarians in Sardinia, and explores Ayahuasca tourism in Peru. 

2. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father : comedian Jack Whitehall pushes his decidedly non-comedian father to the brink of his comfort zone as they travel around the world for a fun twist on the buddy comedy. Trust me—you’ll be dying of laughter at every episode!

3. Expedition Happiness: even if you’ve never considered van life, Expedition Happiness will have you checking Craigslist for buses after you watch the couple (and their pup) travel from Alaska to Mexico in their renovated school bus.

Amazing Places to Stay

Whether you end up finding a place to stay on your next trip or just ways to spruce up your own space, these travel shows on Netflix will let you pretend to be in paradise.

4. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals:  the hosts visit and review three different vacation rentals around the world at three drastically different budgets.

5. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: tour some of the most architecturally impressive homes around the world! An architect and property developer, who provide their thoughts on the design and actual livability of the homes. 

6. Stay Here: watch as two experts renovate homeowners rental spaces to improve their marketability to potential renters. If you’ve somehow found yourself on the Airbnb side of Tiktok like I have, you’ll race through these episodes.

7. Instant Hotel: homeowners compete to have the best rental property, judged by their fellow contestants after a one-night stay in their place. It’s like Four Weddings without the secondhand embarrassment!

You May Also Like: How to Make Your Home Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel

Adventurous Travel Shows on Netflix

Whether you’re already an adrenaline junkie or not, these films will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone on your next trip.

8. 14 Peaks: the word “impossible” doesn’t seem to exist for Nimsdai Purja as he attempts to climb all 14 of Earth’s 8,000 meter peaks in just seven months! He breaks multiple Guinness World Records for high altitude mountaineering in the process.

9. Pedal the World: you may love your spin class, but I’m going to bet that Felix Starck loves cycling a little bit more. In 365 days, he cycled over 11,000 miles through 22 countries and documented the entire journey with breathtaking shots of his travels.

10. Biking Borders: if you’re looking for another cycling journey, follow two friends as they complete their first ever long bike ride from Berlin to Beijing while raising money for a new school in Guatemala. Personalities and friendships are the focus of this film, so even non-cyclists will enjoy this documentary.

Travel Nature Shows

If you find yourself stuck inside because of the cold, these shows will bring some vibrancy back to your life. 

11. Our Planet: narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, this series highlights ongoing conservation efforts and issues. It has some amazing cinematography and beautiful shots in over 50 countries.

12. Life in Color: another series narrated by David Attenborough, this series examines how various animals use color to their advantage. As with any David Attenborough nature documentary, impressive camera work will have you entranced.

13. Night on Earth: Samira Wiley narrates this nature documentary that offers a rare insight into the lives of nocturnal animals. Night On Earth is a great pick for someone who’s seen every episode of Planet Earth and is still left wanting more.

Location Specific Travel Shows

Deciding where to travel next? Check out these films for information on more off-the-beaten-path countries that are worth a visit.

14. Magical Andes: watch this visually stunning series to tour the communities and places within the Andes Mountains through the eyes of both travelers and locals. With Peru in particular becoming quite a hot spot for young travelers, this show will educate you to the unique physical and social atmosphere before you jet off to Machu Picchu.

15. Untamed Romania: if Romania wasn’t on your list before, it will be once you’re finished with this movie. It takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Romania, including Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Danube Delta, featuring the local flora and fauna. 

16. Guatemala – Heart of the Mayan World: the natural and cultural wonders of Guatemala and its roots in the Mayan world are on full display in this documentary. If you’ve been eyeing those cheap flights to Mexico , Guatemala- Heart of the Mayan World might just convince you to head a bit more south and explore the rich and vibrant country of Guatemala. 

Food Based Travel Shows

They say one of the best ways to get to know a place is through food and these shows prove that. Dig in, but be warned, you’ll walk away even hungrier than before.

17. Street Food Asia & Street Food Latin America: veteran travelers know one of the best parts of going to a new place is checking out the local street food scene. This series celebrates the colors and flavors of the street food experience, so you can indulge without having to leave your living room. There’s one series focused on street food in Asia and one in Latin America, so binge both or pick whichever one you’re craving most. 

18. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner: Chef David Chang brings celebrity guests (including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon) to a new city to explore the cuisine and culture in depth and in person.

19. Taco Chronicles: who doesn’t love a taco? Now you can be a certified taco connoisseur after watching this series deep dive into the history and culture of everyone’s favorite Tuesday treat.

You May Also Like: 20 Cocktails From Around the World

Just For Fun Shows

Tune in to these shows and tune out everything else. These shows, some fiction, some reality, are all set in places at the top of most of our “need to visit” lists.

20. Emily in Paris: okay, okay, while the premise isn’t exactly the most realistic, who wouldn’t want to be a twenty-something working a fancy marketing job in Paris with a charming French apartment and an even more charming French love interest? Season two was just added to Netflix, making it the perfect time to binge this series.

21. Singapore Social: a reality series that follows some of the young, rich, and connected in one of the most wealthy social circles in the world. If you liked Crazy Rich Asians, this might just be the reality show for you.

22. Derry Girls: set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, Derry Girls follows the darkly hilarious Erin and her eccentric cousin, Orla, as they navigate being teenage girls during the conflict. It gets bonus points for featuring Nicola Coughlan (now of Bridgerton fame) and lots of music from The Cranberries.

23. The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives: if you like any of the real housewives series, this show takes it to another level with the addition of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars and set in Mumbai. 

What’s one of your favorite Travel Shows on Netflix? Have you seen any of the picks on this list? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram ! 

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22 Best Travel Shows on Netflix

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Suburra

Suburra: Blood on Rome, the Italian Netflix success

Three seasons, endless worldwide translations, and rome at the heart of it all. this is suburra..

Suburra

Suburra: Blood on Rome, the show

While the plot of the series evolves and changes with each episode, the main protagonists remain. Still, a rough idea of the plot is this. There two criminal families fighting for control of Rome, the eternal capital. One is an established Italian family, while the other is a family gypsies.

The leaders of the families change and become allies, then enemies again. All happens in the backdrop of the busy and corrupt city. Suburra has it all: forbidden love, drugs, parties, and love. It’s a series about passion, friendship, and crime.

Furthermore, it features beloved actors and actresses.

The protagonists

The first mention has to be Alessandro Borghi, a handsome and talented actor. In the show, he plays the character of Aureliano Adami, who is continuous conflict with his criminal family. But not because he wants to be better, just because he has different ideas about the business.

To fight his family, Aureliano looks for allies. And he finds one in Spadino Anacleti, the character played by Giacomo Ferrara. He’s part of the gypsies. Although he’s not happy in it. In fact, Spadino is a homosexual in a combined marriage. And, of course, in love with Aureliano.

The actor Filippo Nigro plays the role of Amedeo Cinaglia. In Suburra, he starts off as a politician filled with ideals and dreams. Until he’s faced with the inertia of Rome’s executive and the power of the city’s corruption network.

Actress Carlotta Antonelli plays Angelica Sale, the badass and misunderstood wife of Spadino. Finally, Eduardo Valdarnini plays Lele , who is constantly in the way of Aureliano and Spadino. He’s thorn by his past, his forbidden love, and his remorse.

Of course, many more characters live in Suburra’s world. But these are the main protagonists, the ones that viewers sometimes love -and sometimes hate.

An Italian success

Suburra was an immediate hit. The first season has a stunning 100% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes. Unheard for an Italian show. It has often been compared to Narcos, but with more attraction. It’s like a magnet.

In 2017, Alessandro Borghi won as the Best Supporting Actor – International Competition at the CinEuphoria. Three years later, Carlotta Antonelli won as the Revelation of the Year at the GoldenJack.

While Netflix hasn’t released the statistics of the show, Suburra: Blood on Rome is the buzz for viewers who like dark, crime, and passionate series. With the unforgettable Rome in the background.

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travel shows about rome on netflix

Best Netflix Travel Shows

The best Netflix travel shows on the streaming service right now

Ugly Delicious, one of the best Netflix travel shows

With a library as vast as Netflix has, it's hard to pick out the best Netflix travel shows, but we're here to help you with that. 

Of course, it's ironic that just as the world opens up again post-pandemic, the cost of living has sky-rocketed. We guess that means putting off that week by the beach in Barcelona once again. Sigh. 

Still, there’s always armchair travel…no, stay with us! Netflix has a stellar supply of shows to watch for those suffering from a bad case of wanderlust; from food-focused odysseys and challenge-based travels to light-hearted looks at other global cultures with some incredible scenery providing the backdrop.

Whether it’s European mini-breaks or South-East Asian vacations that get you dreaming of far-off places, here’s 10 of the best to inspire your next travels. Just think of them as extra research for that bucket list trip...

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious

A fast-paced travelogue fusing food and travel together - well, why mess with a classic combination? - sees David Chang, boss of noodle giant Momofuku, weigh in on all the most important food items and how different cultures across the globe make them. 

Obviously, that means pizza from Italy, but an elevated slice of the pie in Tokyo; tacos from a celebrated food truck in LA, but a twist on the traditional in Mexico from Noma restaurant. Good travel series push the imagination and our world views and this certainly gives us our fill. 

Waffles + Mochi

Waffles and Mochi

On the face of it, this is cute show for kids, which is executive-produced by and stars Michelle Obama, no less, but it's actually one of the best examples of a series doing the double by being both entertaining for children and adults. 

A show based around a moon boot-wearing creature made from frozen waffles and mochi ball made sentient might not make any sense whatsoever, but who cares when it’s this joyous? The two puppet buddies - who work at a supermarket, alongside Ms. Obama - learn about different foods, and travel the world doing it; from whizzing up high in the Andes to try potatoes to searching out the best herbs and spices from a market in Venice, Italy. 

Twogether

The bromance of South Korean singer-actor Lee Seung-gi and Taiwanese favourite Jasper Liu is at the heart of this 2020 series; as the pair are challenged by fans to missions across Asia, despite speaking different languages. Challenge accepted! 

Taking in stunning locations across Indonesia, Thailand and Nepal the duo prove they’re more than just handsome faces as they triumph in treasure hunts and games like rock, paper, scissors to end up in the final destination of Seoul. Kind of like Squid Game, on the road, but without all the death.   

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

If your thumbs idly end up scrolling the Airbnb app in your down time; then this is the show for you. Three intrepid explorers - okay, hosts with seemingly unlimited expense accounts - travel the world to find the best places to rest your head on holiday. It’s not all luxury cabins on stilts in the Maldives though, as the series prides itself on catering for all budgets and all tastes. 

Top of our wishlist is the Area 55 prefab Futuro glamping pod ($225 a night), or the glass-domed eco-lodge - complete with sauna - in the heart of a Finnish winter wonderland (a casual $500 per night). Time to get saving.  

Down To Earth With Zac Efron

Down To Earth

Zac Efron, you say? Tween heartthrob from High School Musical, Zac Efron? Yep, but he’s now the poster boy for sustainable travel, segueing into an unexpected career choice back in 2020's Down To Earth With Zac Efron. 

With big bro-on-a-gap-year energy, Zac travels to places like Iceland, Sardinia, Peru and the Amazon to learn about eco-living and renewable energy, which is much more interesting than it initially sounds, and is arguably the way we should all be thinking about travelling now.  

Big Narstie's Big Jamaica

Big Narstie

“Man’s off on a mission to the motherland: Jamaica,” the big-selling rapper Big Narstie informs us at the beginning of this 2020 travel doc, and we’re honoured to be able to join him. Both the rapper’s parents hail from Jamaica, and he jets off home again with a candid and witty look into dancehall culture and the food scene. 

Cut to some incredible looking munchies: a mix of Jamaican and Chinese food from the Jamaican equivalent of a “motorway caff”. “My belly comes first!” Narstie says. Naturally.  

Travels With My Father

Jack Whitehall and Michael Whitehall in Netflix's Travels with My Father show

Like him or loathe him, there’s something quite enjoyable about Jack Whitehall travelling the world with his cantankerous old dad who “hates being away from home”. 

The father-and-son duo take on places like Thailand, Romania and Australia over five series, and even if you fall on the side of ‘loathe’ it’s always amusing watching Jack get cut down to size by his no-nonsense father, sorry, “Daddy”. Very much playing up to the ‘posh Brits on tour’ stereotype, this sometimes definitely scripted series won’t do much for our nation’s reputation around the world, but it does make for a fun watch. 

41 Peaks

There’s light-entertainment travel japes like the Whitehall family’s adventures above: then there’s death-defying expeditions that could only be described as extreme holidaying. 14 Peaks is definitely the latter, as it follows British-Nepalese high-altitude climber, Nirmal Purja, as he tries to ascend all of the world’s 14 8,000-feet high mountains within seven months. 

Hiking up insanely dangerous summits - that require oxygen masks after 7,500 feet - across China, Pakistan and Nepal, this documentary also tracks the heady heights of human endurance. Does he manage what he sets out to achieve? Well, we’ll leave that up to you to find out.    

Expedition Happiness

Expedition Happiness

A hipster German couple decide to sack off Berlin and take up #vanlife instead in this self-filmed documentary. Mogli - aka Selima - and her boyfriend Felix (who previously filmed himself cycling around the world for the Netflix doc Pedal The World) buy an old American school bus for $9,500, convert it into the most bijoux of apartments-on-wheels and as they plan to travel from Alaska to Argentina. 

After a hairy moment when it looks like US immigration won’t give them a visa, soon they’re on the road, travelling through gorgeous mountain vistas and turquoise lakes and the pretty, colourful small towns of Mexico. There are mishaps along the way - and they have to divert their trip at the last moment - but it’s nice to be along for the ride. 

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist

 Still gutted you can’t hop on a plane to paradise right now? Honestly, watching this show you might well be glad your bum has made a permanent imprint on your sofa. 

The host, Kiwi journalist David Farrier, explores the dark underside of tourism; from border crossing re-enactments in Mexico and Manson family murder tours to a visit to the still highly radioactive Fukushima nuclear power plant and - disturbingly - being shown the latest military weapons in Phnom Penh. Perhaps another staycation isn’t so bad after all...

  • The Best shows on Netflix right now...

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Laura Martin

Laura Martin is an entertainment journalist who covers TV, film, and music. She's written for numerous big publications, including TechRadar, Esquire, BBC Culture, The Guardian, and The i newspaper. Her favourite stories usually involve prestige TV drama, reality TV, or true-life documentaries. Basically, the more obscure, the better!

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travel shows about rome on netflix

World of Wanderlust

The Best Travel Shows on Netflix Right Now

Netflix has either become my best friend throughout the pandemic or it was all along and I’m now just realising it. Seriously, can any of you imagine a world without Netflix? Me neither. During the lockdown in South Africa, I’ve been getting my wanderlust fix elsewhere. It comes via the television, a magical device which, pre-pandemic me never really made time for. What a tragedy! So gear up and get ready, these are the best travel shows on Netflix right now.

travel shows about rome on netflix

1. Emily in Paris

It is no secret I fell in love with this show in a heartbeat. I had my Netflix reminder set the week before it previewed and woke up on the release day buzzing. As many of you know, I absolutely adore Paris . I think maybe I was French in another life. So this show was a welcomed return to my favourite city, having not been back this year due to the pandemic. I’ll be available at short notice should the show wish to request me for a cameo appearance! Just as long as I get to eat delicious French pastries on set.

Read more: 6 Shows to Watch if you loved Emily in Paris

travel shows about rome on netflix

2. Travels with my father

Mark Chapman struck television gold when he noticed the on-screen chemistry (and outright hilarity) between comedian Jack Whitehall and his father Michael. There are a few seasons of this show to work your way through, with the latest Travels with my father taking the unlikely travel duo through Australia . Personally, my favourite season was the first season filmed in Southeast Asia. But the more you watch, the more you can’t stop.

travel shows about rome on netflix

3. Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef and food writer Samin Nosrat travels around the world to demystify principles of what makes food delicious. The show is based on her book of the same name, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”. Not only do you get to travel to the likes of the Italian countryside and San Francisco (Samin’s hometown), but you also get a great backing for becoming a better chef or cook at home.

travel shows about rome on netflix

4. Dark Tourist

The definition of “tourism” is redefined as New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier uncovers what it means to be a Dark Tourist. The show is quite confronting throughout, so perhaps skip watching during dinner (don’t say I didn’t warn you!) It is incredibly interesting however and fills a huge gap in the travel show space for the darker side of tourism.

travel shows about rome on netflix

5. The Chef Show

At first glance, it might look like a chef show. I mean, it is kind of in the name. But this show offers so much more than that, as is often the case with cooking shows that travel. My favourite episode is one of the newest released, an episode inside Milk Bar in Los Angeles. But of course, Milk Bar had its humble beginnings in the East Village of New York City when Christina Tosi opened her venue with the likes of “crack pie” and “cereal milk soft serve”. The episode teaches you some hot favourites from the menu and a slice of Los Angeles lifestyle to boot.

Read more: 25 of the Best things to do in New York City

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Brooke Saward

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

A few snapshots from Island life in Koh Samui 🥹🌴 just shared my blog posts from this trip in Thailand and now craving mango sticky rice pudding, the kindness and hospitality of Thai people and those buffet breakfast spreads (the kinda ones that keep you full til dinner). My stay at @fskohsamui was like something out of a story book. Especially that last photo - that night was one to remember 🫶🏼 #kohsamui #thailand #travel #travelblog #thailandtravel

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travel shows about rome on netflix

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The Best Netflix Travel Shows To Watch Now

The Best Netflix Travel Shows To Watch Now

Ranker Streaming

Here are the best travel shows streaming now on Netflix. Whether you're looking for exotic food destinations or planning your next vacation, this list of travel documentary series currently on Netflix is regularly updated with new and popular TV series. What are the best travel programs to watch on Netflix? 

One of the best Netflix original docuseries, Somebody Feed Phil  features Everybody Loves Raymond creator Philip Rosenthal traveling the world and trying local foods. Other good travel shows on Netflix include Ugly Delicious , Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father , Tales By Light , and Taco Chronicles.

Check out these Netflix travel shows and vote up the very best.

Street Food

Street Food

Is Street Food Worth Your Time?

Somebody Feed Phil

Somebody Feed Phil

Is Somebody Feed Phil Worth Your Time?

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist

Is Dark Tourist Worth Your Time?

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Is Jack Whitehall: Travel... Worth Your Time?

Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream

Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream

Is Midnight Asia: Eat. Da... Worth Your Time?

The World's Most Extraordinary Homes

The World's Most Extraordinary Homes

Is The World's Most Extra... Worth Your Time?

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious

Is Ugly Delicious Worth Your Time?

Street Food: USA

Street Food: USA

Is Street Food: USA Worth Your Time?

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Is Down to Earth with Zac... Worth Your Time?

Taco Chronicles

Taco Chronicles

Is Taco Chronicles Worth Your Time?

Heavenly Bites: Mexico

Heavenly Bites: Mexico

Is Heavenly Bites: Mexico... Worth Your Time?

Tales By Light

Tales By Light

Is Tales by Light Worth Your Time?

Cooked

Is Cooked Worth Your Time?

Instant Hotel

Instant Hotel

Is Instant Hotel Worth Your Time?

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Is Down to Earth With Zac... Worth Your Time?

The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries

Is The Kindness Diaries Worth Your Time?

Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip

Is Paul Hollywood's Big C... Worth Your Time?

Stay Here

Is Stay Here Worth Your Time?

You vs. Wild

You vs. Wild

Is You vs. Wild Worth Your Time?

Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey

Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey

Is Ainori Love Wagon: Asi... Worth Your Time?

Chuck and Danny's Road Trip

Chuck and Danny's Road Trip

Is Chuck and Danny's Road... Worth Your Time?

Extreme Engagement

Extreme Engagement

Is Extreme Engagement Worth Your Time?

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Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Stream Now

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We all love to travel. Some of us travel to gather new experiences, some to learn new things, some to try new adventures, and some just to relax and unwind. But, the fact is we can’t travel as much as we want to because of work, family, and other obligations. What do we do then? Well, we look for sources of travel inspiration . We search for inspiring travel quotes, we read travel books, or we watch travel movies, or we watch travel shows…anything that inspires our wanderlust. That’s how we escape to far-off places from the comfort of our homes. We, vicariously live out our travel dreams. Thanks to the digital world we live in today. The real game-changer in the travel TV genre has to be Netflix. It’s home to some amazing travel shows. With hundreds of travel shows to choose from on Netflix, you can see the different parts of the world without ever leaving your couch or bed. However, with so many diverse options, it can be quite overwhelming to pick the perfect travel show or documentary. We’re here to help.

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

Here’s an ultimate list of the best travel shows on Netflix recommended by travel experts for you all travelers out there to binge on. So, what are you waiting for?

Pick the travel show you want to see, and pack your bags…Ummm…grab a bag of popcorn, settle on your couch, and hit the on-button of the remote.

#1 Travels with My Father

3 seasons, 13 episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

Sean from LivingOutLau says, “My favorite travel series on Netflix has to be Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father. “ A travel documentary comedy that follows the journey of a twenty-something-year-old son and a close to 80-year-old father, Travels With My Father is both culturally enriching and hilarious. The son, Jack Whitehall, takes his posh father, Michael Whitehall, on a popular backpacking gap-year route across Southeast Asia, where their contrasting personalities create a fun dynamic for the audience. If you ever wanted to see the results of a high-class elderly man from the UK staying in a hostel, then you must not miss the show. The father’s disconnect from many of the latest travel news and trends creates some of the hilarious moments in the show, such as when he chats up with a very nice lady who turns out to be a “ladyboy” in Thailand. Currently, there is a total of 3 seasons of Travels With My Father on Netflix. Season 1 features travel adventures in Southeast Asia, season 2 in Eastern Europe, and season 3 in the United States . Whichever season you pick, just be ready to laugh until your stomach hurts!

#2 Moving Art

3 seasons, 19 episodes | IMDb: 8.7/10

Tanayesh from Shoestring Travel asserts that Moving Art has to be one of the most relaxing shows on Netflix. I watch it to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of the day. Moving Art by Louie Schwartzberg is a documentary exclusively on nature like deserts, forests, oceans, wildlife, and many more with soothing music playing over top. The movie provides a pensive tour of witnessing the world and as it is without narration, you can actually feel the sounds of nature at large. The amazing shots which are tactfully edited with the cinematography are just breathtaking! Once you sit to watch the movie, you will absolutely be glued to it and would definitely love to watch it often. Moving Art is my all-time favorite – whether I can travel or I can’t I satisfy my desire to travel by watching this exotic nature movie. For me, it’s a spiritual experience as I watch nature’s beauty sitting at home experiencing her beauty in different ways. Not to forget this movie also heals my mind and body and gives me the utmost pleasure. This gorgeous series answered an unspoken desire to have a nature film without the spoken word. The desire is so strong that I have to watch it daily. And not one film but four! These films are meant to be enjoyed and in the end, you will have a relaxed body and a peaceful mind, and you will embrace positivity and forget all negativity. There is not an iota of mediocrity in these works. And I will be able to view them over and over. Thank you, Louis Schwartzberg. By following your bliss, you have given it to others. Lovely contribution to the planet.

#3 Our Planet

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 9.3/10

Cassie from Cassie the Hag believes that Our Planet, a documentary series on Netflix, is a travel show hoping to help us connect better with our homes. Narrated by Britain’s favorite national treasure David Attenborough, the show focuses on the conservation issues we – and our planet – now face due to the dire human impact on the environment. Viewers are invited to enjoy stunning nature shots of frozen worlds to deserts, jungles to the high seas, and close-ups of animals in their natural habitats…while being gently reminded of our responsibility as global citizens. It is this perspective that makes me believe Our Planet is a must-see. Travel lovers will be inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Russia, Chile, South Georgia, Madagascar, and many more.

Although I’ve already enjoyed an amazing holiday in Indonesia , it definitely made me long to go back to see the orangutans of Sumatra and the coral reefs of Raja Ampat – known as one of the best diving regions in the world. The beauty of Earth’s natural ecosystem shines while the focus shifts to the rich but fragile biodiversity. We are reminded that South Georgia may look stunning – and the penguins are totally cute – but the melting ice caps could change Earth dramatically and doom the animals who live there. Our Planet is not all doom and gloom, mind. In Serengeti , Tanzania , we see messages of sadness and hope – both hippos crammed into small areas of the Great Ruaha River due to the human water industry – but also witness shots of wild dogs who have back from local extinction. You’ll start watching Our Planet for outdoor inspiration but leave it wanting to take better care of your home.  

#4 Dark Tourist

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

Dave from davechant.com recommends his favorite travel show on Netflix – Dark Tourist. Dark tourism is loosely defined as travel to areas where death, disaster, or atrocity is an integral part of the experience. People have for many years been visiting Chernobyl or Auschwitz but there’s a growing desire for the macabre and sinister that coined this travel term in the early twenty-first century. In 2018 comes the Netflix documentary Dark Tourist, starring the journalist David Farrier. He’s been described as the poor man’s Louis Theroux, but there’s something amiable and naïve about his bumbling narrative and efforts to understand dark tourism that makes him watchable in a slightly Karl Pilkington way. To date, there has been 1 season with 8 episodes broadcast. Highlights include David heading to Mexico City and witnessing both an exorcism and learning about a community that worships the “death saint” and visiting the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster site in Japan (Episodes 1 and 2 respectively.) In Episode 6 he has a dilemma involving a bazooka and a cow in Cambodia and goes to a mummified corpse ritual in Indonesia . The most bizarre section has to come in the last episode where he visits a haunted house attraction in Tennessee lasting 8 hours where people are literally tortured physically and psychologically. Suffice it to say no one has made it completely through the 8 hours without issuing their safe word. Sometimes Dark Tourist is a little hit and miss – naturally, you’ll gravitate to certain “experiences” over others. However, easy watching at times this is not, and you may not love it, but you’ll find yourself mesmerized as to what’s going to happen next.

#5 Street Food

1 season, 9 episodes | IMDb: 8.0/10

Emily from Wander-Lush says, “If you’re a fan of the popular TV show Chef’s Table, you’ll be pleased to know the Netflix travel series Street Food is created by the same team.” This time around, they’re not chronicling Michelin-starred celebrity chefs – instead, they’re paying tribute to the often overlooked and unsung heroes of the street food world. Season one takes a deep dive into 9 cities in Asia, including Seoul, Delhi, and Saigon . Food is, of course, the star, but each episode also paints a picture of the location. One thing I love about this show is how succinct it is. Each 30-minute episode follows three or four individual protagonists, humanizing the food from the very beginning. From the daily rituals of a Yogyakarta dessert vendor, as she wakes up at dawn to lovingly prepare her sweet treats, to the trials and tribulations of a busy Bangkok street chef, each episode is a window onto someone’s world and is totally immersive. Beyond the food they cook, the show explores each person’s backstory, narrated by them in their native language through interviews. The women and men who star in Street Food are champions of their communities. At times, the show zooms out to illustrate how critical street food culture is to the fabric of society in their respective countries. Each episode is packed with practical tips for foodie travelers, too. I started watching it when I was planning a trip to Vietnam  and ended up pinning all the locations on Google Maps so I could visit them myself! There’s currently only one season of Street Food available on Netflix, but a second one is in the pipeline.

#6 Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyan

2 seasons, 35 episodes | IMDb: 8.8/10

Even though it is a culinary show, it travels across India showcasing the history, and tradition related to the cuisine. It is said that the place, its weather, food that grows there have a very important influence in developing the cuisine of that region. The series name literally means ‘King, Kitchens and their stories’ and delves into each state’s history.

Visiting the royal palaces and their royal kitchens, and roaming the streets to understand where and how it originated keeps you engrossed. There are some interesting stories about how some ingredients originally from different countries traveled across continents and now are an integral part of Indian cuisine. India has a history that dates back centuries and it’s evident in food as well. In one of the episodes, they even shared the scripts of recipes written on leaves by the chef of a king.

A culinary trip to India would be incomplete without visiting the places where it originated. Travel is an experience not only about visiting a place but also about knowing the culture, history, and food of the area. And this series for sure will fulfill it completely. The bold voice that weaves stories through beautiful locations and aromatic cuisines is another highlight of the series.

We started watching as a family and our kids even joined us and took an equal interest. The first season had 11 episodes of 1 hour that traversed food of some major states of India like Rajasthan , Tamil Nadu , Punjab, Kashmir, Kerala , Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. Season 2 had 24 episodes but the duration was 30 minutes.

#7 Ugly Delicious

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

Daisy from Oman Travel Guides thinks, that for those that love to travel, one of the best (and only) things to do during this period of self-isolation is to travel vicariously through others.

One such way to do so is by learning different cultures and customs through a good Netflix series. And what better series is there than a cooking show produced by award-winning chef David Chang? (Hint: Almost none.) Ugly Delicious is a Netflix show that follows David and a few of his colleagues around the world in a quest to better understand various dishes and meals. It explores the local history and culture through dish-specific travels. It is both informative and humorous, which is great for those who are looking for something more light-hearted but educational. Each episode dives into the specifics of a dish and explores its variations in different countries, as well as how it evolved with the cultural specificities of the region. Be it the concept of fried chicken, pizza, or tacos, David Chang is able to capture the intricacy and complexity that is often overlooked by others. He and his team have traveled to Japan, Naples, and more to further research the numerous factors that contribute to a dish that is similar in concept, but different in taste. Ugly Delicious is an excellent show in that it not only looks at the food but also brings to light critical sociocultural issues that are found within each dish. It does a beautiful job of connecting the dots between different cuisines and people and makes us think more carefully about the various elements behind the things we consume each day.

#8 Somebody Feed Phil

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Veronika from Travel Geekery says, “When it comes to  traveling at home , or rather just inducing that travel feeling, travel food shows are a great option, even though you cannot eat what the people on your TV screen do. I’ve enjoyed watching both seasons of Somebody Feed Phil and am looking forward to season 3 coming out at the end of May 2020.” Philip Rosenthal , the “Phil” in the show, is a well-known name in the US Entertainment Industry. He produced the popular sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ in the ’90s. It went on for 9 seasons! So nowadays in his current show, which he produces and stars in, Phil travels the world in search of the delicious. And man, does he like food! From New Orleans to Bangkok, Phil seeks out local foodie spots from both expats and locals and stuffs himself till full. The most unique feature of the show is how funny, or rather goofy, Phil is. He is a comical character, makes amusing or embarrassing jokes, dances, sings… He really puts himself out there. He also hasn’t hesitated to bring the whole family into the TV Show. He skypes his parents in every episode, updating them on his whereabouts and the local food. His brother is the cameraman and sometimes interacts with Phil. His wife and kids once joined him for a big part of an episode in Copenhagen . The lighthearted travel/food documentary serves as a great inspiration for future trips. We knew what delicious things to expect in Ho Chi Minh City after watching Phil’s show. We even rewatched it once there to make sure we didn’t miss out on any of the local specialties.

#9 Tales by Light

3 seasons, 15 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Jeff from Life Of Y recalls, “When I was growing up, I dreamed of becoming a travel photographer. What could be better than traveling the world and doing what you love the most? Sometimes we forget why we fell in love with a particular passion or hobby. Maybe jobs, bills, and other things get in the way. Then, one day, something comes along from the professionals you had admired as a child…” Tales By Light is a visually stunning documentary series created by National Geographic and Canon Australia . The show follows professional photographers as they explore various lands, pushing the limits of their abilities, in an attempt to show us our world in ways we’ve never seen before. Each episode is a visual journey as the photographers tell us their vision of the perfect image and what the project means to them. From marine photography in Papua New Guinea to photographing religious festivals in the Himalayas, we experience every joy and every challenging moment through their eyes! Nearly everybody thinks they can be a photographer, or an Instagrammer, these days but this show will make you think long and hard about what it really takes to be in the profession. It will also make you want to take your photography, and even your traveling and adventuring, to a whole new level. The great thing about Tales By Light is that it’s not aimed at just photographers. Anyone with an interest in travel, nature, culture, or even just life, in general, will enjoy this. I highly recommend this show, not just for the spectacular cinematography, but as a great source of inspiration as well.

#10 The Kindness Diaries

2 seasons, 26 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Lara from Both Feet On The Road feels The Kindness Diaries is an incredibly inspiring documentary travel show on Netflix. I absolutely love this series and I recommend every travel lover to watch it. But what makes this travel show so inspiring? The series follows a man named Leon Logothetis (former broker) who travels the world with no money. In season one he travels with a vintage motorcycle and completely depends on the kindness of strangers for fuel, a place to sleep, and eat! In season two he starts in Alaska with a vintage Beetle and drives all the way to the tip of Argentina , still solely relying on people’s kindness. Unfortunately, season 1 is no longer available on Netflix, but season 2 still is. In return for people’s kindness, Leon helps them realize their dreams. For example, by paying for education and a home for a homeless man, paying for healthcare, helping stray dogs, or building schools. Each time a stranger offers him a place to sleep or eat, he offers them something in return. Before you watch, I have to give you a heads-up. The first time I watched the show I thought it was scripted and perhaps a bit over the top. But I urge you to keep watching, It’s not fake and the more you watch it, the better it gets. Even if it’s partly scripted, the kindness of strangers is real and from the heart. It’s heartwarming to see how far he gets and how helpful humankind can be. If you have ever lost all trust in our kind, you should watch this show! Leon’s goal is to show the world the power of human connection and that’s exactly the power of this show. And of course, the fact that you get to travel around the world virtually.

#11 Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 6.7/10

Lee from The Travel Scribes elucidates, If you like Ugly Delicious, you’ll love David Chang’s later foray into food and travel: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. This four-part limited series is a frothy, definitely, funny take on celebrity interviews as each episode sees Chang hang out with one of his famous buddies in different cities around the world, literally eating his way through the three square meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The series is interesting in that you don’t only explore the gastronomic culture and best eats of the city in question, but you get under the skin of these famous personalities while taking in the sights and sounds of the country. Almost a fusion of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and Anthony Bourdain-esque shows it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves food and famous people, in that order. Take, for example, the first episode. Actor and funnyman Seth Rogen takes Chang through his paces in Vancouver, Canada . It’s Rogen’s hometown so he easily showcases the best it has to offer: everything from Chinese-inspired dim sum to sugary doughnuts as they laugh the day away. Episode two changes pace as model and Twitter royalty, Chrissy Teigen , leads him through the maze-like warren of Marrakesh as they feast on lamb tagines, while the third installment has Chang in Los Angeles as Lena Waithe from  Master of None  plies him with potatoes, crayfish, and even the food of a retro bowling alley. Topped off with episode four, featuring comedian Kate McKinnon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia , where the two explore the city together as first-time visitors. As diverse as it is dynamic, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is an exploration of different cultures and destinations through the universal language of food. Undoubtedly binge-watching (and eating) fodder to whet your travel appetite!

#12 Conan Without Borders

1 season, 6 episodes

Based on the adventures of Conan O’Brien , a late-night talk show, Conan Without Borders is a fresh take on travel, cultures, and people. For this show, Conan traveled to a myriad of locations including Cuba, Israel, Haiti, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and Germany . The stuff he does in one country has nothing to do with another country, which keeps the content in mint condition. For instance, while in Japan, Conan decided to rent a fake family once he heard about Japan’s crisis of loneliness, and the service to rent families. In Germany, he visited the nude beaches and met up with a dominatrix. In Cuba, he did a rum tour. In South Korea, he joined The Wonder Girls, Korean pop star J.Y. Park, and TWICE for a K-POP music video. For Ghana, Conan joined comedian Sam Richardson and met the locals to observe the Year of Return, a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade, and learned the local customs and language. In Haiti, he made fun of President Trump with locals. What I love the most about Conan Without Borders is the way he brings in his far-flung humor to make a fool of himself. In all these countries where he doesn’t speak their language, he still manages to make people laugh and keep it fun. But once you start looking beyond the humor, you also see his sensitive side when he is talking to people about turmoil, genocides, and economic issues- without ever making a joke.  Deb from The Visa Project has been following the show since it started and she recommends it to anyone. It’s different from most travel shows you have ever seen.

#13 Outlander

6 seasons, 68 episodes | IMDb: 8.4/10

Outlander combines drama, romance, and a sense of wanderlust all in one. From the opening theme song to the stunning images of Scotland , viewers are transported to another land (and another time). The show is based on a multi-part book series by American author Diana Gabaldon, and incredibly, the story-telling and visuals do the novel justice. While the start of the show lands viewers after the end of World War II, much of the action throughout the series takes place in the late 1700s Scotland and, in later seasons, France and the Americas . Outlander has a great mix of adventure and anticipation for what happens next coupled with actual historical events. I learned a ton about Scottish history while watching the show, as I was checking facts about events and people while I watched. The emotion brought forth by the telling of these events brings to life historically significant periods of time, including the Battle of Culloden. Not only this, but the sense of longing, loss, love, anger, and any emotion you can imagine is also portrayed beautifully by its main actors. Outlander even inspired Christa from Expedition Wildlife to  travel to the Scottish Highlands  to visit some of the featured sites! Incredibly, Scottish family names from the show can be seen on memorial stones placed in the Culloden Battlefield Memorial site, and the hills of Glencoe featured in many scenes can be explored. Now, whenever I hear that opening song, I think of Scotland and its magical lands.

#14 Carmen Sandiego

2 seasons, 19 episodes | IMDb: 7.9/10

Tiffany from Mommy And Me Travels loves finding travel shows to inspire children to get excited about traveling.  She says, our family’s absolute favorite on Netflix is Carman Sandiego.  The show uses a catchphrase of ‘Where in the World is Carman Sandiego?’. My kids love trying to guess where Carman will end up before it is revealed in each episode.  This show is about a strong female lead, Carman, and how she uses her expert-acquired skills of theft to steal back items from her rivals before the items can be used against the world. Carman is not alone in her adventures. An expert team joins her along the way and in her ear is her sidekick ‘Player.’ The player guides Carman through all of the obstacles that she will encounter as she makes her way through cities.  Make discovering the world with Carman a weekly activity for you and your family.

#15 Master of None

2 seasons, 20 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Megan from Peter Pan Traveler says, “One of my favorite travel shows on Netflix is Master of None season 2. Not only is it a great travel show by making you want to pack your bag and move to Italy , but it can also help to mend a broken heart.” The main character is faced with an unfortunate break-up. Rather than being sad and depressed about his situation, he decides to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy.  This show is not only great for travelers, foodies, or anyone going through a break-up, but it is also a great encouragement to get out there and follow your dreams. It will make you want to book a one-way ticket to Italy and eat your heart out. It is a great travel show to watch while you plan your next trip. Also great for anyone learning or wanting to learn Italian, as a part of the show is filmed in Italian.  Out of all the great travel shows Netflix has to offer this is by far one of my favorites. There is something just so unique and funny about it that makes you want to watch it over and over again.

#16 Roman Empire

3 seasons, 15 episodes | IMDb: 6.9/10

Matt of It’s All in Italy has watched an amazing 3 part documentary series on Netflix called the ‘Roman Empire’ which he absolutely loved. Roman Empire is a historical drama about events in Ancient Rome . The 3 part series centers not just on Rome but takes you to various parts of the Roman Republic, which later became the Roman Empire, including places like Gaul (modern-day France), Greece, and Egypt. Each of the 3 documentary series focuses on an important figure in Ancient Roman History including Emperor Commodus, Julius Caesar, and Emperor Caligula, and offers a fascinating insight into their character and the challenges they faced up to and during their rule as Emperor. It’s an intriguing series for not just history buffs, but for anyone who has traveled to or is  planning on traveling to Italy  as it puts the city of Rome and the country of Italy in an entirely new light. It will inspire you to visit historical sites in Rome and perhaps further afield to the Island of Capri, which was the home of Emperor Tiberius prior to being succeeded by Emperor Caligula. You’re sure to experience a range of emotions as you watch the series as you’re exposed to the savagery and opulence of the life and times of leaders and Emperors in Ancient Rome. It’s 5 stars from me 🙂

So, how many of these travel shows on Netflix have you watched? Which one would you want to add to your Netflix queue? Is your favorite travel show included in the list? If not, tell us about it in the comments section.

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Anjali Chawla

1 thought on “Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Stream Now”

Such a great list and some on there that I haven’t watched yet.

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The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

Woman choosing a travel show on Netflix to watch at home.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show. 

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol 

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

NordVPN has great deals! Check them out here!

The best travel and nature Netflix shows 

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth. 

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows 

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health. 

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon. 

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey. 

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect. 

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters. 

Page showing Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip show on Netflix.

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride. 

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla  

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth. 

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible. 

Magic Andes is one of the top travel shows on Netflix right now.

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised. 

Banner for a Netflix travel documentary focused on Guatemala's rich landscape and culture.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America. 

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series. 

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday. 

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more. 

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Banner about the Cabins in the Wild. It is a Netflix streaming show about building cabins in Wales, the UK.

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you. 

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend. 

Love these Netflix travel shows and documentary ideas? Pin it for later!

The best travel shows on Netflix streaming now! An inspiring list of travel documentaries and series on Netflix that will make you want to pack your bags and book a holiday. The list is in no particular order and it has travel and food shows, Netflix travel documentaries, dark tourism, wildlife, family travel, design and more. These travelers' Netflix series are perfect for those who want to be inspired, prepare for the next trip, or are already in a destination and want to know more about it.

4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

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travel shows about rome on netflix

Where Was Ripley Filmed? Netflix Show's Italian Filming Locations Explained

  • Ripley, shot in Italy and NYC, follows a con artist in the 1960s through a complex web of lies and deceit.
  • Lead by Andrew Scott, the show is based on Patricia Highsmith's novel and takes a monochrome approach in its adaptation.
  • Filmed in various scenic locations in Italy like Atrani and Rome, the series offers a thrilling journey through luxury and deception.

The new Netflix limited series Ripley was shot on location in various parts of Italy as well as partly in New York City. The psychological thriller is based on the renowned 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by celebrated novelist Patricia Highsmith, the first of her 5-part "Ripley" series that also includes Ripley Under Ground and Ripley's Game . The Talented Mr. Ripley has been adapted several times for film and television, but none have been shot completely in monochrome until Steven Zallian's Ripley . Zallian, the acclaimed screenwriter of Schindler's List , American Gangster , and The Irishman , wrote and directed the entire 8-episode miniseries.

Ripley's cast is led by an exceptionally chilling Andrew Scott ( Fleabag , Black Mirror , All of Us Strangers ) as the enigmatic Thomas Ripley, a con artist living in New York in the early 1960s . Ripley is given an unexpected job to locate an old friend named Richard 'Dickie' Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) who's avoiding his responsibilities in Atrani, a luxurious coastal city in Italy. Ripley, funded by Dickie's father, travels to Atrani where he encounters Dickie and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood, played by Dakota Fanning. Ripley has already gotten rave reviews from critics upon its release date of April 4, 2024.

Ripley is available to stream in its entirety exclusively on Netflix.

Upcoming Netflix Show Based On 69-Year-Old Book Will Be Netflix's Saltburn (But Looks Even Better)

Brooklyn, new york.

New York represents Tom as he truly is in Ripley episode 1, a lowly con artist who hides in the city's shadows.

Ripley starts out in Brooklyn New York, set in the early 1960s before Tom Ripley is sent by Dickie's father to go retrieve him from Atrani, Italy. Tom has been living in New York for a while when the series begins, making ends meet through insurance fraud and other petty scams that prey on vulnerable people. Tom has a whole setup in New York that gets him by, but nothing like the incredible opportunity that Mr. Greenleaf offers to him. New York represents Tom as he truly is in Ripley episode 1, a lowly con artist who hides in the city's shadows.

Atrani, Italy

Tom travels by plane, bus, and taxi to Atrani, a small seaside picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast on the western side of southern Italy, not far from Naples. The 1999 film adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley was shot near this location to capture Dickie and Marge's homes in the small town of Mongibello on the island of Procida, directly west of Naples. Atrani is roughly an hour's drive south of Naples and in a more secluded part of the Amalfi Coast. This is where Tom encounters Dickie on the beach with Marge and where Marge's house is located.

Rome, Italy

During the middle part of Ripley , mostly episodes 4 through 6, Tom relocates from Dickie's house in Atrani to a private apartment in Rome, Italy. The notable Palazzo dei Congressi building in Rome can be spotted in the show. This is where Tom is encountered by Dickie's friend Freddie Miles and where Inspector Pietro Ravini lives and works. Tom spends a good amount of time in Rome after the series of events that took place with Dickie on their getaway trip to San Remo.

Ripley's Timeline Explained: When The Show Is Set & How Much Time Passes

Naples, italy.

Ripley also filmed in parts of Naples, Italy throughout several parts of the series. One of the most notable filming locations in Naples was the famous church of Santa Maria La Nova, which is a historical landmark in the city. Naples is the closest major city to Atrani and is frequented throughout the series by Ripley and other characters, but Tom is seen mostly passing through Naples on his way to other destinations.

Sicily, Italy

The series also filmed in parts of Sicily, Italy, particularly in the prominent capital city of Palermo. Tom visits Palermo while "on vacation" in the Netflix series while still living in Rome. The only way to get to Sicily is by ferry since it is on an island off the "tip of the boot" of southern Italy. As Tom discovers in Ripley , the culture and language are slightly different from other areas of Italy, forcing him to make some adjustments.

Parts of HBO's The White Lotus were also filmed in Palermo.

Why Netflix's Ripley Show Is In Black & White

Capri, italy.

Although Dickie's house in Ripley is said to be in Atrani itself, the real-life location of the beautiful mansion is in Capri.

Dickie's gorgeous house in Ripley was actually located on the small island of Capri in Italy, which is on the Amalfi Coast near Atrani. Although Dickie's house in Ripley is said to be in Atrani itself, the real-life location of the beautiful mansion is in Capri. This would explain the gorgeous seaside views of the vast ocean from Dickie's patio in the series . The intimidating number of stairs to get to Dickie's house, however, are located in Atrani.

Venice, Italy

This is where Tom encounters the character played by John Malkovich, who previously portrayed Tom Ripley in 2002's Ripley's Game .

The final episode of Ripley takes place in the remarkable Venice, Italy with its iconic residential canals and gondolas . This is where Tom encounters the character played by John Malkovich, who previously portrayed Tom Ripley in 2002's Ripley's Game . The eight-part Netflix series Ripley concludes in Venice as Tom's life of endless lies, deceit, and fraud forces him to face intense pressures and seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Ripley Review: Netflix's Adaptation Of The Classic Crime Thriller Hits All The Right Notes

Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, Ripley is a drama-thriller written and created by Steven Zaillian. Set in the 1960s, the series follows Tom Ripley, who is hired to attempt to coax a wealthy man's son to come home - but this job is just the first part of a lengthy and dangerous complex web of lies.

Cast Pasquale Esposito, Maurizio Lombardi, Johnny Flynn, Dakota Fanning, Andrew Scott

Release Date April 4, 2024

Genres Drama, Thriller, Crime

Streaming Service(s) Netflix

Writers Steven Zaillian

Directors Steven Zaillian

Showrunner Steven Zaillian

Main Genre Crime

Creator(s) Patricia Highsmith, Steven Zaillian

Rating TV-MA

Where To Watch Netflix

Where Was Ripley Filmed? Netflix Show's Italian Filming Locations Explained

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‘Ripley’ Review: The Con Man Gets the Art House Treatment

Andrew Scott stars in a Netflix series that looks like what you might get if Antonioni or Resnais had directed a season of “The White Lotus.”

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A man glowers in the backseat of a car in a black and white photo

By Mike Hale

Patricia Highsmith ’s 1955 novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” sets its dark action in a succession of colorful Italian locales: the Amalfi coast, San Remo, Rome, Palermo, Venice. Movies based on the book, like René Clément’s “Plein Soleil” (released in the United States as “Purple Noon”) and Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” have taken the opportunity Highsmith gave them to capitalize on sun and scenery. The audience gets its brutal murders and brazen deceit wrapped in bright visual pleasure.

For “Ripley,” an eight-episode adaptation of the book that premieres on Netflix on Thursday, Steven Zaillian has decided to do without the color. Shot — beautifully — in sharply etched black and white by the Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit (“There Will Be Blood”), “Ripley” offers a different sort of pleasure: the chilly embrace of the art house.

Reflecting what the more high-minded filmmakers of the show’s time period (it is set in 1961) were up to, Zaillian, who wrote and directed all the episodes, takes an approach that harmonizes with Elswit’s austerity. The entire season moves along sleekly — you could say somnolently — at the same measured pace, with the same arch tone and on the same note of muted, stylish apprehension. Highsmith’s pulpy concoction, with its hair-trigger killings and sudden reversals, is run through a strainer and comes out smooth. It feels like what you might get if the early-’60s Antonioni or Resnais had directed a season of “The White Lotus.”

And Zaillian appears to have asked his actors to practice a similar restraint. Their overall affect isn’t flat, exactly, but it’s within a narrow range, with physicality tightly reined in and the eyes asked to do a lot of work. When you have the eyes of Andrew Scott, the gifted Irish actor (“Sherlock,” “Fleabag”) who plays Tom Ripley, that’s not a big problem.

Zaillian has been faithful, in broad outline, to Highsmith’s story. Ripley, a slacker and a con man grinding out a living in postwar New York, is sent to Italy to try to persuade a trust-funded idler to come home and take over the family business. He has only a passing acquaintance with his target, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), but in the first of a long series of misunderstandings and lucky strokes that go Ripley’s way, Greenleaf’s father thinks they are good friends.

Highsmith’s novel is a training manual for the sociopath: Once Ripley sees the indolent lives led by Greenleaf and his sort-of girlfriend, Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), in a picturesque fishing village on the Amalfi coast, he ups his game from tedious grifting to full-contact identity theft. Wedging himself between Dickie and Marge, he becomes obsessed — an obsession in which the lines between befriending Dickie, sponging off Dickie and becoming Dickie are progressively erased.

The novel is both a psychological study and, in its second two-thirds, a parlor trick, as Highsmith maneuvers Ripley into and out of one seemingly disastrous setback after another. “Ripley” stays more firmly on the surface, and Zaillian makes a number of changes, small and large, that maintain the tension while making the story’s convolutions more believable. (At one point Ripley actually dons a disguise, something he never bothers to do in the book. And his successful forgery of a will, which severely stretched credulity, is dispensed with.)

Rationalizing the plot does not make it more enjoyable, however, and Zaillian’s elevation of the material takes some of the low life out of it. There is also an overlay of condescension — Zaillian is not kind to his characters, especially Marge, who is now equal parts tasteless, uptight and mercenary — and occasionally a knowing, simplistic humor that feeds into the patronizing tone.

The greatest effect is on the character of Ripley. To be fair, it was easier for Highsmith to suggest the operatic intensity of Ripley’s aspirations and the desperate need he feels to escape his previous life and his previous self. But in Zaillian’s conception, Ripley is simply less interesting — more pitched toward cunning and greed, less toward passion. The charm he requires to carry out his schemes is less evident, and the sympathy for him that Highsmith drew from her readers is harder to realize.

Within those confines, Scott does an admirable job. He can’t give the character the vivid life you would like in someone who is onscreen for most of an eight-hour series. But he does a meticulous job of portraying Ripley’s transition from shifty timidity to insolent confidence, from lost boy to aesthete, through subtle shifts of expression and posture. As Ripley’s schemes keep meeting with success, Scott’s eyes somehow become both softer and more challenging. Flynn is also good as Greenleaf, well meaning but, in today’s terms, trapped by his privilege. Fanning, a fine actress, is perfectly capable as Sherwood but the character is a hollow shell.

Zaillian and Elswit’s “Ripley” certainly has its good points — it is gorgeous to look at, in its own way, and within the cool approach there are ideas that pay off. Ripley’s sexuality is undefined but heavily hinted at, as it was in the book, but Zaillian brings the question to the surface in the final episode in a way that is both chilling and poignant. Zaillian also creates a thematic link between Ripley and the artist Caravaggio — both murderously angry and jealous, each supreme in his field of art — that is not especially interesting but that involves a lot of screen time for magnificent paintings.

Those with a nostalgic love for a certain sort of cinematic experience are likely to be strong fans of the highly controlled, hermetic “Ripley.” (A cameo by John Malkovich, playing a character from Highsmith’s second Ripley novel, “Ripley Under Ground,” is a promise of more seasons to come.) A clue to what the viewer is in for comes at the end of every episode, when the credits begin “Directed by Steven Zaillian,” “Written for television by Steven Zaillian” and “Created for television by Steven Zaillian.” Auteur auteur!

Mike Hale is a television critic for The Times. He also writes about online video, film and media. More about Mike Hale

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Netflix’s ‘Ripley’ is a scrupulous, stylish adaptation with Andrew Scott as its star

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“Ripley,” which premieres Thursday on Netflix, is a straightforward and involving, if somewhat cold-blooded, adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel “ The Talented Mr. Ripley .” It alters some minor details, expands some portions, and follows the line of the book nearly to the end. (It has a slightly different idea of where to land.) In other words, it’s like every literary adaptation ever, if more scrupulous than most.

Not to give too much away to those who haven’t read the book or seen two previous adaptations — the René Clément 1960 film “ Purple Noon ,” which made a star of Alain Delon, or Anthony Minghella’s 1999 version with Matt Damon and Jude Law — this is the tale of a man who takes on the identity of another man, with the result that he has to spend the rest of the story devising elaborate strategies, or taking impulsive action, to protect himself.

Andrew Scott (Moriarty in “ Sherlock ,” the hot priest in “ Fleabag ”) plays Tom Ripley, a New Yorker barely getting by on small-time scams; out of nowhere, he’s offered the opportunity to travel to Italy to convince one Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), with whom he has a tenuous connection, to return home and join his father’s shipbuilding business.

A woman leans against a man as they sit on the beach.

Dickie, possessor of an irrevocable trust fund, has settled in Atrani, a hillside seaside village on the Amalfi Coast, where he paints (poorly), swims, sails, sits in cafes and hangs out with Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), the only other American in town, who’s writing a book about the place. Dickie has no desire to return to America, and who can blame him? After a couple of non-coincidental encounters, he invites Tom to stay at his roomy villa. Marge is doubtful. A sort of isosceles triangle is formed, which will eventually collapse.

Director-screenwriter Steven Zaillian , whose screenplays include “Moneyball,” “The Irishman,” “Awakenings” and “Schindler’s List,” has set his adaptation in 1961, six years after the book was published, and shot it in black and white. Cinematographer Robert Elswit, whose credits include “Good Night, and Good Luck,” also in black and white, and “There Will Be Blood,” which netted him an Oscar, is the series’ secret star.

Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning, who star in Netflix's remake of "Ripley" at the Crosby Street Hotel

Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning say their ‘Ripley’ characters aren’t rivals, ‘they’re frenemies’

The stars of Netflix’s “Ripley,” an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel, talk about why we can’t get enough of con artists, how they’ve been duped and all those stairs in the show.

April 2, 2024

Zaillian has said he was inspired by the black-and-white cover of his copy of the novel, and it is of course the default look of film noir. But I would note, too, that 1961 falls between Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” — the title of the series’ fourth episode, not incidentally — and “8 1/2,” and at the midpoint of Michelangelo Antonioni’s great “trilogy” of “L’Aventurra,” “ La Notte ” and “L’Eclisse,” their last films before turning to color, masterpieces of tonal control and composition. There’s barely a frame of “Ripley” that isn’t thoroughly considered; it’s conspicuously stylish, but never mannered.

The action travels from Naples to Rome to Venice (and up and down many stairs — it’s a motif). We’ve grown so accustomed to seeing the world in color, through movies and travel shows and such, that much of the romance of those pictures has been washed away; the monochrome images paradoxically refresh these scenes, sharpen edges, invite your examination. The camera — like Tom, by extension — takes pleasure in the texture of a pitted wall, in the smooth marble of Baroque sculptures, and looks lovingly on all manner of objects, appropriate to a story partially about the power of things to define taste, furnish a life, create a self. (They can be dangerous too: a glass ashtray purchased in one act will crack a skull in another.)

Tom, whose sense of self is variable, even if his sense of entitlement is not, wants what Dickie has, which in essence is to be Dickie. The Italian instruction record that plays in the background as Tom ambles about his host’s art-filled villa mirrors his ambition: “How much money do you need?” “It’s not enough.” “What’s the matter with you?” “What happened?” “Who said so?” “Who is he?” “Who knows?” “Whose is this?” “It’s yours.” … “It’s mine.”

Two people sit in a stairwell.

At 47, Scott is nearly twice the age of Highsmith’s Ripley, which puts a different spin on the character. (This might be convenient, however, if Netflix continues the series, as the stripped down title suggests it might; the fifth and final Ripley book, “Ripley Under Water,” was published 36 years after the first.) His vaguely lined mien suggests premature strain, which feels at odds with a character we’re to take as an expert dissembler, not to say a sociopath.

Still, it’s not easy to portray a person whose constructed public self is at odds with the private, and who can’t always tell the difference between the two. Highsmith’s novel is written from Tom’s complicated, contradictory point of view, which allows the reader to identify with him, even as his behavior grows increasingly unacceptable; seen from the outside, he feels more like a case study than a protagonist. The effortful, pasted-on smile Tom wears in the early episodes comes off as creepy and pitiful; and though Tom is creepy and pitiful, it’s hard to credit him charming his way into Dickie’s company, let alone establishing the perceived friendship upon whose fortunes the plot will psychologically depend. Later, when he has achieved his goal of becoming someone else, he does seem to relax, to become better company.

Zaillian’s most significant addition to the text centers around the paintings of Caravaggio, which Dickie introduces to Tom, and Tom continues to visit on his own. This might be a subtle linking of the painter’s bisexuality, which is not discussed, to Tom’s confused sexuality, which is barely noted — “Ripley” is the antitheses of homo-eroticism — but also his violent life. As Tom views Caravaggio’s “ David With the Head of Goliath ” at the Galleria Borghese in Rome, a docent explains how the painter has linked “the killer and his victim by portraying David as compassionate, even loving” and, most applicable to Tom’s situation, using himself as the model for both. It might also have something to do with Caravaggio’s use of darkness and light, as a comment on Tom’s character and aspirations. Or it could just be that Zaillian wanted to visit those paintings himself, and to photograph the extraordinary settings where they’re hung — it’s a plus, anyway.

Most felicitously, Zaillian has expanded the role of the police inspector (sad-eyed Maurizio Lombardi) who comes to investigate some unexplained absences and brings a weary, workaday warmth into the show. For a time, we are in the familiar moral universe of a detective story, which might make Tom nervous but provides the viewer some relief. For that matter, the clerks and waiters, maids and landlady and other regular Italians who fill out the action provide a counterweight to our screwy American hero and tether “Ripley” to the ordinary, less disturbing world.

The landlady has a cat, too, that gets a lot of screen time, and is quite good.

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    Katla. This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla, which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland's breathtaking beauty. Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don't know about the earth.

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