One Day Filming Locations (2024 adaptation)
Last Updated on 12th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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If you’re a fan of Netflix, travel, and sweeping romances then One Day is sure to be your cup of tea! This enchanting adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel is a magical series of events that spans over the duration of twenty years following two close friends Emma and Dexter. Filmed in locations all over Rome, Greece, London, Paris and Edinburgh, it’s hard not to feel the urge to travel!
Fall in love with the very places where the tv series was filmed, and yes they are all real and possible to visit! If you haven’t seen it yet don’t worry, there are no actual spoilers in this read, just an insight into the main filming locations and where to find them.
Edinburgh
What better city to start in than the fairy-tale capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh? A magical setting with charming historic buildings and stunning landscapes that stretch far and wide, it truly is the perfect place to draw viewers in to this whirlwind of a tale.
The Old College, the graduation party
One of the most iconic buildings of Edinburgh University, where Law has been studied for over 300 years lies in the heart of the city! Home to the very foundation stones of the university, this historic building began construction in November, 1789.
In episode one, the story of Emma and Dexter kicks off at a university graduation party on the 15th July, 1988 where students are dancing to electronic music in the enclosed square of The Old College.
Arthur’s Seat, the hike
Visible from miles around, at the heart of Scotland’s capital city lies the enchanting Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano that erupted over 340 million years ago! This magnificent hill is situated in Holyrood Park which is just at the bottom of the famous Royal Mile.
The day after their first meeting the pair decide to hike up the popular landmark. Offering spectacular views of the city, lots of pivotal moments were filmed on this picturesque hilltop!
The Vennel, first kiss
One of the prettiest views of Edinburgh Castle, known as The Vennel is tucked away just off of Grassmarket. Derived from French venelle, meaning ‘little street’, this gorgeous alleyway is easily one of the best photo spots in all of the city!
The closing moments of episode one were filmed on this street. With breathtaking views of the castle rising high above the horizon, it makes for a very romantic spot for Emma and Dexter to begin their narrative.
Rome
This treasure trove of beautiful buildings featured briefly as the setting for when Dexter and his mother went on holiday. It was hard to resist having a look online for tickets to Rome after watching the warm and colourful sun soaked streets of this beautiful destination!
Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
Designed by Giovanni Fontana, this magnificent fountain was built in 1612. It was commissioned by Pope Paul V to commemorate the repair of an aqueduct in the north of Rome. Dragons and eagles can be seen carved into the white marble structure. This colossal fountain stands tall high above the right bank of the River Tiber.
One of the opening scenes of episode two, Dexter can be seen stood in front of the monumental Baroque masterpiece with his shades on, ready to venture the beautiful glowing streets of Rome.
Trastevere quarter
Colourful and funky, Trastevere is a neighbourhood in the city with historic charm hiding some of the best hidden gems in all of Rome! Situated on the opposite bank of the River Tiber, its working-class roots can still be strongly felt while strolling through the cobbled streets.
We get a glimpse of this vibrant neighbourhood as Dexter strolls through the winding alleys of greenery and restaurants on the way to meet his mother at the Spanish Steps.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, locally known as Piazza di Spagna, are a scenic stairway of 135 steps that lead to the beautiful Trinità dei Monti Church, and at its foot lies one of the finest fountains in the city, La Barcaccia. Believed to represent the close relationship between the Eternal and Sacred city, this is one of the most picturesque parts of the city!
Dexter can be seen briefly running up this wonderful staircase towards where he meets his mother, overlooking the magnificent view.
Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori, breakfast with the parents
Situated in the area of Piazza del Biscione, this luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Rome start at prices like €400 a night…and that’s possibly the cheapest option! However, luxury and indulgence is exactly what you get when visiting this gorgeous hotel with intricately decorated rooms and breathtaking views of Rome.
This is the grand hotel that we see Dexter’s parents stay in while on the holiday. However, the scene where we catch a glimpse of the panoramic views of the city is actually from the roof terrace of an equally as boujie spot, the Bio Hiotel Raphaël.
Paros, Greece
The boundaries of their friendship are tested while on holiday together in the enchanting Greek island of the Cyclades, Paros. In episode four we see Emma and Dexter explore this stunning pocket of sunshine as they swim in the sparkling sea, dine in a traditional taverna and wander through the narrow paved streets of the island.
Naousa harbour
Situated on the north of the island, this sleepy little fishing village is one of the prettiest destinations on the island! Scattered with white washed sugar-cube houses that run along the edge the boat filled harbour of glistening blue water.
This postcard perfect village features during the daytime scenes of episode four, including a trip to a nearby beach, this wonder of a setting only adds to the obvious sparks between the pair.
Parikia Town
Full of charm, Parikia Town is the capital of the island of Paros and is abundant with tavernas, boutique shops and the Windmill of Parikia standing proud at its port.
Emma and Dexter dine in a local taverna before wandering through the pretty narrow streets of Parikia Town during the night. We also get a glimpse of Parikia Port and the boats at they take a night time dip!
London
Much of the series takes place in London, but we only catch a few recognisable landmarks in the background and as the characters pass through scenes, we’ve picked out the top spots you might want to read about!
Kings Cross Station
This railway is a crucial transport hub for Londoners and all those who visit and was built in 1851-52 as the fifth London terminus to be constructed. It became iconic in 1997 for its part in the Harry Potter series, as it’s home to platform 9 ¾ , the departure point for Hogwarts.
We catch glimpses of Kings Cross and shots of its tube station as Emma travels to work in the Mexican restaurant she works in, in episode three.
Primrose Hill, wine in the park
Primrose Hill is a grassy summit located in the London Borough of Camden, famed for its beautiful views of the city, it’s a popular spot on sunny days were locals and visitors alike will go to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of London.
In episode three, Primrose Hill acts as a hazy, romantic setting in the evening summer sun, as Dexter and Emma dreamily sip on wine with the iconic city skyline in the backdrop.
The Savoy
Among London’s most iconic hotels, this five-star hotel on the river is situated near Covent Gardens and is quite literally the height of luxury with the cheapest room ranging in the £600 per night, while some of the suites only begin at around £2,000…per night!
In episode eleven, you may have been wondering where on earth the gorgeous hotel room that Sylvie stays in was? Well now you know! And you can see the twinkling lights of London at night in the large window behind her as she speaks on the phone with Dexter.
Hertfordshire, England
Hatfield House, Sylvie’s parents
Just 21 miles north of London lies this Grade I listed country house and gardens and is the home of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury. It seems that royalty has run through the walls of this 17th century palace, as it was the childhood home and favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth I.
In episode nine we follow Dexter to the family home of his new girlfriend Sylvie. This grand and luxury setting may well be overwhelming for Dexter, but for us it’s an inside sneak peek at the largest private estate in all of Hertfordshire!
Paris
Canal St Martin, catching up
Canal Saint Martin is in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, commissioned by Napoleon I in 1802 to not only increase the amount of freshwater available to the population but to also provide water for fountains and street cleaning. This beautiful spot in Paris, away from the crowds of the city, is characterised by its straight stretches and iron-clad footbridges.
In episode twelve, a troubled Dexter visits Emma in her new home, the pair can be seen strolling through Paris, along Rue Pierre Semard before they pause to talk on the Passerelle Emmanuelle Riva, one of the iron bridges that crosses over the Canal St Martin.
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