Surprising Moon Knight Filming Locations You Probably Didn’t Know About

Moon Knight

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Yasmin ElwanYasmin Elwan

Whether you are an avid Marvel fan or not, you can’t deny the fact that Moon Knight is one of the most gripping hit series Disney has ever released. This thrilling TV show features an Egyptian superhero for the first time, based on the renowned Marvel comics. 

Aside from the captivating story, mesmerising sound and visual effects, and great performances of all the cast members, the series features some notable locations and sights. It will take you on tour around Egypt (of course) and London while being basically filmed in Budapest, Hungary! How is that possible? Well, we’re here to let you on the hit series’ surprising filming locations.

About the Moon Knight Show

On 30 March 2022, Moon Knight arrived on Disney+, the Marvel Studios series that promises to drag the viewer into the action-packed world of Steven Grant and Marc Spector, aka Moon Knight. The series starring Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke is inspired by the 1975 Marvel comic of the same name and has been published over the past 48 years and counting. Moon Knight, unlike the other Disney+ series, has no reference to the Marvel universe

Steven Grant is a mild-mannered museum employee with a severe sleep disorder, which turns out to be dissociative identity disorder (DID). He soon discovers that he shares his body with mercenary Marc Spector, who is the reincarnation of an Egyptian god. The Moon Knight comic is set between London and Egypt, but the series was filmed mainly in Hungary. From the museum to the desert, we discover all the locations of this exciting Marvel Studios original series.

The Most Iconic Locations of the Moon Knight Series

If you are a fan of the Egyptian superhero, you will probably consider taking selfies and making Instagram reels in some of the filming locations and evoke the spirit of the white-suited character. First, you will need a ticket to Budapest, Hungary; there is a lot to see there.

The Museum

Moon Knight Filming Locations

Many scenes in the series, especially in the first episodes, were filmed inside a museum, which in Moon Knight is identified as the National Gallery in London, but, in reality, it is the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts. Shooting Moon Knight took place mainly in Budapest, and that is why the production’s job was to choose the parts of the city that most resembled London.

Heroes’ Square

The museum stands on the great Heroes’ Square, opposite the Palace of Art and was built between 1896 and 1906, combining neoclassical and neo-renaissance styles. For the interiors of the museum where Steven Grant works, sculptors from Hungary and Italy were called in to build the sections dedicated to Egypt with statues and other Egyptian artefacts.

Szentendre Town

Moon Knight filming locations

Right from the first episode, it is possible to notice the colourful buildings of the small and picturesque Hungarian town of Szentendre, near Budapest, where some scenes with Arthur Harrow, played by Ethan Hawke, and his followers, or members of the cult, were shot; or when Marc Spector walks the streets trying to hide his identity. 

It would be a shame to miss Szentendre, one of the nicest locations to visit in Hungary, with its meandering roads, scenic nooks, and countless ancient sites. Nestled along the idyllic Danube River, this charming town is renowned for its thriving community of talented artists and their beautiful studios and artworks. As you wander through the streets of this vibrant city, you’ll come across a plethora of art galleries showcasing a diverse range of styles.

Madach Imre tér Square

Another London substitute in Budapest is Madach Imre tér Square which played the role of London Square in the show. The square is used for location shooting in the Moon Knight series but has also been used in a number of other movies and TV shows, like A Good Day To Die Hard.

The Steak House

Steven decides to treat himself to a nice meal at a local restaurant, which is known for having the best steak in town, making it the perfect choice for his dinner date with a coworker. In an interesting turn of events, he loses track of time and arrives on the wrong day. Do you remember that scene from episode one?

St. Stephen’s Basilica

MCU Location Scout has revealed that the restaurant scene was shot at a café situated on the corner of Làzàr Utca & Bajcsy-Zsilinszky köz, near St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. The pub was transformed by set designers to resemble a high-end restaurant located in Soho. Fans of the movie can now visit the location and relive the scene in real life. 

Ammit Enclave

A couple of detectives question Steven and then take him to an Ammit enclave to meet with Arthur Harrow in episode two. What appeared to be a communal living area in London was actually shot in Nagykalapács Street, Budapest. 

Interestingly, the interior scenes were partially shot within the walls of Budapest’s Kiscelli Museum, while the thrilling chase and fight sequences were filmed on a specially designed set.

The Kiscelli Museum is a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With a focus on contemporary art, visitors can also explore a diverse collection of photos, political posters, and war memorabilia dating back to the 19th century. 

Step inside the museum, and you will notice the typical white walls that most museums have. However, the main brick hall area is a sight to behold! With its vaguely Egyptian-inspired design, it is the perfect communal space to explore.

The Mansion of Anton Mogart

Nádasdy Mansion

Marc and Khonshu are in a bit of a pickle as they have lost the golden beetle, which was their only hope to locate the tomb of Âmmit. Layla suggests to Marc that they pay a visit to an old friend, Anton Morgart, who owns a spectacular mansion not too far from Cairo. Or was it? 

In fact, this scene was filmed at the Nádasdy Mansion, located near Lake Balaton in the south of Budapest. In that scene, you can see two glass pyramids that look like the Louvre pyramid. Actually, these were added by the crew for a dramatic purpose, which is to allow Marc to talk to Steven through their reflection.

The Nádasdy Castle is a stunning manor house designed by the talented István Linzbauer and Alajos Hauszmann. Construction took place between 1873 and 1876, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece that will leave you in awe. This incredible piece of history once belonged to the Nádasdy family. Now, it is owned by the Hungarian government and has been transformed into a fascinating museum.

The Desert

Moon Knight filming locations

Did you know that the desert scenes in the show were actually filmed in Jordan, not Egypt? It is not surprising, considering Jordan has been a popular filming location for many films, including Star Wars and Dune, both of which featured Oscar Isaac. 

With its established infrastructure for filming, Jordan, specifically the Wadi Rum village, was the perfect choice for capturing the stunning desert landscapes seen in Moon Knight. So, it is time to say goodbye to Hungary and hello to Jordan!

The Storyline’s Major Locations

Even though Oscar Isaac said that he did not step foot in London for filming, the majority of storyline events take place in London and Cairo. That is why it is only fair to include these two cities on your bucket list if you want to follow the Egyptian superhero’s footprints. 

A Day Trip to Cairo

Since Moon Knight features many aspects of ancient Egyptian history, you have to explore the most popular pharaoh-related sites, such as the Giza Necropolis. However, Cairo is full of other cool activities that can fill you with joy and pleasure, such as:

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

Do you want to take a selfie with Khonshu? He is waiting for you with many other Egyptian gods and mummies in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). What’s great about this museum is that it is home to a huge number of pieces (about 50,000 artefacts) from various Egyptian history periods. In one big hall, you can walk through different eras, from ancient Egypt to the modern era.

The museum has several halls with amazing statues, materials, artwork, and more. However, the gallery of royal mummies probably steals the show; 22 royal mummies have been transferred all the way from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square to their final resting place in the NMEC. Some of them still have natural hair, even after thousands of years! It is the biggest and newest attraction that’s sure to leave you in awe. 

Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park represents Cairo’s green lungs and will allow you to immerse yourself in a wonderful, exotic atmosphere. The large gardens are decorated in an Islamic style, with many oriental constructions and plants. But one of the best things about this park is the wonderful view of the city in the distance, with the mosques standing out from the rest of the buildings.

This amazing destination boasts shaded walkways, breathtaking views, and a fantastic children’s play area. You can indulge in a delightful lakeside picnic while feeding the adorable ducks or treat yourself to a luxurious dining experience at one of the many conveniently located restaurants. The choice is yours!

Not only can you snap the perfect profile picture at the park, but there are also countless attractions just a stone’s throw away. From there, you can take a walking tour of the enchanting Old Cairo, explore the grand Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the Citadel, and even visit the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramids. But that is not all—you will also get to experience the vibrant energy of the famous mega-bazaar Khan el Khalili and catch a traditional Tanoura dancing show in Wikala Al-Ghouri.

Khan El-Khalili

Khan El-Khalili

You can’t leave Cairo without a souvenir; there is no better place to get gifts and mementoes than Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. The Khan El-Khalili market in Cairo has been a thriving hub of cultural and economic activity since the 14th century.

As you wander through the bustling market, prepare to be dazzled by the diversity of goods that surround you! Your eyes will dance with delight as you take in the vibrant array of merchandise on display. From sparkling silverware and gold artefacts to stunning antiques, you will find everything you need to add an oriental touch to your life. 

There are also splendid stained-glass lamps, exotic incense, and unique handmade accessories that are sure to catch your eye. If you are a fan of handmade products, you will definitely fall in love with soft, colourful handmade carpets and textiles. For jewellery, copper, and spices, there are dedicated allies.

If you need a break from shopping, the market is filled with budget-friendly restaurants and cafes. The most remarkable café in the bazaar and perhaps the oldest one in Cairo, Al Fishawy, features antique furnishings and big mirrors. Egyptian Nobel Prize winner and author Naguib Mahfouz liked to hang out there. 

A Day Trip to London

This is where Steven Grant initially discovered he was the Moon Knight. London is undoubtedly worth exploring since it is rich in history and modernism alike. Most likely, you will need more than one day to take in all the splendour of the British capital city; however, if you are only there for a day, you can still have a great time. 

The key to an unforgettable day trip to London is good planning, which is why we created the following list of attractions you shouldn’t miss, especially as a Moon Knight fan.

The British Museum

The British Museum

With over six million visitors annually, the British Museum in Bloomsbury is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, science, and culture. This magnificent institution was founded way back in 1753, and it features an impressive collection that spans an incredible two million years of history. The museum opens its doors to visitors every day from 10 am to 5 pm.

Embark on a thrilling journey through time while exploring the wonders of Ancient Greece and Egypt, venture into the heart of Africa and China, and travel from Roman Britain to Mediaeval Europe. With over 60 galleries to explore for free, all centred around the breathtaking Great Court, the possibilities are endless!

The Tower of London

The Tower of London

London is full of treasures, including the renowned Tower of London. Here you will find the majestic British crown jewels, as well as a palace, fortress, and prison, all in one place. This iconic attraction is located on the north bank of the Thames, minutes away from Tower Bridge. 

The Tower of London is usually open between 9 and 10 in the morning and stays open until 4:30 or 5 in the afternoon, but keep in mind that these timings may change throughout the year, so make sure to check out the opening hours before you go.

London Eye

London Eye

A ride on the “London Eye” Ferris wheel will reward you with a breathtaking panorama of the city below. The place has a particularly amazing vibe on occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This 30-minute experience will give you a perfect opportunity to watch London’s most popular attractions, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square, from as high as 135 metres!

Soho Square

It makes so much sense to end your trip at Soho Square, about 15 minutes from London Eye. This vibrant spot is the place to be for an unforgettable night out. From stylish eateries to cosy bars and lively clubs, Soho has it all. The energy of the bustling streets will sweep you away as you seamlessly move from one venue to the next.

Introducing an Egyptian superhero to the world came packed with excitement and inspiration, and just a sprinkle of education. If you haven’t yet watched Moon Knight, you are missing out on a lot of thrill, so make sure to watch it next. For an even better experience, try watching the series then pack your suits and tour one of the places we listed above, if not all of them.

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