From Prague to Europe: The Surprising Location Secrets Behind 'EuroTrip'

EuroTrip stands out as one of the most entertaining comedies of the 2000s, renowned for its globe-trotting adventure across the U.S., U.K., France, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Germany, and Italy. Interestingly, nearly the entire film was actually shot in the Czech Republic, primarily in Prague. To keep production costs manageable on its $25 million budget, filmmakers cleverly used CGI and set dressing to transform Prague locations into iconic sites from around Europe.

For example, the Ohio high school scene early in the film was filmed at the International School of Prague. The third act, set in Vatican City, was shot at Prague’s National Museum, which was repurposed to resemble Rome’s religious seat. Many famous landmarks like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower were digitally inserted into Prague scenes with impressive visual effects, creating convincing European backdrops without leaving the city.

The Prague shoot also facilitated Matt Damon's cameo appearance. At the time, Damon was filming Terry Gilliam’s The Brothers Grimm in Prague and was friends with EuroTrip’s writers from college. He readily agreed to appear in a small role. The only scene shot outside of Prague was the infamous nude beach sequence; since Prague is landlocked and has no beaches, the production traveled to Rostock in Germany for that scene.

Overall, filming almost entirely within one country is a notable feat that contributes to the film’s seamless look — unless you’re a local who recognizes the city’s true identity.