Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
One Day is the new Netflix series that adapts the best-selling novel by David Nicholls, following the lives and loves of Emma and Dexter, two university friends who meet on the night of their graduation in 1988. The series spans 20 years, showing the ups and downs of their relationship, as well as the changes and challenges of the world around them. The series is not only a captivating and emotional story, but also a visual feast, featuring some of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Europe, from Edinburgh to Rome, from Paris to Paros. Here are some of the places where One Day was filmed, and how you can visit them yourself.
Edinburgh
The first episode of One Day introduces us to Emma and Dexter, who have a sort-of one-night stand after their graduation party at the University of Edinburgh. The party scenes were filmed at the Old College, a historic building that dates back to the 16th century, and is now home to the School of Law and the Talbot Rice Gallery. The next morning, Emma and Dexter climb up to Arthur’s Seat, a hill that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Arthur’s Seat is part of the Holyrood Park, a royal park that covers 650 acres of land, and is open to the public. The scene where Dexter runs after Emma to get her phone number was filmed on the Vennel Steps, a staircase that leads to the Grassmarket, a lively area full of pubs, shops, and restaurants, with a stunning view of the Edinburgh Castle.
Rome
In the second episode, we see Dexter living in Rome, where he works as an English teacher and enjoys the dolce vita. He meets his parents, who are visiting him, at the Spanish Steps, a famous landmark that connects the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinità dei Monti, and is often crowded with tourists and locals. The Spanish Steps were built in the 18th century, and have been featured in many films and books, such as Roman Holiday and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Dexter and his parents stay at two different hotels near the Piazza Navona, a square that is known for its Baroque architecture, fountains, and street artists. Dexter’s hotel is the Bio Hotel Raphaël, a luxury hotel that has a rooftop terrace with a view of the city, and a restaurant that serves organic and vegetarian cuisine. His parents’ hotel is the Campo de’ Fiori, a boutique hotel that has a charming courtyard, a library, and a rooftop garden.
Paris
In the third episode, Emma and Dexter reunite in Paris, where Emma is working as a waitress at a crêperie. They spend a romantic day in the City of Love, visiting some of the most famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame. They also stroll along the Seine, the river that runs through the heart of Paris, and cross the Pont des Arts, a bridge that is known for its love locks, padlocks that couples attach to the railings as a symbol of their eternal love. Emma and Dexter stay at the Hôtel de l’Abbaye, a four-star hotel that is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, a historic and cultural area that is full of cafés, galleries, and bookshops. The hotel is a former abbey, and has a cosy and elegant atmosphere, with a fireplace, a garden, and a library.
Paros
In the fourth episode, Emma and Dexter go on a holiday to Greece, where they join a group of backpackers on the island of Paros. Paros is one of the most popular and picturesque islands in the Cyclades, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea. Paros is known for its white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Emma and Dexter explore the island, visiting the towns of Naoussa and Parikia, where they find charming streets, shops, tavernas, and nightlife. They also enjoy the sun and the sea, swimming, snorkelling, and sailing around the island.
London
The rest of the series takes place mostly in London, where Emma and Dexter live and work in different periods of their lives. London is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world, offering a variety of attractions, culture, food, and entertainment. Emma and Dexter experience the changes and trends of the city, from the 80s to the 2000s, from the rise of the yuppies to the fall of the Twin Towers. Some of the locations where One Day was filmed in London include:
Clapton Overground Station, where Emma arrives in London for the first time.
King’s Cross Tube Station, where Emma and Dexter meet and part ways several times.
Primrose Hill, where Emma and Dexter have a heart-to-heart conversation in episode three.
The Old Suffolk Punch, a pub in Hammersmith, where Emma and Ian work as waiters in a Mexican restaurant.
Fire, a nightclub in Vauxhall, where Dexter goes out with his friends in episode five.
The Royal Festival Hall, where Emma and Dexter attend a concert in episode six.
The Southbank Centre, where Emma and Dexter have a date in episode seven.
The Tate Modern, where Emma and Dexter visit an exhibition in episode eight.
The Millennium Bridge, where Emma and Dexter walk and talk in episode nine.
The Royal Opera House, where Emma and Dexter watch a ballet in episode ten.
The London Eye, where Emma and Dexter have a romantic moment in episode eleven.
The Serpentine Gallery, where Emma and Dexter see an art installation in episode twelve.
The British Library, where Emma and Dexter research their book in episode thirteen.
The Royal Albert Hall, where Emma and Dexter attend a charity event in episode fourteen.
One Day is a series that takes you on a journey through time and space, following the ups and downs of Emma and Dexter’s relationship, as well as the changes and challenges of the world around them. The series is not only a captivating and emotional story, but also a visual feast, featuring some of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Europe, from Edinburgh to Rome, from Paris to Paros, from London to the world. One Day is a series that you can watch on Netflix, and also visit in real life.
