If there’s one thing you can always count on Netflix to do, it’s secure a star-studded cast to bring their action-packed Original films to life. Eddie Murphy made his highly anticipated return in Beverly Hills Cop 4, and Kevin Hart kept us laughing in Lift. As for Black female starlets taking center stage in 2024, Halle Berry’s new movie arrived on the streamer on Aug. 16 – over two years after filming. Written by Joe Barton and David Guggenheim with direction from Julian Farino, The Union filming locations take us around the globe with high school sweethearts Mike (Mark Wahlberg) and Roxanne (Berry).
As he reminisces on old feelings upon reconnecting with his ex, Mike discovers that Roxanne is a part of a top-secret government agency that needs his help. With little time on their hands to adequately train the construction worker from New Jersey to take on his enemies, it looks like the odds are stacked against Berry’s character and her team. Nevertheless, they persist on their journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
‘The Union’ Filming Locations Take Us From New Jersey to Europe
Jersey has welcomed many film crews, from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to War of the Worlds. When we meet Wahlberg as Mike, he’s residing in Bayonne – south of Jersey City between Newark Bay and the New York Harbor. The plot of The Union reveals he’s working on the Wittpenn Bridge, which opened in the area in 1930 to connect Jersey City and Kearny.
It’s currently undergoing construction to make the structure safer for vehicular and water traffic; in the movie, CGI was used to insert the Wittpenn into the background according to Atlas of Wonders. Another spot locals might recognize is Shorty’s on 12th Street and Broadway, which was turned into a fictional pub called Wilson’s for the Netflix project.
London, England
- Key Scenes: Mike wakes up in another country after reconnecting with Roxanne and completes his training near the London Bridge and Seven Dials.
- Best Time to Visit: For the best weather, book a trip to London from May to July; if you want to avoid crowds, shoulder season runs from mid-September to November and March through April.
- Transportation Options: Those comfortable with public transit will be happy to know that London has one of the world’s largest systems, and it’s relatively efficient at carrying locals and tourists around the city. Otherwise, hailing a cab or renting a bicycle can get you to your destination just as easily.
After reconnecting with his high school sweetheart in familiar New Jersey, it’s safe to say Mike is taken aback when he wakes up overseas with Roxanne. Thankfully, he knows he can trust his ex, and while he spent his time in London preparing for his mission, you can spend yours wandering through the city and taking in the ancient architecture, buying goodies and artwork from local vendors and checking out new restaurants.
Things to Do: There’s no shortage of history in England, and The Union‘s filming locations capture that. The Albert and London Bridges both appear in the movie, along with the Tower Bridge.
Where to Eat: Mike, Roxanne and Nick grab coffee at the Bay Leaf Cafe (19 Tottenham Street in Fitzrovia), and Gladstone Arms was also used as one of The Union‘s filming locations.
Where to Stay: If you want to wake up in London like Mike, you can book a room at The Savoy, the first-ever luxury hotel in the city, overlooking the River Thames and opened in 1889; be warned it will cost you roughly $700 USD/night, though! Elsewhere, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a must-see, even if you don’t book a room, as it was nearly demolished in the 1960s.
Piran, Slovenia
- Key Scenes: Mike is carried in a suitcase as bullets fly; he also runs through a neighborhood of all-white houses in this area.
- Best Time to Visit: Piran is most enjoyable between May and October, when you can lounge by the water, soak up the sunshine and take in the incredible views.
- Transportation Options: Locals mostly get around by car or bus, you can find more details about the public transit system here.
Mike’s time in Piran was chaotic, to say the least, but yours doesn’t have to be! With the right planning and attitude, you can have a stress-free vacation in this coastal European paradise. Nearby Istria, Croatia also appears in The Union, so if you’re up for a day trip, make time to wander through the dramatic Adriatic coastline and medieval-like towns that adorn it.
Things to Do: Pose for photos by the Piran Lighthouse Church, where the suitcase scene with Mike takes place, and people watch in Piran’s Tartini Square.
Where to Eat: Satisfy your calamari cravings at the highly-rated Fritolin Pri Cantini, or start your day with a delicious brunch at Cafinho Piran.
Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel Bernadin is a pet-friendly spot with a pool, hot tub, fitness center and air conditioning.
Trieste, Italy
- Key Scenes: The hotel shown in the opening sequence, plus the confrontational conclusion of The Union was filmed in Trieste.
- Best Time to Visit: For warm weather without overwhelming crowds, plan to visit in April, May or September.
- Transportation Options: You can get around Trieste with ease using the train, taxi, bus, ferry and/or tram.
After being introduced to Mike in New Jersey, by the time our story ends in Trieste, it’s clear he’s a changed man. After your trip to Europe, you just might return home feeling totally altered too – for different reasons than surviving a government mission, hopefully. Of all The Union filming locations, some of the most beautiful can be found here, and we’re sure they look even better in person than on Netflix.
Things to Do: Explore the Grand Canal of Trieste, which was built in the 18th century to welcome ships seeking to unload their goods in the city center.
Where to Eat: The wine at Hostaria G. Strehler gets great reviews from patrons, or for a more intimate experience, book a reservation at Bistrò 51.
Where to Stay: Another hotel that appears among The Union‘s filming locations is the four-star Savoia Excelsior Palace, built in 1911.
