The James Bond films have always sought out the world’s most spectacular and exotic locations. It was only a matter of time before the production arrived in Vienna. A key figure in making this possible was the city’s mayor at the time, Helmut Zilk, who granted the filmmakers an exceptional level of support and freedom. The result was one of the most ambitious film productions Vienna had ever hosted.

Vienna Volksoper

The film’s opening sequence—the one that gives The Living Daylights its title—begins here. Within the story, however, the location is not meant to be Vienna at all. The Vienna Volksoper doubles as the Conservatory in Bratislava, where filming was not possible. As a result, Vienna plays two different cities in the film.

Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel has often provided a dramatic backdrop in films shot in the city. In The Living Daylights, however, romance takes center stage—at least inside one of its historic cabins. At the foot of Vienna’s famous landmark, one of James Bond’s allies falls into a deadly trap, turning a seemingly peaceful setting into the scene of a tense confrontation.

It’s hard to imagine today, but during filming in the mid-1980s, curious onlookers could watch the production from just a few steps away and even catch a glimpse of Timothy Dalton between takes. Some fans were lucky enough to exchange a few words with the new James Bond himself.

The production enjoyed outstanding support from the City of Vienna and Wiener Linien, the city’s public transport operator. Trams were repainted, rerouted, and adapted specifically for the shoot. For the scenes outside the Vienna Volksoper, the Gürtel—one of Vienna’s busiest traffic arteries—was completely closed. No film production has been granted permission to shut down this major road in the same way ever since.

Standing outside the Vienna Volksoper today, it is easy to recognize exactly where many of the film’s scenes were shot and to see what was temporarily altered for the production. The square surrounding the Giant Ferris Wheel has changed significantly since 1987, but the historic Ferris Wheel itself remains exactly as audiences remember it. A ride in one of its iconic cabins still offers the chance to feel like you’re stepping into a classic James Bond adventure.

Would you like to discover the original filming locations in person?

The FILMED ON LOCATION audio tour takes you to the most important The Living Daylights filming locations while sharing fascinating behind-the-scenes stories exactly where they happened. Find all the details here.

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