Enjoy a film under the stars at one of our favourite venues
Bondi Openair Cinema
This season’s hot new trend is pop-up cinemas, they are springing up all over the place in unusual locations. And there's surely no better way to while away an hour or two than by curling up in the fresh air to watch a film under the stars. So sit back and relax with our top five outdoor cinema destinations.
Cinema d'Ete, Monaco
The stunning Cinema d'Ete overlooks the Med
Cinema d'EteMonaco's Cinema d'Été, a recent addition to the city nightlife scene, claims to be the largest - and is certainly the grandest - open-air cinema in Europe. The 450-seater venue clings onto the edge of the Rock of Monaco and boasts gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Prince's Palace. An enormous inflatable screen is used to project films, which are shown in their original language - typically English - and screened nightly throughout the summer months. A trip to this stunning venue is a great way to spend a mild August evening in Monte Carlo.
Top tip: Stop at the cinema after a day of sightseeing – the Prince’s Palace and the famous St. Nicholas Cathedral are both only a stone’s throw away from the venue.
Hatch Shell Memorial, Boston
Enjoy a New England evening at the Hatch Shell
Creative Commons / Alex1961
This spherical Art Deco venue sits on the edge of the sweeping Charles River in Boston and serves as the city’s epicentre for outdoor events. This summer season is an opportune time to visit the Hatch Shell as this year’s events calendar is filled to the brim with concerts and film screenings. The best part? Most are free, including the weekly WBZ Free Friday Flicks – a selection of the latest box office hits.
Top tip: Pack a blanket, mosquito repellent and a picnic, but be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Freiluftkino Kreuzberg, Berlin
Choose from a wide selection of world cinema in Kreuzberg
Piffl MedienThe Freiluftkino Kreuzberg open-air cinema in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district is a favourite spot for Berliners to relax on warm summer nights. The cinema, one of the oldest of its kind in the city, screens current and classic world cinema, with films from countries as varied as Japan, Norway, Israel, Palestine and Spain (in addition to its sizeable selection from German, British and American origin) – all of which are screened in their original languages with German or English subtitles.
Top tip: Follow up with a great meal in Kreuzberg’s Turkish district.
And for Southern Hemisphere summers…
The Pink Flamingo, Cape Town
Catch a cult classic at this funky rooftop venue
Pink FlamingoCult classics are screened at The Pink Flamingo open-air cinema on the rooftop of the funky Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town. This fashionable hang-out provides a weekly opportunity to view a variety of films, surrounded by vintage American-style aluminium trailers. Screenings are also determined by fans' votes, and past choices have included Invictus, Pulp Fiction and Boogie Nights. The venue also has heaters in case the fresh South African evening air becomes too bracing, allowing for year-round viewing.
Top tip: Be sure to check out other events that are going on at the Pink Flamingo’s parent venue, the off-beat Grand Daddy hotel.
Bondi Openair Cinema, Sydney
Pull up a patch of grass and a blanket at Bondi Beach
Andre MoonenIf you’re looking for a film fix during a getaway down under, take advantage of the pleasant Australian summer with a visit to the Bondi Openair Cinema in New South Wales. In order to keep up with the escalating demand for screenings, the cinema has recently moved to a location overlooking the iconic Bondi Beach in suburban Sydney. Arrive early to catch the stunning sunset and relax with live music, before grabbing some popcorn and a drink from the bar and settling down to a retro or contemporary classic.
Top tip: Top off your evening with a late-night drink at the cool Bondi Social bar, just steps away.
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