Naman Shrestha
Based on the eponymous 1859 novel written by Charles Dickens, MGM+’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is a British period romantic drama series created by Daniel West. Set in 1782 London during a war between France and Britain, the narrative centers on a young woman named Lucie Manette, who receives surprising news from Paris that her father, presumed dead for nearly two decades, might be alive. Charles Darnay, the French messenger who gave Lucie the life-changing message, is arrested for treason.
To free the imprisoned messenger and, with his help, track down her father, she hires a young, alcoholic yet competent attorney named Sydney Carton. As the three individuals’ paths collide, a complicated love triangle emerges. With both men fighting for Lucie’s affection, she must choose between them, even though they are physically similar yet spiritually polar opposites. The complex love story between Lucie, Sydney, and Charles unfolds amid the commotion of the French Revolution in London, with its war-stricken streets and landscape reflecting the three individuals’ internal struggles.
A Tale of Two Cities Filming Locations
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ was filmed entirely in Hungary, particularly in and around Budapest. Initially, shooting was scheduled to begin in September 2025, but it got delayed. According to reports, principal photography for the miniseries finally got underway in October 2025 and continued for a couple of months before concluding in December of the same year.
Budapest, Hungary
Most of the pivotal sequences for ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ were reportedly lensed in the sprawling city of Budapest and its surrounding areas. Given the presence of historical buildings and monuments in and around the capital of Hungary, it served as an ideal setting for filming the historical show. During the shooting process, Kit Harington and other cast and crew members were spotted taping several key portions on Liberty Square in District 5’s Lipótváros neighborhood. For the purpose of recording, the production team of the MGM+ show also set up camp in and around the historical Stock Exchange Palace, opposite the National Bank of Hungary.
The streets in front of the landmark were filled with props, such as barrels and cartloads of sacks, to authentically depict the 18th century. In the establishing and exterior shots, you are also likely to spot a few other landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Hungarian State Opera House, the Great Market Hall, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Apart from ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ Budapest has hosted the production of numerous movies and TV shows over the years. Some of the notable ones include ‘Nuremberg,’ ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ ‘The Photographer of Mauthausen,’ ‘A Call to Spy,’ ‘The Lion in Winter,’ ‘All the Light We Cannot See,’ ‘John Adams,’ and ‘El Turco.’
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