New York City is more than just a bustling metropolis; it’s a character in itself, a backdrop that has starred in countless films and television shows. For movie buffs and travelers alike, exploring new york movie locations offers a unique way to see the city, connecting cinematic moments with real-world places. From the grand hotels that housed movie stars to the iconic streets where famous scenes unfolded, these spots are steeped in Hollywood history. Visiting these new york movie locations allows you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and relive cinematic magic right on the streets of the Big Apple. Let’s dive into some of the most famous new york movie locations you can visit.
Top New York Movie Locations to Explore
Walking around New York City, you’re bound to stumble upon a familiar sight from a film or show. But some locations are so iconic, they’ve become synonymous with the productions they featured in. These are the places that truly stand out when thinking about new york movie locations.
The Plaza Hotel: Grandeur on Screen
Featured in: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, North by Northwest, The Great Gatsby, Sleepless in Seattle
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
One of the most famous hotels in the world, The Plaza, is not just a luxury accommodation but a significant piece of cinematic history. This stunning Beaux-Arts building, dating back to 1907, sits majestically on Fifth Avenue, overlooking Central Park.
Its most memorable film appearance for many is likely in Home Alone 2, where Kevin McCallister famously checks in using his dad’s credit card. Numerous scenes were filmed inside and outside the hotel, showcasing its opulent lobby, elegant rooms, and impressive exterior. Beyond this family favorite, The Plaza played a key role in Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller North by Northwest and added a touch of roaring twenties glamour to Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. It’s a true icon among new york movie locations, embodying old New York charm and cinematic drama.
Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Grand Central Terminal: Cinematic Arrivals and Departures
Featured in: Gossip Girl, The Avengers, I Am Legend, Going Hollywood, The Girl on the Train
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Inside of Grand Central TerminalInterior view of Grand Central Terminal, a frequently used site among new york movie locations.
As one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Western Hemisphere, Grand Central Terminal’s stunning architecture and vast Main Concourse have made it a natural and frequently used backdrop for films and TV shows. It often symbolizes arrivals in or departures from the city, capturing the transient energy of New York.
Fans of Gossip Girl will instantly recognize the terminal from the dramatic opening scene of the very first episode, marking Serena van der Woodsen’s return to the city. Superhero fans will recall the climactic battle scene in The Avengers that spilled into and around the terminal. Its grand scale and architectural beauty, particularly the lack of columns on Track 34 often favored by filmmakers, make it a visually striking new york movie locations.
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Wall Street: The Financial District on Film
Featured in: The Wolf of Wall Street, Independence Day, The Dark Knight Rises, Wall Street
Neighborhood: Financial District
Wall Street is globally recognized as the heart of the American financial industry. Its imposing buildings and historical significance make it a powerful setting for films dealing with wealth, power, and disaster. It’s an essential stop when exploring new york movie locations tied to commerce and global events.
Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street prominently featured the area, reflecting the excess and ambition of the 1980s financial world. While much of the interior filming was done elsewhere, the spirit and exterior of Wall Street, including the New York Stock Exchange, are central to the film’s identity. It has also served as the site of alien invasion (Independence Day) and gritty urban conflict (The Dark Knight Rises), proving its versatility as a cinematic backdrop.
Ghostbusters Headquarters: An Iconic Firehouse
Known for: The original 1984 Ghostbusters movie
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Exterior of the Ghostbusters HeadquartersThe historic FDNY Ladder 8 station, famous as the Ghostbusters headquarters, a beloved new york movie location.
Who ya gonna call? This iconic Beaux-Arts firehouse, FDNY Ladder 8, served as the exterior for the Ghostbusters’ headquarters in the beloved 1984 film. Located in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood, it remains a working fire station and a popular pilgrimage site for fans.
While the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the building’s distinct facade is instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen the movie. Its appearance solidifies its place among unique new york movie locations. The building has also made brief appearances in other shows like How I Met Your Mother and Seinfeld.
Address: 14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013
Katz’s Deli: Where Harry Met Sally… and Everyone Else
Featured in: When Harry Met Sally…, We Own the Night, Enchanted, Donnie Brasco, The Jim Gaffigan Show
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York institution, serving up massive pastrami and corned beef sandwiches since 1888. Beyond its legendary food, it holds a special place in film history thanks to one unforgettable scene. This makes it one of the most delicious new york movie locations. You can find many famous places to eat in new york, but few combine culinary fame with cinematic history quite like Katz’s.
The deli was the setting for the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene in When Harry Met Sally…. You can even sit at the exact table where Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal delivered their lines. While the interior is instantly recognizable from this iconic moment, Katz’s has also appeared in numerous other films and TV shows, adding to its status as a quintessential New York spot.
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): Art and Intrigue
Featured in: Gossip Girl, Hitch, When Harry Met Sally…, A Late Quartet, The Thomas Crown Affair
Neighborhood: The Upper East Side
Exterior of The MetThe majestic facade of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a cultural and cinematic new york movie location.
The Met is one of the world’s greatest art museums, housing centuries of human creativity. Its grand Beaux-Arts building on Fifth Avenue is a work of art itself, particularly the iconic front steps. These steps have become a famous meeting point and a recognizable new york movie locations.
Generations of viewers associate The Met steps with the characters of Gossip Girl, who often convened there to dish on the latest Upper East Side drama. It was also featured in the romantic comedy Hitch and even had a brief appearance in When Harry Met Sally…. Its vast collections and stunning architecture provide endless possibilities for filmmakers, making it a recurring favorite.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Brooklyn Museum: A Borough’s Cinematic Gem
Featured in: Mr. Robot, Gotham, New Year’s Eve
Where to find the Brooklyn Museum: Brooklyn (next to Grand Army Plaza)
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, located near the beautiful Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. Its impressive Beaux-Arts building offers a different architectural flavor compared to its Manhattan counterparts, making it a distinct entry among new york movie locations.
The museum’s grand interior spaces, particularly the Beaux-Arts Court with its glass-tile floor and towering arches, were prominently featured in the critically acclaimed TV series Mr. Robot, serving as a key location for the show’s plot. It has also appeared in the DC Comics-inspired series Gotham and the ensemble film New Year’s Eve. Exploring Brooklyn offers many unique things to do in New York, and visiting its prominent museum with cinematic ties is certainly one of them.
Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: The Heart of Central Park
Featured in: The Avengers, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Elf, John Wick: Chapter 2, Enchanted, Gossip Girl
Where to find Bethesda Terrace: In Central Park
View of a fountain at Bethesda TerraceBethesda Fountain within Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace, a widely recognized new york movie location.
Bethesda Terrace and its Angel of the Waters fountain are arguably the most famous and visually stunning spots in Central Park. Designed with intricate carvings and a beautiful tiled arcade, it’s a picturesque location that filmmakers return to again and again. Its serene beauty contrasts effectively with the urban sprawl, making it a versatile setting for various moods and genres.
The terrace was the backdrop for a poignant scene in The Avengers when Thor and Loki depart Earth. It also featured in Kevin’s chaotic journey through Central Park in Home Alone 2, Buddy the Elf’s joyful arrival in Elf, and a tense encounter in John Wick: Chapter 2. Like The Met steps, it was a favored hangout for the characters in Gossip Girl. It’s truly a central player among new york movie locations within the park’s green oasis.
Times Square: The Electric Crossroads
Featured in: Captain America: The First Avenger, Law & Order, Taxi Driver, Birdman, Vanilla Sky
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
View of Times SquareThe illuminated billboards of Times Square, a dynamic and iconic new york movie location.
The dazzling billboards and constant energy of Times Square make it one of the most instantly recognizable locations in the world, and therefore, a natural choice for establishing shots and key scenes in films set in New York. It embodies the city’s vibrant, overwhelming spirit.
In Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers finds himself bewildered in modern-day Times Square after waking up from decades in ice. It served as a chaotic backdrop in Taxi Driver and a surreal one in Vanilla Sky. Its perpetual motion and visual intensity ensure its status as a quintessential example of new york movie locations capturing the city’s modern pulse. Looking for exciting ways to spend your evening? Consider going out in new york city and experiencing the energy of Times Square firsthand.
The Lotte New York Palace: Luxury on Film
Featured in: Gossip Girl, 30 Rock, Law & Order, Mr. Robot, Limitless, Will & Grace
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
Exterior of the Lotte New York PalaceThe elegant entrance of The Lotte New York Palace, a luxurious and featured new york movie location.
The Lotte New York Palace hotel is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of New York, particularly for fans of a certain popular teen drama. Its opulent courtyard and grand interiors perfectly represent a world of privilege and power, making it a prime spot among luxurious new york movie locations.
The hotel served as the primary residence for the van der Woodsen and Bass families in Gossip Girl, with countless scenes filmed in its lobby, courtyard, and fictional suites. Its luxurious setting also made it suitable for scenes in shows like 30 Rock (given its proximity to Rockefeller Center), Law & Order, and Mr. Robot. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to step into the shoes of their favorite Upper East Siders.
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
The New York Public Library: Beaux-Arts Brilliance on Screen
Featured in: Spider-Man (2002), Ghostbusters (1984), The Day After Tomorrow, Sex and the City
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
Exterior of the New York Public LibraryThe Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, a grand Beaux-Arts style new york movie location.
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the main branch of the New York Public Library, is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture, guarded by its famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude. Its imposing exterior and stunning interior rooms have made it a compelling backdrop for knowledge, history, and dramatic events in film. This building is certainly one of the new york most famous places, recognized globally.
The library was a key setting in the original Ghostbusters movie, where the team has their first paranormal encounter in the stacks and reading rooms. Its exterior was used as the location for the Daily Bugle offices in Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. It also featured prominently as a place of refuge in the disaster film The Day After Tomorrow. It’s a place where stories are kept and also where stories are made, solidifying its role among significant new york movie locations.
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Empire State Building: A Skyscraper Legend
Featured in: King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, Independence Day, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Ready Player One, Spider-Man 2
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
View of the Empire State BuildingThe iconic Art Deco silhouette of the Empire State Building, a world-renowned new york movie location.
Perhaps the most iconic New York building of all, the Empire State Building has dominated the city skyline and cinema screens for decades. This Art Deco masterpiece, completed in 1931, is instantly recognizable and often used to represent the city itself. No list of new york movie locations is complete without it.
Its most famous film appearance is undoubtedly in the original King Kong, where the giant ape makes his last stand atop the spire. This image is etched into cinematic history. Later, it became a symbol of romantic longing in An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle. It has faced destruction in films like Independence Day and served as a magical portal in Percy Jackson. Visiting its observation deck is one of the classic what to do in newyork experiences, offering breathtaking views seen in countless movies.
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Tom’s Restaurant: The Seinfeld Diner
Known for: The TV show Seinfeld
Where to find Tom’s Restaurant: Upper Manhattan
People walking in front of TomExterior view of Tom’s Restaurant near Columbia University, famous as a new york movie location from Seinfeld.
While technically a real diner called Tom’s Restaurant located near Columbia University, its exterior is immortalized as the coffee shop where Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer spent countless hours on the hit TV show Seinfeld. It’s a low-key but highly recognizable entry on the list of new york movie locations (or rather, TV locations).
The show used the exterior shots of Tom’s, while the interior diner scenes were filmed on a set in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, seeing the “Monk’s” sign (as it’s known in the show) above the real Tom’s exterior is a fun moment for any Seinfeld fan visiting the city.
Address: 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Brooklyn Bridge: Crossing into Cinema
Featured in: House of Gucci, John Wick, Past Lives, Spider-Man 2, I Am Legend, Gangs of New York
Where to find the bridge: It connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Bridge is not only a marvel of 19th-century engineering and one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, but it’s also a frequently used visual motif in film and television. Connecting two boroughs, it offers iconic views of the Manhattan skyline and serves as a powerful symbol of connection and escape. This historic landmark is a cornerstone among new york movie locations.
Its impressive towers and suspension cables have provided dramatic backdrops for various scenes, from quiet walks (John Wick, Past Lives) to epic battles (Spider-Man 2) and apocalyptic escapes (I Am Legend). Its inclusion instantly signifies “New York.” Walking across the bridge yourself offers spectacular views and a personal connection to many on-screen moments.
Flatiron Building: Architectural Star
Featured in: Spider-Man (2002), Armageddon, The Usual Suspects, Grease, Friends with Benefits
Neighborhood: Flatiron District
View of the Flatiron BuildingThe distinctive triangular shape of the Flatiron Building, a unique architectural new york movie location.
The Flatiron Building, with its unique triangular shape fitting perfectly into the intersection of Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and 23rd Street, is one of New York’s most distinctive skyscrapers. Built in 1902, its Renaissance Revival style and unusual form make it an immediate visual anchor in any shot, placing it firmly among unique new york movie locations.
In the 2002 Spider-Man movie, the Flatiron Building served as the exterior for the Daily Bugle offices. It has also appeared as a backdrop in numerous other films, often featured in wide shots to establish the New York setting or add architectural interest. Its visual appeal makes it a favorite for filmmakers looking for an instantly recognizable urban landmark.
Address: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Rockefeller Center: Entertainment Hub on Screen
Featured in: 30 Rock, Elf, Hawkeye, Empire, Person of Interest, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
Rockefeller Center from belowLooking up at Rockefeller Center’s buildings, home to studios and famous as a new york movie location.
Rockefeller Center is a vast complex of buildings and open spaces, famous for its Christmas Tree, ice skating rink, and the Top of the Rock observation deck. As the home of NBC Studios, it’s intrinsically linked to television production, making it a natural new york movie location for shows set in the media world.
The sitcom 30 Rock is set within the NBC studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, offering fictionalized glimpses into the daily chaos of producing a live sketch show. The ice rink was famously featured in Elf, adding a touch of holiday magic. It also appears in superhero series like Hawkeye and numerous other shows and films, capturing the essence of New York’s entertainment heart.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
St. Regis New York: Gilded Age Glamour
Featured in: The Godfather, Taxi Driver, The Devil Wears Prada, Boardwalk Empire
Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
Cars in front of St. Regis New YorkThe elegant awning and entrance of The St. Regis New York hotel, a luxurious new york movie location.
The St. Regis New York is a historic luxury hotel known for its impeccable service and opulent decor, embodying the elegance of the Gilded Age. Its sophisticated ambiance has made it a preferred location for filmmakers seeking a backdrop of high society and drama. This hotel is another prime example of lavish new york movie locations.
The hotel played a role in the iconic film The Godfather, featuring in a scene where Michael and Kay stay. Its lavish interiors were also showcased in The Devil Wears Prada, highlighting the luxurious world of high fashion. For fans of cinematic history and luxury, visiting or even staying at The St. Regis offers a glimpse into the glamorous side of new york movie locations.
Address: Two E 55th St, New York, NY 80022
Making the Most of Your New York Movie Locations Tour
Exploring these cinematic spots can be an exciting adventure. To enhance your experience, consider rewatching the key scenes featuring the locations you plan to visit just before you go. Seeing the place in person right after seeing it on screen makes the connection even stronger and helps you spot details.
Remember that many movies and shows use multiple locations across the city. If you’re a dedicated fan of a particular film or series, you might consider joining a specialized walking or bus tour focused specifically on those productions. These tours often provide fascinating behind-the-scenes information and access to spots you might otherwise miss. New York offers a wealth of new york unique things to do, and a tailored movie tour is certainly one of them.
View of Bethesda TerracePeople enjoying Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, a common scene at this famous new york movie location.
Whether you’re a film fanatic or simply looking for a fun and different way to see the city, exploring these new york movie locations offers a journey through cinematic history and the vibrant culture of one of the world’s most filmed cities. Enjoy discovering the Big Apple’s starring roles!