Have you been searching for a guide to famous filming locations in NYC that’ll offer a serious hit of Hollywood magic?

Join me as I run through the most iconic filming locations in NYC that have appeared in films over the years!

One of the things I love most about NYC, is that so much of the city is recognizable from movies and TV shows. In fact, one of my favorite things to do when I’m in NYC, is walk around some of these famous filming locations!

In this list, I’ve put together some of the best filming locations in NYC, so you can also see the city through the eyes of a Hollywood camera!

From starring roles in Avengers flicks to Christmas favorites like Home Alone, I’ve tried to include a little bit of everything on this list!

Please note: When I refer to ‘movie sets’ I really mean ‘movie locations’. These are famous locations that have been used as movie sets in the past. They won’t currently be active movie sets.

So let’s do this!


The Plaza Hotel

Plaza Hotel NYC
The Plaza Hotel, seen from Central Park

To kick off my list of different filming locations in NYC, it’s the iconic Plaza Hotel! This iconic hotel opened its doors in 1907 and is designed to look like a beautiful French Renaissance building that’s oh-so-luxurious.

Although you can step in and explore the lobby area, booking a room here is pretty expensive (it’s one of the most luxurious hotels in the city).

It’s luxurious reputation is one of the reasons why The Plaza is one of the most popular movie locations in NYC for filming everything from weddings to upscale meetings.

Not only has this movie set appeared in the comedy Bride Wars, but you’ll spot it in North by Northwest and The Great Gatsby!

Oh, and you’ll also spot it in the incredible Home Alone 2 (which is fitting if you’re visiting around Christmas time!).

Read more about visiting NYC: Where to find the Friends apartment, plus other Friends filming locations!


Katz’s Deli

Katz Deli in NYC
The famous Katz’s Deli in NYC

Next on my list of the best NYC filming locations , it’s the iconic Katz’s Deli. This is one of the most well-known movie locations in NYC, hands down!

You’ll know this place first and foremost from the iconic romantic comedy: When Harry Met Sally.

You know that dinner scene where Sally fakes the BIG-O, well, that was filmed right here! In fact, you can sit in that exact booth if you’re lucky!

Lots of foodie TV shows have also been filmed here for various travel and food TV shows, which makes this a really popular location for tourists and visitors.

Oh, and Disney movie Enchanted also filmed here too!

Tip: I would definitely plan to visit early in the day to avoid the worst queues and wait times.


Times Square

My next suggestion for movie locations in NYC, is the bright and beautiful Times Square.

This is one of the most recognizable locations in the city – and it has been featured in so many TV shows and movies.

From a short appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger to Big, Spider-Man 3, and Date Night, this location is ideal for showcasing NYC’s busy side.

Times Square is super central too, so you’d be well-placed to take in a Broadway show or grabbing some great food afterwards.

Tip: After checking out Times Square, another recommendation in the area is the Museum of Broadway – where you can see loads of fun costumes and props from Broadway shows.

Read more NYC tips: Top 20 famous streets in NYC!


The Friend’s apartment (90 Bedford St, Greenwich Village)

  • Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014, USA
  • Closest subway station: Christopher St-Sheridan Sq or W 4 St-Wash Sq

Next on my list of famous filming locations in NYC, it’s 90 Bedford St, in the heart of Greenwich Village.

What makes this location super famous? Well, you’ll recognize this building from one of the most famous sitcoms in history: FRIENDS.

Yes, it’s the FRIENDS apartment building! Iconic, instantly recognizable, and one of the best TV locations in NYC, hands down.

it’s a wonderful place to visit, and it’s such a ‘New York’ atmosphere too!


Empire State Building

Next up on my list of the best movie locations in NYC, it’s the Empire State Building.

Who hasn’t heard of the Empire State Building? This incredible Art Deco building has been dominating NYC’s skyline since it was built back in 1930.

And can you believe that it’s appeared in approximately 250 movies over the years?

Using this as one of the filming locations in NYC began with the release of King Kong in 1933, but it’s appeared in so much more.

Not only can you catch this location in Elf, but you can also catch it in Sleepless in Seattle, Independence Day, and An Affair to Remember!

Just remember to purchase a ticket for the top level for those iconic New York City views.

Read more NYC tips: What is the best observation deck in NYC?


Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal NYC

Next on my list of the best movie locations in NYC that you need to visit is Grand Central Terminal!

Despite being a fully-functioning train station, Grand Central Terminal has been one of the go-to NYC filming locations for years.

It’s best known for Revolutionary Road, Men in Black, and even the iconic Gossip Girl series! Oh, and don’t forget its appearances in The Avengers and John Wick 3!

Grand Central Terminal has been a favorite backdrop for Hollywood as well, with appearances in two films starring Will Smith.

In “I Am Legend” (2007), the terminal’s exterior served as a post-apocalyptic setting, while “Men in Black” (1997) saw the discovery of otherworldly aliens in its locker room.

Although you might be visiting this place to try and spot some movie magic, the place itself is truly beautiful, so it’s worth visiting anyway!

From its famous four-faced clock to its beautiful Beaux-Arts design, this is an unmissable and iconic location in the city.


American Museum of Natural History

  • Website: https://www.amnh.org/
  • Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, United States
  • Closest subway station: 81 St-Museum of Natural History

If you’ve seen A Night at the Museum, then you’re probably familiar with the ultra-popular American Museum of Natural History.

You’ll also spot this famous building in Malcolm X, Men in Black II, and even The Devil Wears Prada!

You probably won’t be lucky enough to run into Meryl Streep here, but you’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of Miranda Priestly herself.

While you’re at the museum, you’ll want to take a look at the prehistoric exhibits, meteorites, and gemstones littered around the place!

It’s one of the movie locations in NYC that’ll take at least a few hours to explore completely.


Statue of Liberty

If you’re looking for movie locations in NYC that completely encapsulate what the Big Apple is all about, head to the Statue of Liberty.

This New York icon has long been seen as a symbol of freedom for foreign travelers. And that’s because it was the first thing they saw when heading to the USA to realize their American Dream.

The Statue of Liberty has appeared in films like Cloverfield, Ghostbusters II, The Immigrant, and The Day After Tomorrow! So it’s made a fair amount of Hollywood appearances!

Although it often appears in disaster movies as its destruction seems so significant, it’s often in the background of lots of shots too.

If you want to catch the Statue of Liberty in more films, why not check out Spider-Man: No Way Home and Planet of the Apes?

Read more NYC tips: What is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty?


New York Public Library

Next on my list of the best movie filming locations in NYC, it’s the New York Public Library.

Now, the architecture of this place alone makes it worth visiting (seriously, just look at those stone statues and columns!).

You’ll spot its grand staircases and hanging chandeliers in Ghostbusters, The Thomas Crown Affair, and The Day After Tomorrow!

And if you’re a Carrie Bradshaw fan, you might recognize this as the spot she chose for her doomed wedding to Mr. Big in 2008’s Sexy and the City: The Movie.


Tiffany’s & Co

Tiffany’s is the pinnacle of the Big Apple’s glamorous reputation, which explains why it’s one of the best movie locations in NYC!

You’ll recognize this spot from the Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

But you can also catch this set in Sweet Home Alabama where Patrick Dempsey proposes to Reese Witherspoon!

Aside from the movie magic, you can also grab breakfast at the Blue Box Café or just walk around and admire the engagement rings.

Hey, it’s a great way to push a proposal, and it’s a beautiful option to visit if you’re in Midtown.


Rockefeller Center

If you’ve been to the Big Apple, you’re probably familiar with one of the most famous filming locations in NYC – the Rockefeller Center!

Although this spot is renowned for its enormous Christmas tree and ice-skating opportunities, it has also appeared in many movies and TV shows too.

Not only was part of the 2003 flick Elf filmed here, but it’s seen in Home Alone 2, Mr. Deeds, and the 2021 film Respect!

If you’re more of a Marvel nerd, this is one of the movie sets in NYC that’s also seen in Hawkeye.

Whether you’re here to enjoy the gorgeous scenery or want to go film-spotting, this is among the filming locations in NYC that never disappoints.


Bethesda Terrace & Fountain

Bethesda Terrace & Fountain is next on my list of famous movie locations in NYC.

Bethesda Terrace & Fountain is located inside Central Park, but because so many movies have been filmed in this specific location, it deserves it’s own special mention.

So, what has been filmed here? Let’s list some of them… Ransom, Home Alone 2, Staying Alive, Uptown Girl, 27 Dresses, When in Rome, The Avengers, and so many more!

There’s just something about this fountain that filmmakers seem to love!

Read more about Central Park: 35 unmissable things to do in Central Park


Radio City Music Hall

If you’re already stopping by the Rockefeller Center, it’s worth heading to the Radio City Music Hall as well, as it’s super close by.

It was built back in the 1930s and is the place to watch the famous Rockettes doing immense high kicks in perfect unison.

But if you’re here to spot movie filming locations in NYC, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Music Hall in The Godfather and Home Alone 2!

Oh, and 1982’s original Annie of course.

Interestingly, this is also one of the movie locations in NYC that actually screens movies (including the iconic King Kong back in 1933!).


The Loeb Boathouse

Are you planning to visit Central Park during your adventure to New York City?

If so, you need to check out the next spot on my list of awesome movie filming locations in NYC.

The Loeb Boathouse has been used for romantic movies for years as it’s romantic, relatively secluded, and just bougie.

And hey, you just can’t beat the general magical atmosphere you find in Central Park (it’s one of our favorite places!).

If you’re wondering what was filmed here, the most prolific flicks are When Harry Met Sally and 27 Dresses.

Oh, and don’t forget that famous “How Does She Know” scene from Enchanted with Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey!


Washington Square Park

Next on my list of the best movie filming locations in NYC to check out on your vacation, is the iconic Washington Square Park.

This place can be found in the Greenwich Village Neighborhood and is home to the Washington Square Arch.

And the park’s beautiful fountain, of course!

Although you might recognize this location from Ghostbusters II and I Am Legend, its most famous appearance was in Avengers: Infinity War.


Hook and Ladder 8 firehouse

most famous Streets in NYC

Now, you’re gonna know this place from the amazing movie… Ghostbusters! It is the iconic headquarters of the Ghostbusters, as prominently featured in both the original 1984 film (and its 2016 remake).

While the film showcased many of the firehouse’s exteriors, it’s worth noting that several interior scenes were ingeniously crafted within the confines of a Los Angeles studio.

Nonetheless, the indelible Ghostbusters logo, a symbol of paranormal heroism, proudly hangs outside the station today.

Its resurrection was made possible through a successful crowdfunding campaign that rallied fans and enthusiasts.

Beyond its spectral associations, the Hook and Ladder 8 firehouse has also made notable appearances in the 2005 film “Hitch” and episodes of beloved television series such as “Seinfeld” and “How I Met Your Mother.”


66 Perry Street

  • Address: 66 Perry St, New York, NY 10014, USA
  • Closest subway station: Christopher St-Sheridan Sq

Next up on my list of famous filming locations in NYC, it’s 66 Perry Street.

This is the home to Carrie’s apartment in Sex and the CIty, and it’s a spot that lives in the hearts of any SATC fan!

I love that this location has had a little resurgence recently too – with the new ‘And Just Like That’ TV show!

It’s a great choice for famous filming locations in NYC! It has featured both the movies and TV shows too – so it’s a well-rounded choice for any Sex and the City enthusiast.


Smith & Wollensky

Smith & Wollensky is next up on my list of famous NYC filming locations. This place is actually a well-known steakhouse, and one of the most iconic steakhouses in the city – however, it’s allure extends far beyond its culinary prowess.

The restaurant’s classic ambiance and prime location in Midtown Manhattan have made it a popular choice for filmmakers looking to capture the essence of New York City on camera.

As a result, Smith & Wollensky has made appearances in several notable films.

The most famous (I think) is American Psycho. In this cult classic film starring Christian Bale, Smith & Wollensky serves as the backdrop for a memorable dinner scene where the characters engage in witty, darkly humorous banter.

The Devil’s Advocate is another well-known movies that has been filmed here. This legal thriller, starring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino, features Smith & Wollensky as a setting for one of the film’s pivotal scenes, adding to the restaurant’s cinematic legacy.


I hope this list of the best movie locations in NYC has given you lots of inspiration and ideas for where to visit!