25+ ICONIC Movie Locations in New York City (Ranked) (2025)

There’s something surreal about walking through New York City and realizing you’re standing in the exact spot where your favorite movie scene was filmed. That moment when art collides with reality—it never gets old. As a longtime NYC local and lifelong movie lover, I’ve made a habit of tracking down the most iconic movie locations in NYC, from silver screen staples to cult classic backdrops.

You don’t need a film degree to appreciate the magic—just a good pair of shoes and a little curiosity. Whether you’re chasing the dramatic boardwalk scene from Requiem for a Dream, hunting rom-com landmarks, or just hoping to recreate a moment from Ghostbusters, the city is full of cinematic nostalgia. These filming locations aren’t just fun to visit—they’re part of the fabric of New York itself. Below are a few of my favorite famous movie spots in NYC you can still see today, camera roll at the ready.

Visiting New York City?If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide onWhere to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time?Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC,hands down.

Iconic Movie Locations in New York City

Times Square

Website: Times Square
Address: Times Square, Manhattan, NY 10036

Times Square has been the star of more films than I can count—sometimes it plays itself, sometimes it becomes a stand-in for New Year’s Eve magic, alien invasions, or dramatic reunions. I’ve stood in the middle of those flashing billboards, half-expecting Spider-Man to swing overhead or Tom Cruise to come sprinting through, Vanilla Sky-style. It’s chaotic, it’s crowded—and it’s one of the most iconic movie locations in NYC.

Even if you’ve never been here, you’ve seen Times Square. From Birdman to The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and of course Midnight Cowboy, it’s been captured in every season and every mood. I’ll admit, as a New Yorker, I rarely linger here unless I’m playing tour guide—but there’s no denying its film legacy. I’ve watched the ball drop in person and remembered New Year’s Eve, and once got caught in a flash mob that reminded me of a rom-com dance sequence. If you’re visiting famous filming spots in New York, Times Square is both unavoidable and unforgettable.

Movies Filmed in Times Square:

• Crocodile Dundee (1986)
• Big (1988)
• Spider Man 3 (2007)
• I Am Legend (2007)
• Date Night (2010)
• Friends with Benefits (2011)
• Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Central Park

Website: Central Park
Address: Central Park, New York, NY

’ve had more “movie moments” in Central Park than anywhere else in the city—and sometimes I don’t even mean that figuratively. With over 300 movies filmed here, it’s the most iconic movie location in NYC, period. From Home Alone 2 to Enchanted, The Avengers to When Harry Met Sally, this park has been a stage for every genre imaginable.

I’ve eaten a bagel at Bethesda Terrace while quoting 27 Dresses, walked past the Bow Bridge like I was in Spider-Man 3, and even paused by the Loeb Boathouse where Carrie Bradshaw had that disastrous lunch in Sex and the City.

The beauty of Central Park is that it never pretends to be anywhere else—it’s always unmistakably, cinematically New York. Every turn leads to a spot you’ve seen on screen. If you’re on the hunt for famous NYC filming locations, just start here. Bring a picnic blanket, your favorite movie soundtrack, and maybe a camera. You’ll see why filmmakers can’t get enough.

Movies Filmed in Central Park:

• Hair (1979)
• Staying Alive (1983)
• Home Alone 2 (1992)
• Big Daddy (1999)
• Serendipity (2001)
• Stuart Little 2 (2002)
• Uptown Girl (2003)
• 27 Dresses (2008)
• When in Rome (2010)
• Get Him to the Greek (2010)
• Friends with Benefits (2011)
• When in Rome (2010)
• The Avengers (2012)
• The Letter (2012)
• John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

The Plaza Hotel

Website: The Plaza Hotel
Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

There’s something about The Plaza that feels like stepping into a scene—because, chances are, you are. This storied Fifth Avenue hotel has appeared in The Great Gatsby, Home Alone 2, Bride Wars, and Crocodile Dundee, to name a few. The first time I walked into the lobby, I felt like a movie star and an eight-year-old all at once. That’s the power of this place.

I’ve visited during the holidays just to see the decorations and picture little Kevin ordering room service and jumping on the bed. I’ve lingered by the fountain where so many film scenes have ended—or begun. The Plaza isn’t just a luxury hotel, it’s one of the most iconic film locations in NYC. For me, it holds a special kind of magic. It captures the glamour and nostalgia of a cinematic New York, the kind where anything feels possible. Even if you don’t stay there, step inside. Trust me, the movie memories are free.

Movies Filmed at The Plaza Hotel:

• North by Northwest (1959)
• The Way We Were (1973)
• Home Alone 2 (1992)
• Bride Wars (2009)
• The Great Gatsby (2013)

The Rockefeller Center

Website: The Rockefeller Center
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

Every time I walk by Rockefeller Plaza, I half expect to see Buddy the Elf spinning in circles or Liz Lemon power-walking through a scene of 30 Rock. It’s one of those iconic movie spots in NYC that always feels a little surreal in real life—especially during the holidays. Between the skating rink, the towering Christmas tree, and the Art Deco buildings, it’s practically made for the screen.

The most memorable Rockefeller moment for me? Standing in the exact spot where Home Alone 2 wraps up—Kevin gazing up at the tree, reunited with his mom. Gets me every time. Beyond that, you’ve got Elf, The Adjustment Bureau, Sleepless in Seattle, and countless cameos in everything from rom-coms to thrillers. I’ve even caught live filming happening on the Today Show set. If you’re exploring New York movie locations, this one is worth seeing in person. It’s polished, cinematic, and instantly familiar—even if you’ve never been before.

Movies Filmed at the Rockefeller Center:

• Home Alone 2 (1992)
• Mr. Deeds (2002)
• Elf (2003)
• Respect (2021)

Grand Central Terminal

Website: Grand Central Terminal
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

The first time I rushed through Grand Central Terminal to catch a train, I paused mid-step—not because I was lost, but because I was staring up at the ceiling like a total tourist. That sky-blue mural has been the backdrop for so many movies that it felt instantly familiar. Madagascar, Men in Black, The Avengers, North by Northwest, Friends with Benefits—this station has serious screen credits.

It’s not just beautiful (though it absolutely is)—it’s cinematic. I’ve watched scenes unfold here in real life that could’ve come straight out of a movie. A couple reunited under the clock. A flash mob of dancers. Once, I even saw someone filming a proposal. I always recommend Grand Central to anyone looking for famous movie locations in NYC, because it delivers every time. Whether you’re marveling at the Main Concourse or grabbing a bite at the food court, you’re part of the story. It’s New York at its most timeless and theatrical.

Movies Filmed at Grand Central Terminal:

• Carlito’s Way (1993)
• Men in Black II (2002)
• Friends With Benefits (2011)
• The Avengers (2012)
• John Wick 3 (2019)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Website: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

t’s hard to walk up the steps of the Met without imagining Blair Waldorf sitting on the railing or thinking of Ocean’s 8, when Sandra Bullock and crew used the Met Gala as their heist playground. The Metropolitan Museum of Art isn’t just a world-class museum—it’s one of the most iconic movie locations in NYC. As a New Yorker, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wandered through its galleries, but every visit still feels a bit cinematic.

From When Harry Met Sally to Hitch to The Thomas Crown Affair, this place has been a backdrop for everything from romance to mystery. I once had a rainy afternoon free and ducked inside for a solo stroll through the Temple of Dendur—and immediately thought of Anne Hathaway in Ocean’s 8, cool and composed among the statues. The Met is more than a museum—it’s a place that holds both art and movie memories. If you’re looking to walk through a real-life film set that’s also a cultural treasure, this is it.

Movies Filmed at the MET:

• When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
• Looking for Richard (1996)
• Maid in Manhattan (2002)
• Hitch (2005)
• The Nanny Diaries (2007)

Columbia University

Website: Columbia University
Address: 116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027

There’s a quiet power to Columbia University, tucked into the northern edge of Manhattan, that makes it an irresistible setting for filmmakers. Whether it’s the steps of Low Library in Ghostbusters or the lecture halls in The Mirror Has Two Faces, Columbia has long doubled as the intellectual heart of countless NYC movies. I’ve wandered its campus many times, and it always feels a little like I’m stepping into a scene.

The first time I visited, I sat on the library steps and looked out over College Walk, imagining Peter Parker hurrying to class in Spider-Man or Julia Roberts navigating campus life in Mona Lisa Smile. The leafy courtyards, stately architecture, and iconic Alma Mater statue give Columbia a cinematic elegance that’s both inspiring and nostalgic. For fans of iconic NYC filming locations, it’s an underrated gem. You don’t have to be a student to appreciate the atmosphere—it’s open to the public and steeped in film history. I recommend visiting on a crisp fall day. The movie vibes are strongest then.

Movies Filmed at Columbia University:

• The Detective (1968)
• Altered State (1980)
• Ghostbusters (1984)
• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
• Malcolm X (1992)
• Spider-Man (2002)
• Hitch (2005)

Katz’s Delicatessen

Website: Katz’s Delicatessen
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

There’s a reason Katz’s Delicatessen shows up on every list of iconic movie locations in NYC. It’s not just the pastrami—it’s the scene. That unforgettable moment in When Harry Met Sally made cinematic history right here, at a corner booth on Houston Street. And yes, the sign above it still says: “Where Harry met Sally… hope you have what she had!”

I’ve come to Katz’s for everything from late-night sandwiches to weekday lunches, and it never loses its energy. You can practically feel the film history in the air, mixed with the scent of freshly sliced corned beef. It’s loud, it’s packed, it’s unapologetically old-school. But that’s what makes it such a perfect New York filming location—it hasn’t changed much since 1989, and that consistency is part of the magic. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sandwich lover, or both, Katz’s is worth the stop. Grab a ticket, take your time, and soak in a setting that’s fed locals and legends alike. It’s not just a deli—it’s a piece of film history you can bite into.

Movies Filmed at Katz’s Delicatessen:

• When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
• Donnie Brasco (1997)
• Looking for Kitty (2004)
• We Own the Night (2007)
• Enchanted (2007)

The Guggenheim

Website: Guggenheim Museum
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128

Few buildings in New York are as instantly recognizable—or as cinematic—as the Guggenheim. That winding white spiral is both an architectural masterpiece and a favorite backdrop for filmmakers. You’ve probably seen it in Men in Black, The International, or Mr. Popper’s Penguins—and the moment you step inside, it all clicks. The curves, the light, the surreal sense of space—it’s no wonder directors are drawn to it.

I love how the museum feels both futuristic and timeless. On quiet weekday mornings, it’s easy to imagine yourself as a character in a sleek spy thriller or art-world drama. I once stood near the base of the rotunda and caught myself scanning the ramp above, half expecting a chase scene to break out (The International made an impression). Whether you’re coming for the art or the architecture, the Guggenheim is also one of the most iconic filming locations in NYC. It’s beautiful in a way that feels otherworldly—yet still grounded in the rhythm of the Upper East Side.

Movies Filmed at the Guggenheim Museum:

• Cactus Flower (1969)
• Someone Watch Over Me (1987)
• She-Devil (1989)
• Men in Black (1997)
• When in Rome (2010)
• Annie (2014)
• Players (2024)

Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8

Website: Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8
Address: 14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013

Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8 has limited appearances on the big screen, but it’s had one thatreallycounts. It’s home to Ghostbusters Headquarters!This iconic NYC filming location was threatened with closure in 2011, but a public campaign to save it worked, and it’s still home to a team of first responders today (so get out of the way if you hear sirens!).

Movies Filmed at Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8:

• Ghostbusters (1984)
• Ghostbusters II (1989)
• Hitch (2005)
• Ghostbusters (2019)

Washington Square Park

Website: Washington Square Park
Address: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012

Some New York movie locations feel staged. Washington Square Park, on the other hand, always feels alive. That arch, those chess tables, the street performers under the trees—you’ve seen it all before in When Harry Met Sally, Inside Llewyn Davis, August Rush, and a dozen other films. But what makes it iconic isn’t just the screen time. It’s how effortlessly it blends into the real, daily pulse of the city.

I walk through the park regularly, and it’s never the same twice. One day there’s a jazz trio playing under the arch; the next, a film student shooting a scene on 16mm. It’s cinematic in the way New York can be without trying. I always think of it as a place where stories begin—or end. If you’re looking for classic NYC filming locations, this one should be high on your list. Come in the golden hour when the sun cuts across the fountain and the Empire State peeks out in the distance. That’s when it really feels like a movie.

Movies Filmed at Washington Square Park:

• Ghostbusters II (1989)
• Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
• I Am Legend (2007)
• Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
• To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021)

The American Museum of Natural History

Website: The American Museum of Natural History
Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024

TheAmerican Museum of Natural History(AMNH) needs no introduction; it is famous thanks to the movieNight at the Museum(2006), where Ben Stiller plays a night-time security guard. Although the movie wasn’t filmed inside the actual museum, the exterior, exhibits, and context all reflect the real AMNH. They even offer a self-guidedNight at the Museum tourfor those interested.

Movies Filmed at the American Museum of Natural History:

• Malcolm X (1992)
• Men in Black II (2002)
• The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
• Night at the Museum (2006)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2016)

New York Public Library

Website: New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

When it opened to the public in 1911,the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. In its 100+ years of existence, the monolithic library has become one of the most iconic movie locations in New York City.

Movies Filmed at the New York Public Library:

• Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
• Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
• Spider-Man (2002)
• The Day after Tomorrow (2004)
• The Pink Panther (2006)
• Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)

Brooklyn Bridge

Website: Brooklyn Bridge
Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038

The Brooklyn Bridge adorns New York City’s epic skyline and is an iconic symbol of the Big Apple. Some might be shocked to learn how many movies have been filmed at the Brooklyn Bridge, but its instantly recognizable structure makes it hard to beat. The Brooklyn Bridge scene inI Am Legend(2007) cost $5 million to shoot and is one of the most iconic movie scenes filmed in NYC!

Movies Filmed on the Brooklyn Bridge:

• Kate & Leopold (2001)
• I Am Legend (2007)
• Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)
• Cloverfield (2008)
• John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

Empire State Building

Website: Empire State Building
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

As one of the premier movie locations in New York City, the Empire State draws its fair share of tourists climbing to the top of itsobservatoryfor a photo with King Kong. Over 100 movies have been filmed at the Empire State Building over nearly a century.

Movies Filmed at the Empire State Building:

• King Kong (1933)
• Superman II (1980)
• Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
• Independence Day (1994)
• Elf (2003)
• King Kong (2005)

Radio City Music Hall

Website: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

The neon lights outside of Radio City Music Hall are as memorable as anything you’ll see in New York City, making it one of the premier movie locations in NYC. The ability to set context in a scene is essential, and Radio City Music Hall does that for viewers instantly. All it takes is a second on the glowing marquee, and immediately, boom, you’re in the middle of bustling Manhattan.

Movies Filmed at Radio City Music Hall:

• The Godfather (1972)
• Annie (1982)
• Home Alone 2 (1992)
• New York Minute (2004)

The Statue of Liberty

Website: The Statue of Liberty
Address: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

Although movies are rarely filmed in the Statue of Liberty, it has become a pivotal tool for directors to establish their stories on the big screen. As both one of the most recognizable movie locations in New York City (and ahistorical American landmark), the fascination with the Statue of Liberty is evident by its millions of annual visitors.

Movies Filmed at the Statue of Liberty:

• Saboteur (1942)
• Planet of the Apes (1968)
• Splash (1984)
• Ghostbusters II (1989)
• Wolverine (2000)
• The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
• Spider Man: No Way Home (2021)

Coney Island

Website: Coney Island
Address: Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY

Every time I head to Coney Island, I feel like I’ve stepped onto a movie set—and in many ways, I have. From The Warriors to Requiem for a Dream, Uptown Girls to Men in Black 3, this stretch of Brooklyn boardwalk has been immortalized again and again on screen. There’s something about the mix of faded amusement park charm, neon lights, and Atlantic Ocean breeze that makes it the perfect backdrop for drama, romance, or a little chaos.

As a local, I’ve been coming here for years—but it hits differently when you start recognizing the filming spots. I’ve stood by the Wonder Wheel and pictured Ellen Burstyn’s haunting monologue in Requiem. I’ve looked out at the sea and thought about the slow-motion final scene in The Warriors. And yes, I’ve indulged in a hot dog at Nathan’s just because a character once did it on screen. Visiting Coney Island isn’t just a beach day—it’s a full-on cinematic experience. Easily one of the most iconic filming locations in NYC, and a must for movie buffs.

Movies Filmed on Coney Island:

• The Wiz (1978)
• The Warriors (1979)
• Men in Black 3 (2012)
• Brooklyn (2015)
• Wonder Wheel (2017)
• Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Puck Building

Website: Puck Building
Address: 295 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

The first time I walked past the Puck Building in SoHo, I didn’t even realize how many film moments I was surrounded by. This Romanesque landmark at the corner of Lafayette and Houston has appeared in When Harry Met Sally, American Psycho, and, of course, Spider-Man. That red-brick exterior and giant gilded Puck statue feel so distinctly New York—it’s no wonder directors keep coming back to it.

I’ve since made it a ritual to point it out whenever I walk downtown with visitors. “That’s where Harry and Sally’s friends had their wedding,” I’ll say, or “This is where Norman Osborn had his offices in Spider-Man.” It always gets a reaction. There’s something thrilling about recognizing a building from a film you’ve watched a dozen times—and then realizing it’s just a few steps from your subway stop. For anyone exploring iconic movie locations in NYC, the Puck Building is a low-key favorite. You might walk past it without noticing, but once you know, you can’t not see it.

Movies Filmed at the Puck Building:

• When Harry met Sally… (1989)
• The January Man (1989)
• Cupid (2009)

The Unisphere

Website: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Address: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Corona, NY 11368

The Unisphere is a 140-foot stainless steel globe in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Originally built as part of the 1964 World Fair, it’s become a famous filming location in New York City.

Several action movies have been filmed at the sphere (Men in Black, Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger) as well as a series of hip-hop music videos, including“Flava in Ya Ear” by Craig Mack and “Mo Money Mo Problems” by the Notorious B.I.G. both feature the Unisphere.

Movies Filmed at the Unisphere:

• Black Rain (1989)
• Men in Black (1997)
• Iron Man 2 (2010)
• Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
• Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

More Famous Film Locations in NYC (From TV Shows)

#5. Lotte New York Palace (Gossip Girl)

Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022

First shown in the pilot episode and then sporadically throughout the seasons,Lotte New York Palaceis frequented by fans of Gossip Girl. Owned by Chuck Bass (in the series), the clever hotel even offered a Gossip Girl package in 2018 so guests could live like Serena van der Woodsen.

#4. McGee’s Pub (How I Met Your Mother)

Address: 240 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

The famed McLaren’s Pub from How I Met Your Mother is based on McGee’s bar in midtown Manhattan. Quite a bit larger than the bar from the set, McGee’s is where the show’s creators stopped by for drinks while working for the Late Show with David Letterman.

#3. Tom’s Restaurant (Seinfeld)

Address: 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Tom’s Restaurant has long been a favorite of students of Columbia University. President Barack Obama ate there as a student, and John McCain dined there when visiting his daughter. It was a popular neighborhood restaurant before it became one of the most iconic film locations in New York City.

When creating the show Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David stopped by often and used it as the muse for Monk Cafe in the beloved sitcom. Fans of the show stop by for a photo but find themselves sticking around for the all-day breakfast & good cup of coffee.

#2. Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment (Sex and the City)

Address: 66 Perry St, New York, NY 10014

Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment can be found at 64 Perry Street in the West Village. As one of the most famous locations in New York City from television, the outside of the home is usually a fan or two snapping photos. The one thing to remember is that it’s a real home, so be respectful of the people who live there.

#1. The Friends Building (Friends)

Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014

Though the TV show Friends was filmed in California, the show is set in New York City, and visitors can stop by the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets to see the apartment’s exterior used in the opening credits. You won’t be able to enter the building, but there’s a charming cafe below — which is not Central Perk like it is in the show. Instead, it’s called The Little Owl.

The Best Movie Locations in New York City (Post Summary)

1. Central Park
2. Times Square
3. The MET
4. Grand Central Station
5. The Rockefeller Center
6. The Plaza Hotel
7. The Statue of Liberty
8. Radio City Music Hall
9. Empire State Building
10. Brooklyn Bridge
11. New York Public Library
12. The American Museum of Natural History
13. Washington Square Park
14. Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8
15. Guggenheim Museum
16. Katz Delicatessen
17. The Copacabana
18. Columbia University
19. 7B Horseshoe Bar AKA Vazacs
20. The Unisphere
21. Puck Building
22. Coney Island
23. Lotte New York Palace
24. McGee’s Pub
25. Tom’s Restaurant
26. Carry Bradshaw’s Apartment
27. Friends Building

Map to the Best Film Locations in New York City

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And there it is my friends, a list of my favorite movie locations in New York City. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite movies or places.

Cheers!