Strolling down the streets of Manhattan gives a brilliant feeling, yet an unshakable sense of déjà vu that you may have been there before, not once, but many times in some of these places on your television or mobiles.
From Ghostbusters and Gossip Girl to The MET and Home Alone 2, thousands of films have been made in NYC for you to discover. Rather than second-guessing where this scene was shot and where that scene might have been set, we’ve got your one-stop guide to the cool and classic New York film location, so you can go and relive your favourite film scenes on a film tour!
Top 9 film locations at a glance:
- The Plaza Hotel – Home Alone 2
- Empire State Building – Sleepless in Seattle and Gossip Girl
- Statue of Liberty – Titanic
- Peter McManus Cafe – The Other Guys
- New York Public Library – Ghostbusters
- Grand Central Terminal – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Howard Gilman Opera House – The Greatest Showman
- Brooklyn Bridge – Sex and the City
- Rockefeller Center – Elf
The Classics
The Plaza Hotel – Home Alone 2
Found at 768 5th Ave, The Plaza is where a young Macaulay Culkin holed up while his folks flew to Florida. Instead of getting help from your family, putting your child at The Plaza might be unconventional, but it’s most definitely a classic place in NYC, where you’d never be alone.
Empire State Building – Sleepless in Seattle and Gossip Girl
It’s pretty hard to miss this one, but don’t just look up at it – book yourself a ticket and head up all 102 floors to discover the viewing deck that Meg and Tom enjoyed in the 1993 classic Sleepless in Seattle! Or, it was a miss by Blair as she dashes for Chuck, who left minutes earlier in Gossip Girl.
Statue of Liberty – Titanic
Lady Liberty has had a starring role in a fair few films and definitely seen by more people than the 1997 classic, Titanic. This statue stands tall as a symbol of hope and opportunity for all who’d braved the treacherous waters to get there. The Hudson River’s not known for its icebergs, so you don’t have to worry hopping on the boat when you’ve booked your Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and 9/11 Memorial cruise tour.
Peter McManus Cafe – The Other Guys
Want to see where Hoitz and Gamble go to drown their sorrows and sing songs steeped in rich history and culture? Stroll down to 152 7th Avenue and West 19th Street and that’s exactly what you’ll find!
New York Public Library – Ghostbusters
As well as being one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the NY Public Library (located on 5th Avenue and East 42nd Street) was also where Egon, Peter and Ray met their very first ghost. Don’t worry though – the guides you meet on the tour are much friendlier than the spectral spirit of Eleanor Twitty. Don’t forget to take a shot for the ‘gram!
Grand Central Terminal – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Another iconic attraction and frequent movie backdrop, Grand Central is a train station of magnificent proportions! Your guide will likely remind you that you’ve seen it get destroyed in dozens of disaster movies, but once you’re there, you can recreate the scene from the 2004 cult hit, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, by cutting a dash around the clock located in the main hall.
Howard Gilman Opera House – The Greatest Showman
We can’t promise that you’ll be able to see Jenny Lind sing, but this spectacular opera house is well worth a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge. But don’t just skip past the bridge – book yourself onto a guided tour and discover just how much there is to learn about this architectural masterpiece.
Brooklyn Bridge – Sex and the City
Like we said, it’s impossible to just skip over the Brooklyn Bridge without touching on its stature, style and significance – especially the significance it holds for SATC’s Miranda. Fancy recreating your own romantic rendezvous? Fewer places will offer a more impressive backdrop than the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Rockefeller Center – Elf
When it comes to Christmas magic, Elf always hits the spot. And if you’re in need of a seasonal spark to get you into the festive spirit, then – like Will Ferrell’s lovable Elf showed us, the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree can’t fail to wow. Then again, the view from the Top of the Rock is just as impressive! Just ask your guide to show you the way to 45 Rockefeller Plaza, and prepare for some true New York magic.
So there you have it – nine New York film locations for you to discover and use to recreate your own magical moments.
Klook me to New York now!