From popular sitcoms like Friends to superhero blockbusters like Avengers and Spiderman, here are some of New York City’s best and most famous filming locations!
New York City is a dream destination for many travellers. Anything seems possible in this rousing city that never sleeps, so it’s no surprise that famed film-makers often envision New York City as the setting of their stories.
Whether you’re watching a light-hearted comedy or epic superhero movie, you’ve definitely seen some part of the Big Apple on screen. From iconic landmarks to charming corners, here are 19 famous filming locations in New York City you must visit:
Epic Superhero Movies
1. Avengers
With their latest release breaking box offices as the highest grossing film of all time, the Avengers franchise is undoubtedly one of the most successful superhero movie series ever made with their epic storyline and stunning visuals. Located by the Avengers Tower, the Chrysler Building is an iconic landmark where many of these action-packed battles take place!
Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, USA
2. Batman
Batman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. He fights crime and saves the day (and night) at Gotham City, inspired by none other than the Big Apple! Every superhero film needs a super villain, and in New York City, you’ll be able to find the iconic New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street where Batman finally defeats his arch nemesis.
Address:11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005, USA
3. Spider-man
Another classic superhero film, Spider-man is a story about how an orphaned teenage boy gets bitten by a radioactive spider thus causing him to develop spider-like superpowers. The movie is set in his home of New York City, where Spider-man swings around iconic landmarks like The Empire State Building!
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Action-Packed Thrillers
4. Ghostbusters
With numerous remakes, video games, and merchandise, the classic Ghostbusters is an award-winning fantasy film about a ghost-catching team set in New York City. The quirky business is run inside an iconic red ”abandoned” firehouse, which in reality is a fully-functioning firehouse in New York City called Hook & Ladder Company 8.
Address: 14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013, USA
5. Men in Black
Men in Black is a 1997 award-winning sci-fi action film about a secret organisation that keeps aliens in check and hidden from the general public. At Flushing Meadows Corona Park, you’ll be able to find two tall observatory towers that are flying saucers in disguise in the film!
Address: Perimeter Rd. &, Meridian Rd, Corona, NY 11368, USA
6. Ocean’s 8
Ocean’s 8 is a star-studded comedy film following a group of women as they plan to execute the perfect heist at the annual Met Gala in New York City. Rose Weil, one of the protagonists in the ensemble, is a fashion designer recruited into the group at her fashion runway show at the TWA Hotel!
Address: Terminal 5, 6 Central Terminal Area, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA
Legendary Sitcoms
7. Friends
With 236 episodes running through 10 seasons, Friends continues to grow its cult following even after a 10-year television run. Revolving around six friends going through the turmoils of adulthood in New York City, you can find the iconic apartment building in which their hilarity ensues!
Address: 100 Bedford St, Corner Grove, New York City, NY 10014-5304
8. How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is a romantic comedy sitcom that runs over 208 episodes and 9 seasons. Revolving around Ted Mosby and the hysterical ups and downs of his dysfunctional clique in Manhattan, the group’s crazy adventures and quirky squabbles famously takes place at the iconic Maclaren’s Bar.
Fun fact: The Maclaren’s Bar is a fictional bar inspired and modelled after McGee’s, a bar in which the show’s creators used to hang out during their younger days!
Address: 240 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
9. 30 Rock
30 Rock is a satirical sitcom created by Tina Fey depicting the behind-the-scenes life of the people working for a live comedy show. Inspired by the creator’s own experiences as a writer for Saturday Night Live at NBC Studios, the series is named after 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where the show is produced and performed, just like the fictional live comedy show in the series.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA
10. Seinfeld
Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, Seinfeld is an award-winning live-action sitcom revolving the life of Jerry Seinfeld, a semi-fictionalised persona of the show’s creator himself. According to the series, Papaya King, which is actually called Gray’s Papaya in real life has some of the best hot dogs in New York City that you must try!
Address: 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA
For The Hopeless Romantic
11. When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is a 1989 romantic comedy movie starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. The story follows the protagonists Harry and Sally as fate continuously pulls them together with chance encounters around New York City. One of the most notable landmarks is the arch monument at Washington Square Park!
Address: Washington Square N, New York, NY 10012, USA
12. You’ve Got Mail
You’ve Got Mail stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan who play two online lovers living in the upper west side who doesn’t know that they are actually business rivals in real life. At Cafe Lalo, you’ll be able to relive the moment the pair meets face to face for the very first time!
Address: 201 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Family Favourites
13. Home Alone 2
Home Alone 2 is a Christmas family film and the second film in the family-favourite Home Alone movie franchise. Set in New York City, Home Alone 2 is highly-regarded as one of the top classic Christmas films of all time. The film follows a young boy named Kevin McCallister as he embarks on his outlandish adventures in New York City. In Manhattan, you’ll be able to find the luxurious The Plaza Hotel where Kevin checks in with his dad’s credit card!
Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
14. School of Rock
School of Rock is a musical comedy film following the story of a dysfunctional rock guitarist. In his attempts of getting out of the rut, he disguises himself as a substitute teacher at an esteemed prep school where he forms a band with a group of students. At the St. George Theatre in New York City, you’ll be able to live the film’s intense finale where their final test takes place!
Address: 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA
15. The Muppets & Sesame Street
The Muppets and Sesame Street are live-action sketch comedy shows portrayed by animation and a cast of puppet characters. At the Museum of Moving Image in New York City, you’ll be able to witness behind-the-scenes magic from character sketches to exclusive clips that go into the production!
Address: 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, USA
16. Night at the Museum
Night At The Museum is a comedy movie about a museum’s night watchman and his hysterical adventures as the exhibits begin to animate magically at night. In New York City, you’ll be able to find the American Museum of Natural History where they even provide tours dedicated to the film and characters (who are real exhibits!).
Address: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Classic Chick Flicks
17. Sex and the City
Revolving the lives of four girl friends in New York City, Sex And The City is a critically-acclaimed chick flick discussing love, life, and sexuality. One of the most pivotal scenes is set on the Brooklyn Bridge, where you can enjoy a romantic stroll with your loved ones!
Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038, USA
18. Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is a television series following the lives of a group of elite adolescents living in the upper east side in New York City. If you want to get a taste of their upper-class lifestyle, the Lotte New York Palace Hotel (where the protagonists reside) offers a Gossip Girl Getaway package!
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
19. Girls
Girls is a Golden Globe award-winning comedy series set in New York City. Following the life of Hannah, a young aspiring writer and her friends, the series is set predominantly in the neighbourhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Here, you’ll be able to find Cafe Grumpy, the girls’ favourite cafe hangout!
Address:193 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA
Ready to live some of these movie magic moments? Don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card on your trip to the Big Apple to utilise YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates for favourable currency exchange rates!
All photographs courtesy of NYC & Company.
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