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The Best of New York · See and do · Landmarks and history

My favorite movie locations in New York.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 25 places.

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.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Antonina’s favorite movie locations in New York, 2026

  1. Times SquareLandmark · Times SquareIt’s chaotic, it’s crowded, and it’s one of the most famous movie locations in NYC.
  2. Central ParkPark · Central ParkWith over 300 movies filmed here, it’s the most famous movie location in NYC, period.
  3. The Plaza HotelHotel · MidtownThe Plaza isn’t just a luxury hotel, it’s one of the most famous film locations in NYC.
  4. The Rockefeller CenterLandmark · MidtownIt’s polished, cinematic, and instantly familiar, even if you’ve never been before.
  5. Grand Central TerminalLandmark · MidtownI always recommend Grand Central to anyone looking for famous movie locations in NYC, because it delivers every time.
  6. The Metropolitan Museum of ArtMuseum · Upper East SideThe Metropolitan Museum of Art isn’t just a world-class museum, it’s one of the most famous movie locations in NYC.
  7. Columbia UniversityLandmark · Morningside HeightsFor fans of famous NYC filming locations, it’s an underrated gem.
  8. Katz’s DelicatessenRestaurant · Lower East SideThere’s a reason Katz’s Delicatessen shows up on every list of famous movie locations in NYC.
  9. The GuggenheimMuseum · Upper East SideWhether you’re coming for the art or the architecture, the Guggenheim is also one of the most famous filming locations in NYC.
  10. Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8Other · TribecaFirehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8 has limited appearances on the big screen, but it’s had one that really counts.
  11. Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich VillageIf you’re looking for classic NYC filming locations, this one should be high on your list.
  12. The American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West SideThe American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) needs no introduction; it is famous thanks to the movie Night at the Museum (2006), where Ben Stiller plays a night-time security guard.
  13. New York Public LibraryLandmark · MidtownIn its 100+ years of existence, the monolithic library has become one of the most famous movie locations in New York City.
  14. Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · Financial District
  15. Empire State BuildingLandmark · MidtownOver 100 movies have been filmed at the Empire State Building over nearly a century.
  16. Radio City Music HallTheater · MidtownThe 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.
  17. The Statue of LibertyLandmark · Financial DistrictAs both one of the most recognizable movie locations in New York City (and a historical American landmark), the fascination with the Statue of Liberty is evident by its millions of annual visitors.
  18. Coney IslandLandmark · Coney IslandEasily one of the most famous filming locations in NYC, and a must for movie buffs.
  19. Puck BuildingLandmark · SoHoFor anyone exploring famous movie locations in NYC, the Puck Building is a low-key favorite.
  20. The UnisphereLandmark · Flushing MeadowsThe Unisphere is a 140-foot stainless steel globe in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
  21. Lotte New York PalaceHotel · MidtownFirst shown in the pilot episode and then sporadically throughout the seasons, Lotte New York Palace is frequented by fans of Gossip Girl.
  22. McGee’s PubBar · MidtownThe famed McLaren’s Pub from How I Met Your Mother is based on McGee’s bar in midtown Manhattan.
  23. Tom’s RestaurantRestaurant · Morningside HeightsIt was a popular neighborhood restaurant before it became one of the most famous film locations in New York City.
  24. Carrie Bradshaw’s ApartmentLandmark · West VillageAs 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.
  25. The Friends BuildingLandmark · West VillageAnd visitors can stop by the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets to see the apartment’s exterior used in the opening credits.

On the map

Where they are.

14 neighborhoods, Midtown and Upper East Side most of all.

Midtown

Financial District

Morningside Heights

Upper East Side

West Village

Central Park

Coney Island

Flushing Meadows

Greenwich Village

Lower East Side

SoHo

Times Square

Tribeca

Upper West Side

Antonina’s favorite movie locations in New York, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 25+ ICONIC Movie Locations in New York City (Ranked).