Top 15 Most Popular New York City Film Locations
When filmmakers flock to New York City to film they find themselves with an abundance of opportunity when it comes to choosing a film location. In fact, New York City film locations represent some of the most iconic locations for films and movies in the entire United States. From world renowned locations like Grand Central Station to the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, the greatest struggle filmmakers have when it comes to film locations in New York City is deciding where to shoot with so many different options to choose from!
1. Grand Central Station
Just about everyone has heard of Grand Central Station or Grand Central Terminal. Of all the New York City film locations, this one is probably one of the most widely filmed for convenience and ease of access.
In fact, it’s been featured in many movies and continues to draw attention to filmmakers from around the world.
2. Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty is frequently shown via aerial footage but if you’re fortunate enough to make a climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty, we recommend you do it!
It’s incredible impressive and a trip to NYC without a visit to the iconic statue would be akin to traveling to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower!
3. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is basically a must visit location in NYC that basically everyone visits at least once. Located on West 34th Street, it’s open year around from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. for access so you can catch a few minutes to film basically anytime of day and through much of the night!
4. Radio City Music Hall
Filmmaking in New York City will bring you to many fabulous locations and Radio City Music Hall is one of them! Known for Christmas classics, you might recognize the architecture of this theatre from the past film, The Godfather.
5. Central Park
Both visitors and residents alike flock to Central Park for some downtime and for filmmaking. The vast expanse of greenery located in the heart of the city is like nothing else in the Big Apple. Capture some B-Roll and be sure to check out Tavern On The Green while you’re there!
6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The Met, is one of the biggest museums in the United States.
Featuring one of the most extensive art collections in the world, plan several hours (or days) for a visit and make sure you catch the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple from 15 B.C. while you’re there!
7. Tiffany’s
Whether you come to Tiffany’s because it’s one of the most popular New York City film locations you’ll find, or you come just to grab someone you care about a gift in the iconic blue bag, a visit to the jewelry store is an absolute must. You’ll find it open most days and even serving breakfast like the iconic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
8. The Brooklyn Bridge
The bridge that connects Brooklyn and Manhattan together and typically takes about a half hour to cross, offers some impeccable views of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty making it one of New York City’s most impressive film locations.
It’s also the spot where Miranda and Steve reunite in past film, Sex and the City: The Movie.
9. American Museum of Natural History
Another one of several New York City film locations that is known for its architecture and exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History may be better recognized by its appearance in the past film, Night at the Museum.
10. Rockefeller Center
You’ll literally find everything from shopping and dining to rooftop entertainment and art at Rockefeller Center. Located in the heart of Midtown, this is one of several New York City film locations that’s also a historic landmark.
11. Times Square
The most iconic location in NYC, for film, television, and travel in general, Times Square features bright lights, Broadway, and plenty to attract the attention as your eyes dart from one area to the next.
More than 330K visitors per day come to this block, so if filming make sure you’re prepared for the crowds.
12. New York City Public Library
The NYC Public Library draws books and publications from around the world and represents the second largest library in the U.S. Filmmakers come to capture the architecture, Rose Main Reading Room, and various other amazing scenes in this location.
13. The Plaza Hotel
At the Plaza Hotel located at the southwest corner of Central Park, filmmakers can capture the iconic French Renaissance style architecture that dates back more than 100 years and provides luxury accommodations fit for the movies – in fact, the hotel has been featured in several movies including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
14. FDNY Ladder 8
The FDNY Ladder 8 has been operating in NYC for more than 100 years and continues to draw filmmaking crowds largely due to the iconic representation of the firehouse in past movies including the original 1984 Ghostbusters.
14. Katz’s Delicatessen
Located at 205 East Houston Street, few of the most popular New York City film locations are as simple and laid back as Katz’s Delicatessen.
This is the kosher-style sub and sandwich shop that was featured When Harry Met Sally and continues to serve up large portions of matzo ball soup paired with pastrami on rye sandwiches so after you film, make sure to catch a bite to eat!