Have you been bingeing Gossip Girl ? Sex and the City ? Seinfeld ? How about Netflix-and-chilling with movies such as Ghostbusters, When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Muppets Take Manhattan, or The Devil Wears Prada? Do these New York movies on Netflix have you yearning for a trip to NYC so can walk in the footsteps of your favorite movie and television characters? City Tales Sightseeing Tours has you covered(opens in a new tab) with our list of the most iconic movie locations in New York City. Get inspired to book your next trip, and of course, a tour!(opens in a new tab)
ACTION-PACKED LOCATIONS
If you love action movies based in New York City, Bethesda Terrace in Central Park should be your first stop!
On City Tales sightseeing tours, the most asked about movie is usually Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. One of the Home Alone New York locations is Bethesda Terrace and it’s the site of the hilarious chase scene between Kevin McCallister and the “Wet Bandits.” Kevin, of course, manages to escape and Marv of the Wet Bandits exclaims: “This time, he doesn’t have a house full of dangerous goodies to get us with. He’s in the park. He’s alone. Kids are scared of the park.” Harry, Marv’s partner-in-crime, responds: “Yeah, grown men come into the park and don’t leave alive. Good luck, little fella.”
Keeping with the Christmas theme of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, many guests instantly recognize Bethesda Terrace from the movie Elf, where Santa’s sleigh accidentally clips off one of the angel’s wings atop the iconic fountain.
Avengers fans remember Tony Stark, Captain America, Loki, Black Widow, and Hawkeye’s visit to the same location. You’ll also recognize it from the movies and television shows such as Jessica Jones, John Wick, and Doctor Who.
If you have a little bit of a romantic edge to you, the song “That’s How You Know” from Enchanted was also filmed at Bethesda Terrace.
ROMANTIC LOCATIONS
Romantic movies set in New York provide the perfect inspiration for date night!
You can re-enact the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from When Harry Met Sally at Katz’s Delicatessen(opens in a new tab), but if you’re looking for something even more romantic than delicious pastrami, try dinner at Loeb Boathouse(opens in a new tab) in Central Park! When Harry Met Sally and 27 Dresses were both filmed at the upscale restaurant boasting some of the most stunning views of Central Park.
The Empire State Building is arguably New York City’s most iconic palace of cinematic romance! Whether recreating a Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan moment in Sleepless in Seattle, being Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, feigning Faye Dunaway in King Kong, or re-living the heartbreaking ending of An Affair to Remember, the Empire State Building is a must-see and may be the Big Apple’s most swashbuckling movie star. Bonus your visit comes with some of the best views of New York City.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LOCATIONS
Madagascar is a movie that delights the whole family, and it has quite a few scenes that take place in NYC. The story originates in the Central Park Zoo(opens in a new tab), which never fails to delight visitors of all ages. While Madagascar features a lion, a hippo, a zebra, a giraffe, and lots of penguins, it’s only the latter you’ll actually find in the Central Park Zoo. Don’t be too disappointed though, as the Central Park Zoo does have a fantastic sea lion display. These delightful creatures leap about their tank all year round!
Our favorite animal friends also pay a visit to Grand Central Terminal. This is arguably New York City’s most famous train station. In addition to iconic architecture, the train terminal features a food court serving local New York City food. During your visit, you can even grab a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery(opens in a new tab) (featured in Sex in the City).
MOVIES IN TIME SQUARE
Movies in Times Square also get the whole family excited. Spider-Man, Captain America: The First Avenger, Big, The Devil Wears Prada, Gremlins 2, The Smurfs, Enchanted, and so many more have scenes that take place in the iconic crossroads of NYC. You’ll also recognize Times Square from the New Year’s Eve ball drop that happens every year! Make sure to stop by Junior’s Cheesecake(opens in a new tab) for a slice of the best cheesecake in NYC while you’re in Times Square!
If you’re interested in visiting some, a few others, or all of these iconic movie locations, we can provide the local expertise on a customized tour(opens in a new tab) to ensure you have an unforgettable time. Contact us(opens in a new tab) to find out more!