New York City has long been one of the most iconic backdrops in film and television. From sweeping skyline shots to intimate brownstone stoops, the city’s five boroughs have served as both a character and a canvas in thousands of productions. Whether you're a film buff, a tourist, or a local rediscovering your city, exploring iconic filming locations in New York City offers a unique perspective on the cultural heartbeat of the entertainment industry. If you're looking to discover more about the films that centre this iconic city as their muse, check out our blog post on the best films about New York City.
When it comes to filming locations in New York City, Central Park is the most iconic of them all, having appeared in more films than any other location in the world. Its 843 acres have been featured in classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and When Harry Met Sally (1989), as well as blockbusters like I Am Legend (2007) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). The Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Mall are particularly popular filming spots. A stroll through the park feels like stepping through decades of cinematic history.
Few places scream “New York” like Times Square. Its bright lights and chaotic energy have been the backdrop for everything from Spider-Man swinging between skyscrapers to the musical energy of Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021). The area has also hosted iconic scenes from Vanilla Sky (2001), where a deserted Times Square added a surreal edge to the story.
Greenwich Village's bohemian past and quaint streets make it a go-to for romantic comedies and character-driven dramas. The exterior of the “Friends” apartment (at 90 Bedford Street) draws tourists daily, while Washington Square Park has been seen in everything from Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) to I Am Legend (2007).
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Director and screenwriter Nora Ephron immortalized the Upper West Side in films like You’ve Got Mail (1998) and Sleepless in Seattle (1993). The area’s cozy cafes, bookstores (like the now-defunct but still famous The Shop Around The Corner), and pre-war buildings provide the perfect backdrop for heartfelt stories.
Wall Street has served as the epicenter of financial thrillers and dramas, from Wall Street (1987) to The Wolf of Wall Street(2013). The area’s towering buildings, narrow streets, and symbolic landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange help capture the high-stakes world of finance and ambition.
Located at 476 5th Avenue, the majestic steps and ornate interiors of the NYPL have made appearances in Ghostbusters(1984), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), and Sex and the City: The Movie (2008). It's both an architectural marvel and a cultural icon.
Harlem’s rich history and vibrant culture have shaped films like Malcolm X (1992), Precious (2009), and the TV series Luke Cage (2016–2018). Filmmakers often use Harlem’s brownstones, music venues, and community landmarks to tell stories rooted in Black American life and resistance.
Films like Coming to America (1988) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) bring Queens into the spotlight, while The Bronx is Burning (2007) and The Get Down (2016) highlight the borough’s role in hip-hop and historical storytelling. These areas often offer a more grounded, diverse look at city life that contrasts with Manhattan’s gloss.
While many scenes are shot on location, NYC is also home to several major studios like Silvercup Studios in Queens and Steiner Studios in Brooklyn. These facilities help facilitate indoor shoots for major TV shows (The Sopranos, Succession, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) while keeping productions anchored in the city.
A hub for real-life commuters and fictional characters alike, Grand Central has played host to scenes in North by Northwest (1959), Men in Black (1997), Madagascar (2005), and Friends with Benefits (2011). Its celestial ceiling and bustling atmosphere provide drama, romance, and action in equal measure.
This luxury hotel is a symbol of classic New York elegance. From Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) to The Great Gatsby (2013), its gilded interiors have set the stage for mischief, mayhem, and Gatsby’s grandeur. It’s also famously featured in Crocodile Dundee (1986) and Bride Wars (2009).
From blockbuster battles to quiet indie dramas, these iconic filming locations in New York City offer filmmakers filmmakers a rich, versatile canvas to bring their stories to life—blending the city's energy, history, and character into every frame. Whether it’s the skyline, the subways, or the streets, NYC continues to inspire unforgettable moments on screen. For fans and visitors alike, tracing the footsteps of your favourite characters is one of the most cinematic ways to explore the city.
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