Be a part of the movies in NYC!
Published: July 20th, 2016Lights, camera, action! When it comes to movie backdrops it’s no surprise that New York City is one of the biggest hot spots. The flashy lights, tall buildings, and sea of yellow cabs can instantly make you feel as though you’ve walked onto the set of a Hollywood film! Our fabulous intern, Christina, put together a list of your favorite movies and shows filmed in NYC and all of their featured iconic sights, restaurants, museums, and more! Chances are you’ll be passing them on your trip to the city already so plan on making a stop at a few of our favorite spots and feel like a movie star!
Sex and the City
Carrie’s Apartment: 66 Perry Street and Bleecker Street
The infamous home of Carrie Bradshaw can be found in the West Village. The iconic door was used for all exterior scenes, most notably those of Carrie typing at her desk. Stop by this part of Greenwich Village and find that it is a quaint residential area with several restaurants and cafes to check out along the way!
Hotel Giraffe: 365 Park Avenue South and East 26th Street
That’s right; our very own Hotel Giraffe was featured in the first Sex and the City movie! Penthouse 1202 was used as Mr. Big’s apartment and the backdrop for several scenes. Plan your stay at the Hotel Giraffe or stop on by the Rooftop Bar during your trip for a real “Sex and the City” feel!
Grand Central Station in New York City
Gossip Girl
Grand Central Terminal: 89 E, 42nd Street
The very place Serena Van der Woodson was “spotted” upon her arrival back to NYC! The iconic headshot of Blake Lively was taken on the steps inside of the terminal. If you’re traveling by train during your NYC stay definitely snap a picture on the staircase…who knows, maybe you’ll be “spotted” too!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Avenue at 82nd Street
Also known as “the MET steps”, where Blaire could be seen eating her lunch. The MET is home to over 5,000 years of both modern and contemporary art. The museum continues to add more exhibitions including a rooftop display. Add this to your NYC to do list or just enjoy lunch on the steps!
Dylan’s Candy Bar: 1011 3rd Avenue
Dan and Vanessa shop in the world’s largest candy store for some sweets for Nate! If you have sweet tooth, this is a store you will not want to bypass! Be sure to head to Dylan’s for a little taste of Gossip Girl and a sweet taste of over 5,000 different candies!
Friends with Benefits
50 Rockefeller Plaza: 5th Avenue, 50th Street
Several scenes of Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake are filmed outside of this famous building. Get a picture of the 872-foot tall building or grab tickets and head on up to the 70th floor for a 360-degree view of the city!
Café Habana: 17 Prince Street and Elizabeth Street
Kunis and Timberlake are seen eating in this charming café. The café serves Cuban-Mexican food and is known for its grilled corn! Stop in for lunch and try to snag the window seat where Jamie and Dylan sat!
Times Square sign in New York City
Frequent Features
Many NYC locations are hot commodities for movie backdrops. Here’s a list of some well-known NYC tourist spots and just a taste of the movies that have been filmed there!
Central Park
With 843 acres of land, it’s no surprise that this park has served in scenes for hundreds of movies; in fact it is globally the most filmed location! You might recall Kevin in Home Alone 2 running around the Bethesda Fountain or Sally and her friends enjoying lunch at the Central Park Boathouse in When Harry Met Sally. Other favorites include: Romeo and Juliet, Ghostbusters, 13 going on 30, The Devil Wears Prada, 27 Dresses, and Date Night. Check out the park and try to spot where scenes of your favorite movies were filmed…all 305 of them!
Times Square
You must have seen this NYC must-see in hundreds of your favorite movies! From the quick backdrops in The Wolf of Wall Street and The Great Gatsby to the iconic scenes in King Kong and Spider-Man, Times Square always gives a movie a real New York touch. Films include: Men in Black, Serendipity, Catch Me If You Can, Maid in Manhattan, and many more! Experience the Square for yourself during your stay!
Our concierges at the Hotel Elysee, Casablanca Hotel, Library Hotel, and Hotel Giraffe would love to help you plan your visit in NYC. Stop by the Front Desk for more movie stops to see around NYC during your stay!