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New York City is such a popular filming location that the list below is not exhaustive, but we've done our best to highlight locations and productions families are familiar with.

Must-See Movie Locations in New York City

1. Bethesda Terrace – Central Park

Featured in: The Avengers (2012), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Enchanted (2007), Gossip Girl (2007-2012), and more
Located on the southern side of the Lake in Central Park, it's easy to see why Bethesda Terrace and the Angel of the Waters statue made such perfect filming locations. The beauty of the terrace makes it a perfect photo-op, and on nice days, you can usually find performers singing, playing instruments, or even crafting massive bubbles here.

2. The Plaza – Central Park

Featured in: Eloise at The Plaza (2003), Home Alone 2 (1992), The Great Gatsby (2013), Crocodile Dundee (1986), and more
The Plaza is one of the most famous hotels in NYC, in part thanks to being a popular NYC movie location. Kids and adults recognize the facade and its interior from the ever-popular Eloise, but the space has served as a backdrop to many films over the years. Each holiday season, it leans into its Home Alone theme with a special package. You don't have to be a hotel guest to be invited in—enjoy the Eloise-themed afternoon tea at the opulent Palm Court restaurant.

Buddy the Elf's visited his dad's office in the Empire State Building. Photo courtesy New Line Cinema

3. Empire State Building – Midtown West

Featured in: King Kong (1933 and 2005), Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), Elf (2003), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and more
The Empire State Building makes it easy to re-create the movie magic: There’s an entire gallery dedicated to its movie fame. Of course, you’ll have to pay admission to access these cool photo-ops!

4. Wollman Rink – Central Park

Featured in: Home Alone 2 (1992), Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011), Serendipity (2001), and more
Wollman Rink has been a staple of southern Central Park since it was opened in 1950. You can stop by in the winter to experience the snowy wonderland that's depicted in movies, or visit during the summer to see the space transform into a pickleball wonderland, with 14 bright blue courts hidden under the ice in winter.

5. New York Public Library – Midtown West

Featured in: Ghostbusters (1984 and the modern sequels), Spider-Man (2002), Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), and more
Out of the nearly 220 library branches in NYC, the NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building by Bryant Park may be the most well-known, and most likely to be spotted on the big screen. Don't forget to say hello to the library's marble lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, who will (probably) not come to life like they do in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

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Visit T. rex and other characters from Night at the Museum at the American Museum of Natural History. Photo courtesy 20th Century Studios

6. American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side

Featured in: Night at the Museum (2006), TMNT: Out of the Shadows (2016), Men in Black II (2002), and more
I used to work at the museum and was constantly answering questions about Night at the Museum. Yes, there is a giant Moai head, and yes, all the animals and dinosaurs can be found in the museum. The famous statue of Teddy Roosevelt was removed in 2022, and Sacajawea was never there to begin with, but the museum is still a hugely popular spot for families. Plan for a whole-day expedition, or chunk the experience into smaller visits, as it's quite large.

7. FDNY Ghostbusters House – Tribeca

Featured in: Ghostbusters (1984 and the modern sequels)
Hook & Ladder 8 Firehouse, located at 14 North Moore Street in Tribeca, is a real, working fire station. If the firefighters aren't busy, they've been known to let visitors look around at the Ghostbusters memorabilia housed inside and take pictures in front of the location. They've even embraced the location's star turn with an Instagram account dedicated to Ghostbusters HQ that's officially unofficial. If you visit, just be mindful that New York's Bravest have a job to do!

8. Rockefeller Center – Midtown West

Featured in: Elf (2003), Home Alone 2 (1992), 30 Rock (2006-2013), and more
The landmark 30 Rock towers over all the other buildings in Rockefeller Center, and is the site for many beloved films and, of course, the TV show 30 Rock that's named after the building. Head to the Top of the Rock (requires paid tickets) for breathtaking birds-eye views of the city.

Enjoy your own Enchanted moment on the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo courtesy Walt Disney Pictures

9. Brooklyn Bridge – Dumbo and Civic Center

Featured in: Enchanted (2007), Spider-Man (2002), John Wick 2 (2017), The Smurfs (2011), The Secret Life of Pets (2016), Newsies (1992), and more
Experience the magic of the steel wire suspension bridge for yourself by walking across, and you'll understand why this particular NYC landmark has been featured in so many films. Just beware that the walk can take between 25 and 45 minutes, especially with young kids in tow. Once you're across on either side, though, there's plenty to do, whether you end up near Chinatown and FiDi or in Dumbo.

10. Grand Central Terminal – Midtown East

Featured in: The Avengers (2012), Madagascar (2005), Superman (1978), Men in Black (1997), and more
The gorgeous Grand Central Terminal is a crossroads for travelers and a common sight in movies, and the list above is just a sampling of the lengthy list of films where the recognizable landmark appears. Must-see spots with kids include the well-known Main Concourse Clock and the famous whispering gallery. Don't forget to look up at the celestial artwork depicted across the high, vaulted ceiling.

11. Joker Stairs – Highbridge, the Bronx

Featured in: Joker (2019) and Joker 2 (2024)
The Joker movie caused visitors to flock to the now-famous stairs on West 167th Street, which connect Shakespeare and Anderson Avenues in Highbridge. The steep stairs are definitely a striking NYC movie photo-op, where you can re-create the iconic scene from the movie.

RELATED: A 3-Day Itinerary for Visiting NYC by a Local Mom

Coney Island is a character unto itself in multiple TV and movie productions in NYC. Photo courtesy NYC Conventions and Tourism

12. Coney Island Boardwalk – Coney Island, Brooklyn

Featured in: IF (2024), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), The Wiz (1978), and more
You can't cross over into a magical world of imaginary friends at Coney Island, but you can definitely find magic of a more everyday kind. During the summer, the bustling beach and the adjoining Luna Park are popular among families, including the famous Deno's Wonder Wheel. In 2024, the amusement park was open throughout its offseason, too, so there's something to do at the boardwalk all year round, if you don't mind the chill.

TV Show Filming Locations in NYC

13. Tom's Restaurant – Morningside Heights

Featured in: Seinfeld (1989-1998)
A visit to Tom's Restaurant is a chance to dine in the same place as Jerry Seinfeld and his friends did in the show, Seinfeld. Located at 2880 Broadway, the quaint corner restaurant's facade showed up as Monk's Cafe in the show (although filming was actually done in LA). Tom's is worth a visit for its wholesome, home-style food and the at-home vibes.

14. Friends Apartment – West Village

Featured in: Friends (1994-2004)
For another classic '90s TV show filming location, head into the West Village to 90 Bedford Street. Here, you can get a look at the famous exterior used for Monica and Rachel's apartment in the show. If you'd like to experience what it was like to be on the set, head to The Friends Experience, which re-creates the beloved Central Perk Cafe (which was, sadly, filmed in LA and doesn't have a real-world version in NYC).

15. Carrie Bradshaw’s Brownstone – Greenwich Village

Featured in: Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Although Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City lived on the Upper East Side, you won't find the filming location there. Instead, head south to 66 Perry Street in Greenwich Village to get a photo-op of the famous front stoop of the socialite. Even today, two decades after the show ended, you may have to wait your turn in line for a chance to take a pic in front of its steps, which have been in the news plenty lately thanks to the throngs of fans who still visit frequently!