When the Big Apple Becomes a Movie Set

Explore the City on Screen  Movies Filmed in New York 

For more than a century, New York City has been one of the most filmed and photographed cities in the world. Its skyscrapers, iconic yellow taxis, bridges, and parks have served as the backdrop for hundreds of productions that shaped the history of cinema. From romantic comedies to thrilling dramas, from musicals to superhero blockbusters, the city has constantly reinvented itself on screen—becoming not just a setting, but a true character in its own right.

It’s impossible to imagine Breakfast at Tiffany’s without Fifth Avenue at dawn, or When Harry Met Sally without the golden fall colors of Central Park. Visitors instantly recognize the famous spots that appeared in cult classics like Ghostbusters, The Devil Wears Prada, Joker, or West Side Story. Visiting these places is not only about discovering cinema; it’s also about experiencing New York through the emotions it has inspired for generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

Exploring New York’s Cinematic Landmarks

The new New York Welcome guide invites movie lovers and travelers to follow a real cinematic itinerary through Manhattan, Central Park, Brooklyn, and beyond—exploring neighborhoods that have defined the visual identity of New York on screen. The route takes you from the shimmering windows of Tiffany & Co. and the golden lobby of The Plaza Hotel to the romantic bridges of Central Park and the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, where old factories have become one of the city’s trendiest film backdrops.

Each stop offers a story to tell: where Audrey Hepburn had her most iconic breakfast, where the Ghostbusters fought their ghosts, or where Anne Hathaway dashed through SoHo with her notepad in hand. From the whimsical world of Enchanted to the nostalgic atmosphere of Once Upon a Time in America, every neighborhood reveals a different face of New York’s cinematic soul.

You don’t have to be a film expert to enjoy this journey. All you need is curiosity and the desire to look at the city from a new perspective. Every corner, every building, every bridge becomes part of the story—and walking through these movie locations feels like stepping right into a film scene of your own.

An Itinerary for True Movie Lovers

This route is designed for those who want to experience New York in a creative and unconventional way, balancing reality and fiction. From the elegant avenues of the Upper East Side to the flashing lights of Times Square, from Brooklyn’s indie cafés to the cinematic serenity of Central Park, the city unfolds like a living film reel—vivid, emotional, and unforgettable.

Ready to explore? Discover all the famous movie locations in New York City by visiting our full guide here: Movies Filmed in New York: A Cinematic Itinerary Through the City