New York City. The Big Apple. It’s undoubtedly one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world, and one that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. You’ll truly never be stuck for something to do in this dynamic and exciting metropolis that easily lives up to its nickname; The City That Never Sleeps. Whether you’re an art aficionado looking to get lost for hours among the extensive collections found within the Met, MoMA or the Guggenheim, a fashionista hoping to hunt down some bargains on Fifth Avenue, or a foodie after some of the best fine dining experiences (and dollar pizza slices) in America, NYC has it all.
And for you film and TV buffs, you’ll be spoilt for choice hunting down famous locales that have been shown on the silver screen over the years. The history of film in New York goes all the way back to the early days of cinema, and it’s hard to turn down any street or neighbourhood not connected to a famous movie or show. Here’s our picks for the most iconic Film & TV locations to visit on your trip to New York City.
Click to view (and save) this map of all TV & film locations listed below.
Friends - The Apartment Building
90 Bedford Street, Greenwich VillageFriends has proved to be one of the most enduring and beloved TV shows of all time. The insanely popular sitcom effortlessly captured the nineties zeitgeist, with characters and storylines that everyone could relate to and there’s just something comforting about revisiting the platonic and romantic relationships the show depicts time and time again, no matter how many times you’ve seen ‘The One where…’ Friends was recently added to Netflix and a whole new generation fell in love with its timeless appeal. Our pick is of the apartment building where each one of the Friends lived at one time or another (Yes, we are counting the summer Ross lived with his grandmother while trying to make it as a dancer).
Fans will recognise this iconic building instantly, which featured in countless exterior shots over the show's run. Sadly, you won’t find the characters' favourite hangout Central Perk nearby, but there’s no shortage or trendy cafes and shops in Greenwich Village to check out.
Seinfeld - Tom’s Restaurant
2880 BroadwayAlthough most of it was shot on the other side of the country in LA, if there’s any TV show that could be described as quintessentially New York, it’s Seinfeld. Created by two iconic New Yorker’s, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the sitcom follows the misadventures of the titular character and his fellow NYC neurotics, George (essentially a clone of David himself), Elaine and Kramer, in the most famous ‘show about nothing’ ever to grace the small screen.
Tom’s Restaurant on Broadway will be instantly familiar to fans, serving as a stand-in for Monks Cafe, where Jerry and his cohorts regularly met to eat, drink coffee and get worked up about the latest social faux pas to attract their ire…
Sex and the City - Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment
66 Perry Street, West VillageThis one should be on the bucket list of every Sex and the City diehard visiting New York. The iconic NY brownstone stoop was the setting for many deconstructions on love and relationships between columnist and fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw and her friends, as well as a makeshift runway for the many, many outfits she wore… But try not to saunter down the steps themselves in search of that iconic selfie, or you might attract the anger of the residents.
How I Met Your Mother - McGee’s Pub
240 W 55th St, MidtownSlap bang in the centre of Hell’s Kitchen, just a couple of blocks over from landmarks like Central Park, Times Square and the theatre district, fans of the beloved sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, should head to this Irish pub for some respite from the midtown madness.
Serving as a stand in for the gang’s favourite hangout, Maclaren’s Pub, where most of the important moments from the show took place (as well as the setting of Barney’s many failed and successful romantic conquests). Superfans will be delighted to sample cocktails from the exclusive drink menu with offerings named in tribute to the show, such as the Gay Pirate! But make sure you get down soon after the pub opens for a chance to sit in the gang’s favourite booth…
Succession - Waystar Royco HQ
28 Liberty Street, Financial DistrictOne of the more recent TV landmarks that fans are flocking to, this nondescript 60-floor skyscraper in Downtown Manhattan’s Financial District, provided the exterior shots for the Roy family headquarters, Waystar Royco, and served as the location where numerous deals were cut, backs were stabbed and many, many expletives uttered throughout the shows run. Succession has become a television cultural phenomenon in recent years, and its final season stuck the landing last year, elevating the series to prestige TV status. Admire the building's impressive facade as you spot the chopper’s ferrying financial tycoons all around the district and wonder if one of them contains the man himself, L to the OG, Logan Roy…
Ghostbusters - FDNY Ladder 8
14 North Moore StreetThe eighties supernatural smash hit Ghostbusters features a plethora of iconic NYC locations in unforgettable key scenes that are forever etched into our childhood memories. The New York Public Library was the setting for the boys’ first ghostly encounter, for example. And who could forget the creepy art-deco Shandor building which served as the portal for demonic entity, Gozer, to be summoned (in real life, 55 Central Park West, affectionately dubbed, ‘the Ghostbusters building’ by fans).
In fact, there were almost too many locations to choose from… The many Ghostbusters Walking Tours that exist in NYC can attest to that. But for a dose of pure nostalgia, we had to go with Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8, a.k.a, the Ghostbusters Headquarters itself! Just looking at the exterior of this real life working firehouse instantly brings us back to Saturday mornings watching Ghostbusters on repeat and wishing we could take a spin in our very own Ecto-1.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - Plaza Hotel & Central Park
768 5th Avenue off Central ParkBeing alone in New York City with your parents credit card was every child's fantasy when we were growing up. Not a bad way to spend the holidays, right? Except that trouble is never far away from Kevin McCallister, and the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, are back again to spoil Christmas (and sustain cartoonishly violent injuries).
In this holiday classic, Kevin makes the Big Apple his playground and visits a number of famous NY sites, including the Plaza Hotel in Midtown (where he gets directions from a certain future president), and the Rockefeller Centre, which for our money Trump’s the Empire State Building for observation decks. But for us, the film's most heartfelt and iconic scenes are all in Central Park, where Kevin befriends the homeless eccentric, Pigeon Lady, played by Brenda Fricker.
On your visit to this massive park you can tick off landmarks from the movie such as the Gapstow Bridge and the Bethesda Fountain, and easily spend a half day ambling around the park and people watching. Central Park never looks more beautiful than when it's covered in snow, so bonus points if you visit during the Christmas period.
When Harry Met Sally - Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E Houston StThree decades on from When Harry Met Sally, Katz’s remains the most legendary Jewish-style deli in New York City. While everyone remembers it for the infamous fake-orgasm scene from the classic 80s romcom, the truth is that Katz’s has been a New York institution for over 130 years, and not much has changed in that time (except the prices). Absolutely a must-visit for foodies: join the long queue, pay the extortionate price for a sandwich, and wait. We promise, when that pastrami on rye arrives, it will definitely live up to the hype. Just make sure you visit on an empty stomach. ‘We’ll have what she’s having’.
Joker - The Joker Stairs
West 167th Street, The BronxThe most recent addition to our list: so, what’s so special about a seemingly unremarkable step-street in a previously dodgy neighbourhood? Well, the fan-named ‘Joker Stairs’ (you’ll even find it under that title on Google Maps), featured heavily in the 2017 R-rated hit, Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular antihero. In the movie, Arthur Fleck repeatedly makes his way up and down the stairs as part of his daily drudge, before the film's crescendo, where he exuberantly dances down the steps in full garish clown suit and makeup; becoming the Joker. The stairs, and dance routine also featured in the film’s promo poster and gave birth to a million memes, inadvertently becoming a tourist hotspot in the process.
Wall Street
Financial District, Lower ManhattanAs the trading hub for the largest economy in the world, Wall Street also has a lasting impact on the global economy, housing the country’s largest financial firms, stock exchanges and employing thousands of New York finance bros. Films about greed, power and corruption have always been interesting, so it makes sense that countless movies have featured the famous eight blocks as a backdrop. Movies like Wall Street and The Wolf Of Wall Street all revolve around the shady dealings that go on in New York’s financial district. However, these films didn’t actually shoot any scenes on the famous street. For that, look to classics like The Dark Knight Rises, Leon: The Professional, and Ghost. On your visit to Wall Street, make sure you check out the Charging Bull sculpture and rub the nose, horns and ahem… other parts, for good luck.
Empire State Building
20 West 34th StreetThe Empire State Building may be the most iconic skyscraper in the world and has long been a symbol of New York City’s architectural grandeur. Standing tall at 1,454 feet, this Art Deco masterpiece has provided the backdrop for numerous cinematic moments. Famous for its starring role in Sleepless in Seattle, the Empire State Building has also featured in classics like King Kong, where the giant ape famously scaled its heights, and Elf where Buddy the Elf embarks on his whimsical adventure. When you visit, don’t miss the chance to take in the city views from the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Every trip to New York City is a feast for the senses and special in its own way, and we’ve only scratched the surface with this list. With limitless options for food, culture, things to do and sights to see, your trip could go by in a New York minute if you try to cram too many activities in. So our advice is to pace yourself while you take in the energy, feeling, and movement of this sleepless city.
Stay Connected in NYC
If you plan to visit a few (or all) of the locations on this list, your eSIM makes it easier to find your way around The Big Apple and share the moments with friends. It takes about five minutes to install your eSIM and activate it on your departure day. Buy an affordable data plan today and skip the roaming charges!
