A love of the movies is something every member of most families shares and, with its unique exteriors and atmospheric interiors, it’s no surprise that New York beats anything you’ll find on a Hollywood set. If you want to feel like a movie insider and walk where your favorite stars have tread, this is the place to do it.
On Location’s Manhattan TV and Movie Sites Tour (212-209-3370) takes patrons around to some of the locations around town that you’ve seen on the screen. The tour covers everything from a restaurant in Spider-man to the flower shop run by Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail — plus stops at new locations associated with Hitch, The Interpreter, and “The Apprentice.” They also offer a tour designed specifically for Central Park’s big-screen moments, including sites featured in Serendipity, Ghostbusters, and others. For the older set, they also offer “Sex and the City” and “Sopranos” tours.
If you would rather explore the city’s filmic side on your own, there are countless places to go. The Staten Island Ferry (25 minute ride; departure is near Battery Park) is a quick and easy way to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty close-up for free. Just imagine you’re Melanie Griffith coming to take on corporate Manhattan in Working Girl, or follow in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and have a pastry for breakfast in front of Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Ave. and 56th St.
The Empire State Building (350 Fifth Ave. btw. 33rd & 34th Sts., 212-736-3100) has been featured in a long line of films, from the 1933 version of King Kong to 2003’s Elf and Peter Jackson’s interpretion of the big ape. You may even want to create your very own romantic rendezvous at the top level a la Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle. Regardless, the view of the city will take your breath away.
If you crave being close to celebrities, or at least replicas of them, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (234 W. 42nd St. btw. Seventh & Eighth Aves., 1-800-246-8872) is the perfect solution. Take advantage of photo ops with Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, or audtion for Will Smith and Steven Spielberg. Planet
Hollywood (1540 Broadway at 45th St., 212-333-7827) also offers plenty of vicarious movie thrills. Displays include costumes and props from some of Hollywood’s biggest films, and while you’re there, grab a meal in the midst of the pop culture mecca that is Times Square.
You Oughta Be in Pictures!
New York City Activities
More Articles
Must-See Spots for Harry Potter Fans in NYC
From Harry Potter: The Exhibition to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway to the Harry Potter store, NYC is full of spellbinding activities for Harry Potter fans.
2 Days in New York: A Family Itinerary
How to spend 2 days in New York with kids? We've got an itinerary that will give you a big taste of the city in a short time, with some iconic stops in midtown, uptown, and around the Battery.
How to Visit Museums with Kids in NYC
Kids and the NYC museum experience are a natural fit. We've got great tips on enjoying enrichment around the city, where you'll find art and culture, history and science, nature and space, as well as four museums 100% devoted only to kids.
Things to Do with Tweens in Times Square
Times Square is unlike anyplace else in the world and it's a great destination for tweens. From mega candy shops and apparel stores to pizza, attraction thrills, and Broadway, there's endless entertainment for kids and parents.
Dinner: Southern Barbecue Meets South Asian American: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Tailor Collab Presented by Visit Music City at Platform by JBF on 4/3/24
Pat Martin of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint—celebrated pitmaster, restaurateur, and author—and chef Vivek
Landline Comedy at Wild East Brewing on 4/4/24
Landline Comedy brings some of the funniest comedians in New York City (and sometimes out of towners
Nicki Minaj at Barclays Center on 4/4/24
Nicki Minaj brings the Pink Friday 2 World Tour to Brooklyn on April 4.
A.I. vs Human Roast Battle at The PIT on 4/4/24
AS SEEN IN THE NEW YORK TIMES: The World’s FIRST: A.I. vs Human Comedy Roast Battle! A freestyle