Hey, We’re Makin’ a Movie Here!

New York As the Set for America’s Most Famous Films

Since the film industry’s inception, New York has served as the setting for scores of films, including critically acclaimed dramas, gritty thrillers, dreamy rom-coms, and cult classics alike. While many parts of these movies were actually filmed on California backlots and soundstages, several of these productions opted to shoot their most iconic scenes on-location in the city itself. And who can blame them? New York is a difficult place to mimic. No imitation set could ever substitute for the authentic chaos, beauty, and unpredictability of the original.

While a lot can change in the city over the course of even a few years, below are eight filming locations that appear more or less the same as they did in the movies that made them famous. In many ways, New York is quite the magic portal, affording us the chance to step right through our screens and into the fictional worlds of the movies we love the most.

1

TIFFANY & CO. STORE

727 Fifth Avenue and East 57th Street

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Contrary to (some) popular belief, this famed jewelry store was not originally a breakfast spot. However, the store has recently opened its own café so that we can now gaze at luxurious diamonds while munching on pastries, just as Holly Golightly would have wanted.

2

FIREHOUSE, HOOK & LADDER COMPANY 8

14 North Moore Street and Varick Street

Ghostbusters (1984)

Currently a fully operational firehouse displaying the Ghostbusters’ sign in its garage. It may be a little less supernaturally-inclined these days, but it’s probably still the best place to call if you see something strange in your neighborhood.

3

ST. PATRICK’S OLD CATHEDRAL

263 Mulberry Street and Prince Street

The Godfather (1972)

A versatile venue. Perfect for christening ceremonies and being symbolically anointed as the new Don of your family crime syndicate. The lighting is a little sparse, but the irony is rich.

4

5the Dakota

1 West 72nd Street and Central Park West Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

SHEEP MEADOW, CENTRAL PARK

Between 66th and 69th Streets

Wall Street (1987)

You most likely won’t see either sheep or a climactic tussle between Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen here. However, it’s still a lovely spot for picnics and throwing Frisbee.

An extravagant apartment building known for its beautiful gothic-style architecture and historical intrigue. Notable past residents have included Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland, John Lennon, and the antichrist.

6

KATZ’S DELICATESSEN

205 East Houston Street and Ludlow Street

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Long considered one of the best places in NYC to get a pastrami on rye. But be forewarned—you’ll more than likely encounter at least one patron reenacting the infamous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene.

7

NEIR’S TAVERN

87-48 78th Street, Woodhaven, Queens Goodfellas (1990)

If you’ve always wanted to be a gangster as far back as you can remember, this Queens establishment is for you. Open since 1829, this tavern remains unpretentious despite its cinematic claims to fame.

8

Intersection

West 58th Street and 6th Avenue

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

The site of Dustin Hoffman’s very much unscripted outburst at a rogue cabbie who ran a red light. Hoffman originally intended to shout “Hey, we’re makin’ a movie here!” but managed to stay in character to deliver the iconic line we know today.