Where to Find NYC’s Most Famous Film Scenes
04/11/16
Movie locations offer a window into the past: from the glamor of the ’60s to the soul of the ’70s to the grit of the ’80s and beyond. While the landscape of the city changes on an almost daily basis, several film locations from the past 50 years still exist. Here’s where to find them.
Tiffany & Co. - Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Even if you’ve never seen the screen adaptation of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you’ll recognize Audrey Hepburn from the film’s iconic opening sequence. In the scene, Holly Golightly, portrayed by Hepburn, eats a coffee and pastry in the window of Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. To replicate Blake Edwards’s film, visit early on a Sunday morning wearing a glamorous Givenchy evening dress from the night before.
Tiffany & Co.: 727 Fifth Ave., 212-755-8000
Sutton Square - Manhattan (1979)
Woody Allen stars alongside Diane Keaton in this black-and-white film shot almost entirely with natural light. One memorable moment, shot at 4am at the far end of East 58th Street overlooking the East River and Queensboro Bridge, became the poster for the film. The bench and the view remain today for visitors interested in talking into the early hours of the morning.
Katz’s Deli - When Harry Met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally brought the catchphrase “I’ll have what she’s having” into popular culture. The infamous scene at Katz’s Deli—a New York institution that’s been in its current location since 1888—immortalized the film with a sign that reads: “Congratulations!” You’re sitting where Harry met Sally.” The deli’s staple pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are a favorite of visitors and locals alike.
Katz’s Deli: 205 E. Houston St., 212-254-2246
Hook & Ladder Company #8 - Ghostbusters (1984)
Paranormal activity in New York may be at an all time low, but visitors are still making the journey downtown to the headquarters of the city’s famous ghost-busting trio. Die-hard fans can still see the very real Tribeca firehouse where Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis ran their unique enterprise in 1984’s Ghostbusters.
Hook & Ladder Company #8: 14 N. Moore St.
Empire State Building - Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
This classic ’90s rom com with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan ends with a scene at the top of the Empire State Building—inspired by 1957’s Affair to Remember, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Although the iconic closing sequence of the film was shot at a studio replica of the Empire State Building observation deck, the real deal is open to the public daily from 8am until 2am.
Empire State Building: 350 Fifth Ave., 212-736-3100
Serendipity 3 - Serendipity (2001)
It was the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, not Kate Beckinsale or John Cusack, who really starred in 2001’s Serendipity. Since 1954, this whimsical Upper East Side restaurant has been host to celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Andy Warhol and Jackie O. Visit today and sit at the Star Table, where Beckinsale and Cusack sat during filming.
Serendipity 3: 225 E. 60th St., 212-838-3531