Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe of Manhattan, a city that has served as a backdrop for countless memorable movies, TV shows, and books. From the bustling Times Square to the tranquil Central Park, the city’s diverse locations have been immortalized in various forms of media. This comprehensive guide will take you on a tour of these iconic locations, provide practical travel tips, and share intriguing trivia to enrich your Manhattan adventure.
10 Famous Films Shot in Manhattan
Manhattan’s vibrant cityscape has been a favorite among filmmakers across the globe. The city’s iconic landmarks, combined with its unique atmosphere, make it an ideal setting for a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers. Here’s a rundown of 10 famous films that were shot in Manhattan:
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961): This classic romantic comedy’s unforgettable opening scene features Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly enjoying a morning croissant in front of Tiffany & Co., located on Fifth Avenue.
- “Manhattan” (1979): As the title suggests, this Woody Allen film showcases various landmarks in Manhattan, including Central Park, Guggenheim Museum, and Queensboro Bridge.
- “Ghostbusters” (1984): This supernatural comedy was filmed at numerous locations in Manhattan, including the New York Public Library, Columbia University, and the iconic Ghostbusters’ firehouse in Tribeca.
- “Wall Street” (1987): This Oliver Stone film about greed and corruption in the financial industry was shot at various locations in the Financial District.
- “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992): This beloved holiday film showcases Kevin McCallister’s adventures in several Manhattan landmarks, including Central Park, The Plaza Hotel, and FAO Schwarz toy store.
- “When Harry Met Sally” (1989): This romantic comedy features several iconic Manhattan spots, most notably Katz’s Delicatessen, where the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene was filmed.
- “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006): This fashion-focused film showcases the glamorous side of Manhattan, with scenes shot in Bryant Park, the Flatiron District, and various high-fashion boutiques.
- “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012): Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy finale features Wall Street as the backdrop for an epic showdown.
- “Spider-Man” (2002): This superhero movie takes us through the skyscrapers of Manhattan, with memorable scenes shot at Times Square and the Queensboro Bridge.
- “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013): This Martin Scorsese film captures the excesses of Wall Street, with scenes filmed in various upscale locations in Manhattan.
5 TV Shows Set in Manhattan
Manhattan’s appeal extends beyond the silver screen. The city has also served as a setting for a plethora of TV shows, further solidifying its place in pop culture. Here are five TV shows set in Manhattan that have captivated audiences worldwide:
- “Friends” (1994-2004): This much-loved sitcom is set in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, where the group of friends share their lives in their iconic apartments.
- “Sex and the City” (1998-2004): This show paints a glamorous picture of Manhattan, with the city’s fashion boutiques, restaurants, and clubs serving as key settings.
- “Gossip Girl” (2007-2012): This teen drama showcases the upscale side of Manhattan, featuring locations in the Upper East Side and Central Park.
- “Mad Men” (2007-2015): Set in the 1960s, this series about an advertising agency includes scenes shot in Madison Avenue and various Manhattan bars.
- “Seinfeld” (1989-1998): This sitcom, often referred to as “a show about nothing,” is set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, featuring Jerry’s apartment and the famous Monk’s Café.
5 Animated Films Set in Manhattan
Manhattan’s enchanting cityscape has not only inspired live-action films but also animated features. Here are five animated films that beautifully depict the city’s charm:
- “Oliver & Company” (1988): This Disney film follows the adventures of Oliver, an orphaned kitten, through the streets of Manhattan.
- “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016): This animated comedy gives us a glimpse of what our pets do when we’re not around, with the cityscape of Manhattan serving as the backdrop for their antics.
- “Anastasia” (1997): Although primarily set in Russia, the climax of this animated musical takes place in Manhattan, featuring the city’s 1920s glamour.
- “Madagascar” (2005): Before the animals end up on Madagascar, they start their journey in Central Park Zoo, providing us with a unique animated depiction of Manhattan.
- “The Princess and the Frog” (2009): The opening scenes of this Disney film depict a fairy-tale version of 1920s Manhattan, before the story moves to New Orleans.
Famous Books Set in Manhattan
Manhattan’s allure has also captured the hearts of numerous authors. Here, we list three classic and three contemporary books that have used Manhattan as their setting:
Classic Books
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: This novel follows the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he wanders through Manhattan, offering a unique perspective on the city’s life and culture.
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Although largely set in Long Island, several key scenes in this seminal novel take place in Manhattan, reflecting the city’s roaring twenties era.
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote: This novella, like its film adaptation, portrays Manhattan’s glamour through the eyes of Holly Golightly.
Contemporary Books
- “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel features Manhattan as a significant setting, where the protagonist rebuilds his life after a tragedy.
- “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer: This novel presents a moving portrayal of Manhattan in the aftermath of 9/11, as seen through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy.
- “Gossip Girl” by Cecily von Ziegesar: The book series, which inspired the TV show, offers a glimpse into the lives of Manhattan’s elite teenagers.
Exploring Manhattan’s Filming Locations – Where to Go
To fully immerse yourself in Manhattan’s cinematic history, there are several key locations worth visiting. Begin your journey at Times Square, one of the world’s most filmed locations. From here, explore Central Park, a versatile location that has served as a backdrop for countless films and TV shows. Other must-visit locations include Fifth Avenue, The Plaza Hotel, and the iconic skyscrapers that make up Manhattan’s distinctive skyline.
Here are ten must-see places selected by filmmakers and authors to shoot films or set novels:
- Times Square: Featured in countless films, including “Spider-Man” and “Vanilla Sky.”
- Central Park: This urban oasis has been a favorite among filmmakers, with memorable scenes from “Home Alone 2” and “The Avengers” shot here.
- Fifth Avenue: The setting of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic scene in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
- The Plaza Hotel: This luxury hotel has been featured in numerous films, including “Home Alone 2” and “The Great Gatsby.”
- New York Public Library: Featured in films like “Ghostbusters” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”
- Empire State Building: This iconic skyscraper has been featured in “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: This museum’s iconic steps were a frequent setting in “Gossip Girl.”
- Greenwich Village: Known as the setting of “Friends,” this neighborhood exudes a bohemian charm.
- Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue: The famous jewelry store is the setting of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
- Wall Street: This financial hub has been featured in films like “Wall Street” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Where to Sleep in Manhattan
When it comes to accommodation, Manhattan offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you want to splurge on a luxury hotel or find a budget-friendly hostel, the city has got you covered.
Budget Options
- HI NYC Hostel: Situated on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and a communal kitchen.
- The Local Hostel NYC: Located in Long Island City, this hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms. It’s just one subway stop away from Manhattan.
- Broadway Hotel and Hostel: This budget-friendly option offers private and shared rooms in a stylish environment. It’s located near Central Park and several subway lines.
Luxury Options
- The Plaza Hotel: Immortalized in films like “Home Alone 2” and “The Great Gatsby,” this luxury hotel offers world-class service and a central location.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park: This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms with views of Central Park.
- The Standard, High Line: Situated in Manhattan’s trendy Meatpacking District, this hotel offers modern rooms with stunning views of the city and the Hudson River.
Where to Eat in Manhattan
Manhattan’s culinary scene is as diverse as its film industry. From traditional American cuisine to international flavors, the city offers a plethora of dining options.
Budget Options
- Katz’s Delicatessen: Known for its oversized pastrami sandwiches, this iconic deli was featured in “When Harry Met Sally.”
- Gray’s Papaya: This hot dog stand is a Manhattan institution, offering affordable and delicious hot dogs.
- Joe’s Shanghai: Famous for their soup dumplings, this Chinatown restaurant offers excellent food at reasonable prices.
Luxury Options
- Eleven Madison Park: Ranked among the world’s best restaurants, this upscale restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu featuring New York’s local cuisine.
- Le Bernardin: Specializing in seafood, this Michelin three-star restaurant is known for its excellent service and innovative dishes.
- Per Se: Another Michelin three-star restaurant, Per Se offers a tasting menu that changes daily.
Detailed Itinerary – Day by Day
To make the most of your film-themed trip to Manhattan, we have curated a three-day itinerary that will take you to the city’s most iconic filming locations.
Day 1: Central Manhattan
Start your day at Times Square, possibly the world’s most filmed location. From here, visit the New York Public Library before heading to Fifth Avenue, where you can see Tiffany & Co. and the Plaza Hotel. End your day with a stroll through Central Park, a versatile location featured in countless films.
Day 2: Lower Manhattan
Begin your day in Greenwich Village, known as the setting of “Friends.” From here, head to Wall Street in the Financial District, the backdrop for films like “Wall Street” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” Finish your day at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, featured in films like “Spider-Man.”
Day 3: Upper Manhattan
Start your day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a key filming location for “Gossip Girl.” From here, head to the Upper West Side, where you can see the “Ghostbusters” firehouse and the “Seinfeld” diner. End your day at the iconic Empire State Building, featured in films like “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”
Cryptid Legends and Curiosities
Manhattan’s film industry is steeped in fascinating legends and curiosities. For instance, did you know that the “Friends” apartment building exterior is located in the West Village, while the interior scenes were filmed on a California soundstage? Or that the “Ghostbusters” firehouse is a functioning fire station named Hook & Ladder 8? With every corner of Manhattan steeped in cinematic history, you never know what intriguing trivia you might stumble upon.
Hidden Gems in Manhattan
Beyond the iconic landmarks, Manhattan also boasts several lesser-known filming locations worth exploring. From the serene Riverside Park, featured in “You’ve Got Mail,” to the charming streets of the Meatpacking District, featured in “Sex and the City,” these off-the-beaten-path spots offer a unique perspective on Manhattan’s cinematic landscape.
What to Pack for a Trip to Manhattan
When packing for your film-themed trip to Manhattan, consider the city’s weather and the activities you plan to engage in. For the winter months, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat, to stay comfortable while exploring outdoor filming locations. For the rest of the year, pack lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. Don’t forget your camera to capture your own cinematic moments!
Transportation Tips
Getting around Manhattan is relatively easy due to the city’s extensive public transportation network. The subway is the most efficient way to travel, but buses and taxis are also readily available. For a more scenic route, consider walking or renting a bike. Remember, traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time to reach your destinations.
Embark on your own cinematic journey in Manhattan, a city that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. With its blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, Manhattan offers a film-themed travel experience like no other.
