As one of the most recognizable metropolitans in the world—New York City has acted as the backdrop for hundreds of award-winning movies and TV series. From “The Wolf of Wall Street” to “Sex in the City”, the list is endless!

Joining a movie tour in New York City gives you the opportunity to visit iconic filming locations and see where some of your all-time favorite scenes were shot. You may even spot a few famous faces along the way!

Here's all you need to know about movie tours, one of the most captivating opportunities for sightseeing in New York City.

What are the most popular movie tours in New York City?

New York City TV & movie locations tour

Visit some of New York City’s instantly recognizable movie and TV filming locations. You’ll see where scenes from “Friends”, “Girls”, “Spider-Man” and “Seinfeld” were shot, as you are led through the city by your guide, who is also a local actor.

You’ll make your way between the different locations in a comfortable coach, with a few different seating options to choose from, and your charismatic guide will keep you entertained with fun facts along the way.

The tour visits dozens of shops, parks, buildings and landmarks that have been featured in popular movies and TV shows. Some of these locations you’ll simply pass by, but others you will stop at and you’ll get the chance to take photos and explore the area.

Central Park movie locations walking tour in New York City

Central Park is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. Not only does this famous park act as the city’s green hub, but it has also served as the shooting location for hundreds of iconic movie and TV scenes.

Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park with your local guide and see The Boathouse Cafe from “When Harry Met Sally”, the Bethesda Fountain from “The Avengers” and Wollman Rink from “Love Story and Serendipity” and many other movies.

On your movie-themed walking tour of NYC, you’ll get to visit over 40 different locations, some of which are instantly recognizable, while others may require some hints from your guide. Relive some of your favorite movie moments and take loads of photos to share with your family and friends.

New York holiday lights and movie sites bus tour

If you’re visiting New York City during the festive season, this tour provides a truly unmissable experience. Join your guide, who is also a local actor, as you visit some of the city’s most impressive holiday lights and movie sites.

Board a comfortable bus and make your way through the streets of Manhattan, enjoying engaging commentary along the way. Some of the highlights of the tour include the Christmas Tree in the Rockefeller Center, Bloomingdale’s, Fifth Avenue, Lincoln Center and others.

While this New York Christmas lights tour is perfect for first-time visitors, it also provides a fun-filled way for locals to experience the festive lights and famous sites with their loved ones. Experience New York City’s famous holiday cheer as you see the filming locations of many favorite Christmas movies.

Superhero movie sites tour in New York City

New York City is no stranger to superheroes, with dozens of superhero movies being filmed in some of the city’s most iconic locations. From fight scenes to famous kisses, New York City has provided the backdrop for many superheroes to have their stories unfold.

You’ll visit over 40 locations from movies like “The Fantastic Four”, “Spider-Man”, “The Dark Knight” and others. Some of the most recognizable locations include the Empire State Building, the NY Daily, Chinatown and the Financial District.

This is the perfect tour for fans of comic books and superhero movies. Your knowledgeable guide is there to provide you with interesting facts from the movies and you’ll probably walk away having learned something new about your favorite superhero.

“Sex and the City” in New York City

“Sex and the City” is easily one of the most popular and successful American TV series of our time. Fans of the show will adore seeing all of the iconic NYC spots frequented by Charlotte, Carrie, Miranda and Samantha.

Just a few of the places that you’ll visit on a private Sex and the City tour in NYC include Carrie’s apartment, the Buddaken, Magnolia Bakery (where you’ll get to try cupcakes named after the characters), Columbus Circle, the Plaza Hotel and Bryant Park.

This tour promises to be a fun-filled excursion with photo opportunities galore. Even those who are not die-hard fans of the show, will enjoy this tour that visits some of New York’s most emblematic sites.

What is on the itinerary of New York City movie tours?

While each tour is slightly different, some of the places that you can expect to visit on a movie tour in New York City include Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Wollman Rink, Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center and others.

Certain tours focus on one specific location, such as Central Park, and explore where various scenes were shot in detail. Other tours, such as the “Sex and the City” tour and the superheroes tour focus on specific movies and the tour’s itinerary will reflect this.

For example, the only locations that are visited in the Sex and the City tour are places that were featured in the movies and series, including places like Carrie’s apartment and Magnolia Bakery.

How is the cost of NYC movie tours?

Basic movie tours in New York City usually cost around US$35 per person for tours that take place on foot. Movie tours, which make use of a comfortable coach to transport you between the various locations, typically cost at least US$60 per person.

Private tours, such as the Sex and the City tour, cater to you and your tour group and you can expect to pay around US$160 per person, although this price may fluctuate depending on how many people you have in your tour group.

What do these movie tours in New York City include?

When you book a movie tour in New York City, you can expect all fees and taxes to be included in the cost of your tour, as well as guidance and commentary from a professional tour guide.

Gratuities, food, drinks and other personal expenses are not typically included, so be sure to bring along some extra spending money.

Where does it start?

Movie tours in New York City usually begin at easy-to-find locations, such as Ellen's Stardust Diner in Midtown, the NRW Subway Station, the Starbucks on Broadway and Park Central Hotel. Make sure that you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour’s start time.

How long does it last?

Movie tours in New York City typically last anywhere between 2 and 3 hours, depending on which tour you choose, with the most common duration being 2.5 hours.

Are movie tours in NYC wheelchair friendly?

While certain movie tours in New York City are wheelchair-friendly, many tours are not suitable for wheelchair users, especially tours that travel between different locations via bus.

If you or any of your travel companions use a wheelchair, it is very important to check the tour operator’s accessibility specifications before making a booking.

When is the best time to go on a movie tour in New York City?

The best time to go on a movie tour in New York City is in the spring or fall, when the weather is relatively mild, making it ideal for visiting iconic movie locations like Central Park, Times Square, or the Ghostbusters' firehouse. Weekdays might be less crowded.

Travel tips

NYC is the backdrop of countless films. Decide whether you're interested in a specific movie or a general tour covering several films.
Movie tours in New York City often involve walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. If it's a bus tour, there may still be places where you'll need to walk.
Some movie tours can last a few hours, so pack snacks and water to keep your energy up.
The weather in New York City can change quickly. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature throughout the day.

Movie Tours in New York City