New York

5 of the Best NYC Movie Tours

by Cedric Pentonville  |  Published January 24, 2023

Drop by landmarks immortalized on the big screen in the countless movies that make New York’s streets globally recognized.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

For first time visitors to New York, the city already feels deeply familiar, thanks in part to its inclusion in countless movies and popular TV series over the decades. So iconic is New York that Manhattan and its fellow boroughs often serve as a character in their own right whenever they are presented on screen. Take one of these top NYC movie tours to explore the best locations in the city that have been immortalized on screen from Queensboro Bridge to Central Park and beyond.

NYC’s East Village TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour

So prolific are the filmmakers when it comes to making shows and movies in New York that all of Manhattan’s major areas are featured in multiple notable works. Take the East Village, for example, where fans of When Harry Met Sally, The Godfather: Part II, and even Sesame Street might see something familiar. This excellent tour stops by at least 30 film and TV locations in the area, unlocking the neighborhood as you wander between them. Tours last two hours and are available Mon-Fri. From $55 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour

Many people make a silver screen pilgrimage to New York because of one specific movie or show, be it Friends, The Godfather, Ghostbusters or something else entirely. And the great thing is that taking a tour of film locations is really no different from your standard sightseeing tour, but for the fact that there are plenty of stories, both real and fictitious, that can be attributed to each stop on the itinerary. This bus tour treads that line perfectly, exploring major sights such as the Rockefeller Center, while learning about scenes from famous movies that were shot there, such as in Home Alone 2. From $58 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Manhattan TV and Movie Bus Tour with Actor Guide

Take an even deeper dive into the on-set world that transforms the New York streets into the stuff of dreams by following your actor guide on a three-hour tour. Hear stories from the set and attempt to recreate famous scenes yourself in those very same locations with the guidance of a trained professional. You’ll be able to explore Manhattan from the comfort of your tour bus along the way, between stops. From $62 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

NYC Bus Tour to Superhero Film Locations

Whatever your take on the latest Hollywood attempt to milk the super hero cash cow, there’s no denying that the stories of good vs. evil are often particularly potent because they are set amid the grime of the big city. Unsurprisingly, New York is often the inspiration, if not the direct setting, of many of these films, including Batman, Jessica Jones, The Avengers and Spiderman. As such, you can relive the Battle of New York, see The Daily Planet offices and really bring these amazing films to life by visiting the landmarks for yourself. From $66 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Private Sex and The City Tour of New York

It is difficult to write about guided tours of New York without straying into the world of television, where the Big Apple often practically becomes a character. But one of those much-loved shows in particular even made the leap to silver screen. Sex in the City was a generation-defining show, bringing New York scenes to screens around the world. Visit the spots where Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha called home, set the world to rights and got up to mischief. Please note that the price per person on this private tour drops significantly if you have more people in your group. For example, a group of six people would cost $87 per person. From $197 per person.

Book at Viator.com