If you’re building a serious NYC movie and TV show locations tour, you’re in the right city.
New York isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a main character.
From Upper East Side drama to superhero chaos in Midtown, the most iconic TV show and movie locations in New York are walkable, Instagrammable, and surprisingly easy to explore.
Whether you want a guided Sex and the City, Gossip Girl filming locations guide, or a full pop-culture weekend, here’s your ultimate 2026 guide to the best movie and TV show filming locations in NYC.
💄 Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Created by: Darren Star
What it’s about: Four women navigating love, friendship, and fashion in Manhattan.
If you’re doing one official NYC TV show locations tour, this is the classic.
Iconic filming locations:
- Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment – 66 Perry Street, West Village
- Magnolia Bakery – Where Carrie and Miranda discussed life over cupcakes
- The Plaza Hotel – Multiple iconic scenes
- Meatpacking District – Samantha’s power era
This tour blends fashion, food, and female friendship energy. It’s still one of the most booked pop culture tours NYC offers.
👑 Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Ed Westwick
What it’s about: Privileged Upper East Side teens navigating scandal, secrets, and power.
For Upper East Side fantasy, this is the ultimate Gossip Girl filming locations NYC guide.
Iconic locations:
- The Met Steps – The Constance Billard lunch throne
- Empire Hotel – Chuck Bass headquarters
- Grand Central Terminal – Opening scene drama
- The Palace Hotel – Serena’s home base
Walking this route feels like entering a glossy New York fever dream.
🧥 The Sopranos (1999–2007)
Cast: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
What it’s about: A New Jersey mob boss balancing crime and family life.
While most of The Sopranos was filmed in New Jersey, New York plays a key role in mob-related storylines.
Notable NYC locations:
- Little Italy
- Mulberry Street
- Classic Manhattan Italian restaurants
It’s less glamorous, more gritty. Still iconic.
☕ Friends (1994–2004)
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer
What it’s about: Six friends navigating adulthood in Manhattan.
Technically filmed in Los Angeles. Yes. I know. But the Friends filming locations NYC myth still draws fans.
NYC spots to visit:
- 90 Bedford Street (Greenwich Village) – Exterior of Monica’s apartment
- Washington Square Park
- Central Perk-inspired cafés around SoHo
It’s more symbolic than literal, but fans still line up.
🦸 The Avengers (2012)
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo
What it’s about: Marvel superheroes unite to save Earth.
The climactic battle scene turned Midtown into chaos.
Avengers filming locations NYC:
- Grand Central Terminal
- Park Avenue
- Stark Tower (fictional but inspired by NYC skyline)
Walking through Midtown suddenly feels cinematic.
🕷 Spider-Man (Multiple Films 2002–2023)
Notable Cast: Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland
What it’s about: A New York teenager balancing high school and superhero life.
Famous NYC locations:
- Queens (Peter Parker’s home borough)
- Brooklyn Bridge (2002 iconic scene)
- Midtown Manhattan battle scenes
Spider-Man is arguably the most “New York” superhero.
How to Plan Your NYC Movie & TV Tour
You have two options:
1️⃣ Self-Guided Tour
Free. Flexible. Requires research and stamina.
2️⃣ Curated Experience: Bucket List Experiences
If you prefer structure without stress, the Bucket List Experiences gift offers access to 42+ activities in NYC and beyond.
Included options may feature:
- Dinner for 2 at iconic restaurants
- Pasta classes
- Bike tours of NYC
- Movie theatre bundles
- Adventure and entertainment experiences
Inside the Experience Gift Box:
- Prepaid voucher
- Access to curated activities
- Memory notebook
- Valid until 02/29/2076
For up to 2 people. Ideal for pop culture fans building their NYC checklist.
Why NYC Is the Ultimate Filming Location City
Search volume for movie locations in NYC and best TV show locations in New York keeps growing because:
- The city has diverse architecture
- Neighborhoods have distinct personalities
- It’s walkable
- It’s recognizable worldwide
New York doesn’t pretend. It performs.
If you want a weekend that feels cinematic, build your own NYC movie and TV show locations tour.
Walk the Met steps. Stand outside Carrie’s apartment. Stare up at the skyline where superheroes once “fought.”
Because in New York, fiction and reality blur.
And honestly, that’s the point.
