I still remember standing on the corner of Perry Street, just staring. Not at the skyscrapers. Not at the Statue of Liberty. But at that brownstone with the iconic stoop where Carrie Bradshaw, heels clicking, coffee in hand, descended into the chaos of Manhattan. And in that moment, I didn’t feel like a tourist. I felt like I had stepped straight into her world.
New York has this incredible ability to shape-shift — from a city of millions to a scene you feel like you’ve lived in before. And that’s exactly what I came here to explore: the city’s film alter ego.
The Ultimate Backlot: New York’s Cinematic History
Even if you’ve never been here before, New York feels oddly familiar — and it’s no accident. Every year, around 250 movies and 50 TV shows are shot right here. Long before Hollywood became the heart of cinema, American film studios like Universal and Fox were born right in New York.
Yes, many studios eventually migrated to sunny California for better weather. But filmmakers never fully abandoned the city. Because New York isn’t just a location. It’s a character.
Sex and the City: When the City Steals the Show
Confession time: Sex and the City is my comfort show. I’ve watched it too many times to count. And what always captivated me wasn’t just the shoes, the men, or the cosmos — it was the city itself. New York was the fifth main character.
If you’re a true SATC fan, I highly recommend doing a dedicated filming locations tour (I joined one by On Location Tours). It’s such a thrill to see spots like the New York Public Library, where Carrie’s ill-fated wedding to Big was supposed to happen.
The most iconic stop? Carrie’s apartment at 64 Perry Street. There’s even a small sign politely asking fans not to climb the stairs — and yes, I resisted (barely). Meanwhile, Big’s luxe apartment? That was filmed at the Hotel Giraffe on Park Avenue.
Walking those streets felt like I had one Manolo in fiction and one foot in reality. I half expected Charlotte to round the corner in a pink coat.
Friends: A New York Show Filmed in… California?
Here’s a funny twist. While Friends gave us ten seasons of New York life, almost everything was filmed in California at the Warner Bros. Studios. That’s right. Central Perk? Studio set. Monica’s kitchen? Also a set.
But don’t despair — there are a few real NYC locations sprinkled in. For instance, Monica’s apartment building exterior is at Grove Street and Bedford Street in West Village. The façade is real, and honestly, it feels surreal seeing it in person.
Fans of Ross can geek out at the American Museum of Natural History, where he worked. And if you’re into romantic moments, head to the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue — the very spot where Monica and Chandler celebrated their engagement.
Marilyn, Audrey, and That Timeless Glamour
Let’s take it back. Waaay back.
Even if you’ve never seen The Seven Year Itch, you’ve definitely seen Marilyn Monroe standing over a subway grate, her white dress fluttering in the breeze. That unforgettable scene was filmed at Lexington Avenue and East 52nd Street. I couldn’t resist recreating it — minus the film crew and crowd, of course.
Next up: Tiffany & Co.. Whether or not you’ve watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn’s black dress and coffee-in-hand pose outside this legendary jewelry store is pop culture gold. Standing in front of that window gave me full glam chills.
And if musicals are your jam, check out Lincoln Center. This modern complex now stands where the gritty tenements of West Side Story once existed. Tony and Maria’s love story might have been fiction, but the heart of it still lingers.
Empire State Building & Brooklyn Bridge: Iconic in Every Genre
If there’s one building that’s been through it all, it’s the Empire State Building. From King Kong’s dramatic climb in the ’30s to Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks meeting at the top in Sleepless in Seattle, this skyscraper is a film icon in its own right.
You feel it when you’re up there. Like anything — or anyone — could walk into your life. Just cue the romantic background music.
Another cinematic legend? The Brooklyn Bridge. It’s seen it all: Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in The Wiz, Godzilla stomping across, even John Travolta strutting in flared pants in Saturday Night Fever. Walk across it and tell me you don’t hear a soundtrack playing in your head.
For Every Age, Mood, and Genre
The beauty of New York? It’s not picky. From animations like Madagascar (yes, those Central Park Zoo scenes are real) to Home Alone 2 (hello, Plaza Hotel and Central Park ice rink!), the city is a giant film buffet.
Whether you’re into rom-coms, thrillers, musicals, horror, or animated escapades — New York has played them all. The real challenge? Not bumping into a film crew while grabbing a bagel.
Streaming My Favorite Shows Abroad? VPN to the Rescue
There’s one little trick I swear by whenever I travel — and no, it’s not just packing an extra pair of shoes. It’s using a VPN. It’s the behind-the-scenes hero that lets me stay connected, protected, and most importantly… entertained.
Whether I’m binge-watching Sex and the City at midnight from my hotel bed or checking hotel prices online (spoiler: prices do vary based on your location), my VPN is always on.
Here’s how I use it — and why I always travel with not one, but three favorite VPNs:
- ExpressVPN – This one’s my go-to for pure speed. Whether I’m watching Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, or just want to switch to a different country’s library in two clicks, Express never fails me. It’s lightning-fast, sleek, and super reliable for streaming.
- NordVPN – My digital bodyguard. It’s perfect when I’m booking flights, entering payment info, or connecting to hotel Wi-Fi. The built-in Threat Protection blocks malware and ads, and the Kill Switch keeps my connection secure even if the VPN drops for a second.
- Surfshark – The ultimate travel companion when you’re juggling multiple devices (guilty). It lets me use unlimited connections at once — phone, tablet, laptop… even my friend’s phone when she’s desperate to stream her favorite show. And yes, it’s budget-friendly.
And here’s a fun hack: I sometimes use VPNs to check flight and hotel prices from different virtual locations. Same booking site, different country = different price. Not always, but enough times to make me feel like I’ve unlocked a hidden travel level.
| Best VPN | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 61% off + 6 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
How to Plan a Film-Inspired NYC Trip (Even If You’re Short on Time)
You don’t need a full-blown tour or a week-long itinerary to feel the movie magic. I usually pick a few key neighborhoods and plan my day around them — Manhattan and West Village are perfect for that.
Think: Carrie’s brownstone, the Friends apartment, the NY Public Library, Plaza Hotel, Empire State Building… all walkable with enough coffee stops in between to make even Miranda proud.
Want to take it up a notch? Create your own “genre day.” Maybe a rom-com morning, a sitcom-style lunch, and a thriller-inspired evening across dimly lit cobblestones. You’ll start to notice how every corner of New York already feels like a set waiting for you to say, “Action!”
Final Thoughts: When the City Becomes the Story
I’ve walked a lot of cities. But New York is the only one that makes me feel like I’ve been here before — not once, but dozens of times. Through episodes, scenes, and cinematic moments that defined my teens, my twenties, and, let’s be real, my late-night rewatches.
Maybe that’s why visiting NYC isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about stepping into a world you already love. A world you’ve seen — in high heels, in heartbreak, in comedy, in chaos — over and over again. And once you’re here, standing on the sidewalk outside Carrie’s house or looking up at the Empire State Building, something clicks.
You’re not just watching the story anymore.
You’re part of it.
Experience the Adventure in the New York
