New York City has long held a prime spot in our cultural zeitgeist, so it’s probably unsurprising that the city itself is home to the most filmed location in the world. Can you guess what it is? It’s Central Park, New York City’s verdant oasis, which has been in 352 films (and counting). The nearby Upper West Side, too, has a long history of serving as a backdrop to some of America’s famous films, from West Side Story in 1961 to classic rom-coms like You’ve Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally.
The Upper West Side is home to a plethora of famous film spots, including Zabar’s — a classic New York City appetizing store — and The Dakota. Pay homage to your favorite movies and some of the country’s most well-known destinations with a visit to these seven must-see Hollywood spots in the neighborhood.
This iconic anthropological institution is famously home to the Night at the Museum franchise, which includes four films that were released between 2006 and 2022. The films, based on a 1993 children’s book of the same name, follow a night guard at a museum after an ancient enchantment makes all the exhibits come to life. All fun, star-studded family movies, Night at the Museum is enduringly popular.
External shots for the film franchise were filmed on location at the American Museum of Natural History, located on Central Park West, but given the difficulties involved in filming an action movie, the interior scenes were shot on set in British Columbia, Canada.
The Museum of Natural History even offers a self-guided Night at the Museum tour that features all the exhibits that inspired characters in the film franchise, including the Mammoth, the T. rex fossil, and much, much more. Unfortunately, they don’t actually come to life.
Part grocery, part eatery, part deli, Zabar’s is an iconic New York City institution. It was founded in 1934 — nearly 90 years ago — and since then has faithfully served the Upper West Side community. Besides selling delicious bagels, lox, and cheeses, Zabar’s was also the site of a famous scene from the 1998 romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail. Reportedly, Tom Hanks, one of the film’s stars, has even returned to Zabar’s since.
The film is about rival booksellers that fall in love online (without knowing each others’ identities). The Zabar’s scene, which can be found here, features a meeting between the two in the cash-only checkout line.
You can kill two birds with one stone by buying some delicious food and recreating that scene with a visit to Zabar’s.
Cafe Luxembourg is a veritable Parisian bistro that has been a favorite among New Yorkers since it opened in 1983. It stars as itself in the great romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, written by the inimitable Nora Ephron, who also wrote You’ve Got Mail.
At one point in the film, the titular Harry and Sally go out to dinner with friends at Cafe Luxembourg, where they have some hilarious, emotional exchanges. It’s possibly one of the most iconic restaurant scenes of all time.
Cafe Luxembourg is still serving the same French comfort food — so head on over for a taste of Harry and Sally’s lives.
Not a fan of romantic comedies? Maybe the 1968 classic psychological horror film Rosemary’s Baby is more your style. The entire terrifying movie was filmed in The Dakota, a Gothic apartment building on 72nd Street and Central Park West, though it was named ‘The Bramford’ in the film.
The Dakota has famously been home to many A-listers, including but not limited to Judy Garland and John Lennon. In Rosemary’s Baby, however, it was the site of a satanic cult with evil plans for the titular baby. The Dakota may not be haunted, but it’s still a fascinating site to visit.
Famed Central Park restaurant Tavern on the Green has been featured in so many films that it maintains a list of them on its website. This sheepfold turned restaurant dates back to the 1880s, and it has long been popular for its prime location and artisanal dishes.
In Ghostbusters (1984), accountant Louis Tully is fleeing from the evil demigod Vinz Clortho and tries to get into the Tavern to hide. Meanwhile, in Wall Street (1987), a film about a young stockbroker, a major betrayal takes place at the restaurant.
More recent movies to have been filmed in or around Tavern on the Green include Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011) and New York, I Love You (2008).
Stay at The Wallace on the Upper West Side to visit all these classic Hollywood spots. Book now!