beat the brochure

New York has to be one of the most filmed cities in the world. For movie buffs it’s a real treat to see the exact same views that you’ve previously seen only on celluloid. The sky-scrapers and the yellow taxis seem so familiar immediately bringing a number of films to mind.

If you want to see New York the film set, here are our recommendations:

Times Square

It’s the centre of the retail district and a cacophony of neon lights. More films than you can shake a stick at have featured this New York landmark including Spider-Man 3, Friends with Benefits, the iconic Shaft and Midnight Cowboy, Sex & The City 2 and King Kong.

The Empire State Building

It’s a must-see attraction when you come to New York. Go to the observation deck at dusk for awe-inspiring views of the city to see what King Kong saw! Yes King Kong, An Affair to Remember, The Day after Tomorrow and Sleepless in Seattle all used The Empire State Building as a backdrop.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French, is the USA’s symbol of freedom. Although the statue is closed for refurbishment during 2012, you can still visit the island to see her. You can also see her from afar if you take the ferry over to Staten Island. By the way, she’s not as big as she looks on screen…well they do say the camera adds 10lbs! Ghostbusters 2, X-Men, The Adjustment Bureau, Funny Girl, and Titanic all featured this great monument.

Grand Central Station

This New York hub is not just about trains. Built in 1913, it lives up to its ‘Grand’ title. Millions of commuters use this station every day and visitors come to see its glory. You can visit the shops and restaurants but be sure to look up and see the blue/green ceiling which gives a whole new view of the night sky. You might even be lucky enough to catch their occasional laser show.

Its grandness certainly tempted some film directors, Duplicity, Men in Black 2, North by Northwest, Superman, Old Dogs and Revolutionary Road amongst them.

Central Park

For 150 years New Yorkers have escaped the city in Central Park. There’s plenty of space here to get away from the hustle and bustle – a whole 843 acres of it. This green space is ideal for a picnic or to take some exercise and jog the trails like the locals. Visit the zoo or see the Alice in Wonderland Statue, stroll down the Mall or take a guided tour. Go ice-skating in winter. Central Park has something for everyone including a programme of concerts.

A number of films have found Central Park the perfect location including Going the Distance, Friends with Benefits, Definitely Maybe and disco classic Staying Alive.

If you’ve still got a thirst for more movie sets, try Washington Park Square, 5th Avenue and the Tiffany & Co Store, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges and many more locations will capture the city as you know it on film.

It’s a golden opportunity to see New York through your film eyes on cheap holidays to New York. You’ll get the best seats too!