New York City is the backdrop of many popular films, and some audiences may have been inspired to come to New York after watching them. Become a movie star for a day by visiting one of these film’s iconic sites.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
Pay homage to this Audrey Hepburn classic. Stop by Macaron Café on 59th Street and Madison Avenue to grab a chocolate croissant ($2.75) and a cafe au lait ($2.25) before strolling past the historic Tiffany windows. Pearls and sunglasses are a must. (Tiffany & Co., 57th Street and Fifth Ave.)
“Night at the Museum” (2006)
Although the likelihood of chatting with a statue of Theodore Roosevelt or playing fetch with the atrium’s dinosaur skeleton as Ben Stiller did in this comedy is slim, there is still something magical about the American Museum of Natural History. The museum offers five floors of exhibits to explore, in addition to a butterfly conservatory, IMAX theater and planetarium shows. Currently the IMAX theater is playing “Mysteries of the Unseen World” in 3D, showcasing phenomena that cannot be seen with the naked eye. (Natural History Museum, Central Park West and 79th Street. The suggested admission price is $17 with student ID.)
“Sex and the City” (2008)
Channel your inner Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda by picking up cupcakes to go from Magnolia Bakery and heading up to midtown to study at the New York Public Library. The NYPL, the site of Carrie and Big’s would-be wedding, offers a change of pace from the monotony of Bobst Library. Enjoy your cupcake while studying in one of the library’s beautiful reading rooms. On your way home, swing by 66 Perry St. to visit the iconic exterior of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. (Magnolia Bakery, West 11th Street and Bleecker Street. New York Public Library, 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue.)
“Big” (1988)
If a little kid trapped in an adult’s body is not symbolic of the average college student, who knows what is. Follow in Tom Hank’s footsteps by visiting F.A.O. Schwartz and playing the giant piano that requires you to hop from key to key. Pose for a picture with the real-life toy soldiers outside and stock up on candy for late-night study sessions at the candy store on the first level. Maybe your Stern degree could even land you a job in toy marketing. (F.A.O Schwartz, 58th Street and Fifth Avenue.)
“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)
Little Kevin famously encounters a terrifying pigeon lady at the Gapstow Bridge in Central Park midway through the film. One of the most beautiful spots in Central Park, the bridge offers picturesque views of Wollman Rink, Victorian Garden Amusement Park and New York City skyscrapers no matter what time of year. Take a seat at one of the many benches surrounding the bridge to do some people watching. (Central Park, 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.)
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Feb. 27 print edition. Ilona Tuominen is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].