Against the iconic backdrop of city skylines and enchanting small towns, New York State landmarks and landscapes idyllically display love stories on the big screen. From the timeless charm of Katz’s Delicatessen in When Harry Met Sally to the whimsical rendezvous at Serendipity 3 in Serendipity, you can step into the limelight of your own sweetheart saga at these iconic romance movie spots in New York.
Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.
Love is in the air 1,454 feet above Manhattan! The Empire State Building is one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers, and plays a pivotal role in Sleepless in Seattle, where characters portrayed by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan finally have their anticipated meeting. This Valentine’s Day you can have your own movie moment as the building hosts Movie Night: Sleepless in Seattle. After the feature flick, guests will make their way up to the 86th Floor Observatory and the 102nd Floor Observatory to take in jaw-dropping panoramic views of New York City. This larger-than-life landmark is also featured in the 1957 film, An Affair to Remember. You can fall in love with the city’s vibrant vistas any day or night when you buy a ticket to the open-air observation deck.
You might just meat the love of your life when you step into Katz’s Delicatessen, where the alluring aroma of piled-high pastrami fills bellies and hearts, just like in When Harry Met Sally. If the way to one’s heart is through one’s stomach, then there is no better spot than this culinary corner. Savor the flavor any day of the week, but especially so on Valentine’s Day with a special package from Katz’s.
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The 842-acre sprawling and tranquil urban oasis that is Central Park has become a staple filming location for movies of all genres, particularly romance! Its winding pathways, secluded bridges, and lush landscapes create an intimate haven for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether strolling along the Bow Bridge, sharing a rowboat on the serene lake, or enjoying a picnic amid the blooming cherry blossoms, Central Park exudes enchantment every step of the way. Level up the love this season with a Sweetheart Stroll Tour of the most romantic spots in the park. Scenes of The Loeb Boathouse can be seen in When Harry Met Sally, 27 Dresses, Little Manhattan and Date Night, while Bow Bridge is featured in Enchanted and Made of Honor. The ice rink makes a cameo in Serendipity, and Bethesda Terrace has its moment in Friends With Benefits.
A beacon of timeless romance and grandeur, The Plaza Hotel envelopes guests in its marvelous architecture, lavish decor, and white-glove service. It’s no surprise the venue serves as a prominent setting for numerous romance movies, including: Bride Wars, The Way We Were, and Barefoot in the Park. Be swept off your feet by booking a special With Love From The Plaza, which includes luxurious accommodations, champagne, a romantic meal, rose petal display, and more. Say “I Do” at the wedding of all weddings by booking The Grandest Royal Wedding package.
The stunning fountains and plaza at Lincoln Center offer a breathtaking backdrop for real life movie moments, where elegance meets emotion. The venue, which hosts world-renowned institutions including the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet, sets the stage for love to unfold in a scene from Moonstruck where the characters played by Cher and Nicolas Cage have a heart-to-heart conversation. And from March 7-30 you can experience the pinnacle of live performance at Lincoln Center as the Metropolitan Opera presents Shakespeare’s Roméo et Juliette.
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This culinary hotspot sits at Broadway and West 80th Street and rightfully boasts itself as a gourmet emporium specializing in smoked fish, caviar, coffee, cheese, kitchen goods and housewares. It is also beloved for its role in popular films like You’ve Got Mail, when Joe comes to Kathleen’s rescue inside Zabar’s when she has no cash in a cash-only checkout line, or in Manhattan, when Isaac and Mary admire the gourmet treats on display in the shop. Looking for a uniquely delectable gift for someone you love? Take a bite of New York with a Zabar’s gift basket.
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Tiffany & Co. has a certain ring to it… serving as a sparkling symbol of luxury and wearable romance, the store on Fifth Ave is sure to dazzle with its display of diamonds. Immortalized in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn revels at this world-renowned jewelry destination. Treat a special someone to breakfast, tea, or caviar experiences in the store’s 6th floor Blue Box Cafe.
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Majestic halls and storied history make the New York Public Library a best seller for romance flick locations. It has been featured in films like Maid in Manhattan where Jennifer Lopez’s character finds solace amidst the books, and 13 Going on 30 where the library transforms into a scene of enchantment. Once the most massive marble building in America, the unrivaled research collections, vibrant programs and exhibitions draw millions of visitors each year.
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What’s not to love about world-famous “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate”? John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale’s characters in Serendipity share a sweet connection over the delicious drink at the Upper East Side destination. See (and taste) for yourself why millions come from all over the world to enjoy the diverse and drool-worthy menu.
Love has always been in style at Bloomingdale’s, since its inception in 1861. Renowned for its iconic little brown bags and fashion-forward collections, the store also served as the setting for John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale’s characters’ first meeting in Serendipity during a Christmas shopping rush.
A quintessential New York site, Grand Central Terminal is the largest train station in the world and welcomes roughly 750,000 visitors daily. Between its timeless elegance, exuberant energy, chandeliers adorned in gold, iconic exterior and interior clocks, it’s easy to see why this venue serves as a symbol for catching feelings (and trains) in romantic rendezvous. A variety of films have benefitted from the station’s stunning scenery, including: Friends with Benefits, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Revolutionary Road, and One Fine Day. For a perfect match of another kind, you can even book a court and play at the Vanderbilt Tennis Club, tucked away on the fourth floor of the station.
The romance of new beginnings and opportunities can be found when you embark on a journey through history on Ellis Island, where the iconic buildings and halls that once welcomed immigrants look out to unbelievable vistas of the Manhattan skyline. Ellis Island plays a poignant role in the blossoming love story between Will Smith and Eva Mendes’ characters in the rom com Hitch.
Board the Staten Island Ferry and cruise the scenic waters of the New York Harbor as you fall in love with some of the best views in the state. Love doesn’t cost a thing, and neither does the ferry! Much more than a mode of transportation, this cherished voyage offers a tranquil ride between lower Manhattan and Staten Island with views of the Statue of Liberty, city skyline, and majestic waterfront. Hit movies Working Girl and How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days showcased the ferry in their love stories.
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For a made-for-TV holiday romance movie moment of your own, a visit to Vidler’s 5 & 10 is a must. Prominently featured in both Romance on Ice and A Royal Christmas on Ice, along with more than a half-dozen other movies since 2015, this main street marvel is the largest of its kind in the world! Opened in 1930, the variety shop today houses over 75,000 different items spread out over two floors in four connected buildings. Wander through the store and see the counters and shelves overflowing with practical, one-of-a-kind, whimsical trinkets.
With its nostalgic charm and seaside splendor, this century-old amusement park and leisure destination along the Long Island Sound has mass appeal. Featured in famous scenes in Big and Working Girl, the playland has as much history in film as it does in fun. Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, beach bliss on the sparkling Long Island Sound, or a picnic with a loved one, Rye Playland has it all and more.
In the rom-com realm, this Hudson Valley dining landmark has been featured in Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman, Bill Murray, and Jessica Lange. Stop by and grab a bite at the bar, on the porch, or in the expansive main dining room. They’re well-known for their burgers, and if you’re feeling lucky you can visit during their annual St. Patrick’s celebration when they’ve been known to serve over 12,000 pounds of corned beef and 5,000 pounds of cabbage!
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