If you're a Spider-Man fan visiting New York City, you'll find plenty of places where the movies have brought Peter Parker's world to life.
New York City has been part of Spider-Man's story from the beginning, and several movies in the franchise have filmed scenes at recognizable locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. This self-guided Spider-Man filming locations tour takes you to 19 places connected to the Spider-Man movies, from the Upper West Side to Lower Manhattan.
Along the way, you'll see famous landmarks, neighborhood streets, restaurants, parks, and waterfront locations that appeared on screen.
We've also included information about guided superhero film-location tours if you'd rather explore with a guide.
- Spider-man Filming Locations Tour
- Guided Superhero Film Location Tours
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tour
- New York Superhero Tour
- Ghostbusters Firehouse
Spider-Man: Brand New Day and New York City
The latest Spider-Man movie has brought renewed attention to Spider-Man's connection to New York City.
If the newest movie has you searching for Spider-Man filming locations in NYC, this tour is a chance to visit locations connected to earlier Spider-Man films. The stops below span several movies in the franchise, including the original Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The movies have used some of New York's most recognizable landmarks, but they've also filmed at places that can be surprisingly easy to overlook unless you know what you're looking for.
So grab your web-shooters and let's get started.
How to Follow the Spider-Man Filming Locations Tour
The full route includes 20 stops and travels from the Upper West Side through Midtown and Lower Manhattan before ending near Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry.
Because the locations are spread throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, this is not a walking tour that you can comfortably complete in one continuous walk. We recommend using the subway between some stops. You can also use a bike if you'd like to cover the route more quickly.
You don't have to visit every location, either. If you're short on time, we've noted some of the less significant stops so you can decide which ones are worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Low Memorial Library
Located at Columbia University, Low Memorial Library may not be immediately recognizable as a Spider-Man filming location.
Fans of the original Spider-Man starring Tobey Maguire, however, will recognize it as the exterior of the genetics laboratory where Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider.
The interior scenes were filmed elsewhere, but the exterior establishing shots were filmed at Columbia University.
Fun fact: Columbia University has also appeared in Ghostbusters.
2. Central Park
Central Park has been used as a filming location for countless movies, and Spider-Man is no exception.
Fans of Spider-Man 3 will recognize Bow Bridge as the setting for the scene where Mary Jane breaks up with Peter Parker.
The bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Central Park and is worth visiting even if you're not a movie fan.
Central Park has also appeared in movies including Maid in Manhattan and Kramer vs. Kramer, as well as superhero films such as The Avengers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Tip: You can explore more of the park on our Central Park walking tour or rent a bike with information from our Central Park bike rental guide.
3. Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram and the Queensboro Bridge appear in one of the most memorable sequences from the original Spider-Man.
This is where Green Goblin takes control of the tram and forces Spider-Man to choose between saving the passengers and Mary Jane.
You can ride the tram yourself for a different view of Manhattan and the East River, although riding it isn't necessary to follow this Spider-Man tour.
If you're interested in other movie locations, Roosevelt Island also has a filming location from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
4. Tudor City Place
Just south of the United Nations, Tudor City is another location fans of the original Spider-Man may recognize.
The area was used for exterior shots of Norman Osborn's rooftop mansion. As with several other locations on this tour, the interiors were filmed elsewhere.
Tudor City is an interesting stop because it doesn't necessarily look like a movie location at first glance. Once you know what you're looking for, however, fans can recognize the connection.
Fun fact: Katherine Hepburn once lived in Tudor City.
5. Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks, so it's no surprise that it has appeared in numerous films.
Spider-Man fans will recognize the building from the original Spider-Man, when Peter Parker spends time reflecting after the death of Uncle Ben.
The Chrysler Building has also appeared in other superhero movies, including The Avengers.
Although you can't visit the upper portions of the building as part of this tour, the exterior makes for an excellent stop while exploring Midtown.
6. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is another New York landmark with a long history of movie appearances.
Marvel fans will recognize it from the opening of Spider-Man: Homecoming, when Adrian Toomes and his crew are cleaning up alien technology left behind after the Battle of New York.
Grand Central also features prominently in The Avengers, when Thor and the Hulk battle an alien creature in the area.
Even without its movie connections, Grand Central is worth visiting. Be sure to step inside the Main Concourse to see the famous ceiling and one of New York's most spectacular public interiors.
7. The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue is another important Spider-Man location.
Fans of the original Spider-Man will recognize the exterior from the scene involving Peter Parker and Uncle Ben.
The famous library building sits at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, making it an easy stop to combine with Times Square, Bryant Park, and other Midtown attractions.
Fun fact: The building has also appeared in Ghostbusters.
8. Times Square
Times Square has been featured in an enormous number of movies, and several superhero films have used the bright lights and crowded streets as a backdrop.
Spider-Man fans will recognize Times Square from the original Spider-Man, as well as The Amazing Spider-Man 2, where Spider-Man faces Electro.
Times Square has also appeared in other superhero films, including Captain America.
This is one of the easiest stops on the tour to visit because Times Square is already on the itinerary for many first-time visitors to New York City.
9. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in New York and has been featured in movies for generations.
In the original Spider-Man, the building appears during the mid-air battle involving Peter Parker and Green Goblin.
The Empire State Building has also appeared in other Marvel productions, including Avengers: Infinity War and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
If you'd like to visit the observation deck, see our guide to Empire State Building tickets for information about ways to save money.
10. Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is a smaller stop on the route, but Spider-Man fans may recognize it from Spider-Man 2.
This is where Peter Parker saves a group of children.
The park sits between Midtown and the Flatiron District, making it convenient to combine with several other locations on this tour.
You can also learn more about the neighborhood with our self-guided Flatiron District tour.
11. The Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is one of New York City's most recognizable buildings and has an important connection to the Spider-Man story.
The building was used for exterior shots of the Daily Bugle, the fictional newspaper where Peter Parker works for J. Jonah Jameson.
While the actual interior of the Daily Bugle was filmed elsewhere, the Flatiron Building helped establish the newspaper's New York setting.
The building is currently best viewed from the surrounding streets and Madison Square Park area.
For more information about this famous landmark, see our guide to the Flatiron Building.
12. Union Square
Union Square appears in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Fans will recognize the park as one of the places where Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy spend time together.
Union Square is also a worthwhile stop for visitors who aren't following the movie tour. The neighborhood is home to restaurants, shops, the Union Square Greenmarket, and the popular holiday market during the winter season.
You can learn more about the neighborhood with our self-guided Union Square and Gramercy Park tour.
If you're visiting around the holidays, see our guide to the Union Square Holiday Market.
13. Joe’s Pizza
It wouldn't be a Spider-Man tour without a pizza stop.
Fans of Spider-Man 2 will recognize Joe's Pizza as the place where Peter Parker works as a pizza delivery person.
The restaurant is still a popular destination for visitors looking for a classic New York slice, and Spider-Man fans can see photographs connected to the movie inside.
This is a particularly good stop to make around lunchtime. After visiting so many locations, you'll probably be ready for a slice yourself.
14. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Head farther south into Chinatown for another Spider-Man filming location.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor was used in Spider-Man 2 for the scene where Peter Parker has a meal with Gwen Stacy's family.
Located on historic Doyers Street, Nom Wah is also one of New York's oldest Chinese restaurants and is a destination in its own right.
If you're hungry while exploring Chinatown, you can also check out our Chinatown food tour.
Fun fact: Doyers Street has also been used as a filming location for music videos and other productions.
15. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge has played a role in countless movies, including several superhero productions.
In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker uses his webbing to create a romantic message for Gwen Stacy on the bridge.
The bridge is also associated with another superhero movie: The Dark Knight Rises used visual effects to portray the destruction of bridges in New York. Of course, the real Brooklyn Bridge is still standing.
If you'd like to explore the bridge with a guide, you can join our Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Walking Tour. It's a great way to learn more about the bridge while exploring the neighborhoods on the Brooklyn side.
You can also walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on your own as part of this self-guided Spider-Man tour.
16. Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park
Once you've crossed into Brooklyn, head toward DUMBO and Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park.
This waterfront location appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, when Peter Parker and Harry Osborn spend time together skipping stones.
The movie connection is only part of the reason to visit. The park has some of the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.
It's also an excellent place to take photographs of the bridge and skyline.
17. Power Plant at John Street & Pearl Street
This location in Lower Manhattan was used for the climactic battle between Spider-Man and Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
The building may not look particularly familiar when you're standing outside it today, but fans of the movie will recognize the setting from the final battle sequence.
If you're trying to save time, you can also get a view of the building from the Brooklyn Bridge area rather than making the full detour.
18. National Museum of the American Indian
Continue south toward Battery Park and you'll reach the National Museum of the American Indian.
The building was used for exterior shots in The Amazing Spider-Man, including a scene in which Spider-Man stops criminals outside.
This isn't one of the most recognizable Spider-Man locations on the route, but it's convenient because it's close to the final stops.
The museum itself is also free to visit, making it an easy addition to your Lower Manhattan itinerary.
See our guide to the National Museum of the American Indian before you go.
19. Staten Island Ferry
Our final stop is the Staten Island Ferry.
Fans of Spider-Man: Homecoming will remember the ferry during the sequence in which Spider-Man desperately tries to keep the vessel from breaking apart.
You don't have to board the ferry to see the location from Manhattan, but we highly recommend doing so if you have time.
The Staten Island Ferry is free, and the ride provides excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
See our guide to the Staten Island Ferry for information about riding it.
It's also one of the easiest ways to get great views of the Statue of Liberty for free.
Planning Your Spider-Man Filming Locations Tour
Because these locations cover a large portion of New York City, you shouldn't expect to complete all 20 stops on foot in a single day.
The easiest approach is to divide the tour into sections:
Upper Manhattan and Midtown: Low Memorial Library, Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Tudor City, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central, the New York Public Library, Times Square, and the Empire State Building.
Flatiron and Downtown Manhattan: Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building, Union Square, Joe's Pizza, and Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan: Brooklyn Bridge, Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, the John and Pearl Street location, the National Museum of the American Indian, Battery Park, and the Staten Island Ferry.
You can use the subway between neighborhoods and walk between locations that are close together.
And remember: you don't have to visit every stop. If you're primarily interested in the most recognizable Spider-Man locations, choose the ones that fit naturally into the rest of your New York itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Spider-Man and New York City are inseparable, which is part of what makes exploring these filming locations so much fun.
From Columbia University and Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge and Staten Island Ferry, this route takes you through some of the city's most recognizable landmarks while showing you the places where Spider-Man's movie adventures were brought to life.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the original Tobey Maguire films, grew up with Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man, follow Tom Holland's MCU movies, or discovered the character through Into the Spider-Verse, you'll find plenty of familiar places to explore.
And who knows? While you're walking around New York, you might even spot a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
