8 Romance Movies Filmed in NYC

There’s something undeniably romantic about New York City. From meaningful made popular in iconic landmarks, NYC has served as the ultimate backdrop for countless love stories on screen. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply love a great rom-com, here are 8 unforgettable romance movies filmed in NYC, along with the real-life locations where the magic happened for you to recreate your own love story.

1. Enchanted (2007)

Enchanted follows Giselle, a classic animated fairytale princess from Andalasia, who is banished to a live-action version of New York City by an evil queen, only to find help from a divorce lawyer Robert and his daughter, learning about real-world love and magic as her prince, Edward, and the queen follow her to the concrete jungle for a magical clash of fantasy and reality. This fairytale-meets-reality romance comes to life in Central Park, with the iconic Bethesda Terrace serving as the stage for the movie's musical moments. It’s whimsical, joyful, and unmistakably a classic New York movie.

Filming Location: Bethesda Terrace & Central Park

2. Little Manhattan (2005)

Little Manhattan is about a 10-year-old Gabe, who experiences his first love with his classmate Rosemary in New York City. As they spend time together in karate class and exploring Manhattan, Gabe navigates new, confusing emotions amidst the backdrop of his parents divorce. This film is a sweet coming-of-age love story set against playgrounds, streets in the Upper West Side, and strolls through Central Park, capturing the innocence of first love in the city that never stops moving.

Filming Location: Central Park & Upper West Side

3. Maid in Manhattan (2002)

Luxury, fate, and romance are three words to describe this modern Cinderella story. Maid in Manhattan is filmed in and around the legendary Waldorf Astoria and nearby Upper East Side streets. The script follows a hardworking single mom and maid at a luxury NYC hotel, whose life changes when a wealthy politician mistakes her for a guest while she's trying on a guest's fancy clothes. Pretending to be rich, Marisa shares a magical night with Chris (the politician), but her true identity as a maid is revealed, causing class-based conflict and media frenzy in this classic NYC movie.

Filming Location: Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Upper East Side

4. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)

This overnight love story captures the indie, late-night aesthetic of NYC, with scenes shot at venues and streets throughout the Lower East Side and East Village. Nick and Norah connect over a shared obsession with a band, leading them on a crazy all-nighter across New York City after Norah pretends Nick is her boyfriend to escape an ex.

Filming Location: Lower East Side, East Village, & Upper West Side

5. Serendipity (2001)

Few romance films capture fate quite like Serendipity. From holiday shopping at Bloomingdale’s to skating under the city lights at Wollman Rink, it’s pure NYC romance. Jonathan and Sara who, after a Christmas-time meeting in NYC, part ways, trusting fate to reunite them years later, despite being with other people; Sara leaves her number in a book and on a $5 bill, while Jonathan believes destiny will guide them back. Both, now engaged, desperately search for each other, leading to a happy reunion amidst their planned weddings, proving that happy accidents can bring true love.

Filming Location: Serendipity 3, Bloomingdale’s & Wollman Rink, Central Park

6. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

A classic romantic comedy that follows Harry Burns and Sally Albright over the course of twelve years as they repeatedly cross paths in New York City. What begins as a skeptical friendship, rooted in Harry’s belief that men and women can’t be “just friends”, evolves through life’s ups and downs, breakups, and personal growth. With sharp dialogue and iconic moments, the film explores love, timing, and the realization that sometimes the person you’re meant to be with has been there all along. An all-time classic, featuring unforgettable scenes at Katz’s Delicatessen and autumn walks through Central Park.

Filming Location: Katz’s Delicatessen & Central Park

7. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

This romantic comedy about two New Yorkers, Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox, who unknowingly fall for each other through anonymous online emails, while being real-life business rivals. As their digital connection deepens, tensions rise offline when Joe’s big bookstore threatens Kathleen’s charming neighborhood shop. This love letter to New York features famous neighborhood bookstores, brownstone-lined streets, and peaceful moments in Riverside Park that perfectly frame a modern romance.

Filming Location: Upper West Side & Riverside Park

8. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

13 Going on 30 is a romantic fantasy comedy about Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who wishes she could skip the awkwardness of adolescence and be “30, flirty, and thriving.” When her wish magically comes true, Jenna wakes up as a successful magazine editor in New York City, but quickly realizes she’s lost touch with what truly matters. As she navigates adulthood with a childlike heart, the film explores friendship, love, and the importance of staying true to yourself. From Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park, this film blends nostalgia, romance, and the glamour of Manhattan.

Filming Location: Fifth Avenue & Madison Square Park

New York City has a way of making every moment feel cinematic, whether you’re retracing the steps of your favorite romance film or creating memories of your own. At the Moderne Hotel, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, you’re perfectly positioned to explore these iconic filming locations, and maybe even spark a little movie magic yourself. After all, in NYC, every love story deserves a beautiful setting.