Manhattan Haunts: A Ghostbusters Fan’s Guide to New York City

This year marks the 34th anniversary of supernatural comedy classic Ghostbusters (1984) and the phenomenal franchise it spawned. To celebrate, embark on a self-made movie tour in New York City by visiting seven locations that served iconic scenes in the film and its 1989 sequel, as well as the 2016 reboot-inspired attraction in Times Square.

1. Columbia University

An early scene from the original film sees Bill Murray’s Dr. Venkman conduct paranormal experiments on two college students at Columbia University. This scene was actually filmed inside the real university, while others were filmed outside on campus.

Sadly, you can’t study here to become a real paranormal investigator and Ghostbuster like in the films, but with minimal scenes shot in the building itself, there’s no real need to go inside. Just make sure you take pictures of the building’s grand exterior.

Where: 116th Street & Broadway

2. Columbus Circle

If you're not particularly familiar with this area, then try recalling the arrival of a certain 112-and-a-half foot marshmallow-made sailor. Yes, Columbus Circle served as the first film’s most memorable scene, when the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man appears to wreak havoc. 

Located at the southwest entrance to Central Park, it would be wise to treat this busy traffic intersection as though there really is a giant stomping around. In other words, be mindful of heavy traffic when crossing and stopping to take pictures.

Where: Eighth Avenue, Broadway, Central Park South (West 59^th Street) & Central Park West intersection

3. 55 Central Park West

Now dubbed “Spook Central” by the fan community, this apartment building is where Sigourney Weaver’s character, Dana Barrett, resides in the first film. That is until Gozer sees to its destruction, along with neighbouring building, the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. 

From Columbus Circle follow Stay Puft’s footsteps and head north along the west side of Central Park (or through as there’s actually a Ghostbusters logo on the park map). As it’s a real apartment building, though, public entry is of course prohibited, but the only pictures you need of both buildings can be taken from across the street.

Where: 55 Central Park West, Upper West Side, between 65^th and 66^th Street

4. New York Public Library

This is the same library where Venkman (Bill Murray), Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Spengler (the late Harold Ramis) discover their first ghost in the form of a monstrous librarian, before they officially become Ghostbusters.

There may be no actual statues of Terror Dogs on the rooftop of 55 Central Park West like in the film, but the library does have two lion statues out front, so it’s pretty hard to miss. Luckily, though, it’s unlikely real ones will come breaking out of them, so you’re safe to proceed. But once you’re inside, remember – shhh...

Where: Fifth Avenue at 140^th Street

5. Hook & Ladder Firehouse

This firehouse is the most iconic Ghostbusters location. Not only did its exterior serve as the headquarters in both films, it has even been identically-represented in all other forms of media within the franchise, from graphic novels and cartoons to toys and video games.

This real and active station also proudly boasts an appropriately-customised Ghostbusters logo on its driveway. And if its inhabitants are feeling particularly friendly, they may just let you inside to take pictures. However, this is not a film set, so watch out for fire engines and be respectful of the station’s need to operate at all times.

Where: 14 North Moore Street, Tribeca

6. National Museum of the American Indian

In Ghostbusters II, this museum is known as the Manhattan Museum of Art. It plays a pivotal role, too, as it's where Dana Barrett is reluctantly working in the company of the possessed painting of the evil Vigo the Carpathian.

There’s no real need to purchase admission tickets, though, as you’ll find nothing from the 1989 film inside. But should you decide to go in, you can at least be grateful that there’s no actual portrait of Vigo the Carpathian. After all, he was certainly no oil painting.

Where: 1 Bowling Green (located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island near Battery Park and Staten Island Ferry port)

7. Statue of Liberty

If it’s your first time in the city, you’ll no doubt make a visit to this site anyway, but to say it isn’t also an iconic Ghostbusters spot would be untrue. In the sequel, the Ghostbusters use “positively-charged slime” to bring the statue to life in order to defeat Vigo the Carpathian.

There are many ways to enjoy this colossal statue too, from helicopter rides to visiting the island by ferry and standing at her feet. However you choose to do so, marvelling at her from the sky, the water, or from Liberty Island, is just as awe-inspiring as seeing her "saving the day" on the screen.

Where: Liberty Island, New York Harbour

8. Madame Tussauds

In the 2016 reboot, the new Ghostbusters (Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig) investigate a slime-soaked New York Subway and the haunted Aldridge Mansion, before setting up their headquarters above a Chinese restaurant. This attraction will see you visit all of these locations and even meet the new Ghostbusters themselves – in wax-form, of course.

At the end of the tour, you’ll strap on your own proton pack ready for the immersive virtual reality experience Ghostbusters Dimensions. During this hyper-reality walk-through you’ll battle ghosts and you’ll even smell real marshmallow as you and your team cross the streams to defeat Stay Puft. There’s simply no better way to end your citywide Ghostbusters tour.

Where: Madame Tussauds, 234 West 42^nd Street (Times Square)