New York Locations Made famous by Superheroes

When it comes to Superheroes, NYC often serves as the backdrop for their homes, birthplaces, or spots for notable comic strip and movie script landmarks. If you and the kids want to feel like you’re part of the action and adventure, take a peek at this Super Hero locations list and see if you can pay a visit to one or more the next time you’re nearby!

Grand Central Terminal
42nd St. between Lexington and Park Avenue, Manhattan

Grand Central terminal has served as the backdrop for a number of superhero films including X Men with Halle Berry where there is a fight scene in the Great Hall, The Avengers, where the full cast participates in the films grand battle scene, and the first Superman movie where Lex Luthor tricks a villain into falling into a trap under the train lines. Your trip won’t be quite as dangerous! Check out the many shops and tasty food spots in the terminal concourse. See the thousands of travelers who go in and out of the terminal each day. The grand façade is breathtaking.

Overlook Bar
255 E. 44th St., Manhattan

Years ago, there was a conference held by The National Cartoonist’s Society and NY Daily News’ cartoonist, Bill Gallo was pals with the owner of the Overlook Bar. Cartoonists were invited to paint murals on the walls of the bar – the same ones who created characters including Spider Man, Beetle Bailey, Captain Caveman, and more! Come by the bar (kids can come too, because food is also served) and see the grand murals created in the late ‘70s by these artists. The food is classic American style and there’s even an open-air rooftop deck!

Roosevelt Island Tramway
60th Street and 1st Avenue

The tram is featured in Spiderman with Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in the most treacherous way! This was the spot where the evil Green Goblin held people hostage and tossed Dunst’s character, Mary Jane into the waters below. Of course, you and the family can have a far better experience on the tram which commutes passengers above the East River connecting Roosevelt Island to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The kids will love the unique transport method and looking down on the magical city and water below.

Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
72nd Street at the center of the park

If you’ve seen The Avengers then you may have noticed the scene when NYC’s breathtaking Central Park was part of the action. Thor and Loki leave with the Tesseract and make their return to Asgard in a scene filmed atop the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. This area was seen in Spider Man 3, as well, near the Bow Bridge. The big break up between Peter Parker and Mary Jane took place at this location. You and the family will love Central Park not only for these attractions, but for the many ball fields, foliage, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Make a day of it!

Chrysler Building
42nd Street and Lexington Avenue

The Chrysler Building is featured in The Avengers when Thor uses the Spire to help bring down a huge lightning bolt! Although your visit may not be as theatrical, the kids will be in awe of the iconic building on the East Side of Manhattan. The Art Deco-style skyscraper building is one of the tallest in the world! The lobby boasts gorgeous murals and contains the world’s first digital clock. It’s an iconic NYC attraction that should not be missed.

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Tudor City
First Avenue between 40th and 41st Streets

Remember Spiderman 1, 2, and 3 where the Osborn’s apartments were featured? While the actual filming between actors Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst were filmed in Los Angeles, the outside façade of the building was used for the NYC East Side vibe near Kips Bay. Take some pics in front of the buildings to feel like you are part of the action!

Hell’s Kitchen
39th Street and Ninth Avenue to 50th Street and Tenth Avenue

Hell’s Kitchen plays a big part of the Daredevil film. While a couple of decades ago, this section was known for grit and crime, today it’s filled with fun shops and restaurants the whole family can enjoy. Heck, you may even see the Daredevil, Ben Affleck, himself roaming the city streets!

United Nations
42nd Street to 48th Street and First Avenue

Marvel Comics makes the UN part of the story line time and time again. In Batman, the characters including The Joker and Penguin plan a plot to kidnap there. Plus, in Superman IV, a fight with Lex Luthor takes place at the UN where Superman bids to get rid of nuclear weapons. Tours of the United Nations Building are available Monday – Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.