Ready To Go

Table of Contents

1. Interactive Map of All Locations
2. The 12 Main Locations
   • The Plaza Hotel ⭐
   • FAO Schwarz / Duncan’s Toy Chest
   • Bow Bridge, Central Park ⭐
   • Bethesda Fountain & Terrace
   • Grand Central Terminal
   • Rockefeller Center
   • Other 6 Locations
3. Suggested Itinerary: Half Day
4. Scenes vs. Reality
5. Practical Tips
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Scenes: Kevin checks in, talks to concierge, uses room service, iconic “Credit card? You got it!”

In the Movie

The Plaza Hotel is where Kevin stays using his dad’s credit card. Iconic scenes include:

• Kevin arriving in a limousine
• Check-in with the suspicious receptionist
• Conversation with concierge about fears
• Kevin ordering vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips and strawberries
• The luxury suite where he jumps on the beds

How It Is Today (2026)

The Plaza remains a 5-star operating hotel. Here’s what you can do:

🏨 If staying ($800-3,000/night):

• Full access to the historic hotel
• Suites maintain the classic style
• Luxury service (similar to the movie)
• Book at Booking.com or Plaza Hotel direct

☕ If just visiting (FREE):

• Lobby: Completely free entry, you can take photos
• Check-in desk: Exactly where you see it in the movie (left side when entering)
• The Palm Court: The salon where you can have afternoon tea ($85-125 USD/person)
• Champagne Bar: Drinks and cocktails ($20-40)
• Restrooms: The lobby bathrooms are incredibly elegant (practical tip)

If you want afternoon tea:

• 📅 Reserve 2-3 weeks in advance
• 💵 Price: $85-125 USD per person
• ⏰ Times: 12pm, 2:30pm, 5pm
• 📞 Reservations at The Palm Court

How to Get There

• From Times Square: Subway line N, R, W → 5 Av/59 St (8 minutes)
• From Penn Station: Subway line N, R, W → 5 Av/59 St (10 minutes)
• Walking from Central Park: 5 minutes from any south entrance

Scenes: The magical toy store, Kevin buys ceramic pigeons, epic fight with Marv and Harry among toys

In the Movie

“Duncan’s Toy Chest” is the fictional name used in the movie, but the REAL store was FAO Schwarz, New York’s most famous toy store.

The scenes include:

• Kevin entering the magical store with Mr. Duncan (the kind owner)
• Kevin buying two ceramic pigeons
• Mr. Duncan explaining that profits go to charity
• The epic fight where Kevin makes Marv and Harry hit themselves with toys

History: What Happened to the Original Store?

The original building (767 5th Ave) is now a Lululemon store (sportswear). You can stop by and take a photo of the exterior, but the interior is no longer a toy store.

How the New FAO Schwarz Is (2026)

The store at Rockefeller Center is:

• ✅ Smaller than the original (3 floors vs. 5 floors)
• ✅ Maintains the magic with similar decoration
• ✅ Has the big floor piano (like in the movie “Big” with Tom Hanks)
• ✅ High-end toys and exclusives
• ✅ Custom stuffed animals area

Prices: Very high (more for looking than buying)

• Stuffed animals: $40-200 USD
• Collectible toys: $100-500 USD
• Big piano: Free to try (with waiting line)

How to Get There

• From Times Square: Walk 5 minutes (or subway line B, D, F, M → 47-50 Sts)
• From Plaza Hotel: Walk 15 minutes down Fifth Avenue
• From Grand Central: Subway line 7 → 5 Av (2 stops)

Scenes: Kevin feeds pigeons, meets the Pigeon Lady, conversation about fears and loneliness

In the Movie

This is the most emotional and memorable scene of Home Alone 2:

• Kevin goes to Central Park to feed the pigeons
• Meets the Pigeon Lady
• They share fears: Kevin about the basement, her about people
• Kevin gives her one of the two ceramic pigeons
• Beautiful John Williams music in the background

How It Is Today (2026)

• Same elegant cast iron bridge
• Same view of the lake and Manhattan behind
• One of the most photographed places in Central Park
• There are still pigeons (though feeding them is technically not allowed now)
• Very popular for marriage proposals and wedding photos

Changes:

• ❌ No longer an official “Pigeon Lady”
• ⚠️ Feeding pigeons is discouraged (public health issues)
• ✅ But it’s safe and beautiful to visit

How to Get There

Option 1 – West Entrance (EASIEST):

1. Subway to 72 St (lines B, C)
2. Enter Central Park at Central Park West and 72nd Street
3. Walk east (right) toward the lake
4. You’ll see Bow Bridge crossing the lake
5. Time: ~10 minutes walking from entrance

Option 2 – From Plaza Hotel:

1. Enter Central Park at the 59th Street entrance
2. Walk north on any path
3. You’ll reach the lake in ~15 minutes
4. Bow Bridge is in the center of the lake

What to Do There

• 📸 Take photos from the bridge looking at the lake
• 📸 Take photos FROM Cherry Hill looking AT the bridge (better angle)
• 🦆 Watch ducks in the lake
• 🎬 Recreate the movie scene (many people do)
• 💍 If going as a couple, it’s super romantic

Scenes: Pigeon Lady sings “Somewhere in My Memory” in the tunnel, Christmas concert scene

In the Movie

Bethesda Fountain and its famous tiled tunnel appear in several scenes:

1. The Tunnel (Bethesda Arcade):

• The Pigeon Lady sings here with a beautiful voice
• The tunnel’s acoustics are incredible (that’s why they chose to film there)
• Kevin listens and gets emotional

2. The Fountain:

• Outdoor Christmas concert scene
• Panoramic view of the lake and park
• Christmas atmosphere with decorations

How It Is Today (2026)

The Bethesda Arcade Tunnel:

• Ceramic tiles on the ceiling with floral designs (artwork from 1863)
• Incredible natural acoustics
• Street musicians frequently play there (involuntary tribute to the movie)
• You can sing or talk and your voice resonates beautifully

The Fountain:

• Angel of the Waters in the center (iconic statue)
• Surrounded by stone stairs
• View of the lake (same angle as the movie)
• Popular meeting point for New Yorkers

Scenes: Kevin escapes from Marv and Harry, epic chase among passengers

In the Movie

Grand Central Terminal is the setting for one of the most chaotic chases:

• Kevin runs through the crowd
• Marv and Harry trip over passengers
• Kevin throws a backpack at them
• Scenes of the iconic central clock
• Kevin finally escapes by boarding a train

What to Do at Grand Central

1. Admire the Architecture (15 min – Free)

• The ceiling with painted constellations is impressive
• Giant windows with natural light
• Historic chandeliers

2. The Central Clock (5 min – Must photo)

• Four-faced clock made of opal
• Classic New York meeting point
• Appears in dozens of movies

3. Whispering Gallery (5 min – Don’t miss)

• Gallery on lower level near Oyster Bar
• Special arches where acoustics allow hearing someone 30 feet away
• How it works: One person stands in one corner of the arch, another in the diagonal opposite corner. Speak softly toward the wall and the other person hears you perfectly
• Free and super fun

Scenes: Kevin admires the giant Christmas tree, shots of decorated Rockefeller Plaza

In the Movie

Rockefeller Center appears briefly but iconically:

• Kevin sees the giant illuminated Christmas tree
• Romantic Christmas scene with decorations
• Ice rink with the golden Prometheus statue

Christmas Tree

• Season: Mid-November – early January
• Height: ~75-80 feet (23-24 meters)
• Lights: ~50,000 multicolor LEDs
• Star: Swarovski crystal over 900 pounds

Other Attractions

Ice Rink: October-April, $20-40 + $13 skate rental

Top of the Rock: Observatory $40-45, 360° Manhattan view

Prometheus Statue: Classic NYC photo, free

Other 6 Locations (Secondary)

The following locations also appear in the movie but are less important. If you have limited time, focus on the 6 main ones above.

• 7. Wollman Rink, Central Park: Ice skating rink (Oct-Mar), panoramic shots
• 8. Carnegie Hall: Kevin walks in front of the building (brief scene)
• 9. Radio City Music Hall: Theater exterior with illuminated marquee
• 10. The Pond, Central Park: Pond with skyline view
• 11. Original FAO Schwarz Location: 767 5th Ave – closed, now Lululemon
• 12. Empire State Building: NOT in the movie, but iconic NYC

Total: ~4.5 hours
Distance: ~2.5 miles walking
Cost: $0 (everything free except optional food)

🎄 Christmas (Nov-Dec) – THE FULL EXPERIENCE

• ✅ Pros: Magical atmosphere, Rockefeller tree, decorations
• ❌ Cons: VERY crowded, expensive, cold, long lines
• Recommendation: If you want to live the movie, this is your time

❄️ Winter (Jan-Feb) – BEST OPTION

• ✅ Pros: Possibility of snow, fewer tourists, lower prices
• ❌ Cons: Cold (32-41°F), no Rockefeller tree
• Recommendation: My favorite. Authentic NYC winter without chaos

1. Where was Home Alone 2 filmed?

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was filmed entirely in New York between December 1991 and February 1992. Main locations include:

• Central Park (Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain)
• The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Avenue)
• FAO Schwarz toy store (767 5th Avenue, now closed)
• Grand Central Terminal
• Rockefeller Center

All exterior scenes and most interiors are REAL locations in Manhattan.

2. What is the name of the hotel in Home Alone 2?

The hotel where Kevin stays is The Plaza Hotel, located at 768 Fifth Avenue (corner of Central Park South), Manhattan.

Can you visit it today? ✅ YES – The Plaza remains a luxury operating hotel.

Visiting options:

• Lobby: Free entry (complimentary)
• Afternoon Tea: $85-125/person at The Palm Court
• Rooms: From $800/night

Best time: 10am-12pm weekdays (less crowded)

3. Where is the toy store from Home Alone 2?

In the movie: “Duncan’s Toy Chest” (fictional name)
The REAL store: FAO Schwarz

⚠️ LOCATION CHANGED:

• ORIGINAL Location (1992-2015): 767 Fifth Avenue → ❌ CLOSED (now Lululemon)
• CURRENT Location (2018-today): 30 Rockefeller Plaza → ✅ OPEN

Hours: 10am-8pm daily | Admission: Free

The new store maintains the magic with the big floor piano and exclusive toys.

4. What bridge is in Home Alone 2 in Central Park?

The iconic bridge where Kevin feeds pigeons is the Bow Bridge.

Location: Central Park, between Cherry Hill and The Ramble

How to get there:

1. Subway to 72 St (lines B, C)
2. Enter Central Park at 72nd Street (west)
3. Walk 10 minutes toward the lake
4. The bridge crosses the lake – unmistakable

Status: ✅ Exactly the same as in 1992 (built in 1862)

5. Can you visit the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2?

✅ YES, ABSOLUTELY. The Plaza Hotel is open to the public.

Options without staying:

• Lobby (FREE): Enter freely, take photos
• Afternoon Tea ($85-125): At The Palm Court
• Champagne Bar ($20-40): Cocktails and drinks
• Restaurants: Todd English Food Hall

Best time: 10am-12pm weekdays (less crowded, accessible lobby)

What you’ll see: The same elegant lobby from the movie, the check-in desk where Kevin registers.

6. How much does it cost to visit all Home Alone 2 locations?

FREE (Budget option):

• All main locations are free
• Only pay transport: $2.90 per subway ride
• Total: $12-18 (4-6 rides)

WITH OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• Afternoon tea at Plaza: +$85-125
• Top of the Rock: +$40-45
• Wollman Rink skating: +$30-40
• Meals: $15-40 per meal

Conclusion: You can do the complete tour for less than $20 if you just want to see locations and take photos.

7. Who is the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2?

The “Pigeon Lady” is a character played by actress Brenda Fricker.

In the movie:

• She’s a homeless woman living in Central Park
• Feeds pigeons and is kind but lonely
• Kevin meets her at Bow Bridge
• She saves him from Marv and Harry at the end

Filming locations:

• Bow Bridge (where Kevin meets her)
• Bethesda Terrace (tunnel where she sings)

Does she exist in real life? ❌ No, she’s a fictional character.

8. In what order should I visit the locations?

Recommended itinerary (half day – 4 hours):

1. Plaza Hotel (30 min) – Start here
2. FAO Schwarz (45 min) – Rockefeller Center, 10 min walk
3. Rockefeller Center (30 min) – Same complex
4. Central Park – Bow Bridge (30 min) – THE iconic scene
5. Central Park – Bethesda Fountain (30 min) – 5 min from Bow Bridge
6. Grand Central Terminal (45 min) – Closes the tour

Total distance: ~2.5 miles walking
Best time: Start at 9am
Cost: Free (except optional food)

9. Was Home Alone 2 actually filmed in New York?

Yes, completely. Unlike many movies that use filming sets, Home Alone 2 was filmed at real New York locations.

Director Chris Columbus insisted on using authentic places to capture the magic of the city.

100% real locations:

• Plaza Hotel (exterior and interior)
• Central Park (all bridges and fountains)
• Grand Central Terminal
• Rockefeller Center
• FAO Schwarz (exteriors)

Partially on set: Some Plaza Hotel interiors were filmed in studios for logistics.

10. When was Home Alone 2 filmed?

The movie was filmed between December 1991 and February 1992, during the real New York winter.

This was intentional to capture the authentic Christmas atmosphere. Many nighttime snow scenes were filmed taking advantage of real snowfalls during January 1992.

Release: November 1992

11. Are there guided tours of Home Alone 2 in New York?

Available organized tours:

• On Location Tours: General movie tours ($50-65 USD)
• NYC Movie Tours: Themed tours by movie ($60-80 USD)

DIY tour with this guide: Free! Only pay transport ($12-18)

Recommendation: Doing the tour yourself gives you more flexibility and saves $50-80. This guide has all the information you need.

12. Which movie has the most visitable locations in NYC?

Home Alone 2 has the most accessible and grouped locations of any movie filmed in New York.

Why it’s perfect for a tour:

• All in Manhattan (no need to go to other boroughs)
• Most are free to visit
• They’re relatively close to each other
• All still exist and are accessible in 2026
• Perfect to visit in half a day

Other movies with many locations: Spider-Man, Ghostbusters, When Harry Met Sally – but more spread out.