Remember Kevin McCallister lost in New York, staying at the Plaza Hotel and feeding pigeons in Central Park? Home Alone 2: Lost in New York turned several iconic Manhattan locations into unforgettable movie scenes from the most beloved Christmas film.
The good news: all the locations are real and you can visit them today.
After visiting New York more than 15 times and exploring each of these locations personally, I’ve created this complete guide with:
- ✅ 12 exact locations where the movie was filmed
- ✅ Interactive map with all points marked
- ✅ Precise directions and how to get there by subway
- ✅ Updated 2026 information (prices, hours, changes)
- ✅ Suggested itinerary to visit them in half a day
- ✅ Comparison movie scenes vs. reality today
- ✅ Answers to the 12 most frequently asked questions
Ready to relive the movie? Let’s begin.
📽️ Love movies filmed in New York?
This is our detailed guide to Home Alone 2. If you want to explore filming locations from other famous movies like King Kong, Ghostbusters, Spider-Man and more, visit our complete guide to 20+ movies filmed in New York.
Table of Contents
Interactive Map of All Locations
The 12 Home Alone 2 Filming Locations
⭐ 1. The Plaza Hotel (Main Location)
Scenes: Kevin checks in, talks to concierge, uses room service, iconic “Credit card? You got it!”
📍 Address: 768 Fifth Avenue (corner Central Park South)
🚇 Subway: 5 Av/59 St (lines N, R, W)
💰 Admission: Lobby FREE / Rooms from $800/night
⏰ Hours: 24/7 (lobby), restaurants 8am-11pm
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
💡 Fun fact: The suite where Kevin stays was the “Penthouse Suite” which in 1992 cost $3,500/night. Today it costs over $30,000/night.
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)
Tips for Your Visit
✅ Best time: 10am-12pm (fewer guests, you can take photos calmly)
✅ Dress code: Casual is fine, but avoid very sporty clothing
✅ Photos: Allowed in the lobby, but be discreet
✅ Suggested time: 20-30 minutes
❌ Don’t: Try to go up to rooms without being a guest
❌ Don’t ask for: “Kevin’s room” (doesn’t officially exist)
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
2. FAO Schwarz / Duncan’s Toy Chest
Scenes: The magical toy store, Kevin buys ceramic pigeons, epic fight with Marv and Harry among toys
⚠️ IMPORTANT – LOCATION CHANGED
ORIGINAL Location (1992-2015): 767 Fifth Avenue → ❌ CLOSED
CURRENT Location (2018-present): 30 Rockefeller Plaza → ✅ OPEN
📍 Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
🚇 Subway: 47-50 Sts Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M)
💰 Admission: Free
⏰ Hours: 10am-8pm (daily)
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
💡 Fun fact: The store interior you see in the movie was partially recreated in studios, but the exterior scenes and some interior shots were actually filmed at the real FAO Schwarz on Fifth Avenue.
History: What Happened to the Original Store?
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1992 | FAO Schwarz at 767 Fifth Avenue (where it was filmed) |
| 2015 | Closes due to extremely high rent costs 😢 |
| 2015-2018 | FAO Schwarz disappears from New York |
| 2018 | Reopens at new location in Rockefeller Center! 🎉 |
| 2026 | Operating successfully |
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)
Tips for Your Visit
✅ Visit early (10-11am) to avoid crowds of children
✅ Try the big piano – iconic NYC attraction
✅ Take photos – allowed and welcome
✅ Combine with Rockefeller Center – they’re literally connected
Suggested time: 30-45 minutes
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)
⭐ 3. Bow Bridge, Central Park (Iconic Scene)
Scenes: Kevin feeds pigeons, meets the Pigeon Lady, conversation about fears and loneliness
📍 Location: Central Park, between Cherry Hill and The Ramble
🚇 Subway: 72 St (B, C) – then 10 min walking
💰 Admission: Free (Central Park is free)
⏰ Hours: Open 24/7 (better during day)
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
Why it’s iconic: This scene shows Kevin’s tender side and the movie’s message about not judging by appearances.
How It Is Today (2026)
Bow Bridge is EXACTLY the same as in 1992! ✅
- 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):
- Subway to 72 St (lines B, C)
- Enter Central Park at Central Park West and 72nd Street
- Walk east (right) toward the lake
- You’ll see Bow Bridge crossing the lake
- Time: ~10 minutes walking from entrance
Option 2 – From Plaza Hotel:
- Enter Central Park at the 59th Street entrance
- Walk north on any path
- You’ll reach the lake in ~15 minutes
- Bow Bridge is in the center of the lake
Tips for Your Visit
Best time:
- Sunrise (6:30-7:30am): Practically alone, spectacular light
- Mid-morning (9-11am): Fewer people than midday
- Sunset: Beautiful but more crowded
Avoid: 11am-4pm (full of tourists and wedding photographers)
Winter with snow: If you visit NYC in winter with snow, Bow Bridge is MAGICAL – just like in the movie.
Suggested time: 20-30 minutes
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
Pigeons: You’ll see pigeons, but please don’t feed them (there can be a $50 fine).
4. Bethesda Fountain & Terrace, Central Park
Scenes: Pigeon Lady sings “Somewhere in My Memory” in the tunnel, Christmas concert scene
📍 Location: Central Park, mid-park at 72nd Street height
🚇 Subway: 72 St (B, C)
💰 Admission: Free
⏰ Hours: 24/7
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)
Exactly the same! Bethesda Fountain is one of Central Park’s most beautiful and best-preserved monuments.
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
Tips for Your Visit
Explore the tunnel:
- Stand in the center of the tunnel
- Talk or sing – the acoustics are incredible
- Look at the ceiling: the tiles are beautiful
- Musicians often play here (leave a tip if you enjoy)
Combine with Bow Bridge: These two locations are 5 minutes walking apart. Plan to visit them together.
Best time: Early morning (8-10am) before tourist groups arrive.
Suggested time: 20-30 minutes
5. Grand Central Terminal
Scenes: Kevin escapes from Marv and Harry, epic chase among passengers
📍 Address: 89 E 42nd Street
🚇 Subway: Grand Central-42 St (4, 5, 6, 7, S)
💰 Admission: Free (public station)
⏰ Hours: 24/7
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
Tips for Your Visit
✅ Best time: 10am-12pm or after 7pm (less commuter traffic)
✅ Avoid rush hour: 7-9am and 5-7pm (impossible to walk)
✅ Don’t miss: Constellation ceiling, central clock, Whispering Gallery
Suggested time: 30-45 minutes
Can you enter free? YES! It’s a public station.
6. Rockefeller Center & Christmas Tree
Scenes: Kevin admires the giant Christmas tree, shots of decorated Rockefeller Plaza
📍 Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza
🚇 Subway: 47-50 Sts Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M)
💰 Admission: Free (outdoor) / Top of the Rock $45
⏰ Hours: 24/7 (outdoor area)
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
Worth visiting?
- ✅ YES if going at Christmas (Nov-Dec) – it’s magical
- ❌ Off-season – no tree (but the place is still nice)
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
Tips for Christmas
Expect HUGE crowds in Nov-Dec
- Visit on weekdays (fewer people)
- Arrive early (8-10am) or late (after 10pm)
- Tree looks best at NIGHT (lights on)
Suggested time: 20-30 minutes (outdoor)
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
Suggested Itinerary: Half Day (4-5 hours)
Perfect for: Fans who want to see the essentials without dedicating the whole day.
| Time | Location | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am | Plaza Hotel | 30 min | Lobby, photos, Palm Court |
| 9:45am | Walk to Rockefeller | 10 min | Down Fifth Avenue |
| 10:00am | FAO Schwarz + Rockefeller | 1 hour | Store, big piano |
| 11:15am | Walk to Central Park | 5 min | 59th Street entrance |
| 11:20am | The Pond | 15 min | Quick view |
| 11:40am | Bow Bridge ⭐ | 30 min | Iconic scene, photos |
| 12:15pm | Bethesda Fountain | 30 min | Tunnel, fountain, terrace |
| 12:45pm | Exit Central Park | 15 min | Walk to Grand Central |
| 1:30pm | Grand Central | 45 min | Explore, Whispering Gallery |
Total: ~4.5 hours
Distance: ~2.5 miles walking
Cost: $0 (everything free except optional food)
Scenes vs. Reality: What Has Changed?
What Remains EXACTLY the Same ✅
| Location | 2026 Status | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza Hotel | Identical | Exterior and interior intact |
| Bow Bridge | Identical | Same since 1862, zero changes |
| Bethesda Fountain | Identical | Restored in 90s |
| Grand Central | Improved | Cleaner, same architecture |
| Rockefeller Center | Identical | Tree remains annual tradition |
| Central Park | Identical | Safer than in the 90s |
What CHANGED ⚠️
| Location | What Changed | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| FAO Schwarz | Closed 767 5th Ave, reopened at Rockefeller | Visit the new location |
| Prices | Everything 3-4x more expensive than 1992 | Budget more |
| Safety | Central Park is MUCH safer | Enjoy without fear |
| Technology | No public phones | Use cell phone |
| Crowds | 60M+ tourists/year | Visit early |
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Best Time of Year
🎄 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
What to Bring
☑️ Essentials:
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes (3-4 miles)
- 📱 Cell phone with full battery
- 🗺️ This guide (download offline)
- 💧 Water bottle
- 💳 Credit/debit cards
☑️ If visiting in winter:
- 🧥 Heavy coat (32-41°F average)
- 🧣 Scarf, hat, gloves
- 🥾 Waterproof boots (if snow)
Budget
| Option | Includes | Total |
|---|---|---|
| FREE | Only subway transport | $12-18 |
| BUDGET | Transport + fast food + coffee | $50-80 |
| MID-RANGE | Everything + Afternoon tea at Plaza | $150-250 |
| PREMIUM | Everything + Top of the Rock + skating | $400-600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Home Alone 2 was filmed entirely in New York between December 1991 and February 1992. Main locations include Central Park (Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain), The Plaza Hotel, FAO Schwarz, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center. All exterior scenes and most interiors are real Manhattan locations.
The hotel is The Plaza Hotel at 768 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. The Plaza remains a luxury operating hotel. You can visit the lobby for free, have afternoon tea ($85-125), or stay overnight (from $800/night). Best time to visit: 10am-12pm weekdays.
The toy store “Duncan’s Toy Chest” was actually FAO Schwarz. The original location at 767 Fifth Avenue closed in 2015 but reopened at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in 2018. The new store is open 10am-8pm daily with free admission and features the famous big floor piano.
The iconic bridge where Kevin feeds pigeons is Bow Bridge, located between Cherry Hill and The Ramble in Central Park. Take the subway to 72 St (B, C) and walk 10 minutes into the park. The bridge looks exactly the same as in 1992.
Yes, absolutely. The Plaza Hotel is open to the public. You can visit the lobby for free, have afternoon tea at The Palm Court ($85-125), drinks at the Champagne Bar ($20-40), or dine at restaurants. The lobby where Kevin checks in is freely accessible.
Complete FAQ Guide
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:
- Subway to 72 St (lines B, C)
- Enter Central Park at 72nd Street (west)
- Walk 10 minutes toward the lake
- 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):
- Plaza Hotel (30 min) – Start here
- FAO Schwarz (45 min) – Rockefeller Center, 10 min walk
- Rockefeller Center (30 min) – Same complex
- Central Park – Bow Bridge (30 min) – THE iconic scene
- Central Park – Bethesda Fountain (30 min) – 5 min from Bow Bridge
- 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.
The Home Alone 2 filming locations are 100% visitable and most are very close to each other in Manhattan. In half a day you can tour the main ones, take incredible photos, and relive the most iconic movie scenes.
Three final tips:
- Start early (9am) to avoid crowds
- Download the map offline before leaving
- Enjoy the tour – New York is magical in winter
Have you visited any of these locations? Which one is missing from your list? Tell me in the comments!
More NYC Movie Guides
If you enjoyed this Home Alone 2 guide, you’ll love our other movie location guides:
- Movies in New York: 20+ Famous Filming Locations + Map (King Kong, Ghostbusters, Spider-Man and more)
Leave a Reply