The Smurfs Filming Locations Tour in New York with Private Guide

Travelers who are fans of The Smurfs or just love the idea of seeing New York through a whimsical lens will find this Smurfs filming locations tour an engaging way to explore the city’s most iconic spots. Offered by Friendly Local Guides, this 2-hour private experience combines the charm of a movie-themed adventure with insider knowledge and practical insights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s a chance to see famous NYC landmarks like Central Park South, Times Square, and FAO Schwarz — all with a fun twist related to the beloved blue characters. Second, the private guide makes the experience personalized and flexible, ensuring you get the most out of your time. Third, the behind-the-scenes stories and authentic filming locations provide a unique perspective on how New York doubles as the backdrop for movie magic.

The only potential consideration is the short duration—at just around two hours, it’s packed but may leave some wanting more detail or a deeper dive into each location. It’s best suited for those with a moderate physical fitness level, as it involves some walking and subway travel. Overall, if you’re seeking an engaging, family-friendly way to combine sightseeing with a playful film theme, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Good To Know

• Private experience offers personalized attention and flexibility.
• Iconic NYC locations are explored through the lens of The Smurfs film.
• Authentic behind-the-scenes stories enrich the sightseeing.
• The tour is short but packed, ideal for a quick, fun overview.
• Walks and subway rides keep the experience lively and efficient.
• Suitable for families, film buffs, or anyone keen on a playful city tour.

Exploring the Filming Locations of The Smurfs in NYC

This tour provides a balanced look at New York’s famous landmarks through the playful world of The Smurfs. It’s not just about seeing sights — it’s about understanding how these locations were used to craft a story that resonates with kids and adults alike. With a private guide leading the way, you’ll get insights and anecdotes you won’t find in standard city tours.

The Central Park South Scene

Our journey begins in Central Park South, where the Smurfs’ adventure kicks off. You’ll visit the exact spot where Clumsy Smurf first climbs a rock near the lake, with the Manhattan skyline as a stunning backdrop. The guide explains how scenes set here were filmed in Central Park, while others, like the waterfall scene, took place in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

This mix of real locations and filming tricks offers a fun peek behind the curtain. The guide may share details like how Prospect Park’s waterfall was chosen specifically for its visual fit with the storyline, making this stop both scenic and educational.

Times Square – A Dazzling Introduction

Next, we head into Times Square, where the Smurfs experience the city’s electric energy. You’ll walk through this vibrant hub, feeling the buzz of towering billboards and throngs of people, exactly as the characters did in the film. It’s a lively spot that captures why New York is so appealing on screen and in real life.

The guide will share the story of how the Smurfs took a cab ride through this scene, giving you a sense of how filmmakers piece together shots amid the city’s chaos. This stop is perfect for those wanting to feel the city’s never-sleep vibe.

Rockefeller Center and the Glamour of TV

At Rockefeller Center, you’ll glimpse the studio’s stunning views and see where scenes involving stars like Sofia Vergara and Tim Gunn were shot. Our guide takes you to the rooftop of 620 Fifth Ave., a key filming location for a glamorous launch scene. Expect amazing photo opportunities of the city skyline paired with cinematic history.

The Enchantment of SoHo

In SoHo, we explore the streets that transformed into a mystical marketplace in the movie. The highlight is discovering how a regular bookstore was turned into Wongs Mystical Emporium. The guide shares stories about how set design and filming magic reshaped ordinary streets into enchanted scenes, giving you a fresh appreciation for the city’s creative possibilities.

The East Village: A Rooftop Escape

In the East Village, the tour uncovers the location where the Smurfs took flight from a rooftop. We’ll see the exterior of the Winslows’ residence and learn how the scene was achieved with a clever mix of real locations and production tricks — notably, the rooftop was actually the ABC Carpet Store’s roof, offering stunning views.

FAO Schwarz and Nighttime Magic

No NYC film or toy adventure would be complete without a stop at FAO Schwarz. This iconic toy store served as the battleground for the Smurf-Gargamel showdown. The guide shares behind-the-scenes tidbits about the night shoots that took place from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., a logistical feat considering the store’s limited window for filming before opening hours.

Belvedere Castle – Gargamel’s Hideout

Finally, we visit Belvedere Castle in Central Park, which appears as Gargamel’s ominous lair in the film. Sitting atop Vista Rock, the castle’s fairy-tale look and panoramic views make it a fitting end to the tour. The guide details how this Victorian gem was used in the movie and discusses the scene where Gargamel first encounters the castle at night — a perfect photo op and story to cap the experience.

The Practicalities: What You Should Know

This private tour costs around $195 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the personalized attention and insider access. The tour includes all taxes, a private guide, and the use of the subway, making it both convenient and cost-effective for exploring multiple locations efficiently.

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it ideal for those wanting a quick yet engaging experience without a full-day commitment. Since it’s customizable and offers multiple start times, you can tailor the schedule to fit your plans.

Transportation is included through subway access, which adds a layer of local flavor and efficiency. Walking is moderate, but comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll cover a fair amount of ground across different neighborhoods.

What’s Not Included

Food, drinks, and gratuities are not part of the package but are easy to add. The focus remains on the film locations and city views, so bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and curiosity.

Tips from Past Participants

One reviewer mentioned how knowledgeable guides made a difference, offering insider stories that livened up the experience. Another appreciated the stunning views from Rockefeller Center and Belvedere Castle, which they said made the tour feel more cinematic. A few noted that the tour’s short duration was perfect for a quick overview, but if you’re a big fan, you might want to combine it with other NYC sightseeing options.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is a fantastic choice for families, film enthusiasts, or anyone looking to see New York from a fun, movie-inspired perspective. The private guide ensures you get tailored stories and avoids the crowds often found on larger group tours, making it suitable even for those with moderate physical activity levels.

It’s especially valuable if you’re keen on authentic filming locations, as many of the scenes are shot at real, recognizable sites. Plus, the photo ops are plentiful, thanks to the stunning city panoramas at Rockefeller and Belvedere Castle.

Final Thoughts

The Smurfs Filming Locations Tour in NYC balances entertainment with sightseeing, providing a playful way to explore some of the city’s most famous spots. The combination of authentic locations, expert storytelling, and beautiful vistas makes it a memorable experience, especially for fans of the movie or the city itself.

At $195, the tour offers good value for a private, personalized experience that covers multiple neighborhoods and iconic film sites in just a couple of hours. It’s a fun, lighthearted option that adds a cinematic twist to your NYC adventure.

If you’re looking for a short, engaging, and visually rewarding tour that gives you an insider’s view of how NYC doubles as a movie backdrop, this is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re with kids, friends, or solo, you’ll walk away with great memories, plenty of photo opportunities, and stories to tell.

FAQ

• What is the tour duration? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but packed experience.

• Are there multiple start times? Yes, the tour offers multiple start times, allowing you to choose what fits your schedule.

• Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes the use of the subway, which helps cover the various locations efficiently.

• What’s the price per person? The tour costs around $195.00 per person, which includes all taxes and a private guide.

• Is this a group or private experience? It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate for a more personalized experience.

• Can I customize the itinerary? Yes, the itinerary is adaptable based on your preferences.

• Is it suitable for all ages? Generally, yes, but travelers should have a moderate fitness level as walking and some standing are involved.

• Are food and drinks included? No, those are not included but can be purchased separately.

• Are tips expected? Tips are optional but appreciated if you enjoyed the guide’s insights.

• Is the tour suitable for film fans? Absolutely. It’s designed for anyone interested in the filming locations and behind-the-scenes stories.

This private tour offers a delightful way to see New York through a playful, cinematic lens, perfect for fans of The Smurfs or those simply eager to discover some of the city’s most iconic filming sites with local expertise.