Follow James Bond Through New York
Fancy exploring New York with a little 007 intrigue? In Live and Let Die (1973), Roger Moore makes his debut as James Bond, taking the action from the streets of Manhattan to the neighbourhoods of Harlem as he investigates a dangerous criminal network.
Our Bond-inspired map brings together identifiable locations connected with the film, from the United Nations Headquarters, featured in the opening sequence, to the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport. Follow the numbered markers to discover the scenes associated with each location, explore the real places behind the movie magic and find nearby attractions to add to your own New York adventure.
Whether you’re a lifelong Bond fan or simply looking for a different way to discover the Big Apple, this is your chance to combine cinematic history with sightseeing.
Choose your stops, explore the locations and plan your own New York mission!
Please note: this is an illustrated overview, not a navigational street map. Numbered pins are indicative rather than precise coordinates, and the graphic should be used alongside the location descriptions on this page. Always check individual addresses and current access arrangements before setting out.
A note about locations and accuracy
Our map is designed as a visual introduction to the New York locations associated with Live and Let Die. It highlights the corrected Harlem and Lower Manhattan references, JFK Airport’s historic TWA Flight Center, and the United Nations opening sequence, alongside a separate selection of nearby attractions worth visiting.
From the opening scenes at the United Nations to the streets of Harlem, discover the New York connections behind James Bond’s Live and Let Die.
It’s important to distinguish between places actually shown in the film, locations used during filming and attractions included simply because they’re interesting places to explore. Some scenes feature fictional settings, and the buildings or streets used during production may look different today.
With a little planning, you can use the guide to create your own Bond-inspired New York itinerary, combining film history with the city’s famous landmarks, neighbourhoods and hidden gems.
Harlem and Upper Manhattan
Harlem is one of New York City’s most culturally significant neighbourhoods, renowned for its rich African American heritage, legendary jazz scene, soul food and historic architecture. In Live and Let Die (1973), Harlem provides the backdrop for several memorable scenes as James Bond investigates the mysterious Mr Big.
Explore the streets around 117th and 118th Streets, discover the area’s musical heritage and admire its distinctive brownstone buildings. The famous Apollo Theater is also well worth a visit, although it isn’t a confirmed filming location for this Bond film.
Bond connection: Follow the Harlem sequences and discover the real neighbourhood behind the movie’s action.
Downtown and Midtown
From the financial heart of Lower Manhattan to the iconic skyscrapers of Midtown, this part of New York offers a fascinating mix of cinematic history and world-famous landmarks. Live and Let Die opens with a sequence at the United Nations Headquarters, while other New York scenes take Bond through the city’s busy streets.
Explore the historic streets around Broad Street and the financial district, then head towards Midtown to admire the Empire State Building and other architectural icons. You can also add the Brooklyn Bridge to your itinerary for spectacular skyline views, even though it isn’t a confirmed location from the film.
Bond connection: Discover the New York locations associated with 007, then turn your visit into a wider city adventure filled with iconic sights, history and atmosphere.
On Screen, Behind the Scenes & Beyond
Following James Bond through New York is a fantastic way to explore the city, but not every place associated with Live and Let Die has the same connection to the film.
To help you separate fact from fiction, we’ve divided our Bond-inspired New York guide into three categories:
📍 Beyond Bond – Nearby Attractions
Even the world’s most famous secret agent needs a little sightseeing time! We’ve also included interesting landmarks, neighbourhoods, museums, restaurants and other attractions near the Bond locations. These may not feature in the film, but they’re well worth adding to your New York itinerary.
Whether you’re a lifelong 007 fan or simply looking for a different way to discover the Big Apple, this guide combines movie history with practical travel inspiration.
Our mission? To help you follow in Bond’s footsteps, discover the real New York behind the movie magic, and plan your own adventure.
Turn Your Bond Trail into a Two-Day New York Adventure
Why just watch James Bond explore New York when you can follow in his footsteps? With a little planning, you can combine locations associated with Live and Let Die with some of the city’s most iconic sights, historic neighbourhoods and cultural attractions.
Our suggested two-day itinerary groups the locations geographically, helping you make the most of your time without spending your entire trip travelling between stops.
Day One: Downtown and Midtown
Begin in Lower Manhattan, exploring the financial district and the area around Broad Street associated with the film’s dramatic taxi sequence. Take time to admire the surrounding architecture and discover the history of this fascinating part of the city.
Continue towards Midtown, where you can explore the area around the United Nations Headquarters, featured in the film’s opening sequence. Depending on your interests and available time, add other Manhattan landmarks to your day, such as the Empire State Building, before enjoying dinner in one of New York’s many neighbourhoods.
Day Two: Harlem and Upper Manhattan
Head north to Harlem, where several memorable New York sequences from Live and Let Die were filmed. Explore the streets around 117th and 118th Streets, discover the neighbourhood’s rich musical heritage and admire its historic brownstones.
Make time for the Apollo Theater, a Harlem landmark famous for its contribution to music and entertainment, even though it isn’t a confirmed filming location for this particular Bond film. You could also enjoy a guided neighbourhood tour or sample some local soul food before returning to Midtown.
Make Your Own 007 Adventure
This itinerary is a starting point rather than a fixed tour. Some filming locations have changed over the decades, and certain buildings or interiors may not be accessible to visitors. Check current opening arrangements, allow extra time for walking and public transport, and verify individual addresses before setting out.
Remember, the aim isn’t to rush from one pin to the next. It’s to experience the New York behind the movie magic, discovering the city’s character along the way.
