Trace Tom Hanks’ footsteps through Manhattan and Cliffside Park on a private walking tour of Big’s filming locations. Local guides combine movie lore, neighborhood history, and practical tips to help you recreate scenes and photograph iconic spots.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light splits between glass towers and brick facades as you follow a local guide down a West Village side street — the same sidewalks where a 12-year-old in an adult body learned how to be a kid again. This private walking tour stitches together Manhattan and nearby Cliffside Park, NJ, moving from FAO Schwarz’s echoing piano keys to the quiet residential corners that stood in for suburban streets in the film Big.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable walking 2–4 miles over city sidewalks and short hills; moderate stamina required
Wildlife
History
Big (1988), directed by Penny Marshall, used real New York locations like FAO Schwarz and Playland to ground its story; many façades remain recognizably unchanged despite urban development.
Conservation
Urban filming tours concentrate foot traffic; minimize impact by staying on public paths, using public transit, and avoiding trespass or noise in residential areas.
Reserve your spot on the Big Movie Locations Private Tour in New York with Local Guide today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time your photos
Schedule the tour for early morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy traffic and crowds at popular façades.
Use transit between boroughs
Take the subway and a short NJ Transit ride to save walking time and see more locations in a four-hour window.
Respect private property
Many homes and storefronts are private or active businesses — stay on public sidewalks and ask your guide about safe photo angles.
Comfort over style
Wear supportive walking shoes and bring a light jacket; pavement and cross-town walks are the bulk of the route.
Supportive walking shoes
City streets and occasional stairs mean traction and cushioning matter.
MetroCard or transit app
Public transit speeds between widely separated locations and reduces walking time.
Compact camera or smartphone
Capture façades and recreate film stills; low-light shots useful for indoor scenes.
Light rain jacket
Spring showers in the NYC region can appear suddenly; pack a lightweight shell.
spring