10 New York Locations Featured In How I Met Your Mother

Have you ever wondered where your favorite characters from How I Met Your Mother actually hung out in real life?

The show brought us laughs, tears, and unforgettable moments set against the backdrop of New York City.

While MacLaren’s Pub might be fictional, many of the places Ted, Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney visited are real spots you can explore today.

From famous museums to classic hot dog stands, these locations capture the spirit of the show and the energy of Manhattan.

Walking through these places feels like stepping into an episode, connecting fans with the stories they love.

New York became more than just a setting for the series.

It was practically a character itself, shaping the adventures and mishaps of the gang.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple or just curious about the show’s real-world connections, this guide will take you through the actual streets and buildings that made How I Met Your Mother come alive.

1. McGee’s Pub

Stepping into McGee’s Pub feels like walking straight into an episode of How I Met Your Mother.

This cozy neighborhood bar at 240 W 55th Street in Manhattan served as the real-life inspiration for MacLaren’s Pub, where the gang spent countless hours sharing stories and drinks.

The atmosphere here captures that warm, welcoming vibe fans recognize instantly.

Dark wood furnishings and comfortable seating create the perfect spot for friends to gather after work.

Locals and tourists alike fill the booths, hoping to channel a bit of that sitcom magic.

The walls are adorned with memorabilia that nods to the show’s legacy.

McGee’s has embraced its connection to the series, becoming a pilgrimage site for dedicated fans.

You can almost imagine Ted recounting another legendary story or Barney delivering one of his infamous catchphrases.

The bar maintains its authentic New York character while celebrating its television fame.

Grabbing a seat here means joining a tradition that spans years of television history.

It’s a place where fiction and reality blend seamlessly.

Visiting McGee’s offers more than just a photo opportunity.

It’s a chance to experience a piece of the show in a genuine Manhattan setting.

Address: 240 W 55th St, Manhattan, New York.

2. The Empire State Building

No structure defines New York City quite like the Empire State Building, standing tall at 20 W 34th Street.

This legendary skyscraper made multiple appearances throughout How I Met Your Mother, becoming a symbol of romance and grand gestures.

Ted Mosby’s architectural passion naturally drew him to this masterpiece.

One memorable episode featured Ted planning an elaborate romantic moment tied to this iconic landmark.

The building’s observation deck offers breathtaking views that have inspired countless proposals and declarations of love.

Its Art Deco design represents the golden age of New York architecture.

Fans of the show recognize how the Empire State Building embodied Ted’s idealistic nature and his belief in destiny.

The towering structure appears in skyline shots throughout the series, anchoring the show firmly in Manhattan.

Visiting this landmark connects you to both the show’s narrative and the city’s rich history.

The building has witnessed countless real-life love stories, just like the fictional ones portrayed on screen.

Its presence reminds us why New York remains the ultimate backdrop for tales of friendship and romance.

Standing at its base or gazing from its top, you understand why it captured the characters’ imaginations.

Address: 20 W 34th St, Manhattan, New York.

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Culture and sophistication meet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located at 1000 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

This world-renowned institution appeared in How I Met Your Mother, most notably during the episode titled Natural History.

The characters explored the museum’s vast halls, discovering the famous whispering phenomenon in one of its grand spaces.

The Met’s architecture alone inspires awe, with its massive stone facade and sweeping staircases.

Inside, galleries stretch endlessly, housing treasures from across human civilization.

Ted’s appreciation for art and history made the Met a natural fit for the show’s storylines.

Walking through these same corridors, you can imagine the gang navigating between ancient artifacts and modern masterpieces.

The museum represents the intellectual and cultural side of New York that balanced the show’s comedy.

Its appearance reminded viewers that Manhattan offers endless opportunities for discovery and wonder.

The whispering gallery scene became one of those magical television moments that fans remember fondly.

Visiting the Met today means following in the footsteps of fictional characters while experiencing genuine artistic brilliance.

The institution continues to be a cornerstone of New York cultural life.

Address: 1000 Fifth Ave, Manhattan, New York.

4. Central Park

Central Park sprawls across the heart of Manhattan, offering an escape from the city’s concrete jungle.

This beloved green space appeared repeatedly throughout How I Met Your Mother, serving as a backdrop for romantic walks and meaningful conversations.

The characters visited various spots within the park, including the famous Carousel that became part of their story.

Spanning hundreds of acres, Central Park provides countless settings for adventure and reflection.

Winding paths lead through wooded areas, past tranquil ponds, and across open meadows.

The Carousel itself holds special significance for fans, representing childhood wonder and timeless romance.

Marshall and Lily’s relationship often found expression in quiet park moments.

Robin jogged through these same paths, clearing her mind between life’s complications.

The park represents the breathing room that New York City offers despite its density and pace.

Visiting Central Park means experiencing the same natural beauty that provided solace to the show’s characters.

You can sit on a bench where important decisions might have been made or walk trails that witnessed fictional heartbreaks.

The park remains timeless, connecting generations of New Yorkers and visitors.

Its presence in the show reminded us that even in Manhattan, nature finds a way to thrive.

Address: Central Park, Manhattan, New York.

5. American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs, dioramas, and dramatic storylines converge at the American Museum of Natural History.

Located at 200 Central Park West in Manhattan, this institution played a recurring role in How I Met Your Mother.

Ted’s romantic interest who worked at the museum brought this location into the show’s universe.

The building’s impressive architecture mirrors the grandeur of the exhibits housed within its walls.

Massive halls filled with prehistoric skeletons and cultural artifacts create an atmosphere of wonder and discovery.

The museum represents intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, themes that resonated with Ted’s character.

Planetarium shows and wildlife exhibits offer visitors glimpses into worlds beyond their everyday experience.

The show used this setting to explore relationships against a backdrop of natural history and scientific achievement.

Walking through the museum today, you might recall specific scenes where characters navigated both exhibits and emotions.

The institution has inspired countless visitors, fictional and real, to think bigger about the world around them.

Its presence in the series added depth to the show’s portrayal of New York as a city of endless learning opportunities.

The museum continues to educate and fascinate, just as it did when the cameras rolled.

Address: 200 Central Park West, Manhattan, New York.

6. Gray’s Papaya

Sometimes the best New York experiences come from the simplest places.

Gray’s Papaya at 2090 Broadway represents classic Manhattan quick dining at its finest.

Marshall Eriksen frequently referenced this legendary hot dog joint as one of his favorite spots in the city.

The bright storefront beckons hungry pedestrians with promises of satisfying, affordable food.

This no-frills establishment has served New Yorkers for decades, maintaining its reputation for quality and speed.

The menu keeps things straightforward, focusing on what they do best without unnecessary complications.

Marshall’s enthusiasm for Gray’s Papaya reflected his genuine, down-to-earth personality.

While other characters might choose fancy restaurants, Marshall appreciated authentic New York institutions.

The shop embodies the city’s democratic spirit, where everyone from students to professionals grabs a quick bite.

Visiting Gray’s Papaya means experiencing a slice of New York culinary tradition that hasn’t changed with trends.

The atmosphere buzzes with the energy of people coming and going, always in motion like the city itself.

This location reminds fans that How I Met Your Mother celebrated both glamorous and everyday aspects of Manhattan life.

Standing at the counter, you’re participating in a ritual that Marshall himself would approve of wholeheartedly.

Address: 2090 Broadway, Manhattan, New York.

7. The Statue of Liberty

Liberty Island hosts perhaps the most recognizable symbol of New York and America itself.

The Statue of Liberty appeared in How I Met Your Mother through skyline shots and as part of memorable storylines.

One particularly unforgettable episode, The Pineapple Incident, connected this landmark to the gang’s adventures.

Standing over three hundred feet tall, Lady Liberty has welcomed generations to New York’s shores.

Her torch illuminates the harbor, representing hope and new beginnings for countless arrivals.

The statue’s presence in the show reinforced New York’s identity as a place where dreams take shape.

Ted’s romantic idealism aligned perfectly with the symbolic meaning this monument carries.

Viewing the statue from Battery Park or taking the ferry to Liberty Island offers different perspectives on this icon.

The characters’ relationship with New York mirrored the immigrant experience of seeking opportunity and belonging.

How I Met Your Mother used the statue to remind viewers of the city’s larger significance beyond personal stories.

Visiting Liberty Island connects you to both American history and popular culture.

The monument stands as a testament to ideals that transcend any single story or show.

Address: Liberty Island, New York Harbor, New York.

8. Goliath National Bank Headquarters

Corporate power and ambitious schemes found their home at Goliath National Bank.

The exterior shots for Barney Stinson’s employer were filmed at an actual Fifth Avenue office building in Midtown Manhattan.

This sleek, professional structure represented the world of high finance where Barney executed his legendary plays.

Fifth Avenue’s corporate corridor houses some of New York’s most prestigious business addresses.

The building’s modern facade reflects the ambition and success that Barney constantly pursued.

GNB became synonymous with Barney’s character, representing both his professional identity and his elaborate lifestyle.

The show used this location to ground Barney’s outrageous behavior in a recognizable corporate setting.

Walking along Fifth Avenue today, you can imagine Barney striding confidently into work, suit perfectly tailored.

The building embodies Manhattan’s business district, where fortunes are made and careers are built.

This location added authenticity to the show’s portrayal of different New York professional worlds.

While Ted taught architecture and Marshall practiced law, Barney’s banking career required its own distinctive setting.

The GNB headquarters became as much a character as the people who worked there.

Midtown’s energy and ambition pulse through these streets, just as they did in the show.

Address: Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, New York.

9. Columbia University

Academic excellence finds its home at Columbia University, perched at 2960 Broadway in Manhattan.

This prestigious institution became significant in How I Met Your Mother when Ted Mosby eventually taught architecture there.

The campus blends historic buildings with modern facilities, creating an environment where knowledge flourishes.

Columbia’s reputation as an Ivy League school matched Ted’s intellectual aspirations and professional goals.

Walking through the campus gates means entering a world dedicated to learning and scholarly pursuit.

The university’s architecture itself provides lessons in design, something Ted would certainly appreciate.

Students hurry between classes on paths that Ted’s character would have walked as a professor.

The show used this setting to mark Ted’s professional achievement and personal growth.

Teaching at Columbia represented the realization of dreams that sustained Ted through years of setbacks.

The campus offers quiet courtyards and bustling academic buildings, spaces that encourage both reflection and collaboration.

Columbia’s presence in the series added gravitas to Ted’s journey from aspiring architect to established educator.

Visiting the campus connects you to centuries of academic tradition and the fictional professor who joined its ranks.

The university continues shaping minds just as it shaped Ted’s character arc.

Address: 2960 Broadway, Manhattan, New York.

10. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal stands as a monument to the golden age of rail travel.

Located at 89 E 42nd Street in Manhattan, this architectural marvel appeared in several How I Met Your Mother episodes.

The episode Acoustic Mystery specifically featured this famous landmark as a backdrop for key moments.

The main concourse soars overhead, with its celestial ceiling mural depicting constellations in reverse.

Thousands of commuters pass through daily, creating a constant flow of human energy and purpose.

The terminal’s Beaux-Arts design showcases craftsmanship and attention to detail rarely seen in modern construction.

Characters in the show navigated this space during pivotal scenes, using the terminal as both meeting point and crossroads.

Grand Central represents transition and journey, themes central to How I Met Your Mother’s narrative.

The building has witnessed countless hellos and goodbyes, fictional and real, over its long history.

Visiting today means walking through the same grand spaces where the gang’s stories unfolded.

The terminal continues serving its practical purpose while maintaining its status as a beloved landmark.

Its appearance in the show reminded viewers that even ordinary activities in New York happen in extraordinary settings.

Address: 89 E 42nd St, Manhattan, New York.