Where Was “In The Heights” Filmed?

Love the heartwarming musical and are wondering: where was “In The Heights” filmed? Then you’ve come to the right place! Let’s take a trip to the Big Apple and see some of the most memorable filming locations from the movie, along with which ones you can see for yourself.

For any aspiring filmmakers or creators out there who saw “In The Heights” and want to make their own project inspired by the film–be sure to stay tuned until the end. We’ll share how you can easily find remarkable filming locations and production studios to rent through Peerspace. Without further ado, start tapping your feet while we explore this amazing new musical sensation!

What is “In The Heights”?

Fans of “Hamilton” were happy when they heard that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “In The Heights” would transform into a feature film. After multiple attempts at making the movie, John Chu brought us the smash hit about the predominantly Dominican New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights.

The story of wanting a better life for yourself resonated with audiences. In fact, the film was a success with both critics and viewers.

One of the aspects of the movie that made it so memorable was the dedication to using actual locations for many of the scenes. There are plenty of musical numbers that really pop and make you ask the question: where was “In The Heights” filmed?

Is your favorite film on our list of great movies filmed in NYC?

Did they actually film “In The Heights” in New York City?

Many big movies don’t actually shoot in the place where the story is set due to budget limitations. Or sometimes, another location can look like the real thing. Even though the movie is set in a real Manhattan neighborhood, we still have to wonder: where was “In The Heights” filmed?

Lin-Manuel Miranda grew up and still lives in Washington Heights, so it made sense to film in the real neighborhood to keep things authentic. Director John Chu told Oprah’s Block Party about how he felt about the decision to shoot there: “The best choice we made was shooting in Washington Heights, it was like writing a love letter while falling in love. Shooting this movie gave us all life.”

Where is Usnavi’s bodega “In The Heights”?

Much of the film centers around Usnavi’s bodega. Both “In The Heights” and “Finale” are both performed in front of the bodega.

But where is this bodega? According to ScreenRant, the production found its perfect match at the corner of 175th Street and Audubon Avenue. You can visit the real store there, Santo Domingo Grocery Inc., if you go there today.

They also mention that the salon that Daniela owns is nearby. These real New York City businesses are a big reason why these scenes stand out and feel so real.

Where did they film the pool in “In The Heights”?

One of the most memorable parts of the movie is when the entire cast performs “96,000” at a local pool. The choreography on display and the sheer number of people involved is awe-inspiring. In fact, it is sure to make you ask: where was “In The Heights” filmed?

The real pool is in Highbridge Park at 173rd St and Amsterdam. The pool is huge, and in an interview with Decider, choreographer Chris Scott explained how what we saw on screen almost never happened: “The pool is so massive! How do you even get that much background? The concept is everybody’s at the pool, but we can’t afford 1000s of people to fill up this pool. There was a point where when it was like this might go away—we just can’t handle it. Not cutting the number, but removing it from the pool”.

Luckily with some camera tricks and a very talented cast, they were able to pull it off and provide one of the best moments in the movie.

Other notable “In The Heights” filming locations

With a movie that hops all over New York City, we still have a few places to cover.

Another unforgettable song is Abuela Claudia’s “Paciencia y Fe,” which she performs in front of colorful subway graffiti art. The New York Post reports that the production used the 19th Street Subway Station for this surreal number. The production was forced underground for scenes with vintage subway cars and shot in a maintenance tunnel that wouldn’t interrupt regular subway operation.

The New York Post also reports that they shot several scenes at J. Hood Wright Park. Meeting the George Washington Bridge at eye level, the park was ideal for a romantic scene between Benny and Nina.

A nearby alleyway adjacent to the park’s north end was the setting for the party song “Carnaval Del Barrio”.

Last up are the scenes that take place on the beach. According to IMDB, they shot these on Long Island at Glen Cove. The North Shore beach has been seen in other productions like “Boardwalk Empire” and “North By Northwest.”

Check out these iconic New York City filming locations for inspiration on your next project!

Find your own “In The Heights”-inspired filming location

“In The Heights” is a movie that proves just how important it is to use the best and most genuine filming locations possible. If you’re a filmmaker or creator who has done any filming, you probably already know how difficult it can be to find authentic spots.

Luckily with Peerspace, the premier digital marketplace for filming locations and productions studios, you have access to thousands of top-quality places to rent. For instance, take a look at this colorful bohemian apartment in Fort George! It’s minutes away from the George Washington Bridge and is a perfect place to try and capture a little of that “In The Heights”-vibe.

Check out some of the high-quality pictures posted by the host and see for yourself why this would be such a unique spot for filming or a photoshoot. This is just scratching the surface of what Peerspace has to offer. There are hundreds of authentic locations for rent in New York City alone. So next time you need to find a place just as real as the ones in this movie, make sure you turn to Peerspace!

Find unique film shoot locations on Peerspace