The film "Elf" was filmed in New York, USA, where the story also takes place. However, a few scenes were shot in Vancouver, Canada. 

Filming Locations:

Bethesda Terrace (Central Park)

In the Movie

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Bethesda Terrace, located at the end of The Mall and next to the lake. It is a landmark of Central Park. Built during the Civil War, the terrace is adorned with intricate ceramic tiles and the "Angel of the Waters" fountain, designed by prominent American sculptor Emma Stebbins.

Tunnel

In the Movie

Scene where Buddy walks through the tunnel

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Lincoln Tunnel in New York. Interestingly, walking through this tunnel is prohibited by regulations.

Shoe Shine

In the Movie

Scene where Buddy visits a shoe shiner

In Reality

The scene was filmed at New York's Grand Central Terminal

New York Street

In the Movie

Scene where Buddy hands out flyers on 7th Avenue.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the corner of 7th Avenue and West 46th Street, now home to NY Gifts store

Cafe "World's Best Cup of Coffee"

In the Movie

Scene where Buddy goes to the cafe "World's Best Cup of Coffee" and tries not the best coffee

In Reality

The scene was filmed at in Vancouver, one of the few scenes not shot in New York. This building no longer exists; it was demolished in 2021, and the actual restaurant "Only Seafood" where filming took place closed in 2009. Currently, there is nothing on the site, just a small vacant lot (In the real images you can see it and what the building looked like before demolition)

New York Street

In the Movie

Scene where Buddy strangely jumps across a crosswalk

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the intersection of Broadway and East 22nd Street, New York. So the elf walks right through the center of Manhattan.