BiographyComedyCrimeDrama

🎬 Where Was The Wolf of Wall Street Filmed? Complete New York City Location Guide

2013

Martin Scorsese

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Dive into Jordan Belfort's world of excess! Explore NYC's iconic spots transformed by Scorsese's epic, from lavish hotels to the high seas.

About 🎬 Where Was The Wolf of Wall Street Filmed? Complete New York City Location Guide

🎬 Where Was The Wolf of Wall Street Filmed? Complete New York City Location Guide

Get ready to plunge headfirst into the high-octane, hedonistic world of Jordan Belfort! 🤑 The Wolf of Wall Street didn't just tell a story of excess; it showed it, thanks to its incredible, real-world filming locations.

Martin Scorsese masterfully transformed New York City – from opulent penthouses to bustling financial districts and even the open seas – into a character itself. These settings aren't just backdrops; they're essential elements reflecting the ambition, greed, and ultimate downfall of the Stratton Oakmont crew.

For film fans and travel enthusiasts alike, these iconic spots offer a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of cinematic history. Imagine standing where Jordan first made his millions or where his scandalous parties unfolded!

So, grab your imaginary Quaaludes (just kidding!) and prepare for an epic tour. We're about to explore the lavish addresses and infamous scenes that brought this insane true story to life. Ready for our cinematic adventure? Let's go! 🚀

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 500 Brick Pond Road, Old Westbury, Long Island, New York, USA - Jordan's Lavish Oasis 🏡

Scenic view of 500 Brick Pond Road, Old Westbury, showing a grand estate with a large pool and expansive lawn

🏛️ The Location

This stunning estate in Old Westbury, Long Island, truly embodies the phrase "new money." It's a sprawling property with lavish architecture, manicured lawns, and pools that perfectly reflect Jordan Belfort's over-the-top lifestyle. This isn't just a house; it's a statement.

🎥 In the Film

This location served as Jordan Belfort's infamous Hamptons mansion, the setting for some of the film's most outrageous parties and dramatic family confrontations. Remember the poolside chaos, the wild celebrations, and the tense arguments between Jordan and Naomi? They all unfolded right here.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 500 Brick Pond Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568

🕒 Hours: Private residence, no public access.

💰 Admission: N/A

🌐 Website: N/A (Private property)

💡 Pro Tip: While you can't visit this specific property, consider exploring other beautiful estates in the Old Westbury area, many of which offer tours and evoke a similar sense of grandeur from the era. 🎬 Fun Fact: Many of the over-the-top parties and stunts seen at the mansion were incredibly challenging to film, requiring extensive coordination and countless extras to achieve the desired chaotic effect.

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🎬 The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, USA - Fifth Avenue Luxury 🛎️

Stunning architecture of The Peninsula Hotel, New York, featuring its grand entrance and classic design

🏛️ The Location

The Peninsula Hotel is a beacon of luxury on Fifth Avenue, known for its opulent interiors, world-class service, and impeccable attention to detail. It's a quintessential New York City grand hotel, embodying old-world charm mixed with modern sophistication.

🎥 In the Film

This prestigious hotel served as a key location for several scenes where Jordan and his associates conducted illicit dealings and celebrated their ill-gotten gains. Its lavish suites and elegant common areas were perfect for portraying the high-stakes, extravagant world they inhabited.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, New York, NY 10019

🕒 Hours: Open 24/7 (hotel operations, specific venue hours vary)

💰 Admission: Free to enter lobby areas; charges for dining, spa, and stays.

🌐 Website: https://www.peninsula.com/en/new-york

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you're not staying overnight, stop by their stylish Gotham Lounge for afternoon tea or enjoy a cocktail at the atmospheric Bar at The Peninsula. 🎬 Fun Fact: The Peninsula's classic NYC backdrop added another layer of authenticity to the film's portrayal of high-finance power players and their preferred haunts.

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🎬 The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, USA - Iconic NYC Glamour ✨

Beautiful view of The Plaza Hotel, New York, showcasing its majestic facade and a classic black cab out front

🏛️ The Location

The Plaza Hotel is undeniably one of New York City's most famous landmarks, synonymous with luxury, history, and iconic films. Standing proudly at the southeastern corner of Central Park, its grand architecture and storied past make it a must-see.

🎥 In the Film

While The Wolf of Wall Street used The Plaza for establishing shots and scenes reflecting the characters' high-society aspirations, it's particularly famous for appearing in countless other movies. It's a staple for any film portraying classic New York opulence.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019

🕒 Hours: Hotel open 24/7; specific stores and restaurants vary.

💰 Admission: Free to walk through public areas; charges for dining, shopping, and stays.

🌐 Website: https://www.theplazany.com/

💡 Pro Tip: Grab a coffee at The Plaza Food Hall in the basement for a more budget-friendly way to experience the hotel's ambiance, then wander through the lobby to soak in the history. 🎬 Fun Fact: The Plaza Hotel was controversially purchased by Donald Trump in the 1980s, a period of financial boom reflected in The Wolf of Wall Street. He later sold it after facing financial difficulties, paralleling some of Belfort's story.

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🎬 Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, New York, New York, USA - The People's Park 🌳

Impressive facade of the Washington Square Arch within Washington Square Park, with trees lining paths

🏛️ The Location

Washington Square Park is the vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, famous for its iconic Arch, lively atmosphere, and diverse array of street performers, students, artists, and locals. It's a beloved urban oasis that truly captures the bohemian spirit of downtown NYC.

🎥 In the Film

This park provided the backdrop for a critical scene where Jordan Belfort is seen speaking to a crowd of budding stockbrokers, recruiting them to join Stratton Oakmont. The raw, energetic setting perfectly matched the informal yet persuasive nature of his pitch.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Washington Square Park, New York, NY 10012

🕒 Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 1:00 AM

💰 Admission: Free

🌐 Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park

💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a sunny afternoon to experience the park at its most lively, enjoying street performers, chess games, and the general buzz of New York life. It's a great spot for people-watching! 🎬 Fun Fact: The spontaneous nature of the park's environment meant that some of the background reactions from actual park-goers were captured during filming, adding to the scene's realism.

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🎬 New York Harbor, New York, New York, USA - The Naomi Saga 🚢

Authentic street scene of New York Harbor capturing a view of water and distant cityscape

🏛️ The Location

New York Harbor is the historic gateway to one of the world's greatest cities, a bustling hub for ferries, ships, and recreational boats. It offers stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

🎥 In the Film

The waters of New York Harbor became the stage for some of the film's most memorable and tumultuous moments, specifically revolving around Jordan's luxurious yacht, the 'Naomi.' This is where many of the wild parties and dramatic confrontations on the open water took place, including the notorious storm scene.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Various points along the New York Harbor waterfront (e.g., Battery Park, Pier 17).

🕒 Hours: Accessible 24/7 (waterfront areas); ferrying varies.

💰 Admission: Free to view from land; ferry/boat tour prices vary.

🌐 Website: https://www.nycgo.com/areas/staten-island/staten-island-ferry

💡 Pro Tip: Take the free Staten Island Ferry for incredible, close-up views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, experiencing the same waters without the millionaire budget. 🎬 Fun Fact: While the luxurious yacht used in the film was indeed called 'Naomi' in real life, the intense storm sequence was primarily filmed on a massive soundstage with special effects, blending seamlessly with real harbor shots.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Curious how they brought Jordan Belfort's world of excess and chaos to the big screen? Scorsese and his team pulled out all the stops to create a film that felt both grand and grittily real.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Scorsese explicitly chose real, aspirational New York City locations to root the film in authenticity. This made the characters' meteoric rise and subsequent fall feel incredibly tangible against the backdrop of genuine wealth and power.

🎨 Visual Style: Locations were selected not just for their grandeur, but for how they could visually enhance the narrative. From the sprawling mansion symbolizing Belfort's opulent life to the cramped, chaotic early Stratton Oakmont office, every setting underscored the story's themes.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Epic Takes: The film is well-known for its long takes and frequently improvised dialogue, adding to the raw, uncontrolled energy that defined Stratton Oakmont's world.

🎭 Authentic Dressing: To create the bustling trading floor, the crew meticulously recreated 1990s office environments, down to period-accurate computers and desk clutter.

🎨 Visual Effects Discretion: Despite the grand scale and dramatic set pieces (like the yacht in a storm), visual effects were often used subtly, primarily to enhance realism rather than create overtly fantastical scenes.

🎯 Fast-Paced Editing: The film's relentless pace, a Scorsese signature, was meticulously crafted in post-production, often making scenes feel even more chaotic and frenetic than they were on set.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 DiCaprio's Dedication: Leonardo DiCaprio immersed himself deeply in the role, studying footage of Belfort and even performing his own stunts, including the physically demanding "limp" scene.

😮 Challenges of Scale: Filming the massive party scenes required hundreds of extras and complex choreography to manage the chaos while ensuring key character interactions were captured.

🎉 Scorsese's Trust: Martin Scorsese gave his actors significant freedom to improvise, fostering an environment where natural, unscripted moments could flourish and make it into the final cut.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to trace Jordan Belfort's scandalous path through the Big Apple? Here's how to make your cinematic pilgrimage a breeze.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: The Jane Hotel (approx. $150/night) - Known for its compact, cabin-like rooms and vibrant West Village location, offering a taste of NYC history without breaking the bank.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Moxy NYC Times Square (approx. $250/night) - Trendy, modern, and centrally located, with fun common areas and easy access to transportation.

✨ Luxury: The St. Regis New York (approx. $700+/night) - Experience unparalleled luxury and service in this iconic hotel, just steps from The Peninsula and The Plaza, fitting the film's opulent theme.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: NYC's subway is your best friend! It's the fastest and most efficient way to get between most of the filming locations. Grab a MetroCard and navigate like a local.

🚗 Car: Driving in Manhattan is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic and expensive parking. If you're visiting the Long Island mansion (private, no access), a car is necessary for that area.

🚶 Walking: Many of the Manhattan locations (The Peninsula, The Plaza, Washington Square Park) are within walking distance of each other or a short subway ride. Exploring on foot lets you soak in the city's atmosphere.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons are best for photos to avoid crowds and get softer lighting, especially around the major landmarks.

📱 Instagram Spots: Don't miss snapping a shot of The Plaza Hotel's majestic facade with Central Park across the street, or the vibrant energy of Washington Square Park's Arch.

🎬 Movie Moments: Try to recreate some of the iconic scenes! Stand in front of The Plaza as if you're hailing a cab, or capture the lively spirit of Washington Square Park.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

Yes, The Wolf of Wall Street is largely based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a former stockbroker who engaged in widespread fraud and corruption on Wall Street. It is adapted from his memoirs.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Visiting all locations, especially including the Long Island mansion (which is private), would be challenging in one day. You can definitely hit the key Manhattan spots (Peninsula, Plaza, Washington Square Park, and a harbor view) in a well-planned day.

💰 How much should I budget?

A realistic budget for a day of exploring these locations in NYC (excluding accommodation) could range from $50 (for public transport and casual meals) to $200+ if you opt for high-end dining, drinks at the luxury hotels, or specific tours.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Yes, several New York City film and TV tours exist that include stops or mentions of locations featured in The Wolf of Wall Street and other iconic financial district films.

🎭 When was this filmed?

Principal photography for The Wolf of Wall Street took place primarily from August 2012 to January 2013, predominantly in New York City and various locations across Long Island.

🌍 Is New York City safe for tourists?

New York City is generally safe for tourists. As with any major metropolis, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or late at night. Stick to well-trafficked areas and use common sense.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

From the dizzying heights of financial excess to the raw energy of urban parks, the filming locations of The Wolf of Wall Street offer a captivating glimpse into one of cinema's most unforgettable sagas. New York City truly becomes a character in this film, showcasing its power, allure, and often, its darker side.

So, whether you're a die-hard Scorsese fan, a Leo loyalist, or simply someone who loves to explore iconic places, these real-world sets are waiting for you. Get ready to experience the energy and ambition that defined an era.

Don't just watch the movie – live it! Plan your trip, share your discoveries, and tell us which film locations you're off to explore next!

Year Released

2013

Director

Martin Scorsese

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Martin Scorsese’s vision for *The Wolf of Wall Street* hinged on creating a world of unbridled excess and moral decay. He deliberately shot in affluent, real-world New York locations to immerse the audience in Jordan Belfort’s extravagant lifestyle, emphasizing the grandeur before the inevitable fall. The film's energy and pace were crucial, with Scorsese often encouraging improvisation to capture the raw, chaotic spirit of the '80s and '90s financial world.

This was the fifth collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and star Leonardo DiCaprio.
Many of the film's memorable comedic moments, like the chest-pounding chant, were improvised by the actors.
Jonah Hill claims he often ate a live fish during takes of the office party scene to stay in character, though it was likely a prop.
Margot Robbie (Naomi Lapaglia) improvised the moment she slapped Leonardo DiCaprio during her audition, winning her the role.
The film was shot almost entirely in chronological order, which helped the actors portray Jordan's escalating drug use and madness.
Costume designer Sandy Powell created approximately 250 distinct outfits for Leonardo DiCaprio alone.
Leonardo DiCaprio met with the real Jordan Belfort multiple times to prepare for the role, including learning Belfort's mannerisms.
The initial assembly cut of the film ran over four hours, showcasing the vast amount of footage captured.
The vintage yacht seen in a pivotal scene was actually named 'Naomi' in real life, a coincidence for the character.
The infamous 'lemons' scene involving a character eating lemons was entirely improvised by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill.
The intense Quaaludes scene, where Jordan is incapacitated, was physically grueling and took many takes to perfect.
The script was adapted by Terence Winter from Jordan Belfort's two memoirs.

Location Gallery

500 Brick Pond Road, Old Westbury, Long Island, New York, USA

The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, USA

The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, USA

Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, New York, New York, USA

New York Harbor, New York, New York, USA

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover 500 Brick Pond Road, Old Westbury, Long Island, New York, USA, The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, USA, The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, USA in one day.