The legendary opening of Breakfast at Tiffany's almost unraveled under the pressures of an unexpected visit from Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Filming took place at dawn outside the Tiffany & Co. store on Fifth Avenue in early October 1960, capturing a moment that has become a defining scene in cinematic history.
Khrushchev's Visit Disrupted Filming
As the crew began to shoot the iconic window-shopping scene, police instructed them to wrap up by 7:30 AM to accommodate the throngs of spectators anticipated for Khrushchev's arrival in New York City. The restricted timeline forced the cast and crew to work quickly, with limited opportunities to adjust.
Audrey Hepburn, who portrayed the unforgettable Holly Golightly, experienced difficulty maintaining her composure due to the large, off-camera crowd that had gathered. Nervous about the situation, Hepburn reportedly made several mistakes, complicating the shoot and adding to the pressure of achieving the picture-perfect moment.
The Iconic Location: Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co., located at 727 Fifth Avenue, has remained a significant attraction in New York. The store itself has become synonymous with luxury and romance, with visitors continuing to pay homage to the film by taking photos in front of the famed display window where Hepburn's character is seen admiring the jewels. This scene not only captured the glamour of the early '60s but also encapsulated Audrey Hepburn's timeless charm.
Visitors looking to recreate the magic of Breakfast at Tiffany's can stand in the same spot that Hepburn once did. The historic store is a must-see stop during any trip to New York, conveniently located near other popular sights such as Rockefeller CenterRockefeller CenterThe Art Deco complex hosting the winter ice rink, Christmas tree, Radio City and NBC studios. and Central ParkCentral ParkThe 843-acre engineered wilderness at Manhattan's heart, designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1858..
Planning Your Visit
To experience the charm of Fifth Avenue and the iconic Tiffany & Co. store, plan a visit during the morning hours for the best photo opportunities. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 6 PM.
While in the area, consider booking a guided walking tour that includes stops at notable film locations and historical sites, priced from $40 (estimated), and see firsthand the spots that have become cinematic landmarks. Reviews are available on the tour page to ensure an enjoyable experience.
For those venturing beyond Fifth Avenue, a stroll through nearby Central Park or a quick trip to the Bronx Zoo could further enrich the New York experience, offering a blend of nature and city life.
Whether reminiscing about the classic film or capturing new memories, a visit to the original filming site of Breakfast at Tiffany's offers undeniable appeal for fans and tourists alike.
More on the place itself: rockefeller center.
Best tours and tickets in New York
Curated from Viator. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
Frequently asked questions
What iconic film scene was filmed outside Tiffany & Co.?
Who caused a disruption during the filming of *Breakfast at Tiffany's*?
How did Audrey Hepburn react during the filming at Tiffany & Co.?
Related guides
Enchanted's 'That's How You Know' Is a Central Park Walking Route in Disguise
Disney's Enchanted turns 'That's How You Know' into a Central Park walking route past five landmarks, from Conservatory Water to Bethesda Fountain.
Read more →23 Skidoo and the Flatiron Building: The Skirt-Blowing Myth That's 3 Years Too Late
The Flatiron Building's wind vortex and the 1901 nickelodeon film were real, but the '23 skidoo' origin is three years off. Here's how to see the site.
Read more →Seneca Village: The Black Landowners Erased Under Central Park
Before Central Park, Seneca Village was a free Black landowner community. The city displaced it in 1857, historians rediscovered the story in the 1990s.
Read more →Why the Oculus Roof Opens Only on September 11 at the World Trade Center
The Oculus at the World Trade Center opens its 330-foot skylight once a year, on September 11, turning Calatrava's design into a memorial gesture.
Read more →West Side Story's Opening Scenes Were Filmed in San Juan Hill, Now the Site of Lincoln
The 1961 film's opening scenes were shot in San Juan Hill, a Black and Afro-Caribbean district razed for Lincoln Center, displacing thousands.
Read more →When Harry Met Sally at Katz's Deli: The Table Where 'I'll Have What She's Having' Was
The table from When Harry Met Sally still sits inside Katz's Delicatessen, marked by a hanging sign and open to anyone who orders pastrami.
Read more →Editorial summary produced with AI support and reviewed. Facts are as reported by the sources linked in the text. Verify anything important before you act on it. Spotted an error? Use the contact form and we will correct it.
All prices and times on this page are ESTIMATES and change often. They are a starting point from an independent editor, never official or guaranteed figures. Always check the final price and the opening hours with the official venue or operator before you book or travel.
