The Dakota Apartments Tours

One of Manhattan’s most storied—and macabre—buildings, the Dakota has pride of place on Central Park West. The architectural icon of the Upper West Side was a stand-in for the fictional Bramford in the horror film Rosemary’s Baby; it’s also where John Lennon was shot in 1980.

The Basics
Designed by architect Henry J. Hardenbergh (who also created the Plaza Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria) and built in 1884, the Dakota has been listed as a National Historic Monument since 1976. Roberta Flack, Judy Garland, Lauren Bacall, and Leonard Bernstein are some of the celebrities who have called the Dakota home over the years—and musician Yoko Ono is still a resident today. Recognizable for its soaring gables and ornamented exterior, the Dakota remains one of the most desirable luxury apartment buildings in the city, despite—or perhaps because of—its spooky lore.

Numerous Upper West Side tours feature the Dakota Apartments, including neighborhood walking jaunts, architecture-themed excursions, and filming location itineraries.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Dakota is a popular stop for pop culture junkies and architecture enthusiasts.
• According to several accounts, the Dakota is supposedly haunted, and ghost sightings have been reported.

How to Get There
Located at 72nd Street and Central Park West, the Dakota is easy to get to by subway. Take the B or C train to 72nd Street station, or the 1, 2, or 3 train to 72nd and Broadway. Several bus lines also serve the landmark.

When to Get There
The Dakota isn’t generally open to the public, but its imposing facade is impressive from every angle. Stop by at twilight to capture photos as the sun goes down.

Nearby Attractions
The Dakota is located just steps from Central Park and the Strawberry Fields memorial, dedicated to John Lennon. Other nearby cultural attractions include the New-York Historical Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and Lincoln Center.