If you're planning a trip to New York City to tour the bullpens and briefing rooms of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, here's the reality check you need: almost none of the show was shot in Brooklyn.
While the series captures the spirit of New York's funniest fictional police station, the real Brooklyn 99 precinct building is actually NYPD's 78th Precinct station house located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The show used stock exterior footage of this real station house, while virtually all character interactions, bullpen shenanigans, and action sequences were filmed 2,800 miles away on soundstages and backlots in Los Angeles, California.
Whether you're visiting New York City or exploring Southern California, this breakdown outlines every real-world spot, soundstage, and exterior location featured across all eight seasons of the iconic comedy series.
The Real 99th Precinct: NYC vs. Los Angeles
The iconic brick facade featured in almost every episode's transitional shot belongs to a real working police station. However, stepping inside won't lead you to Captain Holt's glass office or Amy Santiago's organized binder shelves.
The Exterior: NYPD 78th Precinct (Brooklyn, NY)
- Real Address: 65 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
- Neighborhood: Park Slope / Prospect Heights border
- How to Visit: Ride the New York City Subway (2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, or R trains) to Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center Station, then walk three blocks south along 6th Avenue.
The 1920s Renaissance Revival building serves as the active administrative base for the NYPD's 78th Precinct, covering Park Slope and Prospect Park. Production camera crews captured stock exterior establishing shots early in the show's run.
If you take a photo outside, respect local law enforcement operations. Keep sidewalks clear and remember that NYPD officers are on duty. The interior is an active, restricted police facility—you can't step inside for photos or fan tours.
The Interior: CBS Studio Center (Studio City, CA)
- Real Address: 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604
- Key Soundstages: Stage 10 and Stage 12
Every interior scene—the main bullpen, Captain Holt’s office, the breakroom, the interrogation rooms, and the evidence locker—was constructed inside Soundstage 12 at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California.
street chases, alleyway arrests, and storefront scenes were filmed on CBS Studio Center's New York Street Backlot. This specialized set features modular building facades designed to replicate Manhattan and Brooklyn commercial architecture.
Iconic New York City B-Roll and Title Sequence Spots
Although cast members rarely filmed on location in New York City, the production team shot distinct architectural landmarks and transit corridors across the city for title sequences, intro montages, and scene transitions.
1. The Opening Credits Hero Shot (Williamsburg Bridge)
The final hero frame of the main opening sequence—where the core squad stands together looking over the East River—was filmed along the pedestrian walkway of the Williamsburg Bridge, looking toward Manhattan. While many fans mistake the backdrop for the Brooklyn Bridge, the steel cross-bracing in the shot confirms it's the Williamsburg span.
2. Coney Island Transit Corridor
Transition shots featuring the elevated Q subway train moving along open trestles were captured in southern Brooklyn along the lines heading toward Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue Station.
3. Flatbush Avenue & Atlantic Terminal
Multiple establishing shots of yellow taxis navigating crowded streets were filmed along Flatbush Avenue, directly adjacent to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and Barclays Center.
Los Angeles Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit
Because production remained anchored in Southern California, dozens of real Los Angeles area landmarks doubled for East Coast destinations, hotel convention centers, bank vaults, and bars.
| Show Location | Real-World Venue Name | Address / Location | Featured Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Trust Bank Vault | The Majestic Downtown | 650 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA | "Windbreaker City" (S2E15) |
| The Manhattan Club | James Oviatt Building | 617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA | "Four Movements" (S6E4) |
| Airport Terminal | Los Angeles Convention Center | 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA | "DFW" (S5E17) |
| Shaw's Bar (Squad Hangout) | Built Backlot Set / Local LA Interior | CBS Studio Center Lot, Studio City, CA | Recurring across all seasons |
| Florida Hotel Exterior | Hyatt Valencia | 24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia, CA | "Cop-Con" (S4E4) |
| Coral Palms Arcade | Castle Park Family Fun Center | 4989 Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA | "Coral Palms" Trilogy (S4E1-3) |
The Majestic Downtown (Los Angeles)
In the Season 2 episode "Windbreaker City," Jake Peralta gets involved in an active Homeland Security tactical exercise. The grand financial institution used for the exercise is The Majestic Downtown in downtown Los Angeles. Its high ceilings, marble columns, and vintage security doors make it a popular production spot for TV crime series.
The James Oviatt Building
When Gina Linetti makes her dramatic exit from the precinct in Season 6 ("Four Movements"), key farewell scenes were filmed inside the historic Oviatt Building in Los Angeles. The venue's famous Art Deco glasswork and ornate elevators provided the backdrop for her high-end lounge events.
Castle Park (Sherman Oaks, CA)
During the Season 4 "Coral Palms" arc, Jake and Holt live in witness protection in Florida. Jake works as an assistant manager at "The Fun Zone." These arcade and mini-golf scenes were shot at Sherman Oaks Castle Park, a municipal entertainment complex run by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Common Misconceptions About Brooklyn Nine-Nine Filming
Myth 1: The show filmed on location in Brooklyn every season
Fact: Except for B-roll background footage, transit shots, and initial main title capture, the cast and main crew worked almost exclusively on soundstages in Southern California.
Myth 2: You can tour the inside of the 99th Precinct building
Fact: The building shown in exterior shots is NYPD’s active 78th Precinct. There is no public tour, no bullpen on the upper floors, and no fan access beyond the public sidewalk.
Myth 3: Shaw's Bar is a real pub in Park Slope
Fact: The bar where the squad unwinds after shifts was an interior set constructed on Stage 12 of the CBS Studio Center lot. While several bars in Park Slope have adopted Nine-Nine trivia nights, the physical venue from the show exists only on a soundstage.
Step-by-Step Self-Guided Tour for Fans
If you're building a travel itinerary to visit real-world Brooklyn Nine-Nine spots, follow these direct routes in both NYC and LA.
NYC Tour Route (1 to 2 Hours)
- Start at Barclays Center Station: Take the subway to Atlantic Ave–Barclays Center.
- Walk to the 78th Precinct: Head south on 6th Avenue for three blocks until you reach Bergen Street. The building at 65 6th Ave is the iconic 99th precinct facade. Photos from across the street give you the best framing without blocking the station entrance.
- Walk to the Williamsburg Bridge Walkway: Take the subway north toward Williamsburg (or take a quick taxi to Delancey Street). Walk onto the pedestrian path for the title sequence backdrop view.
Los Angeles Tour Route (Half-Day)
- Visit CBS Studio Center: Head to 4024 Radford Ave in Studio City. Note that while the lot is closed to uninvited public tours, you can view the studio main gates and surrounding neighborhood where cast members frequently dined during filming.
- Explore Downtown LA Landmarks: Drive down to the Historic Core of Los Angeles to view exterior facades of The Majestic Downtown (650 S Spring St) and the Oviatt Building (617 S Olive St).
- Finish at Sherman Oaks Castle Park: Play a round of mini-golf at 4989 Sepulveda Blvd to experience the real-world venue behind Jake's Florida stint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 99th Precinct a real police precinct in New York City?
No. The NYPD does not have a 99th Precinct. Brooklyn's actual precincts skip from the 94th to higher numbered divisions across different neighborhoods. The exterior shown on screen belongs to the real 78th Precinct in Park Slope.
Can I visit CBS Studio Center in Studio City?
CBS Studio Center is a private production facility. It doesn’t offer daily public studio tours like Warner Bros. or Universal Studios, so you'll need an official invitation, audience ticket, or industry pass to enter the lot.
Where were the Jimmy Jab Games filmed?
The Jimmy Jab Games were filmed in the hallways, bullpen set, and backlot areas of Stage 12 at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California.
Did the cast ever film episodes in New York?
The primary cast filmed promotional clips and minor intro bumpers in New York, but complete episodes were not filmed on location in NYC. California’s production infrastructure and studio availability made LA soundstages the permanent choice for all eight seasons.
