Shakespeare Steps — Attraction in New York

The "Shakespeare Steps" in New York refer to a set of steep, public stairs in the Bronx that connect Shakespeare Avenue and Anderson Avenue at West 167th Street. They gained a new kind of fame after being a key filming location for the 2019 film Joker. What are the "Shakespeare Steps"? Location: They are located in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. Original Purpose: Like other "step streets" in New York City's hilly neighborhoods, they serve as a pedestrian thoroughfare, connecting different avenues with varying elevations. Recent Fame: In the movie Joker, the main character, Arthur Fleck, famously dances down these stairs in one of the film's most iconic scenes. This scene led to the stairs becoming an instant tourist attraction and they are now widely known as the "Joker Stairs." Artistic Transformation: In 2024, the stairs were transformed with a new mural as part of a community art project by CITYarts. The mural, which reflects the unique identity and culture of the Bronx, incorporates themes of music, nature, and a large-scale depiction of William Shakespeare, bringing attention back to the original namesake of the avenue. What do people think about it? The public's opinion of the stairs is quite divided, mainly along the lines of tourists versus local residents. For Tourists and Film Fans: Iconic Location: Many people visit the stairs specifically to recreate the famous dance scene from the Joker movie, making it a "must-see" for film buffs. Unique Photo Opportunity: The stairs offer a unique and recognizable backdrop for photos and videos, which has made them a popular spot on social media. A "Gritty" Experience: Some visitors appreciate the chance to see a different, less polished side of New York City, away from the typical Manhattan tourist spots. For Local Residents: Annoyance and Disruption: Many Bronx residents have expressed frustration with the influx of tourists. They find that the crowds, posing for photos with selfie sticks, disrupt their daily commute and turn a local fixture into a crowded attraction. Safety Concerns: The neighborhood has historically had a high crime rate, and some locals have voiced concerns that tourists are unaware of the risks and could be vulnerable to crime. They warn visitors to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Misappropriation of a Local Space: Some residents and commentators feel that tourists are only interested in the stairs for their association with a Hollywood movie, without appreciating the local culture or the community that uses them every day. The community art project was in part an effort to reclaim the identity of the stairs for the neighborhood. In short, the Shakespeare Steps are a classic example of "movie tourism," where a regular, functional part of a city becomes a global landmark overnight. While it's a fun destination for fans, it has also created a point of tension with the locals who have to live with the...

Visiting the Shakespeare Steps, now widely known as the Joker Steps, was an unforgettable experience — especially if you’re a fan of the movie Joker. The moment you arrive, you instantly recognize the scene: the steep staircase, the walls, the atmosphere — it’s like stepping right into the film itself.

What’s fascinating is how something so ordinary, just a long set of steps connecting two streets in the Bronx, has become such a global pop culture icon. Because of the movie, the place has a completely different aura now. Standing there, you can almost picture Joaquin Phoenix in full Joker costume dancing down the stairs — it sends a little chill down your spine if you’ve seen the film.

The vibe is really fun too. You’ll usually find other fans there taking photos, re-creating the dance scene, or just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s a great reminder of how movies can transform everyday places into something truly special.

Of course, it’s still a residential area, so it’s good to be respectful of the people who live nearby. But overall, the visit was a mega highlight for us. It’s not a typical tourist attraction, but for film lovers, it’s something unique and absolutely worth the trip.

In short: the Shakespeare Steps are more than just a staircase — they’re a piece of modern movie history. For fans of The Joker, this is a must-see and a moment you’ll...

I give this 5 stars because of my history with these steps. I used to live on Walton Ave and would usually run up these steps with my father on my way to school which was on Shakespeare Avenue. So for many years I would run up these steps even after elementary school. I would meet up with friends and we would run up these steps for a workout, then after high school, doing personal training I would take people here to run up and jump up these steps.

All this to say, I've been here decades longer before the Joker movie made these steps famous. Its cool to see people visiting the Bronx but I would only hope that people also frequent some of the eats in the area as well. Definitely come! I'm not mad like...