FDNY Ladder 8 — Local services in New York

Ghostbusters Firehouse – Hook & Ladder 8

When we booked our VIP coach tour in New York, there were dozens of landmarks and options to choose from, but for us one stop stood out above all the rest: Hook & Ladder 8 in Tribeca, better known to the world as the Ghostbusters firehouse. It was the deciding factor in picking the tour, and even after a hectic week exploring the city’s biggest icons, this was the one that left us grinning like kids.

The firehouse has been here since 1903, a proud red-brick Beaux-Arts building that was literally cut in half in 1913 when Varick Street was widened. Its slightly “squeezed” look is part of its charm. What most people know it for, though, is its starring role in the 1984 classic Ghostbusters. Dan Aykroyd, who co-wrote the film, chose this station because he knew the area, and its tall bay door and stoic façade became the cinematic headquarters of paranormal investigation. Exterior shots were filmed here, while interiors were re-created on a soundstage in Los Angeles. Even so, this corner of North Moore Street is forever tied to Ecto-1, proton packs, and “Who you gonna call?”

What makes it even more special is that this is not a museum—it’s an active FDNY firehouse. The firefighters here were among the first responders on 9/11, and the company nearly closed in 2011 before a public outcry and political support saved it. That mix of Hollywood magic and very real New York bravery makes visiting all the more meaningful.

If you’re lucky enough to pass when the doors are open, you’ll see more than the gleaming trucks inside—you can also buy Hook & Ladder 8 t-shirts directly from the firefighters. The proceeds go to charity, making it one of those rare souvenirs that actually means something. It’s a small way to support the men and women who serve here while also taking home a piece of Ghostbusters history.

Another recent highlight: fans gifted the station a replica of the original Ghostbusters sign, which is being properly mounted on a post outside to match the film. Between that and the existing fan-donated logo above the doors, the building feels alive with pop culture energy. On Ghostbusters Day each June, fans gather here in full costume, turning the quiet street into a celebration of both the movie and the firehouse itself.

Standing on the sidewalk, it’s easy to imagine the Ecto-1 screaming out of the bay doors with sirens blaring, heading off to another supernatural emergency. For film lovers, it’s a pilgrimage site. For visitors in general, it’s proof of how a working New York landmark became part of global culture without losing its authenticity.

For us, the stop was absolutely worth it. We picked the tour because of this firehouse, and it delivered everything we hoped—cinematic nostalgia, real New York history, and a sense of connection to something that blends fiction and reality in the most fun way possible. If you’re in Manhattan, especially anywhere near Tribeca, it’s worth the detour. Even if you’re not a Ghostbusters super-fan, you’ll leave with a smile, a photo, and maybe a t-shirt that helps...

It was my family's first trip to NYC and this was the first place we decided to visit. Needless to say we were excited. We arrived about 7am on a Tuesday morning. Even though it is a fire station open 24 hours, I expected the doors to be closed and they were. After about 10 minutes or so, the fireman returned along with the firetruck from a call. I quickly asked the fireman who was shutting the door if we could purchase some merch. We already knew what we wanted and the price based upon pictures that others have posted here. We had cash in hand and it would have literally taken us ONE minute to purchase a T Shirt and license plate. As the fireman was shutting the door on me as I politely asked him if we could purchase some merch, he said "Come on, we just got back from a call. Give us a sec OK?: I understood that they just returned, but we continued to wait for another 30 minutes!! Tourists would come and go, but we kept waiting. Eventually, we had to leave to catch our ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. VERY Disappointed, when we were ready with cash in hand and would have been very quick. Also, another fireman in plain clothes was taking gear to his private vehicle and wouldn't even look at us. Don't sell fundraising merchandise then if you don't want to be...

A huge Ghostbusters fan but seeing the actual building was a bit of a letdown, appearing somewhat insignificant as opposed to what you see in the movies (like so many things in Hollywood). In promoting the latest movie, Frozen Empire, they had added cheap looking props that took away from the effect of the building- looking like the movie paraphernalia they set up in movie theater lobbies. The GB's logo was made to appear frozen, creating a cheapened and worn out effect Visitors cannot go inside either.

In addition, the firemen were not all too friendly, not one relaxed smile or welcome. Although, yes, selling items related to the movie. I completely understand that they are working but there were families outside from all over the world and this is a tourist attraction! Like so many things in NYC- not a tourist friendly place (and, no, I am not a tourist). The city should prepare for such events and dealing with actual people, not just posting a video on Instagram promoting GB's day.

A better bet may be found in visiting the midtown New York Public Library (the one with the lions) for a quality experience related to the movie. It is exactly what you see in the movie. That one never...