There are [many answers][1] for this, but looking at the dictionary we get: > [at][2]: In or near the area occupied by; in or near the location of > > [in][3]: Within the limits, bounds, or area of People are usually using *in* to note a general location and *at* for a more specific location. > I'm in the building, at the front desk > > I'm in New York, at the conference > > I'm in New York, at the Empire State Building EDIT: But note also the difference when *in* is used to indicate *inside* > I'm in the elevator = I'm inside the elevator > > I'm at the elevator = I'm near the elevator [1]: https://www.google.com/search?oq=differences%20between%20%22in%22%20and%20%22at%22 [2]: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/at [3]: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/in