Any true fan of the Upper East Side and its famous (fictitious) residents and xoxo stories will want to visit the Big Apple at least once in their life. After all, the Gossip Girl New York Locations aren’t that hard to find if you know where to look!
Good thing the series used real life building shots instead of just generic city sweeps, so you can actually visit a lot of Gossip Girl New York Locations even without being part of the High Society.
So let’s go on a Gossip Girl tour around New York City! And don’t forget to download the free Gossip Girl bucketlist to tick off all the post.
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Should You Book a Gossip Girl Tour?
If you have quite some time on your hands and you’ve seen a good part of the city already and taken plenty of skyline shots of NYC, then you can do your own Gossip Girl walking tour at your own pace.
However, if you are only here for a few days and have limited time and no nerve to follow a map, then I highly recommend a tour. This way, you will meet fellow Gossip Girl fans, hear some cool stories from the local guide and see the main Gossip Girl sites with ease.
Plus, if you’re looking all fabulous in your outfits inspired by Gossip Girl, you wouldn’t want to walk around in fashionable (but probably uncomfortable) shoes too long anyway.
To help you out with the research, check out the following Gossip Girl tours. But know that they are super popular; so I advise to reserve your spot in advance asap*. You can choose between 3 or 2 hour Gossip Girl* tours, depending on your time and budget.
Hotels of Gossip Girl
If you were to stay on the Upper East side Gossip Girl would be so proud! This is where the main characters were living and plotting.
It isn’t cheap, of course, but you could treat yourself to a stay at fancy Bentley Hotel* for around $150 per night – which is not too shabby for Manhattan hotel standards.
While this hotel doesn’t take place in Gossip Girl, it’s totally in line with the glamorous vibe of the iconic series. In case you want to stay at actual film locations in Gossip Girl – or at least have a look -, check out the hotels below.
If you’re looking after your budget, check out these hotels in Brooklyn instead.
The Pierre
Did you know you can be just as fabulous and stay at a hotel Gossip Girl was filmed at? The hotel is called The Pierre and you can view room availablity here*.
At this fancy hotel Serena and Blair took dance lessons in the tenth episode of the first season.
(This episode is also how I discovered the music by The Pierce, which plays in the background. I really loved what they added to the soundtrack. You can see the clip here.)
Address: 2 East 61st Street At, 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, Vereinigte Staaten
New York Palace Hotel
Serena’s mother Lily initially resided at the extravagant New York Palace Hotel. And You can see Serena going on a Date with Dan here in episode 5 of season 1.
But not only the hotel exterior got some screen time, but also its on-site restaurant, the GILT. Why not choose the same grilled cheese Serena ordered in the series?
To stay at one of their luxurious rooms, make your booking here*.
Address: 455 Madison Ave. (50th/51st Streets)
The Sherry Netherland
An alternative and particularly interesting for Georgina lovers is The Sherry Netherland Hotel on Fifth Avenue. It was here that the sly manipulator took up residence after returning to town. Make a reservation now*.
Address: 781 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, Vereinigte Staaten
The Plaza
Next, The Plaza New York is another must for Gossip Girl fans in NYC. Here Serena and Colin got into a cab home and Blair broke off the engagement with the Prince in the Oak Room. View it here*.
Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Empire Hotel
It is one of Chuck Bass’s first investments and ways to try and impress his stern father. Of course, Blair supported him all the way and indeed Chuck Bass turns hotel owner at a very young age.
His hotel is also a hotel in real life. So you could even book yourself into a Chuck Bass home! Check availability here*.
Address: 44 West 63rd Street
Essential GOSSIP GIRL Locations
Grand Central Terminal
You could say the entire story and fateful set of events got kicked off with Serena’s return to New York City. Naturally, she made quite the entrance and it wasn’t the only time the aptly named train station featured as a Gossip Girl filming location.
It’s always super busy here and honestly, the busy crowds make for the perfect addition to any photo posing near the clock tower and plaza inside.
It’s a good idea to bring a friend along for photos (you wouldn’t want to be a target to pickpockets when you place a camera down for selfies) or join a tour, where people happily take photos of each other.
Address: 89 E 42nd Street
Website: www.grandcentralterminal.com
Lincoln Center
For a little culture fix and to attend a ballet like the Gossip Girl crew, hit up Lincoln Center. It’s a good idea at any time because there is always an excellent show and concert going on.
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plz
Central Park Skating
Remember that cute scene where Blair is skating on the ice rink in Central Park? Well, you can do that as well. Central Park has two ice skating rinks, so if you want the Gossip Girl location, opt for Wollman Rink.
Address: Enter the Park at 59th and 6th Avenue, or 59th and 5th Avenue
Hours: Mon & Tues 10AM- 2:30PM, Wed & Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri & Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 10AM-9PM
Website: http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/
Central Park Fountain
Confrontation and wedding bells! Both happened here in the fashionable series.
Remember when Serena and Blair got into a big fight after the sudden return? And remember the rushed wedding between Blair and Chuck?
Funny how the series goes full circle with this Gossip Girl filming location as well.
Address: Bethesda Terrace and Cherry Hill Fountain, 72 Terrace Dr, Central Park
Central Park
Well, in general, you could have an entire Gossip Girl tour in NYC just in Central Park. So many scenes were filmed here! For instance, Nate and his father went jogging here multiple times.
Serena and Blair took photos at Pulitzer Fountain and Dan met Georgina (in her false identity) at 106 Street and 5th Avenue. Gapstow Bridge was seen a couple of times, for instance during Dorota and BLair’s community service or duck feeding sessions.
Hit up one of the many bridges and then gather your minions at Conservatory Waters. Seriously, there are so many opportunities to visit your favourite Gossip Girl locations and scenes.
St James’s Church
The first time the wedding bells (almost) ring for Blair is at St James’s. But alas, Gossip Girl speaks up and a distraught Blair pulls the disappearing act.
Address: 865 Madison Ave
The Plaza Hotel New York
If Blair had followed her own advice, we wouldn’t have had the wedding disaster just mentioned. It was in the Oak Room that she told Chuck she needed to end the relationship with the Prince.
Address: 768 5th Ave – book it here
Empire State Building
Picture Chuck Bass waiting for Blair at the top of the Empire State Building with pink roses. That scene did take place at the top and the sunset views were stunning.
You can have that as well if you book the respective time slot in advance. You can either do that when you have the practical CityPASS* or get a separate skip-the-line ticket online*.
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Wedding bells definitely rang at this museum. It served as the venue for Lily Van der Woodsen and Bart Bass’s nuptials.
Address: 2 E 91st St (at 5th Ave)
Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate
This is the Gossip Girl location for Blair’s visit to Tuscany. Psht, I won’t tell if you won’t. Xoxo
Address: 135 W Gate Drive, Huntington
Capitale
This is where Jenny first presented her fashion design on Eleanor Waldorf’s fashion show and Serena showed it off with confidence.
Address: 130 Bowery (at Grand St.)
RESIDENCES
Williamsburg
Even though Brooklyn was somewhat snubbed by the Upper East Siders, this is where a lot of Gossip Girl scenes were filmed. After all, this is where the Humphrey family resided and Dan’s father was quite the musician.
It made total sense for him to live here. Also, seeing that the Humphrey loft was right next to DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge you could tell they weren’t so bad off either.
Affectionately known as the loft home of the Humphrey family – Dan, Jenny, and Rufus up until the third season, where Rufus moves in with Lilly. The loft is located almost directly under the Manhattan Bridge.
Address: 15 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
The Milan Condominium
This is also where the Van der Woodsen home was filmed.
Address: 300 E 55th St
The Archibald Townhouse
As would be expected of a filthy rich dynasty, the Archibalds reside in a stately and impressive manor in the middle of New York. Get a photo of the exterior of this popular Gossip Girl New York location before moving on to a similar impressive building.
Address: 4 E 74th Street
SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY
Metropolitan Museum of Art
It is at the MET where Serena first tried to make amends with Blair, who was still mortally offended about her best friend’s sudden departure.
More than that, the marble steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are an often seen Gossip Girl location, especially in early seasons as Blair holds court after school here.
Her minions are always sitting a few steps below, at her feet, of course. The museum is one of the most popular NYC attractions and lines can be insane. You can book your skip the line ticket online in advance. Check deals here*.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
Hours: Sun-Thu 10AM-7:30PM, Fr-Sat 10AM-9PM
Website: www.metmuseum.org
Museum of the City of New York
This is where TV magic plays a big role as the Constance Billard School was not actually a school building.
Instead the proper Gossip Girl location for the Upper East Sider’s education was played by the Museum of the City of New York. It served both as Constance Billard School for girls and St. Jude School for boys.
Address: 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am-6pm
Website: www.mcny.org
Synod of Bishops Russian Orthodox Church
While the exterior of the Museum of the City of New York featured as St. Jude, the interior was filmed at a church! To see why and marvel at its glamorous inside, visit Museum of the City of New York.
Address: 75 E 93rd St
Columbia University
Education never played a big part in Gossip Girl. School and university sites were more of a backdrop.
The same goes for Columbia University, which Nate officially attended but was actually rarely seen in in season 3. The following season, this is where Blair and Serena are then living in as well.
Address: Broadway
Website: www.columbia.edu
FOODIE PLACES
The Box
Remember the wild parties at The Victrola? The real world Gossip Girl location is found at The Box. Chuck certainly seemed to enjoy the burlesque shows.
Address: 189 Chrystie St (btwn Rivington & Stanton St)
Website: www.theboxnyc.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Dan and Vanessa fans (as well as foodies) will circle Dylan’s Candy Bar in red on their maps. This shop not only serves over 5000 different kinds of candy, making it the largest candy store on earth.
With its crazy colourful pop up installations and giant displays, you will easily feel like Wily Wonka might have had a hand in the design. (Fun fact: Ralph Lauren’s daughter opened that shop!)
But it served as the Gossip Girl New York location for “Danessa” looking for a birthday gift for Nate. Nate certainly liked sweet things.
Address: 1011 3rd Ave
Website: www.dylanscandybar.com
Erin McKenna’s Babycakes
A short but (literally) sweet scene of Gossip Girl in NYC was where Dan bumps into his love Serena and drops his yummy cake, saving Serena from being run over by a car. Always be careful of the traffic in NYC!
Address: 248 Broome Street (Orchard & Ludlow)
Hours: Sun-Mon 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tues-Thurs 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Website: www.babycakesnyc.com
Barrio Chino
In one of the many instances in which Serena is caught drunk, the Gossip Girl location was set at Barrio Chino. Again, this is a scene were Serena and Dan have a (not so much) meet cute on Thanksgiving.
Address: 253 Broome Street
Website: www.barriochinonyc.com
Cafe Habana
What’s up with Dan and food places in Gossip Girl? Anyway, if you wanna grab a sandwich Dan Humphrey-style, check out Café Habana.
Address: 17 Prince Street (Elizabeth St)
Website: www.cafehabana.com
The Russian Tea Room
It is quite hard to get in (and expensive, too), so make your reservations well in advance if you want to dine in style. Minus an arrest à la Serena, naturally.
Address: 150 West 57th Street
Butter Midtown
If you want to do it like Blair (though she certainly didn’t intend to), come and dine here alone.
Address: 70 W 45th St (6th Avenue)
Website: www.butterrestaurant.com/
The Campbell Apartment
For drinks like Serena and Nate, hit up the Campbell Apartment. Just don’t forget to dress up in style to make an entrance.
Address: 15 Vanderbilt Ave
Website: www.thecampbellnyc.com
King Cole Bar
If you believe Serena Van der Woodsen, you can get the best Red Snapper in New York City at the St. Regis’s King Cole Bar.
Address: 2 E 55th St
SHOPPING
Henri Bendel
If you are a sucker for the Gossip Girl fashion wardrobe, then you should know that Henri Bendel provided quite a lot of dresses and accessories for the show, such as Serena and Blair’s prom dresses.
Not only that, but it served as one of the many Gossip Girl locations in which the Upper East side fashionistas spent their time.
Address: 797 Madison Avenue
Website: www.henribendel.com
Tori Burch
Again part of the wardrobe and a Gossip Girl set location, Tori Burch makes an appearance. The designer herself did too, by the way.
Address: 257 Elizabeth Street
Website: www.toryburch.com
Vera Wang
Although neither Blair’s nor Serena’s wedding dresses were by Vera Wang, they did feature a store of the beloved wedding dress designer. This is the height of luxury!
Address: 991 Madison Ave
Website: www.verawang.com
Missoni
Another high fashion designer, Missoni is another must visit, if only to somewhat feel like in the shos of your favourite Upper East siders.
Address: 1009 Madison Ave
Website: www.missoni.com
More Designer Stores
For more of Blair Waldorf’s style, you should stop by Bergdorf’s and Barneys. For Chuck Bass-inspired look, stock up on fashion at Turnbull & Asser and Ralph Lauren for Nate’s look.
Top 5 Things to Pack for a Gossip Girl Tour
Gossip Girl characters are always flawless and seem well prepared when oaming around Manhattan and Brooklyn.
If you really want to soak up the vibe of the famous TV series, why not bring some Gosip Girl essentials along? You don’t have to pack a Gossip Girl wardobe (though you could) but maybe you just want to be better prepared.
Comfortable flats* – Though most female characters on Gossip Girl wear heels – ou really should opt for more comfortable walking shoes. Make it at least flats like Blair Waldorf often chooses in reference to Audrey Hepburn.
Statement jewellery* – On a Gossip Girl tour, you might as well dress with a nod to the stylish series. For Blair iconic pieces are headbands*, for Lily’s big statement necklaces*, for Jenny her dark eyes and for Serena you could try hats or long, multilayered necklaces*.
Travel guide* – NYC is full of amazing sights and events. Even a week in the Big Apple isn’t enough, so why not mark your preferred spots in advance? A handy travel guide like Lonley Planet NYC* will help you find lesser known spots and cool insight tips.
Travel insurance* – Wherever you travel, insurance is key. You never know when accidents happen. This could be falling off of high heels, having your luggage go lost when flying, etc. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Which of these Gossip Girl places in New York do you want to visit the most?
Sources:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/gossip-girl-sites-tour-1612874
www.worldofwanderlust.com/gossip-girl-locations-in-new-york-city-the-ultimate-guide-for-gg-fans/
https://www.vogue.com/article/gossip-girl-guide-nyc
http://www.centralparktoursnyc.com/central-park-gossip-girl-locations/
https://roadtrippers.com/trips/14702695
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