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Hello Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite. And I have the inside scoop on where to find the hottest places in town that were featured in Gossip Girl. This self-guided tour is so easy to do, as I’ve included addresses so you (probably) won’t get lost. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourselves. Or if you’d prefer, you can always join a 3-hour Gossip Girl Sites Tour by On Location Tours and find like-minded Gossip Girl fans! Either way, here are the top Gossip Girl locations you can actually visit in real life that’s perfect for any kind of Gossip Girl fan!
Planning a trip to NYC?
If you are booking your trip to New York City, here’s a tldr of some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🗽 Top Experiences and Tours in New York City:
NYC Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry
Or get your NYC GoCity Explorer Pass and save on ticket prices!
🛌 Top Hotels in New York City:
Empire Hotel
citizenM New York Times Square
Martinique New York
Gossip Girl Locations
The Palace Hotel
Walk in the shoes of Serena for a moment and pretend you’re heading home, as Lotte New York Palace was the set of the Van Der Woodsen’s residence. You’ll remember many scenes where both Dan and Nate would wait for little Miss Serena out here!
Want to go a mile further in Serena’s shoes? Really live like her with Lotte New York Palace’s special Gossip Girl package! The package includes a welcome gift pack full of macarons and Prosecco gummy bears. And of course, if you’re living it large, you’ve gotta have that champagne! Plus, you’ll get “Spotted at The Palace” postcards that map out all of the filming locations within the Lotte Palace, which make awesome memorabilia, and 25% off on tickets to the “On Location Gossip Girl Sites Tour“!
Address: 455 Madison Ave. (50th/51st Streets)
Grand Central Terminal
Of course, no Gossip Girl tour is complete without a visit to the infamous Grand Central Station, as this is where we are first introduced to Miss Serena Van Der Woodsen, looking all forlorn. This is also where Dan first spots Serena which then sparks Gossip Girl’s blast informing everyone that S is indeed back in town. In hindsight, now we know why…
Besides being a perfect Gossip Girl pilgrimage, it’s also a great stop to marvel at the stunning architecture.
Address: Grand Central Station, 89 E 42nd St
The Campbell Apartment
While you’re at Grand Central Station, pop by Campbell Apartment which is just downstairs. This is where that hot and steamy scene between Nate and Serena in Season 1was filmed, so perhaps you could get some action of your own here? 😉 Or, maybe not!
The Met Steps
Another Gossip Girl must is to grab a yogurt and sit on the Met steps with your own little minions.
Address: The MET, 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
The Humphrey Loft
Take a trip across to Brooklyn to where Lonely Boy used to live along with Jenny and Rufus. It’s located right under the Manhattan Bridge which also makes for a great photo! I whipped my phone out for this one to get into character!
Address: 455 Water Street, Apartment #6, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Nate Archibald’s Townhouse
So this is where the Archibald’s residence is. I used to have a healthy (read: unhealthy) crush on Nate Archibald back when the Gossip Girl series aired, often daydreaming of what it would be like to hold the coveted title of Mrs. Archibald. So when I first arrived here, I was squealing with utter excitement like a schoolgirl. So I will spare you the photos of my giggly face.
Address: 4 E 74th Street, New York
The Empire State Building
Who can forget that Blair-Chuck drama that happened atop the Empire State Building? Plus, it boasts an excellent view of the city! Alternatively, head up to the Top of the Rock for a different perspective (and a view of the city with the Empire State Building in it!)
Address: 20 W 34th St
Central Park
There were so many scenes shot at Central Park, that you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in the park itself. This is where Blair and Serena finally agree to a truce, and where Chuck and Blair said their “I Do’s”.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
This may be a lesser know scene, but it’s where Dan and Vanessa shopped for Nate’s anniversary present. Not only that, it’s also the biggest candy store in the world housing over 5,000 different types of candy so it doubles as a perfect stop for those sweet tooths!
Address: 1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY
Pulitzer Fountain @ The Plaza
This was one of my favorite scenes between Serena and Blair, where they stole some outfits from Blair’s mother’s photoshoot and had their own fun little photoshoot outside Central Park. This fountain can be found right outside the Plaza Hotel close to Central Park.
Address: Between 5th Ave and 59th Street, New York, NY
Museum of the City of New York
This museum entrance was used as the setting for Constance Billard School for girls and St Jude’s School for boys.
Address: 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
The Empire Hotel
You would’ve heard a lot about the Empire Hotel in the series, and it’s cool to know it actually exists! There are a few scenes that Chuck and Blair filmed here, including the memorable scene where Chuck surprises Blair with her favorite things from Paris!
The coolest thing is the hotel actually serves a lineup of Gossip Girl–themed cocktails at the bar, including the “Lonely Boy” and “Jenny’s Tartlet! I think I would really love to stay here and pretend that Chuck Bass actually owned the hotel and maybe sneak a chance to bump into him 😉
Address: 44 West 63rd Street
Where to Stay in New York City: Based On Your Travel Style!
New York City Filming Locations: A self-guided tour
4 Days in New York: A Non-FOMO Itinerary for First Timers
12 Gossip Girl Locations in NYC Every Fan Must Visit!
Where to stay
And if taking a walk in the shoes of the elite isn’t enough, why not live like them for a night or two? You actually can stay in two of the locations listed above if you’re willing to shell out a little extra!
The Lotte New York Palace is the setting of The Palace, where Serena took residence for a period of time on the show. Live in a little slice of history in NYC’s first-ever five-star hotel offering ultra-luxurious amenities, distinctive event spaces, and opulent suites. Prices start from $650 per night.
The Empire Hotel is indeed a very real hotel in New York going by the very same name. Although less luxurious than The Lotte, The Empire Hotel is conveniently located right smack in the middle of Manhattan, and just 250 feet away from the Lincoln Center. Prices start from $152.
If you're planning a trip to New York City, check out my Non-FOMO New York City Itinerary for First Timers!
Writing up this guide has really made me want to get a little nostalgic and start a Gossip Girl Marathon! Who’s with me? Let me know in the comments if there are any more secret Gossip Girl locations that I should add to this list! Until next time, you know you love me, xoxo!
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2 comments
I thought I was going to spend ageeeees trying to figure out where certain locations were in NYC from Gossip Girl and this saved me!!! Love it!!! Thank you!!
Going for the first time in June from Scotland!
Aww glad you found it helpful! Hunting for filming locations is sooo fun! I also have a guide on other popular tv and movie locations in NYC if that’s you’re thing too. 🙂