New York City Filming Locations: A self-guided tour

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If you are a TV buff like me and basically grew up on American TV since I was old enough to hold a remote control, then New York City will be like a pilgrimage for you. With so many TV shows and movies set in this magical city, I knew I had to visit as many film locations as I could on my first trip to the Big Apple! And boy, did I have a blast! I even wrote a whole post dedicated to just Gossip Girl filming locations! Here I’ve compiled a few more New York City filming locations to visit if you’re a fan of the classics like F.R.I.E.N.D.S, How I Met Your Mother, Sex and the City and more!

New York City Filming Locations

The F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartment

Okay, I just had to start this off with the most iconic film location of all time (to me, at least) — The F.R.I.E.N.D.S apartment. It’s probably an understatement to say that I am a huge F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan. I bolded, italicized and underlined that just to emphasize my point. I mean, I totally stan them (that’s what kids are saying nowadays right?) considering I found myself right outside their apartment. Throw me a line from any scene and I can tell you who said it and what comes after. Yep, I’m that obsessed. So I could hardly contain my excitement when I really found myself out this historic apartment.

Take the quiz: Where Should You Travel Based On Your Favorite F.R.I.E.N.D.S Character?

Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014, USA

McGee’s Irish Pub

Some say that How I Met Your Mother was very closely modeled after F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Regardless of whether that’s true or not, it was still a pretty decent show that had its run on TV and garnered its own following. If you’re a fan, you can pop by McGee’s Pub. It’s where you would see the crew huddled up around that legendary booth, and where most memorable conversations took place.

You can pop into the pub and have some HIMYM-themed food and drinks, with cocktails aptly named “Have You Met The Captain”, “Robin Sparkles” and “Wait for It……”. Plus, you’ll find framed photos and memorabilia of the show on the walls.

Address: 240 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment

So I didn’t grow up with Sex and the City (cause that would be weird), but I did binge on the series once I got to a mature age like a #goodgirl. And no matter how unrealistic the series was (I mean, how did a struggling journalist/author afford all those designer clothes, shoes and that apartment in NYC?!), it was still a fun watch and an ode to female friendships and girl power.

So, sitting on the steps of Carrie’s NYC apartment felt pretty surreal. Unfortunately, as you can see, it’s been chained off since many other SATC fans have come by as part of their pilgrimage to walk in Carrie’s footsteps but then got a little well, carried away. Ha. Ha.

Address: 66 Perry St, New York, NY 10014

Carrie and Big’s Penthouse

You might remember the gigantic penthouse that Mr. Big bought for Carrie in the opening shot of the Sex and The City movie. You’re looking at it. Talk about an upgrade. The actual location is really close to The Met. The MET! Strolling through these streets, I could only daydream of how life would be like as one of these upper-class folk living in this neighborhood.

Well, a girl can dream… hello, where is my Mr. Big?

Address: 1010 Fifth Avenue

The Magnolia Bakery

Ok so let me just start off by saying that if you love cupcakes, then you have to make sure Magnolia Bakery is on your list. And if you are not a fan of cupcakes, still add Magnolia Bakery on your list. I’m not the biggest fan of cupcakes, but the cupcakes here really blew my mind. So grab yourself a cupcake and then stand outside a la Carrie and Miranda (the bench isn’t there anymore *sadface) in one of the Sex and the City episodes. There are a few branches, but make sure to head to the Bleecker Street one!

Address: West 11th Street, 401 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

New York Public Library

This is where Carrie Bradshaw chose to get married to Mr Big (oh so classy), but ended up getting stood up. It’s no wonder she chose this beautiful venue as its interior architecture is absolutely stunning and well worth a look.

Address: 476 5th Ave

Serendipity 3

This is another stop to fill your bellies. They’re best know for their frozen hot chocolate. FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE, GUYS! Stop what you’re doing and just look at these images of this decadent, beautiful FROZEN HOT beverage.

Credit: Amber An Al Tayer Group Loyalty Programme

Sorry for screaming guys, but I feel like I can taste it by just looking at those images. Oh, this is also where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale sat sipping on their own frozen hot chocolates in a film of the same name.

Address: 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022

Tiffany’s

Every girl knows of that signature turquoise box that gets hearts racing, and boyfriends have probably heard of this brand from girlfriends “accidentally” leaving the website’s page on the computer, or casually pointing it out while walking past the store windows.

Tiffany’s is a must when you’re in New York City, especially with one of the most iconic films of all time, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Have your very own Holly Golightly moment by grabbing a croissant and coffee to-go and popping over to the nearest Tiffany’s store window.

Address: Tiffany’s Flagship Store (727 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022)

Central Park

Central Park is about 2.5 miles (4km) long, so due to its sheer size, almost every TV show or movie that’s set in New York City will have at least one scene in Central Park, including Gossip Girl. While I was there, they were even shooting Set It Up, a movie now on Netflix, and I got to see Glen Powell in the flesh!

New York City Filming Locations Map

Alternatively, you can always join a guided tour and see more locations jam-packed in 3 hours, plus get the inside scoop from a local actor! See more film locations from Seinfeld, Girls, Spiderman, Person of Interest, I Am Legend, Ghostbusters, The Mysteries of Laura, and The Mindy Project and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Book your tour here.

Ready to book your NYC trip? Read about my 4 Days in New York: A Non-FOMO Itinerary for First Timers!

Want more film locations? Check out the 12 ‘Gossip Girl’ Locations in NYC Every Fan Must Visit!

Need a place to stay? Find out Where to Stay in New York City: Based On Your Travel Style!