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Home » Travel

Visiting Gossip Girl Filming Locations in NYC

Published: May 15, 2018 · Modified: May 5, 2023 by Kit · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

When I tagged along on Charles's work trip to New York City, I spent my time visiting Gossip Girl filming locations in NYC. I have lived in the city, and spent so much time in NYC that I needed a little inspiration to uncover some new-to-me things to do. I think you will enjoy this list of things to do even if you aren't a GG super-fan.

Visiting Gossip Girl Filming Locations in NYC

I’ve lived in New York and I have written about New York. The city manages to feel familiar and new all at the same time. On some trips I like to go back to my favorite spots in the city, and other times I like to explore all new places. On my most recent visit I turned to Gossip Girl (which according to New York Magazine, is the "greatest show of our time") for a bit of inspiration. I checked out restaurants mentioned in the television series, spent time in the Upper East Side, and hit up a few Gossip Girl filming locations.

Visiting Gossip Girl Filming Locations in NYC:

Top of the Rock/Empire State Building

While Gossip Girl filmed a Chuck and Blair centric scene at the top of the Empire State Building, my Mom and I opted to visit Top of the Rock instead. My reasoning was that the view of the Empire State Building is wonderful from Top of the Rock, and I preferred to have the architectural landmark in my photos. The weather was cold but the skies were clear - making it a perfect day to take in the view. We could see all the way to the Statue of Liberty.

Mom and I went on a Monday in March, so we were able to buy same day tickets and it wasn't very crowded. You might want to book in advance - especially if you want to visit on a weekend.

Veselka

Veselka, a 60 year old Ukrainian restaurant in the East Village, received many mentions throughout Gossip Girl's six seasons as it was frequented by Dan Humphrey. Gossip Girl mentioned Veselka a few times, but they finally filmed there in season 4, when Dan following Blair and Louis there. I wasn’t sure of Dan’s ability to choose a restaurant, but my love of pierogi convinced me to check the place out. It was immediately clear that Veselka is one of those New York City establishments that takes you back in time. It doesn’t try to be cool or trendy, it’s a diner with a Ukrainian twist. It’s also considered one of the best places to get breakfast in Manhattan - a combination of the fact that they serve breakfast all day, and the fact that the food is delicious. Good call Dan Humphrey.

I ordered a blintz and an order of 4 pierogi. The server reassured me that it was a common order, even if it did seem a little odd. I was a little unsure as to what a blintz is, and I quickly learned that it is a spongey crepe filled with lightly sweetened farmer's cheese. It was utterly delightful. There are several pierogi on the menu, and you can get an order of 4 or seven. I went with four, two of the short rib and two of the goat cheese and arugula. Other options include potato, cheese, sweet potatoes, sauerkraut, and mushrooms - and you can choose to have them boiled or fried. I had mine fried and justified that decision with the fact that I had walked 5.5 miles the day before. Fun fact: They make 3000 pierogi a day at Veselka. Is it worth going to Veselka? Absolutely. And since they are open 24 hours a day, you can go late night!

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is a architectural landmark and the place where Gossip Girl began. The first scenes of the series show Blake Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen returning to the city by train and being spotted in the grand main lobby. The architecture of Grand Central Station is so exceptional that it has landmark status. If you want to people watch, there are two restaurants in the upstairs balconies overlooking the rush of people below.

Campbell Apartment

Another one of Gossip Girl's most iconic scenes took place at the Campbell Apartment which is within Grand Central Station. Be warned, cocktails run $18-$25, but it’s worth the price since the space feels intimate and not touristy, and you can easily get lost in its decorative architectural details. The wood paneling, leaded glass windows, stone fireplace, and painted patterned ceiling are remarkable.

The Russian Tea Room

Gossip Girl Filming Locations in New York City : The Russian Tea Room

Most of the Gossip Girl gang: Serena, Chuck, Nate, Blair, and Georgina take down Poppy Lifton at this elegant restaurant in Midtown in the second 2 episode The Wrath of the Con.

Carlyle Hotel

While tea at the Carlyle Hotel wasn’t featured on the show, it is in the Upper East Side and Blair certainly drank lots of tea and had an affinity for dainty pastries so it fits within the theme. I had intended to take my mother to have tea at The Plaza, but the entire hotel was closed to the public for a week (some prince had rented it out). It was a happy accident that tea at the Carlyle was $55 compared to the $90 at The Plaza.

Madison Avenue

After tea at the Carlyle, we browsed the shops on Madison Avenue, which is a very GG thing to do, it seemed like every party was centered around some over the top event that everyone was hurrying to find a dress for. The shops in the Upper East Side tend to be less crowded than the shops in Midtown and SoHo, and they were deserted the day my Mom and I were there in March. If you really want to shop, and want assistance from salespeople, head to the Upper East Side.

Dylan's Candy Bar

Dylan's Candy Bar - an upscale candy shop made an appearance on Gossip Girl in season 2, and I couldn't resist stopping at one of the shop's locations to by gummy bears for Charles. Dylan's Candy Bar has a massive selection, and they stock lots of hard to find vintage candies.

The Met

What to do in the Upper East Side The Met

While I didn't go to The Met on this trip, I can't write a blog post about Gossip Girl filming locations in NYC without mentioning the iconic Upper East Side museum. Fun fact: They wanted to do a Met Ball episode but filming at the Met Ball proved to be too complicated. I am a huge fan of the museum and spent many hours there exploring the museum and doing research in the library when I was in grad school.

Central Park

Central Park Mandarin Duck

Blair loved to go to Central Park to feed the ducks. However, feeding the ducks is strictly forbidden. Bread isn't good for the ducks, and park rangers keep an eye out to make sure people aren't feeding the ducks. I do recommend going to Central Park, and while you are there, try to spot the mandarin duck that has moved to The Pond.

Wollman Rink

Christmas in NYC | What to do in New York City at Christmastime : Wollman Rink in Central Park

Also in Central Park, Blair and her father go ice skating together at the Wollman Rink in Season 1.

What to do in the Upper East Side Sothebys

Sotheby's

The show filmed at the Upper East Side auction house for the season three episode The Lost Boy. Blair, Chuck, a Serena attend an auction and bid against each other to buy a photograph. Sotheby's is worth a visit since the artwork up for auction is exhibited to the public prior to auction - it's one of my favorite free things to do in New York City.

Brooklyn

What to do in Brooklyn - a Brooklyn travel guide

This view of Williamsburg, Brooklyn was seen on nearly every episode of the series, the Humphrey family lived near Washington street, which has a perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge.

Let me know if you love Gossip Girl or if I missed any of your favorite Gossip Girl filming locations!

xoxo - you know you love me 😉

And just in case you want to save this list of Gossip Girl Filming Locations in NYC for later - here is an image for you to pin:

Gossip Girl Filming Locations in NYC: The can't miss spots to visit!

More NYC Travel Guides:

250+ Things to do in New York City
A 3-5 Day New York City Itinerary

NYC Neighborhood Guides
NYC Packing List

26 Foods to Try in New York City
Cheap Meals in NYC
Gossip Girl Filming Locations

Sex and the City Filming Locations
What to do in Lower Manhattan
What to do in Soho
What to do in Greenwich Village and Chelsea

What to do in the Meatpacking District
What to do in Tribeca
What to do in Union Square

What to do in Midtown
What to do in the Upper East Side
What to do in the Upper West Side
What to Do in the West Village
What to do in Murray Hill, Gramercy, and Kip's Bay
What to do in the East Village
What to do in the Lower East Side

What to do in Brooklyn
What to do in Williamsburg
What to do in DUMBO
What to do in NYC at Christmastime
What to Know about Visiting New York City
Which NYC Airport to Fly Into
24 Hours in NYC and a Visit to Roosevelt Island

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Comments

  1. Rhonda Gales says

    May 26, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    I hope to visit NYC this fall with a few cousins for a girls week-end. I'll be Pinning your post. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • thekittchen says

      May 26, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      Hi Rhonda! I hope that you do make it to NYC with your cousins - its the perfect place for a fun weekend away!

      Reply
  2. Erlene A says

    May 27, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    I've never watched Gossip Girl, but what a fun way to enjoy NYC in a new way. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.

    Reply
    • thekittchen says

      May 29, 2018 at 5:30 pm

      If you like NYC you will enjoy the show - regardless it is a really funw ay to explore NYC!

      Reply
  3. Katherine Medlin says

    June 01, 2018 at 11:53 pm

    Awesome tagging along with you on these Gossip Girl stops! I'm a fan, but I cannot believe NY Mag named it the greatest show of our time. Really?

    Reply
    • thekittchen says

      June 04, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      Yes! NY Mag put the show on the cover and declared it the Greatest Show of Our Time - everyone in NYC was obsessed with the show back then.

      Reply
  4. Melinda says

    January 16, 2024 at 3:30 pm

    After stumbling upon your post, I realized visiting these spots is a must for my NYC trip in two weeks. I finished the original Gossip Girl 6 times, and being there is like a dream! Did you tour these places yourself or take a tour? With only 3 days, I doubt I can cover it solo. Found gossipgirlexperience.com, probably gonna book a tour there. So excited!

    Reply
    • Kit says

      January 16, 2024 at 5:33 pm

      I haven't done a tour - but that would be the easiest way to see the most sites!

      Reply

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