EXPLORING THE ICONIC FILMING LOCATIONS OF GOSSIP GIRL IN NYC
Step into the glamorous world of Gossip Girl with On Location Tours, where scandalous secrets and haute couture collide against the backdrop of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. For six seasons, the hit television series captivated audiences with its juicy plotlines and fashionable characters, all set amidst the glittering skyline of the Big Apple. But beyond the drama and intrigue lies a real-life playground waiting to be explored—the actual filming locations where Gossip Girl came to life. Join us on a journey as we uncover the iconic spots where Serena, Blair, and the rest of the Upper East Side elite left their mark, and discover why the Gossip Girl Sites Tour with On Location Tours is a must-do for any GG enthusiast.
Chapter 1: The Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude’s School for Boys
Our journey begins at the prestigious Constance Billard School for Girls and its counterpart, St. Jude’s School for Boys. While these elite institutions may be fictional, their real-life counterparts serve as the backdrop for many memorable scenes throughout the series. Located on the Upper East Side, the steps of the Museum of the City of New York doubled as the entrance to Constance Billard, where Blair Waldorf and her minions held court. Meanwhile, the nearby Nightingale-Bamford School stood in for the interior shots of Constance Billard, providing the perfect backdrop for Blair’s scheming and Serena’s scandals.
Chapter 2: The Palace Hotel
Next on our tour is The Palace Hotel, a luxurious landmark that served as the primary residence for the van der Woodsen family. Situated on Madison Avenue, this iconic hotel provided the perfect backdrop for Serena’s glamorous lifestyle and served as the setting for countless scandalous soirées and clandestine meetings. From the opulent lobby to the elegant ballrooms, The Palace Hotel exudes old-world charm and sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for any Gossip Girl fan.
Chapter 3: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Steps
No tour of Gossip Girl filming locations would be complete without a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps, a quintessential New York City landmark. Made famous by Blair and her minions’ iconic lunchtime rendezvous, these steps served as the backdrop for some of the series’ most memorable scenes. From Blair’s epic fashion shows to Serena’s dramatic entrances, the Met steps were the epicenter of Upper East Side social life and remain a popular gathering spot for fans hoping to capture a glimpse of the Gossip Girl magic.
Chapter 4: Central Park
Central Park, the sprawling oasis in the heart of Manhattan, provided the perfect backdrop for countless romantic trysts and scandalous encounters throughout the series. From picnics on the Great Lawn to clandestine meetings at Bethesda Terrace, Central Park served as the ultimate playground for the Upper East Side elite. Fans of the show can retrace Serena and Dan’s romantic strolls, Blair and Chuck’s clandestine rendezvous, and Nate and Vanessa’s heartfelt conversations as they explore the park’s picturesque landscapes and iconic landmarks.
Chapter 5: The New York Palace Hotel
Another iconic filming location featured in Gossip Girl is The New York Palace Hotel, which served as the residence of the van der Woodsen family during the early seasons of the show. Located on Madison Avenue, this luxurious hotel provided the perfect backdrop for Serena’s glamorous lifestyle and the setting for many memorable scenes, including Blair’s wedding to Prince Louis. Fans can visit The New York Palace Hotel to soak in the opulent atmosphere and imagine themselves living the high life like the characters of Gossip Girl.
Chapter 6: Gossip Girl Sites Tour with On Location Tours
For die-hard Gossip Girl fans looking to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite characters, the Gossip Girl Sites Tour with On Location Tours is a dream come true. Led by knowledgeable guides who are just as obsessed with the show as you are, this guided tour takes you on a journey through the Upper East Side, where you’ll visit iconic filming locations, uncover behind-the-scenes secrets, and relive your favorite moments from the series. From the steps of the Met to the chic boutiques of Madison Avenue, the Gossip Girl Sites Tour offers an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. So grab your best designer duds and get ready to live out your Gossip Girl fantasies in the city that never sleeps. XOXO, Gossip Girl.