As I was thinking of ideas for my next article, I thought of the few DIYs I’ve done that actually worked out well! Most of the time, they fail or I do them wrong, but this is one that worked out well and turned into a great experience!
Any fans of the TV show, Gossip Girl know that the show is set in the amazing city of New York. I am a bit partial since I am from the area, but if you are ever in the city and have a free day, you should definitely go to a few of these spots on the tour.
A majority of the filming is done inside at studios, but there is also a lot of filming done outside in the city. There are also a lot of spots in the city used for the outside shots. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best spots to go to if you want to have the full “Upper East Side” experience!
1. The Palace Hotel
Where it all started. This beautiful hotel was used for the outside shot for the Van der Woodsen apartment. Additionally, the ball in season 1 was filmed inside the lobby and ballroom. Also, the bar and a few other rooms inside were shown for scenes such as Chuck in his office and Serena and Blair making up in episode 1. Funny story - when I was there, we just went to check out the front and courtyard of the hotel but ended up just going in to look at the lobby, assuming we would be kicked out when they found out we weren't actually guests. Yet, the bellhop noticed us and asked if we were fans of the show! We hesitantly said yes, and he explained how a lot of fans have stopped by and he sometimes took them for a little tour of the inside filming spots. So, he took us inside and showed us Chuck’s office and a library where they filmed some scenes! It was so cool, but even if that doesn’t happen when you go, the outside and lobby are beautiful and so amazing to see!
2. Bendels
Any Gossip Girl fan knows that Serena and Blair’s go-to store is Henri Bendels. I recommend the one on 5th Ave. It’s huge and gives you the full experience!
3. The Museum of the City of New York (a.k.a. Constance Billard School for Girls/St. Jude School for Boys)
This spot was used for filming many outside scenes at school, especially with the NJBC (Blair, Serena, Chuck, and Nate).
4. The Met Steps
One of the most prominent locations on the show. The show makes it seem like the steps are directly across from the school, yet it is in fact many blocks away from the filming location for the school. Although, I recommend doing this walk down 5th Ave because it gives you a great look into the Upper East Side area.
5. The Conservatory Garden off 5th Ave in Central Park
Some shots of the show are filmed here or at similar locations. Overall, it is a great spot to walk around in and is directly across from the Museum of the City of New York.
6. Dylan’s Candy Bar
In general, this is a great spot to go to in the city, but there was also a Gossip Girl scene shot in the store with Dan and Vanessa!
