Guide to NYC: Gossip Girl Style
As soon as I moved to NYC I found myself spending each day trying to master a Gossip Girl lifestyle. Rewatching episodes rewinding to google the exact place Blair referenced or pausing and zooming in on the details to find out just which bar the cast was at. The basic tours of Gossip Girl provided by the city take you exclusively around the Upper East Side. To my surprise a lot of places the cast spent their time in weren't actually in the Upper East Side, giving me a grand city tour.
From the best hidden bars and dinner spots to the perfect daytime activities, here's my version of the Best Gossip Girl spots to hit on your next trip to NYC.
The Empire Hotel- Chuck Bass's hotel, he even has a drink named after him to prove it. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago you could have found the whole casts names on the drink menu but apparently the bar felt that Nate, Serena and Blair were no longer worthy of being on the cocktail list; (chuck probably paid for his name to stay.)
📍Upper West Side
The New York Palace. Owned by Chuck, lived in by Serena and personally my favorite hotel. If you ever get the chance to stay at the royal palace, go big and stay at The Towers. If the Gossip Girl feel isn't enough for you the breathtaking view of the St. Patrick's cathedral will be.
📍Upper East Side
The Archibald Townhouse: Not only is Nate the dream boy but also he lives in the dream penthouse. At least my dream penthouse, I actually walked by, looking at the place, wishing to live there and didn't realize it was The Archibald Townhouse until I googled it! I guess even subconsciously I'm a fan.
📍Upper East Side
Butter Resteraunt- Remember that epic moment when Little J played Blair? She tricked her into waiting at a restaurant all alone, even the waitress felt for Blair, giving her a drink on the house. At least it was Butter, which is actually a great spot with amazing cocktails and a fun vibe.
📍Midtown
The Steps on the Met. Need I say more?
📍Upper East Side
5th Ave- Eleanor Waldorfs shop isn't exactly real but you can find similar shops to it on the lovely 5th Ave. You can also find every store that the girls shopped at and dreamed about, like Henri Bendel.
📍Midtown
Central Park- Where Nate runs, Serena mourns & Blair schemes.
📍Upper East Side & Upper West Side
Troubles Trust- The lower bar in the Palace Hotel. Not exactly the same as where Serena got her grilled cheeses (which sadly closed) but as close as you can get.
📍Upper East Side
Sant Ambroeus- Ever notice the cute pink coffee cups accessoried on the girls outside on the Steps of the Met? They were the perfect outfit addition to the plaid skirts and colorful tights. Find them at Sant Ambroeus cafe, an Italian restaurant chain serving amazing coffee you can find on the Upper East Side and all throughout NYC.
📍SoHo, Upper East Side, West Village has
The Campbell- Does this bar look familiar to you? Probably because it's where Nate and Serena started their firing fling after the Sheperd Wedding. (I still wish they ended up together!)
📍Midtown
The Museum of the City of New York- Otherwise known as Constance Billard, the school where the GG girls attended. A great spot to see for any fan but also a very fun museum to spend the day at.
📍Harlem
Food shop like Lilly and Eleanor do in the final episode to celebrate Chuck & Blair’s marriage.
📍West Village
You may see schemes and designer clothing throughout each episode but where the cast frequents is really what gives the show it's true magic. Whether you're sipping on a latte, dining out, or wandering a city museum, doing it Gossip Girl style is so much better.
XOXO,
J