Your Ultimate Guide To Iconic Sex And The City Filming Locations
For anyone who has ever dreamed of living like Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, or Samantha, New York City holds a special kind of magic. That, you know, is where the whole "Sex and the City" story truly comes alive. More than two decades since the show first aired, and with the "And Just Like That..." reboot bringing new stories, the desire to walk in their shoes, or perhaps their Manolos, is still very real.
So many of us watched these four women share their lives, their loves, and their challenges, often over brunch or cosmopolitans. The city itself became a character, a backdrop to their friendships and personal growth. You can still visit most of the iconic filming locations from "Sex and the City" in New York City, and even some from the movies in other places, too. It is almost like stepping into your favorite episode.
This guide will help you find those famous spots, from Carrie's brownstone to the fancy hotels and charming cafes. We will look at key places from the six seasons of the show and both "Sex and the City" movies. We will also touch on the newer spots from "And Just Like That..." So pack your favorite pair of shoes, round up your girlfriends, and get ready to see the places that put the "sex" in New York, in a way.
Table of Contents
- Why These Spots Matter
- Iconic New York City Filming Locations
- Beyond NYC: Sex and the City Filming Locations in Paris and LA
- Tips for Visiting Sex and the City Locations
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sex and the City Filming Locations
- Plan Your Own Sex and the City Adventure
Why These Spots Matter
The show "Sex and the City," starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, gave us a look into the lives of four New York women who talked openly about their sex lives, or sometimes the lack of them. These places are not just buildings or parks; they are where important moments happened. They saw friendships grow, hearts break, and big decisions get made. It's almost like they hold the feelings of the characters, you know?
For many, visiting these spots is a way to connect with the stories and characters they love. It is a chance to feel a part of that glamorous and very real New York life. Whether it is a famous restaurant where a big secret was shared, or a quiet street where a character walked alone, these locations help bring the television screen to life. They really do, in a way, make the stories feel more personal.
The show, and later the movies, truly made these spots famous. Some locations are so well-known, they do not even need much description. Everyone has seen The Plaza Hotel, for instance, where Carrie confronted Big right after his wedding. These places are now part of pop culture history, and they keep drawing visitors who want to experience that magic for themselves. It is pretty cool, that.
Iconic New York City Filming Locations
New York City is full of spots that fans will recognize from "Sex and the City." Here is a guide to some of the most famous places that were made popular by the iconic TV series and the first film. You can find Carrie and the girls at these local restaurants, bars, and clubs, or just walking by. These are places that still welcome visitors, letting you feel like you are stepping into the show's glamorous and exciting world, you know?
Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment
Perhaps the most sought-after location is Carrie Bradshaw's apartment building. It is where so much of her story started and ended. This famous brownstone, with its recognizable stoop, is on Perry Street in the West Village. It is a truly charming street, very New York, that.
While the show showed her apartment as being on the Upper East Side, the actual building used for filming is in a different neighborhood. Fans often gather outside to take pictures, imagining Carrie typing away at her column or rushing out for a date. It is a private residence, so visitors are asked to be respectful of the people who live there. But it is still a highlight for many, a very popular spot, you know?
The New York Public Library
This grand building plays a big part in the first "Sex and the City" movie. It is where Carrie plans to marry Mr. Big in a huge, elaborate ceremony. The scene where she waits for him, only for things to go wrong, is one of the movie's most memorable. The library itself is a stunning piece of architecture, very impressive.
Even without the movie connection, the New York Public Library is a landmark worth seeing. Its magnificent reading rooms and impressive exterior make it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. For fans, it brings back all those feelings from that very dramatic wedding day. It is a powerful place, that.
The Plaza Hotel
We had all seen The Plaza Hotel before Carrie confronted Big there right after his failed wedding. This famous hotel, right by Central Park, is a symbol of luxury and classic New York. It is where Big has lunch with Natasha and where Carrie later confronts him in a very public, emotional scene. It is a truly memorable moment, that.
The Plaza is a historic hotel, known for its fancy afternoon tea and beautiful interiors. Visiting it gives you a sense of old-world elegance, and for fans, it is a direct link to one of the most heartbreaking, yet somehow iconic, scenes in the entire series. It really makes you feel a part of the story, you know?
Magnolia Bakery
Who could forget Carrie and Miranda sitting outside Magnolia Bakery, eating cupcakes and gossiping? This little bakery in the West Village became incredibly famous after its appearance on the show. It is known for its delicious cupcakes and old-fashioned desserts. It is a sweet spot, that.
Visiting Magnolia Bakery is a chance to enjoy a treat just like the girls did. It is a simple pleasure, but it really connects you to a lighthearted moment from the series. The line can be long, but for many, it is worth the wait to experience a little piece of "Sex and the City" history. It is a charming place, very popular, you know?
Jefferson Market Garden
This beautiful community garden in Greenwich Village is where Miranda and Steve get married. It is a charming and peaceful spot, a bit hidden away from the city's usual rush. The garden is maintained by volunteers and is a lovely place to sit and relax. It is a very pretty place, that.
The garden offers a quiet escape and a chance to see a more serene side of New York. For fans, it is a reminder of one of the show's most heartwarming moments, a true celebration of love and commitment. It is a really nice place to visit, you know?
Buddakan
Buddakan is the fancy restaurant where Carrie and Big have their rehearsal dinner in the first movie. It is a very stylish and grand space, known for its Asian fusion cuisine and impressive decor. The long table where the group sits is quite striking. It is a rather dramatic setting, that.
Dining at Buddakan offers a chance to experience a high-end New York meal in a place that feels very much like the show. It is a popular spot for special occasions, and fans often seek it out to relive that pre-wedding excitement, or perhaps the tension that came with it. It is a memorable spot, you know?
Scout
While Scout was a fictional bar owned by Steve and Aidan in the show, its exterior was filmed at a real location. The actual building used for the exterior shots of Scout is on West Broadway. It is a place that brings back memories of their business ventures and personal lives. It is a cool spot, that.
Though you cannot go inside the "Scout" from the show, seeing the building itself is a fun nod to a key part of Steve and Aidan's story. It is a reminder of their dreams and efforts. It is a very recognizable place for fans, you know?
Duane Reade Drugstore
It might seem like a simple spot, but the very first Duane Reade drugstore, opened in 1960, also made an appearance. This location, like so many everyday spots in New York, became part of the fabric of the show. It shows how the series blended the ordinary with the extraordinary. It is a rather interesting detail, that.
Seeing this original Duane Reade gives a sense of the real, everyday New York that the characters also experienced, alongside their glamorous lives. It is a small but important piece of the city's history, and the show's, too. It is almost like a hidden gem, you know?
And Just Like That... Reboot Locations
More than 20 years after "Sex and the City" premiered, Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda are back in "And Just Like That..." This new production brings new places to explore, along with some familiar ones. You can visit many of these shooting locations around New York City and even Los Angeles. It is exciting to see them in new settings, that.
These newer spots include new restaurants, shops, and parks that reflect the characters' lives as they are now. For instance, new cafes where they share updated gossip, or different neighborhoods they explore. It is a fresh look at their world, still very much rooted in the city. It is a cool new chapter, you know?
Beyond NYC: Sex and the City Filming Locations in Paris and LA
While New York City is the main stage, the "Sex and the City" movies took the characters to other places, adding new layers to their adventures. These trips gave us a chance to see them outside their usual element, experiencing different cultures and challenges. It was a nice change of pace, that.
Paris: City of Light Moments
The first "Sex and the City" movie takes Carrie to Paris, the city of light, for a big part of her story. This guide to 10 iconic "Sex and the City" filming locations in Paris features famous landmarks and charming cafes. It is a truly romantic setting, that.
You can find spots like the Pont des Arts, where she throws her phone into the Seine, or the fancy hotel where she stays. These locations capture the beauty and romance of Paris, and they highlight Carrie's feelings of being lost and found. It is a very pretty city, very cinematic, you know?
Los Angeles: A Glimpse of the West Coast
The "And Just Like That..." reboot also shows some locations in Los Angeles. This gives a different feel to the show, moving beyond the East Coast. It is a chance to see how the characters' lives, or at least some aspects, connect with the West Coast vibe. It is a bit of a change, that.
These LA spots, while not as central as the NYC ones, offer a fresh perspective. They might include modern restaurants or sunny outdoor settings that are typical of California. It is a nice way to broaden the show's geographical scope, and it is interesting to see the characters in new surroundings, you know?
Tips for Visiting Sex and the City Locations
When you plan your trip to see these famous spots, there are a few things to keep in mind. Many of these places are real businesses or homes, so showing respect is important. It helps everyone have a good time, you know?
Consider taking a guided tour. There are specific "Sex and the City" hotspots tours available that can help you find these places and give you more fun facts. They often include transportation, which can make things easier. This was also the very first Duane Reade drugstore, opened in 1960, for instance, and tours often point out these kinds of details. It is a good way to see a lot, that.
Wear comfortable shoes! New York City involves a lot of walking, and you will want to be ready to explore. Also, check opening hours for restaurants and shops, as they can change. Some places might require reservations, especially the more popular dining spots. Being prepared makes the visit more enjoyable, you know?
Finally, bring your camera! You will want to capture your moments at these iconic spots. Whether it is a selfie on Carrie's stoop or a picture with a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery, these memories will be special. It is a fun way to remember your trip, that. Learn more about traveling in New York City on our site, and check out tips for planning your visit to the Big Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex and the City Filming Locations
People often have questions about visiting the places from "Sex and the City." Here are some common ones, with some helpful answers, too.
Where is Carrie Bradshaw's apartment located?
While Carrie's apartment in the show was said to be on the Upper East Side, the actual building used for filming is at 66 Perry Street in the West Village, New York City. It is a private home, so visitors should be respectful and avoid going onto the stoop. It is a very popular spot for photos, you know?
Can you visit the Sex and the City filming locations?
Yes, you absolutely can visit most of the iconic "Sex and the City" filming locations in New York City and some from the movies in Paris and Los Angeles. Many are public places like parks, libraries, and bakeries, or restaurants and bars that welcome guests. Some spots are private residences, so you can only view them from the outside. It is pretty easy to see them, that.
What are the most famous Sex and the City spots in NYC?
Some of the most famous spots in New York City include Carrie Bradshaw's apartment (Perry Street), The New York Public Library, The Plaza Hotel, and Magnolia Bakery. Other popular places include Buddakan, Jefferson Market Garden, and various restaurants and clubs where the girls would meet. There are many well-known places, you know, that really stand out.
Plan Your Own Sex and the City Adventure
More than 20 years after "Sex and the City" premiered, the charm of its locations still draws people in. So, pack your favorite pair of shoes, gather your friends, and use our ultimate guide to all the "Sex and the City" filming spots. It is a chance to truly step into the world of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. Go see these places that brought the romantic comedy movie to life, in a way. They are waiting for you.
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