NYC: Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

The NYC: Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour offers a lively way to explore Manhattan’s Upper East Side through the lens of the beloved TV series. Priced at $78 per person and lasting between 2 to 2.5 hours, this tour is ideal for fans eager to see the locations that set the scene for the show’s glamorous world. Led by a local actress, the tour combines engaging storytelling with visits to more than 40 filming locations used in the series, making it a fun and informative experience.

The tour starts in front of the Palace Hotel gates on Madison and 51st Street, and the guide’s enthusiasm helps bring the show’s world to life. While the tour does not include interior visits, the stops at iconic sites like The Empire Hotel and Vera Wang boutique provide plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a perfect choice for Gossip Girl fans and anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Manhattan’s elite society.

Key Points

• Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, with morning and afternoon slots
• Price: $78 per person, including the bus tour
• Highlights: The Empire Hotel, Constance Billard, Vera Wang boutique, and the Met Steps
• Led by: A local actress with extensive show knowledge
• Meeting Point: In front of the Palace Hotel gates on Madison and 51st Street
• Group Size & Transport: Varies—coach bus, minibus, sedan, SUV, or sprinter, depending on group size

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The Tour Starts at the Palace Hotel on Madison and 51st Street

The tour departs from the Palace Hotel location, a central and recognizable landmark in Midtown Manhattan. As this is the starting point, arriving 15-20 minutes early ensures you can secure a good seat, as no assigned seating is available. The bus will vary in size, which can include anything from a coach bus to a sprinter, depending on your group.

Once aboard, the guide introduces you to the world of Gossip Girl and sets the scene for the locations you’ll visit. Expect a lively commentary that combines show facts, behind-the-scenes insights, and fun anecdotes about the series’ filming in New York City.

Visiting The Empire Hotel: Chuck Bass’s New Home and Business

One of the premiere stops is the Empire Hotel, famously known as Chuck Bass’s residence and the site of many key scenes. The hotel’s iconic exterior features prominently in the series, and the guide explains its significance in the show’s storyline. While visitors cannot go inside, the exterior views and photo ops make it a highlight.

This stop is perfect for fans who want to capture a classic Gossip Girl shot or learn more about Chuck Bass’s character development through the guide’s storytelling. The Empire Hotel also embodies the luxury and sophistication that the series portrays.

Constance Billard and St. Jude’s: The Elite Schools of Gossip Girl

A key feature of the tour is passing by the locations representing Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude’s School for Boys. These prestigious institutions are central to the characters’ social lives and academic pursuits. Though the schools are actual private locations, the tour provides a visual reference point and context for scenes involving the upper-class teenagers.

The guide shares stories about the characters’ relationships and school life, giving fans a deeper understanding of the show’s portrayal of wealth, rivalry, and friendship within these elite circles.

Passing the Vera Wang Boutique: Blair’s Wedding Gown Try-On Spot

A memorable stop is outside the Vera Wang boutique, where Blair Waldorf famously tries on her wedding gown. Though visitors cannot enter the store, the exterior serves as a recognizable backdrop from the series. The guide recounts Blair’s wedding storyline and her fashion choices, adding a layer of celebrity-style glamour to the tour.

This site appeals especially to fashion enthusiasts and fans who appreciate the show’s attention to style and luxury. It also offers a great photo opportunity on the bus or outside the boutique.

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The Met Steps: The Perfect Spot for a Photo Op

Another highlight is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Steps, an iconic location often seen in the series. The guide stops here for a photo opportunity, allowing visitors to imagine themselves as part of the Upper East Side social scene. The steps symbolize the grandeur of Manhattan’s art and culture scene and are a common setting in Gossip Girl for dramatic moments.

The tour’s pacing ensures you get enough time here for pictures, while the guide shares interesting facts about the Met’s role in the series.

Stops at Dan and Vanessa’s Candy Store and Other Notable Locations

The tour also passes by the candy store where Dan helps Vanessa shop, adding a charming touch to the overall story. These smaller locations offer fans additional visual cues about the characters’ worlds and relationships.

While interior visits are not part of the itinerary, the exterior views and commentary enrich the experience, offering a sense of immersion in the series’ Manhattan setting.

The Different Modes of Transport and Group Sizes

Depending on your group size, the transportation can be a coach bus, minibus, or smaller vehicle like a sedan or SUV. This flexibility caters to different party sizes and helps keep the tour personalized and comfortable.

The seating on the bus is first-come, first-serve, making early arrival advisable for groups wanting to sit together. The tour duration is typically 2 to 2.5 hours, with morning and afternoon options available to fit varied schedules.

Practical Tips for Booking and Attending

Booking in advance is recommended, and cancellations are free up to 2 days before. The meeting point is in front of the Palace Hotel, and attendees should be punctual to avoid missing the start.

Since the tour does not include interior visits, guests should plan for additional exploration on their own if they want to go inside the featured locations, such as the Vera Wang boutique or The Empire Hotel.

The Guide and Overall Experience

The local actress guide is praised for being enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaging. Reviews highlight Clara, Lou, Katy, and Carly as guides who bring show facts to life and make the experience fun.

Many reviews emphasize that the tour is a great way to see New York City’s Upper East Side from a Gossip Girl perspective. The storytelling, combined with photo stops and show insights, creates a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour best suits fans of Gossip Girl, particularly those interested in celebrity culture, fashion, and NYC landmarks. It also appeals to visitors who prefer bus tours over walking, as it covers many locations efficiently.

The 2 to 2.5-hour duration makes it a manageable activity for a sightseeing day, and the price point offers good value considering the entertainment and location access. However, those seeking interior visits or detailed historical commentary might find the tour’s focus on exterior locations limiting.

Gossip Girl Places and NYC Sights in Focus

The tour’s emphasis is on visual landmarks associated with the series, such as The Empire Hotel and the Met Steps. The guides weave in stories about the characters that inhabited these locations, creating a narrative thread that fans will find compelling.

It’s worth noting that while the tour showcases many series filming locations, it does not include interior access or site-specific experiences inside buildings, which could be a consideration for those seeking a more immersive experience.

Final Thoughts on the Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

The Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour offers a fun and accessible way to see the Upper East Side through the eyes of the series’ characters. Led by enthusiastic guides, the tour combines visual landmarks, storytelling, and photo opportunities to create an engaging experience.

With strong reviews praising guides like Clara and Lou, the overall 4.5-star rating reflects a solid reputation for entertainment, knowledge, and value. The $78 price aligns well with what’s offered, especially considering the brief but content-rich itinerary.

This tour is best suited for TV fans, fashion lovers, and those curious about Manhattan’s elite society. It’s an easy way to see many notable locations in a short amount of time, making it a worthwhile addition to a Gossip Girl-themed trip or a broader NYC sightseeing plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include interior visits of the locations?
No, the tour focuses on exterior views and storytelling about the sites used in Gossip Girl.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for 2 to 2.5 hours, with options available in the morning and afternoon.

Is there a specific guide I should request?
While the tour features different guides, reviews highlight guides like Clara, Lou, Katy, and Carly for their knowledge and enthusiasm.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and early arrival at the meeting point are recommended for the best experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby