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New York has been the backdrop for some of the world’s most iconic TV shows. If you’re an avid television lover, a unique way to see the city is by exploring all the filming locations of your favorite shows. 

But what are the most famous filming locations for TV shows in New York? 

Sex and the City 

Are you a diehard Sex and the City fan? Carrie Bradshaw’s famous brownstone is located at 66 Perry Street in Greenwich Village. While it is private property, you can still snap pictures of the famous stoop from the outside—but be respectful of the people who reside in the building and don’t step on the stoop itself. 

Friends 

While Friends was actually filmed in California, the exterior shots for the apartment building used in the intro to Friends is a real building in the city. Located on the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets in the West Village. 

Seinfeld 

Like Friends, Seinfeld was filmed in Los Angeles rather than in New York. However, the exterior of Monk’s Cafe is a real restaurant in the city. Tom’s Restaurant is located at 2880 Broadway and while the interior is different, it’s still a great spot to grab lunch and take pictures from the outside. 

If you’re a real Seinfeld fan you will remember the famous episode featuring the “Soup Nazi” kitchen. The restaurant is a real location, although it now runs under another name—The Original Soupman—and is located at 259A West 55th Street. 

Gossip Girl 

Gossip Girl fans will recognize the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side as the spot where Blair, Serena, and their friends would hang out. Head to the steps for a great opportunity to recreate a photo of the famous Gossip Girl location. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a family favorite for decades. While you won't find an underground turtle lair, there are plenty of spots in the city that have appeared in cartoons and movies. For true TMNT fans, head to the Turtles statue at Canal Street station where you can leave artwork and tributes to the world’s most famous crime-fighting turtles. 

Ghostbusters 

Head down to the main branch of the New York Public Library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street to see the Rose Main Reading Room where the famous Ghostbusters scene was filmed. While photography isn’t always encouraged in the Reading Room (as it is a real, working library) the building itself is still a great place to explore. 

Are you thinking of booking a trip to New York in the future? The Hotel Beacon is located just minutes from some of the city’s most popular attractions and is a great base for your trip. Learn more about our apartment-style suites here.