NYC: Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

If you’re a fan of the hit TV show Gossip Girl, then a dedicated tour exploring the Manhattan locations that made the series famous might just be your dream outing. This 2 to 2.5-hour bus ride takes you around the Upper East Side, visiting iconic spots like The Empire Hotel, the Met Steps, and Blair’s wedding boutique. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a fun, immersive glimpse into the glamorous world of Blair, Serena, and Chuck.

What we love about this tour is its authentic feel—led by a local actress who seems genuinely passionate about the show, the chance to see famous Manhattan landmarks from a unique perspective, and the good value for the price. Plus, the included photo stops and insider tidbits make the experience more than just a sightseeing trip. The only thing to consider is that, like all bus tours, it’s subject to NYC traffic, which might cut into your sightseeing time.

This tour is ideal for Gossip Girl fans eager to connect with the show’s locations, anyone interested in the Upper East Side’s elite vibe, or travelers wanting a fun, informative way of exploring Manhattan without the hassle of walking or navigating on their own.

Good To Know

• Authentic Location Visits: Key sites from the show, including The Empire Hotel and Vera Wang boutique.
• Expert-Led Tour: Led by a passionate local actress, offering behind-the-scenes insights.
• Good Value for Money: At $78, you get over two hours of guided sightseeing, photo ops, and insider stories.
• Flexible Timing and Accessibility: Morning and afternoon runs, with easy pickup points.
• Comfortable Transportation: Ranges from coach buses to smaller vehicles, depending on group size.
• Highly Praised Guides: Many reviews highlight knowledgeable, engaging guides who enhance the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

This tour combines the fun of celebrity spotting with the practicalities of a guided city excursion. You’ll start at the Palace Hotel, a location of many show scenes, and then zip around the Upper East Side, passing by the Vera Wang boutique where Blair famously tried on her wedding gown. Expect to see more than 40 filming locations used in the series, from iconic school spots like Constance Billard and St. Jude’s to the Empire Hotel, Chuck Bass’s swanky residence and business hub.

A typical itinerary includes:

• The Empire Hotel: Standing tall on Broadway, this sleek hotel is a favorite among fans. According to reviews, it’s not just a pretty face—it’s also Chuck Bass’s new home and office in the show. You’ll get a chance to snap some photos outside, imagining Blair or Chuck strolling by.

• Constance Billard and St. Jude’s: These prestigious schools are fictional, but the tour passes the actual locations that served as their facades, giving you a real feel for the high society backdrop of the series. Some reviewers loved the opportunity to walk around the real neighborhoods and see the luxurious streets where the characters hung out.

• Vera Wang Boutique: Blair’s wedding dress shopping scene was set here. A favorite stop for fans, it’s a chance to see the real designer store and imagine Blair’s elegant style.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art Steps: One of the most recognizable spots, these steps are where Blair and Serena often had their iconic moments. Tourists have commented that stopping here for a photo, with the Manhattan skyline in the background, feels like stepping into the show.

Guides and Commentary

The heart of this tour is the local actress leading the group, who makes the experience lively and authentic. Multiple reviews praise guides like Clara, Lou, Katy, and Abby for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to make the tour engaging. Reviewers mention guides sharing fun behind-the-scenes stories, show clips, and answering questions, making the tour feel personalized and immersive.

For example, one traveler shared, “Clara was awesome! The tour started at The Palace hotel and then we had macarons, and everything from start to finish was SO FUN!” Another said, “Lou was so lovely. Very knowledgeable about Gossip Girl. She was patient, kind, and considerate.” Such reviews show that guides often go beyond just pointing out locations—they create a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Photo Opportunities and Stops

A significant highlight is the photo stops. Many reviewers appreciated the chance to take pictures at the Met Steps, outside the Empire Hotel, and near Blair’s wedding boutique. One reviewer raved that it was a “really cool way of exploring and getting to know the iconic spots of the city that we saw on the show,” noting that the stops allowed for great selfies and group shots.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Location and Meeting Point

The tour departs from in front of the Palace Hotel gates on Madison and 51st Street, a central and easily accessible spot. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure seats, as there’s no assigned seating, and the bus may be fully booked.

Transportation, Duration, and Group Size

The tour runs for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, usually in the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility for your sightseeing schedule. Depending on the group size, the vehicle used can range from a coach bus to a minibus, sedan, SUV, or sprinter. This variation helps keep the group intimate or comfortably large, based on demand.

Seats are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is advisable if you want to sit with friends or family. The tour is designed to be comfortable, with some reviews mentioning the transportation being clean and well-maintained.

Price and Value

At $78 per person, this tour offers solid value for the experience. It includes more than just sightseeing—your guide shares insider stories, you enjoy photo stops at iconic locations, and you get to see over 40 filming sites from the series. Given the personalized commentary and the chance to connect with a beloved show, many travelers find it worth the price.

Some reviews highlight the quality of guides, with comments like “Clara was great” and “Katy was knowledgeable, fun, and entertaining,” which adds to the overall perception of value. While the tour doesn’t cover every possible site, it hits the top spots that fans would most want to see.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

The rave reviews for guides are worth noting: enthusiastic, friendly, and knowledgeable guides seem to make all the difference. Many mention that guides have a deep love for Gossip Girl, which makes the experience more engaging. Reviewers also appreciate the small group size, which makes for a more personal interaction, and the comfort of the bus during the ride.

On the downside, some mention that traffic can sometimes limit sightseeing time—a common challenge in New York City. However, most seem to feel that the tour is well-paced and worth the time invested.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for Gossip Girl fans eager to see their favorite locations in real life. It’s also well suited for those interested in the Upper East Side’s luxurious vibe or travelers wanting a light, fun, and informative way to discover NYC’s iconic landmarks. If you’re traveling with a group, especially fans of the show, this experience offers a memorable, Instagram-worthy outing.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth historical tour, or those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Since the tour lasts about two hours and involves bus transit, it’s best suited for visitors looking for a quick, entertaining snapshot of the show’s filming locations.

The Sum Up

The Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour provides an engaging, light-hearted way to explore some of Manhattan’s most glamorous locations. With experienced guides, multiple photo stops, and iconic sites, it offers good value—especially for fans wanting to connect with the series and the city at the same time. The review highlights how guides often go the extra mile to share insider stories, making the experience more than just a sightseeing ride.

This tour is best suited for show fans, upper east side enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun, relaxed way to see some of NYC’s most fashionable neighborhoods. It’s a quick, enjoyable outing that adds a special dimension to your Manhattan visit.

If you’re after a lively, insider-focused tour that blends entertainment with sightseeing, this package is a solid pick. Just remember to arrive early, and enjoy the chance to walk in Blair’s heels—at least for a few snapshots.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour?
The tour begins in front of the Palace Hotel gates on Madison and 51st Street, a central and easy-to-find location.

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

Are there different vehicle types used for the tour?
Depending on group size, the vehicle might be a coach bus, minibus, Sedan, SUV, or sprinter. All are designed for comfort and easy sightseeing.

Is there assigned seating on the bus?
No, seats are first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you want to sit with friends or prefer a specific spot.

Can I get off the bus at locations?
The tour is primarily a guided bus ride with photo stops. You won’t typically be able to disembark at each site but can hop out for photos at designated stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Yes, the tour appeals to fans of the show, including teenagers and young adults. Many reviews mention it being enjoyable for all ages who love Gossip Girl.

Experience Provider: On Location Tours

Similar Experiences:
NYC Gossip Girl Walking Tour, Summit One Vanderbilt Tickets, and more show-themed NYC tours available on GetYourGuide.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a comprehensive look at what to expect from the Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just curious about the luxurious streets of Manhattan, it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours soaking in the city’s most glamorous locations.

You can check if your dates are available here: