New York: Gossip Girl TV Sites Bus Tour with Actor Guide

Summary

Gossip Girl locations in Manhattan with stories and quick stops

You’ll ride through Manhattan on a comfy bus with an actor guide who shares behind-the-scenes stories at over 30 Gossip Girl filming spots. Step off at places like Fifth Avenue and the Palace Hotel, hear fun facts about cast members, and soak up that Upper East Side vibe — all with transportation included. It’s part nostalgia trip, part city adventure.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our guide, Jamie (who’d actually been an extra on Gossip Girl — she showed us a blurry screenshot), could switch from trivia to gossip in the same breath. We were rolling down Fifth Avenue in this big, air-conditioned coach, and she pointed out the Met steps — yeah, those steps. There were three teens sitting there with coffee cups, probably just being themselves but looking like they’d studied Blair Waldorf’s posture. I almost wanted to snap a photo but chickened out.

I didn’t expect the city to smell so much like roasted nuts at 10am, or for the bus windows to fog up a little every time we stopped. Jamie kept tossing out behind-the-scenes bits (“Leighton Meester hated that headband,” she said, deadpan) and we all laughed — even the guy next to me who claimed he’d never watched the show. The tour covers over 30 Gossip Girl filming locations, but it never felt rushed. Sometimes we’d hop off for a few minutes — like outside the Palace Hotel — and Jamie would point out where Serena supposedly lived. There was this weird thrill in standing right there, you know?

One thing: you do spend a fair bit of time on the bus (which is heated in winter and honestly pretty comfy), but it’s not just staring out the window. At one stop I tried saying “Quinta Avenida” like I remembered from Spanish class — Jamie grinned and corrected me gently. It was nice having someone local lead us around; she waved at a doorman who clearly recognized her from running these tours all year.

I still think about how much of Manhattan is just layers of stories stacked on each other — TV shows, real people, tourists like us trying to spot something familiar. If you’re even a little bit of a fan (or traveling with one), this day trip through Gossip Girl’s New York is weirdly satisfying. You get snippets of Upper East Side life and some good people-watching too… plus now I can say I’ve sat on those steps, which feels oddly important for reasons I can’t explain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Gossip Girl filming locations

• Explore top Gossip Girl sites
• Learn facts about the show
• Visit Fifth Avenue filming spot

Top questions

How long is the Gossip Girl TV Sites Bus Tour in New York?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but you visit over 30 locations by bus with several step-off points during the tour.

Is transportation included on the Gossip Girl sites tour?

Yes, transportation is included via coach bus, mini bus, sedan, SUV or sprinter depending on group size.

Are there bathroom facilities on the tour buses?

Most buses are equipped with bathrooms for passenger convenience during the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The buses are not equipped with wheelchair lifts but have storage for foldable wheelchairs; passengers must be able to board independently.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; they may ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap as needed.

Do you get off the bus at any of the Gossip Girl filming locations?

Yes, there are several quick step-off points at some of the main locations during the tour.

Who leads the Gossip Girl TV Sites Tour in New York?

A professional guide leads each tour; many guides have acting experience or connections to the show.

What’s included

Your day includes guided transport by luxury coach (air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter), an actor-led commentary throughout Manhattan’s famous Gossip Girl sites including Fifth Avenue and Palace Hotel stops, plus several chances to step off for photos or stories before returning to your starting point.