Sex and the City Tours in New York City

"Sex and the City" is one of the most famous TV shows and movie franchises ever, captivating audiences for over 25 years. The brand has added its own culture to timeless New York, with each episode highlighting different hotspots of the city.

Join a Sex and the City tour to follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda in the Big Apple.

Here's all you need to know about Sex and the City tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in New York City.

What are the most popular Sex and the City tours in New York City?

Guided Sex and the City bus tour

This Sex and the City bus tour hits 40 different spots from the show and movies. The excursion begins with a meetup at the world-famous Plaza Hotel near Central Park in the morning or afternoon, your choice depending on your itinerary. Once you’ve joined your tour guide for the day, you’ll board a comfortable coach bus to begin the journey across the city.

You’ll pass by dozens of locations filmed for the show and stop at several for a closer look. Some highlights include lead character Carrie Bradshaw’s brownstone apartment in the West Village, the location where Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal took place and Onieal's, otherwise known as Scout, the bar that was co-owned by Steve and Aiden.

You’ll have time to peruse The Pleasure Chest, the sex shop where Charlotte purchased her rabbit vibrator, and even stop by a bar that was frequented on the show for a cosmopolitan cocktail. You’ll enjoy free time wandering the Meatpacking District, where Samantha briefly lived in season three. At the end of the tour, you’ll head to 42nd Street and 6th Avenue for drop-off.

Private Sex and the City walking tour

Book a private walking tour of the Sex and the City hotspots for an authentic New York City adventure. This excursion includes a private guide and over 40 filming locations to be discovered along the way. You’ll begin the tour with a meet-up at the Park Central Hotel, from where you’ll kick-start your route downtown.

Your first stop will be Buddakan where Carrie Bradshaw and Big's rehearsal dinner was filmed. You’ll explore Columbus Circle, where Carrie and Aidan discussed their engagement in a heartbreaking season 4 episode. You’ll visit the Plaza Hotel, where Big hosted his engagement party with Natasha.

Pass by the beautiful Rockefeller Center before hopping on the subway like a true New Yorker for a ride down to Greenwich Village. Once you arrive, you’ll see the brownstone building that is still used as Carrie’s apartment to this day. Visit the lovely Jefferson Market Library where Miranda and Steve tied the knot and the iconic Magnolia Bakery to try Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda’s favorite cupcake flavors.

This exciting tour finishes with a stop at the legendary Oniel's, the bar that Steve and Aidan owned together, referred to as Scout on the show.

What places from Sex and the City will I visit?

Carrie’s Greenwich Village Apartment

Carrie Bradshaw’s legendary apartment was actually a combination of the outside of a real New York City brownstone and a staged set. The exterior scenes were all shot at 64 Perry Street in Greenwich Village, one of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in the city. You can walk the tree-lined avenue and pose next to the sweeping staircase, just like Carrie.

Buddakan

Buddakan is the restaurant where Carrie and Big held their rehearsal dinner. The stunning fine dining establishment is where Miranda argued with Steve outside and then snapped at Big indoors, causing him to question his marriage to Carrie. The Asian Fusion restaurant is known for its high ceilings, long tables and beautiful chandeliers.

Onieal's

Onieal’s is the real-life bar that Carrie and Miranda’s ex-boyfriends Aidan and Steve opened under the name Scout. The Grand Street pub is filled with rich wood mahogany furniture, which was a staple of Aidan’s character as a carpenter. Order a classic cosmopolitan cocktail at the bar to be immersed in the atmosphere of Sex and the City.

How much do Sex and the City tours in New York City cost?

The most affordable Sex and the City tours are the guided group bus tours, which cost around US$70 per person.

For a private Sex and the City-themed NYC walking tour, expect to pay about US$160 per person, which does not include the cost of subway rides.

What do they include?

Group Sex and the City bus tours include transportation to all the hotspots in an air-conditioned charter bus and a professional guide to lead the journey. Private walking tours include a personal guide to show you around the city.

Where do they start?

Sex and the City tours typically begin at a luxury hotel near Central Park, either The Plaza or the Park Central Hotel.

How long do they last?

Sex and the City tours in New York City usually last between 3 and 3.5 hours.

Are they accessible to wheelchair users?

Guided bus tours have limited wheelchair accessibility as the buses are not equipped with lifts. Persons with disabilities must be able to board and get off the bus on their own accord, but wheelchairs may be stored below and taken out at each stop as required.

Private walking tours are not wheelchair-friendly, as they rely on the New York City subway system for transportation.

When is the best time to go on a Sex and the City tour in New York City?

The best time for a Sex and the City tour in NYC is during late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is warm and pleasant. These tours are predominantly outdoor, covering various filming locations around Manhattan. Moreover, the lively street atmosphere during these months enriches the experience.

Travel tips

• You'll be doing quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Dress in layers to accommodate the varying indoor and outdoor temperatures.
• Bring a bottle of water, especially if you're going on a Sex and the City tour in the warmer months.
• Remember that some of the locations you'll visit are residential areas, so be respectful and avoid disturbing the locals.
• You'll get more out of the tour if you're familiar with the show. You may want to watch some key episodes (or even the entire series) before your tour.