A Gossip Girl guide to New York City

New York is famous for many reasons, $1 hot dogs, The Empire State and for being home to countless iconic TV shows.

From Sex and the City to Friends and Will and Grace, many people travel to the Big Apple just to visit the spots where their favourite TV shows were filmed.

As massive Gossip Girls fans we couldn’t resist releasing our inner socialite whilst in the Upper East Side recently.

If you feel like living the life of Blair and Serena, we’ve to put together a GG guide to save you from getting stress lines.

Where to stay? – The Peninsula Hotel

Located in upper Midtown Manhattan, The Peninsula Hotel is a true New York City icon.
Between the lobby’s crystal chandelier, incredible cocktail menu at hotel’s bar ‘Clement’, and the outstanding customer service; the five-star resort will make everyone feel like a New York ‘It’ girl – move over Serena.

Who doesn’t love a lush hotel room when travelling? The Peninsula scores 10 points in this department. From high thread count sheets, a marble bathtub, impeccable room service; no matter what the request is nothing is ever too much for the gracious staff at The Peninsula. We ordered fries at 2am and they arrived within 10minutes – Queen B would definitely approve.

Rooms offer views of either Fifth Ave, Central Park or the courtyard. When we visited the hotel, we had an amazing view of Fifth Ave – watching all the hustle and bustle from above, was truly breath-taking.

Let’s talk food, because who doesn’t like to splurge on holidays. We recommend treating yourself and visit the hotel’s restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, so there is something for every diva dietary requirement.

The breakfast menu would definitely give the Van Der Woodsen family breakfast spread a run for its money. Offering everything your heart could desire from pastries to bacon and eggs even acai bowls, it’s the perfect way to start the day.

Attention: Aussie coffee lovers: The Peninsula can do a fine latte #winning.

What to do?

Metropolitan Museum of Art
In the series, the steps outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art were used as Blair’s stomping ground. Located on the Upper East Side, the iconic Gossip Girl location is only brisk walk from The Peninsula. We recommend grabbing a pastry from The Plaza (another GG hotspot) on the way and walk through Central Park – maybe go via the duck pound, you may spot Dorota.

A visit inside the museum is essential when visiting New York, with a collecting of European, American and Egyptian art one could spend hours mesmerising the masterpieces.

‘The Met’ is open 7 days a week, with admission costing $25.00 USD.

Central Park
Central Park needs to be on the top of everyone NYC travellers bucket list, regardless if you’re a Gossip Girl fan or not.

Boasting stunning scenery – the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is our favourite spot #bliss, running tracks, amazing restaurants/ cafes – a visit to the Boathouse is a must, the roasted honey- pork, #mouthwatering and an energetic atmosphere – the park is filled with local talent showing off their latest works.

The ‘The Mall’, ‘Pond and Gapstow Bridge’ and ‘Bethesda Terrace’ were regular backdrops in the TV series.

Retail therapy
With thousands of shops scattered across the city’s five boroughs there is no doubting New York is a major fashion destination. But there are only three shops in the Big Apple that have received the Blair Waldorf stamp of approval.

Bergdof Goodmans, Barneys and Henri Bendel. The Upper East Side speciality stores offers high-end designer goods that ranges from a mid – high range point. We just looked at the cute window display and took advantage of the free sample at the cosmetic counter because sadly, we don’t have Eleanor Waldorf as a mother.

Where to eat/drink?

The Empire Hotel Bar
A Gossip Girl fan cannot go to New York and not visit the Empire Hotel. The Midtown gem was Chuck Bass’ playground, where numerous social take outs were executed, and the place we saw him and Blair fall in and out of love. Let’s not forget about those over the top parties.

The hotel has an incredible Bar ‘The Empire Hotel Bar’ that features an extensive beverage menu. There is even a ‘I’m Chuck Bass’ cocktail; containing scotch, red apple, ginger and cider. Just like the Chuck, it starts out sour, and turns sweet.

Russian Tea Room
Located on 150W 57^th St, the Russia Tea Room isn’t a typical place one would have tea with their grandmother. The iconic Manhattan restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and vibrant décor.

The menu features an impressive menu that has a Russian flair… duh, think borscht, caviar and vodka. The dining hotspot place was where Chuck, Blair and Serena worked with Georgina, but backfired and Serena got arrested.

I hope you like our Gossip Girl guide to New York City.

You know you love me,

xoxo

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