Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour

If you ever dreamed of wandering Manhattan’s streets as your favorite Sex and the City characters did, this 3.5-hour bus tour offers a fun, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s most famous filming locations. Starting near the iconic Plaza Hotel, the tour whisks you through the neighborhoods that served as the show’s backdrop, from the West Village to the Meatpacking District. At $81 per person, it’s a surprisingly accessible way to combine sightseeing with a love for the series.

What we love most about this experience is how well it balances entertaining storytelling with authentic sites—you’re not just looking at photos, but seeing Carrie’s stoop, visiting the sex shop where Charlotte bought her rabbit, and enjoying the lively streets where the characters gossip and giggle. Plus, with many guides being both knowledgeable and personable, the stories behind each location come alive.

A potential consideration is traffic and timing—some reviews mention delays in departure or traffic causing the bus to run late. Given New York’s bustling streets, that’s almost unavoidable, but it’s good to keep this in mind if you’re on a tight schedule or have theater tickets afterward. This tour is best suited for fans of the series who want to relive moments from the show, as well as curious newcomers eager to explore Manhattan’s fashionable neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Authentic Locations: Visit Carrie’s brownstone, the wedding rehearsal dinner site, and the sex shop from the show.
• Engaging Guides: Many reviews praise guides like Hannah, Lou, and Christine for their entertaining and knowledgeable commentary.
• Comfortable Transportation: The tour uses air-conditioned coach buses with bathrooms, making the journey easy and comfortable.
• Flexible Stops: Quick walk-offs at some locations allow for photos and exploring the surroundings.
• Good Value: For around 81 dollars, you get about 3.5 hours of guided sightseeing, including stops at major filming spots.
• Ideal Audience: Perfect for Sex and the City fans or anyone wanting a fun, stylish way to see Manhattan’s neighborhoods.

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour kicks off near Bergdorf Goodman, on 5th Avenue, a short walk from the Plaza Hotel—an iconic starting point fitting for a series that sauntered through luxury and style. Once everyone is gathered, the coach departs, and the journey through Manhattan begins. The familiarity of the show’s filming locations makes it feel like stepping into a pop culture scrapbook, but with the added comfort of air conditioning and modern amenities.

Most guides, like Hannah and Christine, are praised for their energy and depth of knowledge. They weave stories about the actors, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and details about the filming process, making each location feel like part of a larger narrative. Expect a mix of fun facts and personal anecdotes—these guides really bring the series to life.

Carrie’s Brownstone and West Village

One of the tour’s highlights is seeing Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous West Village brownstone. It’s the kind of picturesque, pastel-colored building that makes you want to grab a coffee and sit on the stoop. Many reviewers mention how exciting it is to stand in front of her door, snapping photos and imagining her writing her column.

The West Village itself is a charming neighborhood, with cobblestone streets and boutique shops. The tour includes a brief stroll here, giving you a chance to soak in the vibe that made the show’s fashion and friendship scenes so authentic. Several comments highlighted how special it was to be walking where the characters shopped or sipped Cosmos.

Movie Locations and Iconic Settings

The bus then heads to spots from the Sex and the City movies, such as the site of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner at Buddakan—a restaurant famous both on-screen and in the real world for its fashionable ambiance. You’ll get a quick look at the restaurant’s facade, but the real magic is hearing the stories behind it.

Another favorite is Onieal’s (known as Scout in the show), where characters like Steve and Aidan owned a bar. Many guests mention how fun it was to see the place where characters laughed over Cosmos, with some even stopping for a drink (though drinks aren’t included in the tour). One reviewer raved about guide Lou’s storytelling, which added layers of gossip and trivia to the stops.

The Sex Shop and Bleecker Street

A quick stop at The Pleasure Chest, the sex shop where Charlotte bought her rabbit, offers a cheeky and somewhat humorous moment. It’s a small, unassuming store, but it’s fun to see this tangible piece of SATC history. Walking down Bleecker Street, the tour captures the vibrant, trendy atmosphere of the neighborhood, perfect for fans who want to imagine the characters browsing local boutiques or enjoying the nightlife.

Meatpacking District and Final Stops

The Meatpacking District—where Samantha lived briefly—brings a chic, modern contrast to the earlier neighborhoods. The area is lively and stylish, just like Samantha herself. The tour concludes near 42nd Street and 6th Avenue, giving you a central location to continue exploring or head to your next activity.

One of the most consistent themes in reviews is how much guides enhance the experience. Guides like Hannah, Lou, Amanda, and Christine are praised for their friendliness, humor, and depth of knowledge. They don’t just recite information—they tell stories that make the locations feel alive and meaningful.

Travelers especially appreciated guides who shared insider gossip and personal tidbits—they weren’t just sightseeing, but getting a story about each place. Several reviews mention how helpful and warm guides are, making the entire experience feel personalized and fun.

The tour uses luxury coach buses, which are well-equipped with air conditioning and bathrooms. This makes the journey comfortable, especially on hot summer days or chilly winter afternoons. The bus accommodates around 40 travelers, creating a lively but manageable group size that allows everyone to hear the guide and see the sights easily.

Quick stops allow for photos and quick explorations without feeling rushed. The transportation means you’ll cover all the major filming locations efficiently, without the fatigue of walking long distances.

At $81 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the personalized storytelling and exclusive locations. For fans of the series, it’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters without the hassle of navigating the city alone. The inclusion of stops at iconic sites adds a layer of authenticity and fun that’s hard to beat.

Some reviews express surprise at how much they enjoyed the tour, noting that their expectations were exceeded, thanks to engaging guides and good pacing. As one reviewer said, “It’s a not-to-miss experience if you’re a Sex and the City fan.”

Considerations and Tips

• Due to traffic, some tours may start late or run a bit behind schedule. If timing is tight, plan accordingly.
• Drinks and food aren’t included, but many stops give you chances to grab a cocktail or snack. Consider visiting a bar like Onieal’s after the tour.
• The tour is not recommended for those under 18, likely due to mature themes and the nature of some locations.
• The tour runs most days, and booking about a month in advance is typical, so plan ahead.

This tour is perfect for dedicated fans of Sex and the City who want to see the city’s neighborhoods through the lens of the show. If you’re interested in fashion, iconic NYC locations, or just want a leisurely way to explore Manhattan, this is a great choice. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided tours over wandering on your own, especially in busy neighborhoods.

However, if you’re not a big series fan or prefer more active exploration, you might want to skip this and look for other city tours or self-guided walks. Still, for the SATC enthusiast, it’s a charming, fun way to experience New York City.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3.5 hours, including stops and travel time.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins near Bergdorf Goodman at 5th Avenue and ends near Bryant Park, in midtown Manhattan.

Is the tour suitable for children or teenagers?
It’s not recommended for those 18 and under, likely due to mature themes and content.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to buy cocktails, especially at stops like Onieal’s.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned coach buses with bathrooms, making the ride comfortable and convenient.

Can I walk around the locations?
Yes, there are quick stops where you can walk off the bus to take photos or explore briefly.

What if I am late or need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations aren’t refunded.

How many people usually join the tour?
Most groups have around 40 travelers, maintaining a lively but manageable atmosphere.

What makes the guides special?
Guests often praise their guides’ friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling skills, making each location memorable.

Can I do this tour if I am not a huge fan of the series?
While it’s geared toward fans, visitors who enjoy NYC neighborhoods and pop culture may still find it enjoyable; it’s as much about the city as the show.

The Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience Manhattan through the lens of one of its most fashion-forward series. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and iconic locations, it’s an experience that feels like stepping into the show’s glamorous world—without the risk of knocking over a coffee table. Whether you’re an avid fan or a curious traveler, it provides a mixture of sightseeing, storytelling, and nostalgia that makes for a memorable afternoon. Perfect for those who love fashion, NYC neighborhoods, or just want a fun, stylish tour with a pop culture twist.

If you’re looking for a way to combine sightseeing with a favorite TV show, this tour deserves serious consideration. Just plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to walk in your favorite characters’ footsteps.