Reviewed · NYC MOVIE AND TV LOCATION TOURS

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min

★ 5.0 · 45 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $149 Operated by Gossip Girl Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this private Gossip Girl pedicab tour is its tidy route through Manhattan locations that fans already know by sight. You stop at the Met steps, the Plaza, St James’ Church, Bethesda Fountain, the Empire Hotel, and the Pond in Central Park, with time to take photos and recreate scenes.

I like the personal pace, since your group has its own pedicab and guide. I also like the photo help, especially with guide Kenan, who is noted for keeping the ride lively, explaining the show, and stopping to take pictures. The main drawback is the price: at $149 per person for 90 minutes, this makes the most sense for committed fans or small groups splitting a private experience.

Key points at a glance

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - Key points at a glance

  • Six recognizable filming locations: See the Met steps, the Plaza, St James’ Church, Bethesda Fountain, the Empire Hotel, and Central Park’s Pond.
  • Private pedicab format: Only your group participates, making it easier to ask questions and pause for photos.
  • Kenan may guide your ride: He is specifically praised for his show knowledge, humor, safe driving, and willingness to take pictures.
  • Strong photo focus: The route leaves room to pose at locations tied to Blair, Chuck, Serena, Dorota, and other characters.
  • A few extra treats may be possible: Past tours have included time inside the Plaza and a stop at Ladurée for macarons, but these should not be treated as guaranteed inclusions.
  • Simple downtown meeting point: Meet at 1700 Broadway, and return to that same point at the end.

What the 90-minute Gossip Girl ride is really like

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - What the 90-minute Gossip Girl ride is really like

This is not a general New York sightseeing tour with one quick television reference. It is a focused fan route built around the Upper East Side, Central Park, and the places linked to the show’s major relationships and turning points.

The pedicab matters because it lets you cover several areas without making you walk the entire route. You still get out at each stop, but the vehicle connects the locations and gives the outing a relaxed feel. Since this is private, you do not have to match the pace of strangers or wait while a large group gathers.

The schedule lists about 15 minutes at each of six stops. That is enough time for a few photos and a short explanation, but it is not a long guided visit inside each site. Think of the tour as a moving photo album of Gossip Girl locations, not a museum-style program.

I would book this for someone who knows the series well, wants recognizable photo backgrounds, and prefers a private outing. If you only have a passing interest in the show, the price may feel high for an hour and a half.

More NYC Movie and TV Location Tours:

Starting at 1700 Broadway

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - Starting at 1700 Broadway

The tour begins at 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. It also ends there, which makes the outing easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

The location is near public transportation, so you can reach it without arranging a separate transfer. Still, allow enough time to find the exact meeting point. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so I would not leave this reservation until the last minute, especially since the experience is often booked about 35 days ahead.

Because it is a private activity, your group can focus on the show rather than on a fixed public-tour script. That also gives you a better chance to ask about a character, scene, or address that matters to you.

The Met steps and Blair’s school-day world

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the first listed stop. The wide front steps are among the most recognizable Gossip Girl locations, since Blair often had lunch there with her friends.

You do not need an admission ticket for this stop. The attraction here is the exterior, the broad staircase, and the chance to frame a photo in a setting that immediately recalls the series. The steps work especially well for group pictures because there is a clear visual connection between the location and Blair’s polished school-life image.

Allow about 15 minutes. That sounds brief, but it is enough for a guide to point out the main spot and for you to pose. If you want several individual photos, tell the guide early so the time does not disappear while everyone takes turns.

One practical point: the Met itself is a major museum, but this tour does not include museum admission or a full museum visit. If you want to see the galleries, plan that separately. This stop is about the famous exterior and the show’s use of it.

The Plaza and the show’s grandest setting

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - The Plaza and the show’s grandest setting

The Plaza gives the tour a change of mood. It is tied to several major moments, including Chuck waiting for Blair and finally telling her that he loved her. It is also connected with Serena and Colin leaving by cab, and Blair ending her engagement to the prince in the Oak Room.

That makes the Plaza more than a simple photo stop. It represents the show’s grand hotels, complicated romances, and high-stakes family drama. You can expect about 15 minutes here, with time to photograph the exterior and hear how the location fits into the story.

An important detail comes from the way this tour can unfold: a past outing included going inside the Plaza, as well as a stop at Ladurée for macarons. Those moments can make the experience feel more special than a drive-by, but they are not listed as guaranteed parts of the 90-minute package. Treat them as possible extras, not promises.

The Plaza is also a place where the short schedule may be felt. If you want to linger, buy something, or explore the public rooms, you may need to do so after the tour. I would keep this stop focused on photos unless the guide confirms there is time for more.

More New York City Tours:

St James’ Church and Blair’s royal chapter

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - St James’ Church and Blair’s royal chapter

At St James’ Church, you follow Blair’s royal storyline. This is where her first wedding to Prince James took place in the show.

The stop is likely to appeal most to fans who remember Blair’s attempt to balance romance, duty, and the pressure of public expectations. It adds a more formal setting to a route otherwise filled with hotel entrances, park paths, and city streets.

You have about 15 minutes here. The description does not promise an interior visit, so plan to see the church as a filming location rather than assume you will tour the building. That distinction matters. The appeal comes from recognizing the place and connecting it with Blair’s story, not from a long architectural visit.

I like this stop because it gives the route narrative structure. The Met brings you into Blair’s social world, the Plaza recalls major romantic scenes, and St James’ Church shows the royal detour in her life.

Bethesda Fountain and the final Chuck and Blair chapter

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - Bethesda Fountain and the final Chuck and Blair chapter

Bethesda Fountain is one of Central Park’s most familiar landmarks, and the tour connects it with Chuck and Blair’s wedding in Angel’s Tunnel, located just opposite the fountain.

This is a strong photo stop even for fans who do not remember every plot detail. The fountain provides an unmistakable New York setting, while the nearby tunnel adds a more specific link to the series. You can expect around 15 minutes to hear the connection, take pictures, and possibly recreate a scene.

The location also gives you a break from hotel and church exteriors. Central Park changes the feel of the route, and the fountain is easier to recognize in photos than a less distinctive street location.

Keep your expectations realistic about the timing. Fifteen minutes allows for a focused stop, not an extended walk through the park. If you want to explore more of Central Park afterward, you can return on your own.

The Empire Hotel and Chuck Bass territory

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - The Empire Hotel and Chuck Bass territory

The Empire Hotel is one of the tour’s most important stops because it was closely tied to Chuck Bass. In the series, Chuck owned the hotel, and it appeared often enough to become part of his identity.

For fans, this is likely one of the highest-value locations on the route. The Met may represent Blair, but the Empire Hotel gives you a direct connection to Chuck’s world. It is also a useful place for photos because the building is a clear, identifiable backdrop.

A past tour included going inside the Empire Hotel. That can add a lot to the visit, particularly if you want to see the setting beyond the street. Still, the provided schedule only promises the stop itself, so do not assume an interior tour is included every time.

With only 15 minutes, you will want to decide in advance whether your priority is photos, a quick look inside, or hearing more scene details. Kenan’s role can matter here. He is praised for explaining scenes, keeping the group laughing, and checking when people want their pictures taken.

Central Park’s Pond and Dorota’s quieter moments

Budget Gossip Girl Tour 90 min - Central Park’s Pond and Dorota’s quieter moments

The final listed stop is the Pond in the southeast corner of Central Park, described in the tour details as Gar Pond. Blair often took Dorota there to feed the ducks.

This is a gentler scene than the weddings, hotels, and romantic confrontations earlier in the route. It gives the tour a small, personal connection between Blair and Dorota, and it shows how the series used Central Park for more relaxed moments.

Again, the visit is set at about 15 minutes. You can expect a short explanation and time for photos, but not a long nature walk. The Pond is a better fit for fans who enjoy character relationships and everyday scenes, not just the major plot events.

Because this is the last stop in the listed sequence, it gives the outing a quieter finish before the pedicab returns you to 1700 Broadway. The tour ends at the original meeting point, rather than leaving you at a different part of Manhattan.

Why the private format changes the value

The private setup is the clearest reason to consider the $149 price. You are not paying for a seat in a large group. Your party has the pedicab and guide to itself, which lets you ask questions about particular characters and spend more time on the locations that matter most to you.

I also value the built-in photo help. A person in your group does not have to sit out of every picture, and Kenan is specifically praised for offering to take photos and checking whether the group wanted more. That is a small service, but it matters on a themed tour built around recreating scenes.

The price is harder to justify for one person or for someone who only knows a few episodes. At $149 per person, the total cost rises quickly for a family or larger group. The private format may make better financial sense for a small party that wants a dedicated guide and would otherwise book several separate activities.

You should also remember that admission tickets are not listed for the stops. That keeps the price easier to understand, since the fee is mainly for the pedicab, guide, private arrangement, and route. Possible purchases such as Ladurée macarons would be extra.

Guide style, photos, and the Kenan factor

Kenan is the one guide named in the available information, and his strengths fit this experience well. He is described as well informed about the show, funny, careful while driving, and attentive to photo requests.

That combination is more useful here than a long lecture. You want someone who can connect a location to a scene, keep the ride moving, and give you a chance to pose without making the group feel rushed. The feedback also points to scene reenactments, which can turn the stops into something more active than simply looking at buildings.

Guide availability is not stated as guaranteed, so I would not book expecting Kenan by name unless the operator confirms it. Still, his style gives you a good idea of what to value: ask for scene context, mention the photos you want, and speak up if your group needs a moment to get everyone into position.

The activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Since the ride uses a pedicab and the stops involve getting out at city landmarks, anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm details before booking.

Who should book this New York experience

This tour fits you best if:

  • You have watched Gossip Girl and can identify the characters and storylines.
  • You want photos at the Met, Plaza, Empire Hotel, or Central Park.
  • You prefer a private guide rather than a large group.
  • You like a relaxed ride with short stops instead of a long walking tour.
  • You want a themed activity that can fit into a busy New York itinerary.

It may not suit you if you want extensive time inside the Met, Plaza, or Empire Hotel. It is also not the best value for a casual television fan who would be just as happy seeing these places independently.

The 90-minute duration is useful for a first New York visit because it does not consume an entire afternoon. You get a concentrated Gossip Girl route, then return to the starting point for your next activity. The tradeoff is that each stop is short, so you should arrive ready to move from one photo opportunity to the next.

Booking, cancellation, and timing advice

This experience is often reserved about 35 days ahead, so plan early if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability, and the tour is offered in English with a mobile ticket.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows New York local time, so check your booking carefully if you are arranging the tour from another time zone.

I would also leave a little extra room around the 90-minute booking. The tour itself is listed as approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and city traffic or time spent getting everyone ready for photos can affect the exact pace.

Should you book the Budget Gossip Girl Tour?

Book it if Gossip Girl is one of the reasons you want to see New York, and you value a private guide, a pedicab ride, and carefully chosen photo stops. The Met steps, Plaza, Empire Hotel, and Bethesda Fountain give you the recognizable settings, while St James’ Church and the Pond add story details that a basic sightseeing ride would skip.

I would be more cautious if you are mainly looking for general Manhattan sightseeing. At $149 per person, this is a specialty experience, not a low-cost way to see New York. For a dedicated fan, though, the combination of private transport, scene context, and help with photos can make the price worthwhile. Just confirm any hoped-for extras, such as entering the Plaza or Empire Hotel, since those details are not guaranteed.

FAQ

How long is the Gossip Girl tour?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which Gossip Girl locations are included?

The route includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Plaza, St James’ Church, Bethesda Fountain, the Empire Hotel, and the Pond in Central Park.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.

More like this

NYC Movie and TV Location Tours, compared.

The full NYC Movie and TV Location Tours list →
Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour NYC
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,284 reviews· from $81

Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour NYC

Read our review →
NYC TV & Movie Locations Bus Tour – Friends, Seinfeld & More
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,270 reviews· from $70

NYC TV & Movie Locations Bus Tour – Friends, Seinfeld & More

Read our review →
Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour (On Location Tours)
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 892 reviews· from $81

Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour (On Location Tours)

Read our review →
Central Park Celebrity Homes & Film Spots Pedicab Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 817 reviews· from $40

Central Park Celebrity Homes & Film Spots Pedicab Tour

Read our review →
Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 499 reviews· from $44

Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour

Read our review →
Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 443 reviews· from $319

Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

Read our review →
NYC The Sopranos Iconic Filming Locations Bus Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 427 reviews· from $92

NYC The Sopranos Iconic Filming Locations Bus Tour

Read our review →
NYC The Sopranos Iconic Filming Locations Bus Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 281 reviews· from $390

NYC The Sopranos Iconic Filming Locations Bus Tour

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore New York

Pick a borough, a boat or a booking.