Private Sex and The City Tour in New York with Movie Scenes from famous TV show

Exploring the Private Sex and The City Tour in New York: An Honest Look

If you’re a big fan of Sex and the City and planning to visit New York, you might have come across this private tour that promises to take you on a journey through the city’s most iconic filming spots. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from traveler reviews and the tour details to help you decide if it fits your style.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its focus on personalized attention and the chance to see famous locations in an authentic city setting. The tour offers a chance to walk through neighborhoods that are often only seen on screen, plus some fun backstories from your guide about what went into creating these scenes. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention uneven guide knowledge and logistical hiccups, so you’ll want to weigh those factors carefully.

This tour seems best suited for die-hard SATC fans who want to relive the show’s magic and see New York from a familiar perspective. If you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized experience with a little walking involved, it could be a memorable part of your trip. If you prefer more polished, professionally scripted tours, you might want to do some extra research.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Experience: Focuses solely on your group, with dedicated guide attention.
• Iconic Locations: Visits places like the Plaza Hotel, Magnolia Bakery, and Carrie’s apartment building.
• Transport Included: Uses walking and subway, helpful for seeing a wide area efficiently.
• Flexible and Customizable: Guide can adapt to your preferences.
• Mixed Guide Knowledge: Some reviews praise their guide’s friendliness and local knowledge; others note shaky familiarity with the show.
• Cost-Effective for Fans: At $157 per person, the price reflects a tailored experience rather than a large group tour.

A Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

Starting Point: Park Central Hotel

The tour begins at the upscale Park Central Hotel, a central location that’s easy to reach via public transit. From there, your guide will lead you into the heart of Manhattan, focusing on locations from the Sex and the City series, both the TV show and the movies.

Columbus Circle and the Fountains

Your first stop is Columbus Circle, a traffic circle known for its impressive sculptures and fountains. This spot is famous for a scene where Carrie and Aidan have a chat about engagement. This is a great way to kick off your tour with a recognizable scene set against NYC’s signature backdrop. The reviews mention that this stop, like others, is around 15 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the surroundings without feeling rushed.

The Plaza Hotel

Next, you’ll visit the Plaza Hotel, an NYC icon that became the show’s go-to luxury hotel backdrop. Opened in 1907, it exudes classic elegance and has appeared repeatedly on screen. The tour notes its significance as a filming location and a landmark of the city. Travelers often comment on how special it feels to see such a historic building up close.

Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park

From there, the tour makes a quick pass through Rockefeller Center, famed for its art deco architecture and bustling atmosphere. A few minutes here allow for photos and some quick stories about the area. Then, it’s off to Bryant Park, a green oasis amid Manhattan skyscrapers. The park is a favorite for many, offering scenic views and a peaceful spot to imagine Carrie lounging in her fashionable outfits.

Greenwich Village: Carrie’s Apartment Block

One of the most talked-about parts of the tour is the walk around Greenwich Village, the neighborhood where Carrie’s apartment is said to be located. The tour guides you around the block, pointing out the exterior of the building at 64 Perry Street, which has become a pilgrimage site for fans. Some reviews note the guide’s expertise here, with one mentioning that the guide “studied the scenes” to give a detailed account, adding to the authenticity.

Carrie’s Actual Apartment Building

Further, the tour takes you to the exterior of Carrie’s apartment at 64 Perry Street. It’s a real residential building with a fascinating backstory—the owners moved the number to match the show’s scene, which adds a layer of NYC real estate quirks for fans to appreciate.

Jefferson Market Library and Magnolia Bakery

The Jefferson Market Library, a stunning Gothic Revival building, is where Miranda’s character tied the knot in the show. Its architecture alone makes it worth the visit. Then, the group heads to Magnolia Bakery, a well-known spot for cupcakes and sweet treats. Although it was only featured briefly in the show, it’s become a must-visit for fans craving that Sex and the City experience.

Optional: Onieal’s Grand Street Bar

If time allows, the tour might include a stop at Onieal’s, where some key scenes were shot, like Carrie’s date with Aidan and Miranda’s ex-boyfriend Steeve’s bar. This adds a fun, tangible element to the tour, letting you step into the show’s actual filming locations.

What Travelers Are Saying: Pros and Cons

The reviews highlight some core strengths: friendly guides, good photo opportunities, and the chance to learn NYC stories beyond the show. Several travelers appreciated the guide Monia, describing her as knowledgeable and accommodating, often going above and beyond with extra locations and insights.

However, some reviewers point out inconsistencies. One review mentioned a guide with shaky knowledge of the show, mixing up characters or show details. Others noted logistical issues, like a guide who forgot to show up or a misunderstanding about the tour being solely walk-based, which caught some off guard.

Several travelers found that the tour’s price is fair considering it’s a private experience with transportation included—though some felt that the experience could be more polished or better explained, especially about walking and subway use.

The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and Logistics

This tour lasts about 3 hours, which is a solid chunk of sightseeing but still manageable, especially with breaks and photo stops. The cost of $157 per person may seem high at first glance, but factoring in the private guide, personalized attention, and transport, it offers good value for fans who want a tailored, intimate experience rather than a crowded bus tour.

The tour begins at 2:30 pm, making it a good afternoon activity. Meeting at the centrally located Park Central Hotel is convenient, and the tour ends at SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, located close to other Midtown attractions.

You should be prepared for moderate physical activity, as the tour involves walking and subway rides. It’s not overly strenuous but requires comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk through neighborhoods, which is part of the fun.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits those who are passionate about Sex and the City and want to visit famous filming locations with an intimate, flexible guide. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy walking tours, have a good level of physical fitness, and appreciate a more personal, less commercialized experience. If you love NYC’s neighborhoods and are interested in behind-the-scenes stories of the show, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding.

However, if you’re expecting a perfectly polished tour or are sensitive to guide knowledge inconsistencies, you might want to read carefully through reviews or consider other options. The success of the tour heavily depends on your guide’s personality and level of knowledge, so choosing the right day and guide can make a difference.

Final Thoughts

In all, this private Sex and the City tour offers a fun, tailored way to see parts of New York that many fans dream of exploring. It’s especially good if you’re a dedicated viewer and want a more personalized experience rather than a large group setup. The blend of iconic locations, scenic neighborhoods, and NYC stories makes it a worthwhile addition to your trip.

But, keep in mind that guide knowledge can vary and logistics may sometimes be tricky—so go into it with flexible expectations. For fans eager to walk in Carrie’s footsteps and learn some behind-the-scenes details, this tour can deliver a memorable slice of NYC life.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour is primarily geared toward adult fans of Sex and the City, there’s no explicit restriction. However, since it involves walking and some city sightseeing, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can handle walking and are interested in the show.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, it does not. The meeting point is at Park Central Hotel, which is accessible via public transit. You’ll need to make your way there yourself.

How long is the tour, and what’s the pace?
The tour lasts around 3 hours, including walking and subway rides. Expect some light walking, with stops lasting about 10-15 minutes each.

What is included in the price?
All fees and taxes are covered, along with a friendly local guide, the use of subway transportation, and visits to both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations. Photoshoots at iconic spots are encouraged.

What about guide knowledge and experience?
Reviews mention mixed experiences; some guides are very knowledgeable and passionate, others less so. It’s a private tour, so the quality can depend on the individual guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed promptly if you need to cancel.

If you’re a Sex and the City devotee or someone who loves exploring neighborhoods with a TV show twist, this tour might be just the ticket. For those who want a flexible, personalized look at NYC’s filming history, it’s a fun, if sometimes uneven, way to spend an afternoon. Just keep expectations in check, and you’re likely to enjoy it.