The pilot episode of Sex and the City introduced us to Carrie Bradshaw’s New York City, featuring iconic filming locations that every SATC fan will recognize. This guide will take you through all the key spots from the pilot — first Carrie’s apartment, Madison Square Park, and more. Perfect for a self-guided SATC filming locations tour.
Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment
Definitely, the most sought-after, crucial location that follows through all the seasons of the original series, the first movie, And Just Like That sequel is Carrie’s apartment. 66 Perry Street, Manhattan, NY 10014 became a Mecca for all SATC fans. However, there’s a bit more to that.
As described in Sex and The City: Kiss and Tell fan bible by Amy Sohn: “Five different locations have been used to denote the exterior of Carrie’s building”.
The official Carrie Bradshaw apartment address in the SATC reality is 245 East 73rd Street, NYC Upper East Side, which apparently has nothing to do with the actual filming locations.
The pilot episode shows no stoop at all. Instead, we see a flat on the 3rd floor right above a coffee shop. The coffee shop is no longer there, but a Christian Louboutin boutique is opposite the street.
This building is located at 960 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021 on the Upper East Side. And this is where the iconic ‘abso-effing-lutely’ exchange happens between Carrie and Big after the limo ride.
The interiors of this flat are pretty run-down compared to the sea-foam-themed stylish dwelling that all fans are used to. But nothing can stop a true fan from checking the location out.
Manhattan Bridge
The series starts with the heart-break story of Elisabeth, an English journalist, who thought she met her love immediately after arriving in New York. The scene of ‘arrival’ shows a taxi ride along the Manhattan Bridge. With its distinctive blue color and the metal suspension structure, as seen from the Manhattan side looking toward Brooklyn.
The Manhattan Bridge might not get the same spotlight as the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, but it’s definitely worth checking out during a New York City trip. Opened in 1909 and designed by Leon Moisseiff, this suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. While it’s primarily a functional bridge, carrying cars, buses, and subway trains (B, D, N, Q lines), it’s also a great spot for walking and enjoying some impressive views.
Manhattan Bridge is a bit of a hidden gem for tourists. Here’s why it’s worth a visit:
- Fantastic Views 🌆: Walking across the Manhattan Bridge gives you stunning views of the NYC skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the city lights up.
- Less Crowded 🚶♂️: Unlike the often-packed Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge is less crowded, making it a more peaceful alternative for those who want to take in the sights without navigating through crowds.
- Quirky Experience 🎢: The subway trains running across the bridge make it a bit noisy and vibrational, but that adds to the unique experience. Some people even joke about the “free foot massage” you get as the train rumbles by!
- Photo Spots in Dumbo 📸: On the Brooklyn side, the Dumbo area is a major draw. With its cobblestone streets and stunning views of the bridge, it’s a popular spot for photographers, especially for those iconic bridal shots.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Noise Level 🚇: The bridge can be quite loud, especially when the subway trains pass. Thus, not the best option for a quiet, peaceful walk.
- Industrial Vibe 🏗: The Manhattan Bridge has a more industrial, gritty feel compared to the more romantic Brooklyn Bridge. But that’s part of its charm, oozing NYC’s urban energy.
Heading to Dumbo, be sure to take a moment to stroll across the Manhattan Bridge or at least admire it from the park. It’s a cool spot to explore, offering a different perspective of the city.
Financial District
The love interest of Elisabeth, Tim, appears in his office overlooking the Hudson River, suggesting the office is on the west side of Manhattan.
The scene is episodical and it doesn’t get any mentions in books or interviews. The building could likely be in one of the high-rise office districts along the West Side, possibly in areas like Midtown West or the Financial District if looking upriver towards the northern end of Manhattan. With a high probability, Tim’s office was located in the Financial District near Battery Park City.
Even though this particular scene is not crucial for the SATC vibe and traces. The Financial District itself is a must-see for any NYC visit to soak in the energy of one of the world’s largest financial hubs.
Major Landmarks of the Financial District
- Wall Street 💰: Home to the New York Stock Exchange, this street is iconic for its significance in global finance. You can’t go inside the stock exchange, but walking around Wall Street feels like being at the center of the financial universe.
- Charging Bull ♈️: The #1 in popularity photo spot in NYC for first-time visitors and, probably, the most crowded. It’s Located near Bowling Green Park.
- One World Trade Center 🏙️: Also known as the Freedom Tower, this is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. You can take an elevator up to the One World Observatory for the stunning views.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum 🕊️: A deeply moving experience, the 9/11 Memorial honors the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The museum tells the story of that day with exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories.
More Things to Do
- Historic Sites:
- Visit Federal Hall where George Washington took the oath of office.
- Check out Trinity Church, one of the city’s oldest churches, known for its beautiful architecture and historic graveyard where figures like Alexander Hamilton are buried and Charlotte got married for the first time. But that’s far away from the pilot episode.
- Ferry Ride to the Statue of Liberty 🗽:
- From Battery Park, you can catch a ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Even if you don’t visit the statue, the views from the waterfront are worth it.
- Stone Street, a charming cobblestone street lined with restaurants and bars. It’s a great spot to grab a bite and feel like you’re in a European alley.
Chelsea Piers Golf Club
Elisabeth and Tim went on a series of romantic dates, one of which was playing golf at what appears to be Chelsea Piers Golf Club.
The golf club is still operational. It belongs to Chelsea Piers, a well-known recreational and sports complex along Manhattan’s West Side that houses a variety of sports facilities. This is definitely one of the unique spots in New York City where one can hit golf balls against a backdrop of the Hudson River and the skyline.
This can be a special experience to include in the NYC itinerary – you can easily book a session on Chelsea Piers’s official website.
Greenwich Village
The culmination of Tim and Elisabeth’s romance was the showing of a luxury townhouse, and then things fell apart.
It was a classic New York townhouse scene. The architectural style, the street layout, and the types of ornamental details on the buildings strongly suggest this location is in Manhattan, particularly in areas known for such iconic row houses.
This townhouse is more likely to be located in an upscale Manhattan neighborhood such as the Upper East Side or Greenwich Village. The West Village (Carrie’s home) is especially renowned for its beautiful, well-preserved townhouses.
Greenwich Village is neighboring the West Village of Carrie’s main residence, so you can stroll a little more while checking out the most important spot.
Things to Do in Greenwich Village
If you end up researching this location, here are a few more items to fill in the day:
- Washington Square Park 🌳: This is the heart of Greenwich Village. With its iconic arch and fountain, the park is perfect for people-watching, street performances, or simply enjoying some outdoor time. The lively energy here is palpable!
- The Comedy Cellar 🎤: Love stand-up comedy? The Comedy Cellar is legendary for hosting some of the best comedians in the world. You never know who might drop by for an impromptu set.
- Café Wha? 🎸: This iconic music venue has hosted legends like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. The live music continues to be a huge draw for both locals and tourists.
SoHo at 536 Broadway
This was when the real SATC storyline began. Carrie talks about the short life of love in NYC and introduces the viewers to her column.
The location is easily recognizable as she stands in front of Armani Xchange flagship store on Broadway. You can’t miss Broadway on a NYC trip. The newspaper box is no longer there, but Armani Xchange is worth checking out, along with other well-known brand stores in the area.
Charlotte’s Gallery
Then we hear Charlotte’s take on love and relationships. She’s at work, and the subtitles tell us she’s an art dealer, which an attentive viewer could guess from the painting frames.
The book tells us that Louis K. Meisel Gallery was used for Charlotte’s workplace scenes. The gallery is still running and you can check out one of the current exhibitions, especially that, like Carrie’s apartment, this location follows through multiple seasons.
Madison Square Park
Then we hear the viewpoint of Miranda. Miranda shares her thoughts while having lunch on a bench at Madison Square Park.
Madison Square Park is not so large and well-known as Central Park, but it has its charm. The highlight is definitely the views of the Flatiron Building. Here visitors can snatch a really good shot of it. The park regularly features rotating art exhibits. You never really know what you’ll stumble upon — a giant sculpture or something quirky and unexpected. It’s like an open-air gallery in the middle of the city. And last but not least is The Original Shake Shack.
Lucky Cheng
Then happens a conversation between the 4 ladies that sets the theme for the pilot episode and you can see the opinions expressed here are kind of defining the decisions and lifestyle of each protagonist. It’s Miranda’s 33rd birthday and the location is quite iconic — first & longest running Drag Cabaret.
The venue has been around since 1993. It was nominated as the Best Drag Brunch in the US. The performers, who also serve as waitstaff, engage with the guests, making the atmosphere lively and interactive. It’s not just a place to eat but to enjoy a show. At the time of filming, it used to be located in the East Village, but in 2012 the Cabaret moved to Hell’s Kitchen.
Carrie meets Big: Fifth Avenue or TriBeCa?
The most important encounter of all time in SATC is Carrie and Big seeing each other for the first time. There’s no official mention of where exactly this pivotal scene was filmed, and, on the web, the opinions differ: from Midtown Manhattan to TriBeCa. Let’s take a closer look:
Midtown Manhattan is known for its high-traffic pedestrian areas. Meanwhile, Tribeca is known for its cobblestone streets, loft buildings, and a mixture of residential and commercial properties that provide a backdrop distinct from the more commercial Midtown Manhattan.
Looking closer, we can see the bus routes M1 and M6. The M1 bus runs north-south along Fifth Avenue (northbound) and Madison Avenue (southbound) in Midtown Manhattan. The M6 route, however, was discontinued in 2010. It used to travel along Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and provided service between Lower Manhattan and Upper Manhattan. Furthermore, we see a sign of “Foot Locker” at some point.
Given all the above, the most probable location for the first encounter is the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 39th Street, or 437 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
Katz’s Delicatessen
Later on, we see Carrie chatting with Stewart over coffee. At what appears to be Katz’s Delicatessen, an iconic New York City establishment known for its pastrami sandwiches and other deli fare.
The neon sign in the background, which reads “Pastrami,” is characteristic of Katz’s Deli, and the interior design matches the traditional deli setup seen in many films and shows, including When Harry Met Sally. That’s why Katz’s Deli is definitely a point to include in the SATC-inspired NYC exploration.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The next one is tricky: Charlotte and Capote Duncan are on a date. He’s wearing a tuxedo and she’s rocking a posh gown as if they were attending an opera.
Even though MET does not have a dedicated concert hall or opera house within the museum itself. It does host various high-profile events. They have hosted numerous galas, receptions, and even performances.
Here are some relevant spaces:
- The Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing: This space, featuring an ancient Egyptian temple, is often used for formal events and parties.
- The Great Hall: A dramatic space just beyond the entrance, often used for receptions and social events.
- The American Wing Café and The Balcony Lounge: are stylish spots to dine and could host smaller, exclusive events.
- The Met Gala: The most famous event held at The Met is the annual Met Gala
Chaos Club
Further events take place in the Chaos Club. Capote Duncan gives a tip on the location. Boarding the taxi cab with Charlotte he says: corner of Manhattan and Broome.
However, nowadays, there’s no sign of any nightclub in this area. But let’s not forget that the pilot episode aired about 30 years ago. There’s a publication in the NY Times dating back to early 1997 that mentions 23 Watts Street, which is very close to the address tipped by Capote Duncan, but no nightclubs at this time.
Limo Ride: 5th Avenue
The culmination of the episode is the conversation between Carrie and Big during a limo ride.
This scene is most likely filmed driving through 5th Avenue. As we saw already, and see more in further seasons, 5th Avenue will host many SATC filming locations. It offers a direct view of Central Park and has picturesque surroundings and notable architecture.
Sex and the City Filming Locations Map
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