If you feel like a dose of celebrity and a touch of hedonism, you can visit the following landmarks, bars, restaurants and cafes to imitate your favorite TV star. Romance, laughter, drama and mystery — a visit to these places will afford you a glimpse of what it feels like to be on the set of a series in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Times Square — Glee
Originally performed by Alicia Keys and Jay Z, the modern anthem Empire State of Mind was given the tribute treatment by the Glee gang in Season 2 when they visited the city to perform in the final. Times Square, with its overwhelming billboards, classic American franchises, neon lights and larger than life atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for the version.
Empire State Building — The Mindy Project
Where Danny and Mindy finally get together at the end of Season 2 after a sprint by Danny through the streets of New York and Mindy’s epic climb up the stairs. It was worth waiting for by fans, mimicking the classic Sleepless in Seattle scene between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks’ characters.
Pulitzer Fountain — Friends
Everyone knows the cafe that the gang used to frequent — Central Perk — but what about the Pulitzer Fountain that features in the opening credits? It’s a romantic setting in the evening, and a graceful, formal monument during the day. Joseph Pulitzer bequeathed $50,000 to design and build the fountain after he died in 1911, deciding on the Grand Army Plaza as the ideal location.
Cafe Grumpy — Girls
Lena takes a part-time, temporary job at Cafe Grumpy where her hapless friend Ray also works. Tribeca perfectly captures the edgy, hip, young vibe portrayed by Lena Dunham and her coterie. Cafe Grumpy’s distinctive mugs — a simple black and white sketch of a face with a frown — are now trending due to the show.
Eleven Madison Park — Sex in the City
Carrie and her friends frequented an awful lot of swanky places in New York, usually to have a night out, find a new lover, or a romantic dinner with the beau of the moment. Eleven Madison Park is a more bittersweet venue. An upscale restaurant in the centre of New York, this is the place where Big breaks his engagement news to Carrie. It needn’t be the same for you though; soft lighting, luxurious furnishings and an impressive bar create an atmosphere of glamor and comfort.
Grand Central Oyster Bar — Mad Men
The inimitable Don Draper persuades boss Roger to consume a few too many oysters and way too much vodka — fine for a good night out, not so fine when you are about to meet some clients. Roger ends up in disgrace, vomiting on the clients and ruining any potential business as a result. A retro establishment, featuring distinctive brick architraves, Grand Central Oyster Bar is where customers can order classic oysters in a spacious dining hall and even watch them being prepared.
There are all the usual attractions to visit in New York, but if you want a more local yet glamorous tour, try these scene-stealing sights.
