Whether you view Carrie Bradshaw as the ideal Manhattanite, or you simply remember Sarah Jessica Parker’s voice-overs from Saturday morning reruns, there is one undeniable truth about this candid columnist and fashionable friend: she knows how to make the most out of living in New York City. No matter a breakup or reunion, she uses the city as a magnificent backdrop as the stage for her most crucial moments. Follow in her footsteps through some of the show’s most iconic spots and feel like a Sex and The City cast member.
8 AM: 66 Perry St
Start your day off exactly as Carrie would! Walk through the West Village for some lovely scenery before embarking on your busy day. To get the full experience, snap a pic in front of Carrie’s brownstone. It’s a popular spot for fans of the hit show, so don’t write off the possibility of making a friend.
8: 30 AM – A Pretty Sweet Breakfast
A cupcake for breakfast? It’s the sort of impulsive and fun thing only a true New York “It Girl” could pull off. However, the one-of-a-kind buttercream frosting atop theses delicious treats is excuse enough for anyone. Carrie and Miranda can be seen sitting outside this famous bakery in Season 3, Episode 5.
9: 30 AM – Time to Get Work Done!
The New York Public Library may have been the stage for Carrie’s almost wedding, but it makes an equally magnificent study spot! Surrounded by leather bound books in a Hogwarts-like hall, you are sure to feel immensely scholarly and greatly productive. Head here as early as possible to snag a good spot.
12:00 PM – A Stroll Through Central Park
While the Loeb Boathouse may not have provided viewers with Carrie’s most graceful moment (i.e. her falling into the water with her lunch date), it is a beautiful spot to walk around in the Park. Watch lovers of all ages wade through the water in boats that conjure European aesthetics and contemplate the novelties of love, just as Carrie would.
1:00 PM – A Quick Bite
In the fifth episode of season 5, Carrie Bradshaw can be seen visiting this famous hot dog joint. Open 24 hours a day, this is the ideal stop for an authentic city hot dog as well as something that is fast and affordable. But feel free to go at whatever time suits you best! Gray’s Papaya can be enjoyed at any hour and in the midst of any situation.
3:00 PM – Lunch Meeting
If you’re looking for a lunch option which is slightly more formal, but which still held a significant spot on the hit HBO show, then look no further than Il Cantinori. With it’s old world charm, it’s impossible to resist the feeling that you have been temporarily transported out of New York City. Prices are a bit more on the “splurge” side of the spending spectrum, but if there’s anything Carrie loved, it was to indulge on good meal–or a good designer shoe.
5:00 PM – A Quick Window Shopping Trip
Care to walk a mile in Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes, literally? Her favorite shoes happened to be Manolo Blahniks, so we can only imagine how often she frequented the store to try on all the incoming styles. Sure, they’re not necessarily a casual purchase, but they are oh so pretty to look at! Not to mention, you will surely run into some savvy fashionistas within the store’s doors.
7:00 – Movie Night
Anyone who knows Carrie Bradshaw, knows her love of all things Parisian. At one point, she muses that “the most amazing thing about living in a city like New York, is that any night of the week you can go to Paris.” Give yourself some alone time to gather your thoughts and treat yourself to a movie. Sometimes the best kind of love, is the love you show to yourself!
10:00 PM – Unwind With Your Besties over Some Dessert and Wine *for those of age!*
Undeniably one of the best aspects of Sex and the City is when all four friends would come together over a drink or a meal and help give advice to one another about whatever current turmoil was creating crisis in their lives. It is the simplicity and intimacy of female friendship conveyed at its finest. It is no doubt you’ll be exhausted after a day of trying to keep up with the Carrie Bradshaw lifestyle, so sit back and enjoy a warm conclusion to an eventful day with your best friends. Carrie may have attended the onscreen opening of this trendy restaurant, but the vibes at TAO are special any night of the week.