There’s something magical about wandering through New York City and suddenly finding yourself in front of the Carrie Bradshaw apartment, the brownstone that helped define an entire era of romance, style, and city living.
Fans of Sex and the City instantly recognize the charming stoop, even though the show placed Carrie on the Upper East Side.
In reality, her beloved apartment sits in the beautifully quiet and picturesque West Village, a neighborhood that feels straight out of a storybook.
Even if you’re planning a little SATC-inspired moment or simply want to relive the nostalgia of Carrie’s NYC life, this iconic spot always delivers a touch of TV magic.
The Iconic Apartment at 64 Perry Street
The most recognizable version of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment address is:
📍 64 Perry Street, New York, NY 10014
📍 (And sometimes 66 Perry Street, used during later seasons)
This West Village brownstone served as the exterior filming location for many of SATC’s most memorable scenes.
Fans instantly recognize the classic stoop where Carrie wrote her column, kissed Big, cried over heartbreaks, and showed off countless outfits.
The producers chose this block because of its charm: leafy trees, historic architecture, warm brownstone tones, and quiet residential vibes. It felt “more Carrie” than the Upper East Side.
Fiction vs. Reality: Carrie’s Apartment in the Show
Carrie Bradshaw’s house looks Upper East Side on screen, but the real filming locations tell a very different New York story.
| What the Show Says | What’s Real |
|---|---|
| Carrie lives on the Upper East Side at 245 East 73rd Street. | The address is entirely fictional, created only for the storyline. |
| The building appears to be a classic UES brownstone. | Exterior shots were filmed at 64 & 66 Perry Street in the West Village. |
| The interiors showcase a cozy, stylish Manhattan apartment. | Every interior scene was shot on a studio set at Silvercup Studios. |
| UES setting supports the show’s glamorous narrative. | The location choice was purely aesthetic, not a real filming site. |
While Carrie’s world seemed Upper East Side chic, the real apartment exterior sits quietly in the West Village, charming fans daily.
History of 64 Perry Street
Built in the 1860s, 64 Perry Street is a classic Federal-style townhouse that never expected global fame, until Sex and the City transformed it into an iconic landmark.
The stoop became instantly recognizable after HBO scouted it for exterior shots in 1998.
By the early 2000s, fans from around the world were visiting daily, and the 2010s brought an even bigger surge thanks to Instagram.
Today, constant foot traffic has led residents to add a small chain and “No Trespassing” signs, though visitors still stop respectfully to snap photos from the sidewalk.
Directions: How to Get There
Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, Perry Street is well connected by multiple subway lines and just a short, scenic walk from nearby stations.
Nearest Subway Lines
- 1/2/3 – Get off at 14 St
- A/C/E – West 4 St Station
- L – 14th Street
- B/D/F/M – West 4 St
From any of these, Perry Street is a short, scenic walk.
The Rent-Controlled Haven: How Did Carrie Afford It?
This question has sparked debates for decades:
“How could a freelance writer afford a West Village apartment?”
According to The Show, the Answer is Simple:
- Her apartment was rent-controlled.
- She had lived there for years.
- Her monthly rent was supposedly a few hundred dollars.
Real-Life Comparison:
- 1990s rent-controlled rent: $700–$900/month (estimate)
- Today’s West Village rent: $4,000–$6,500+ for a studio or one-bedroom
Rent control explains everything and adds a fun layer of realism to the series.
Pilot Episode ApartmentIf you rewatch the pilot, you’ll notice something unexpected: Carrie’s apartment doesn’t look like Carrie’s apartment. Why? The pilot was shot before HBO approved a larger budget. It used a different location and a temporary interior. Once the show was picked up, everything was redesigned to match Carrie’s evolving personality. This explains the difference in layout, décor, color palette, and overall vibe. |
Carrie’s Other Apartments in the SATC Universe
Throughout the series and movies, Carrie Bradshaw spent time in several memorable New York homes, each reflecting a different chapter of her life.
1. Upper East Side Brownstone (Fictional Show Address)
Used solely for storytelling, this Upper East Side home was never filmed on location.
It served as Carrie’s “official” address but existed only within the show’s glamorous Manhattan narrative.
2. Fifth Avenue Apartment (Mr. Big’s Home)
Big’s sleek Fifth Avenue apartment appeared throughout the series and films.
Offering a luxurious contrast to Carrie’s eclectic style and showcasing the couple’s evolving dynamic in a more upscale Manhattan setting.
3. Tribeca Loft (Aidan’s Place)
Aidan’s warm, wood-filled Tribeca loft reflected his grounded, artistic personality.
Carrie stayed here during their relationship, highlighting the lifestyle differences between her fast-paced world and Aidan’s more relaxed downtown vibe.
4. Gramercy Park Townhouse (Petrovsky Era)
During her time with Aleksandr Petrovsky, Carrie briefly lived in his elegant Gramercy Park townhouse.
Surrounded by artistic touches and the charm of one of Manhattan’s most exclusive, historic neighborhoods.
Other Things to Do in the West Village (Carrie-Style)
After visiting the Carrie Bradshaw apartment, the West Village offers plenty of charming spots that capture the spirit and style of SATC.
- Magnolia Bakery (Bleecker St): The cupcake shop made famous by Sex and the City.
- Bleecker Street Shopping: Designer boutiques and curated stores Carrie would obsess over.
- The Little Owl: A beloved restaurant located beneath the Friends apartment building.
- Washington Square Park: Ideal for photos, people-watching, and soaking in classic NYC energy.
- SATC Walking & Bus Tours: Guided tours that include Perry Street and dozens of filming locations.
Probing these West Village favorites adds even more SATC magic to your visit, making the neighborhood feel like Carrie’s world brought to life.
“Sex and the City” Fans Still Flock to Perry Street
Even decades after Sex and the City first premiered, fans from around the world still flock to Perry Street to see the real-life Carrie Bradshaw apartment.
Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok have fueled a new wave of interest, with visitors recreating iconic SATC outfits and posing on the famous block.
Carrie’s unforgettable fashion moments continue to influence pop culture, and NYC travel guides consistently rank Perry Street as one of the city’s must-see TV landmarks.
The revival series And Just Like That… has only amplified enthusiasm, drawing both longtime fans and new viewers.
Planning a visit to NYC? Add Perry Street to your SATC must-see list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment Accessible By Car?
Street parking is limited, so arriving by subway or rideshare is usually much easier.
Can You Visit Both 64 And 66 Perry Street?
Yes, both buildings are visible from the sidewalk and easy to photograph during a visit.
Do Local Residents Mind Tourists Visiting Perry Street?
Most residents prefer quiet, respectful visits, so keeping visits brief and considerate is greatly appreciated.
Are There Guided Tours Focused Only On Perry Street?
Some private SATC tours focus specifically on Perry Street, offering detailed stories and photo opportunities.
