Devoted sitcom fans often like to discover the real-life locations behind some of television’s most iconic shows. From the favorite hangout for Jerry and friends on Seinfeld to the Banks family mansion from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, these sites bring our favorite TV shows to life. Learn about five legendary sitcom settings with these five classic TV sitcom locations you can actually visit.
Monk’s Cafe From Seinfeld – New York, New York
Located on the corner of Broadway and West 112th Street in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, Tom’s Restaurant appeared in nearly every episode of Seinfeld as Monk’s Cafe. Scenes of Jerry, Kramer, George, and Elaine chatting over coffee and meals were actually filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, but the exterior shots were of real-life Tom’s Restaurant (with the “Tom’s” part left out of the frame).
Its appearance on the classic ’90s sitcom instantly put this family-owned New York City diner on the map, but the restaurant had a long history before that. It was established in the 1940s and has been owned by the Zoulis family for many decades. As a tribute to the sitcom, the walls at Tom’s are now adorned with nostalgic Seinfeld memorabilia, making it a must-visit for fans.
Banks Family Home From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Los Angeles, California
Despite the title of the beloved ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the home of the show’s central characters, the Banks family, is located in the picturesque Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles (and most of the interior scenes were filmed in a studio).
The opening sequence shows Will, a tough teenager from Philadelphia who moves to Bel-Air, as the taxi drops him off at the now-famous Banks mansion. Currently valued at nearly $9 million, the mansion was featured in a 2020 promotion through Airbnb for the show’s 30th anniversary, offering exclusive stays for fans.
Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment From Sex and the City – New York, New York
Another iconic sitcom set in New York City, Sex and the City captivated audiences over its six-season run from 1998 to 2004. Many memorable scenes showcase main character Carrie Bradshaw’s love life unfolding at the entrance of her Upper East Side apartment. However, the real-life building used for exterior shots is located on Perry Street in the West Village. It has become a pilgrimage site for devoted SATC fans, who stroll by hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous steps where Carrie once stood.
Paddy’s Pub From It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Los Angeles, California
The gang from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia filmed many scenes inside the fictional Paddy’s Pub, the South Philly dive bar co-owned by Charlie, Dennis, and Mac. While the interior shots were filmed in a Los Angeles studio, the exterior pub shots are of the Nate Starkman Building (also known as the Pan Pacific Warehouse) on Mateo Street in the Arts District of Los Angeles.
The building opened in 1908 and once operated as a factory for paints, oils, and varnishes for Nate Starkman & Son. It’s now a popular filming site, seen in shows such as Parks and Recreation, Castle, Charmed, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Rockefeller Center From 30 Rock – New York, New York
Tina Fey’s acclaimed TV series 30 Rock is based loosely on her life experiences working on another hit series, Saturday Night Live. The show was mostly filmed in a Queens, New York, studio designed to mimic the real NBC Studios in midtown Manhattan. However, it frequently features exterior shots of the iconic 30 Rockefeller Center, the real-life filming location of SNL. Visitors can snap a photo of the famous “NBC Studios” sign outside the building, while the most dedicated fans can go one step further and take an NBC Studios tour to see where many of the network’s shows are filmed.
Featured Stories
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
