The Real Address of Carrie's Apartment

Carrie Bradshaw's apartment in Sex and the City is located at 66 Perry Street in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The building is a real brownstone that still stands today, and the show's producers chose it because the exterior matched the character's aesthetic — a classic New York townhouse with a stoop and tall windows.

The interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage in Brooklyn, not inside the actual building. HBO built a replica of Carrie's apartment set to film all the indoor shots, so what you see on screen when she's inside her home is not the real interior of 66 Perry Street. The exterior shots and the stoop where characters often sit are the only parts filmed at the actual location.

Key Takeaways

  • Carrie's apartment exterior is at 66 Perry Street in Manhattan's West Village, a real brownstone you can visit and photograph from the street.
  • The interior scenes were filmed on a set in Brooklyn, not inside the actual building, so the real apartment's inside looks different from the show.
  • The building is a private residence, so you cannot enter or tour the interior, but you can view the exterior and take photos from the sidewalk.
  • The neighborhood itself — West Village — is a real area you can explore, with many of the restaurants and shops mentioned in the show still operating nearby.

What You'll See If You Visit 66 Perry Street

The brownstone at 66 Perry Street is a five-story building with a red door, large windows, and a front stoop — exactly as it appears in the opening credits of the show. The building's exterior has remained largely unchanged since the series aired, making it when ready recognizable to fans.

Because it is a private residence, you cannot go inside or tour the apartment. The current owners have made it clear that the building is their home, not a tourist attraction. You can, however, stand on the sidewalk and photograph the exterior, which is what most visitors do when they make the pilgrimage to see it.

The stoop and front entrance are the most photographed parts of the building. Many fans recreate the opening credits shot by standing on the sidewalk in front of the red door. The neighborhood is busy and residential, so be respectful of the residents' privacy and do not block the entrance or linger for extended periods.

The West Village Neighborhood and Nearby Locations

The West Village is a real neighborhood in lower Manhattan known for tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The area has a bohemian history and remains one of the most expensive and desirable neighborhoods in New York City.

Many of the restaurants, bars, and shops mentioned in Sex and the City are real places in or near the West Village. Some have closed over the years, but others still operate. Walking around the neighborhood gives you a sense of the locations where the characters spent time, even though the show was filmed on sets rather than on location.

The area around 66 Perry Street includes Washington Square Park, Christopher Street, and Bleecker Street — all real locations that appear in the show or are mentioned by the characters. If you visit, you can explore these streets and get a feel for the neighborhood that shaped Carrie's world.

Why the Show Used a Real Building for Exterior Shots

Television and film productions often use real building exteriors for establishing shots because it grounds the story in an actual place. Viewers recognize the architecture and the neighborhood, which makes the fictional world feel more real and lived-in.

For Sex and the City, the producers selected 66 Perry Street because it had the right look — a classic New York brownstone that matched Carrie's character. The building's appearance in the opening credits became iconic, and the address became one of the most recognizable fictional apartments in television history.

Using a real exterior also meant the show could film quick shots of the characters arriving at or leaving the building without needing to build an entire set. This is standard practice in television production, especially for long-running shows where budget and time matter.

How to Find the Apartment If You Visit New York

66 Perry Street is in the West Village, which is accessible by subway. The nearest subway stations are the Christopher Street–Sheridan Square station (served by the 1 line) and the West 4th Street station (served by the A, C, and E lines). From either station, the building is a short walk away.

If you are using a map or GPS, search for "66 Perry Street, New York, NY" and it will take you directly to the building. The address is public and the building is on a regular city street, so there is no special process for visiting. straightforward walk to the location, view the exterior from the sidewalk, and take photos if you wish.

The neighborhood is safe and well-traveled, especially during the day. Many tourists visit the location each year, so you will not be alone. Be aware that the building is a private home, and the residents value their privacy — do not knock on the door, peer through windows, or trespass on the property.

The Difference Between the Show's Apartment and the Real Building

The apartment you see on screen in Sex and the City is a fictional space designed by set decorators and built in a studio. The real building at 66 Perry Street is a residential brownstone with its own interior layout and design. The two are not the same, and visiting the exterior will not show you the interior spaces where the show's scenes took place.

This is true for most television shows and films — the exterior and interior are often filmed in different locations or on different sets. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations if you visit. You are seeing the real building's outside, which is what appears in the opening credits, but not the apartment's inside, which was created for the show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go inside Carrie's apartment building?

No. The building at 66 Perry Street is a private residence, and the owners do not allow tours or visitors inside. You can view and photograph the exterior from the sidewalk, but you cannot enter the building or access the interior.

Is the inside of the apartment the same as what we see on the show?

No. The interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage set in Brooklyn, not inside the real building. The actual apartment's interior is different from what appears on screen. Only the exterior of 66 Perry Street matches the show.

What subway should I take to get to 66 Perry Street?

The Christopher Street–Sheridan Square station (1 line) and West 4th Street station (A, C, E lines) are both close to the building. From either station, it is a short walk to 66 Perry Street in the West Village.

Has the building changed since the show aired?

The exterior has remained largely the same, which is why fans still recognize it. The red door and overall appearance match what you see in the opening credits. The interior may have been updated by the current owners, but you cannot see inside.

Are the restaurants and bars from the show still open?

Some are, and some have closed. Many real restaurants and bars in the West Village were used as filming locations or are mentioned in the show. If you visit the neighborhood, you can explore the area and see which places still operate, though the show's scenes were filmed on sets, not on location.