When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
On Location Tours
Why On Location Tours is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
On Location Tours is a premier destination for television and movie enthusiasts seeking an immersive sightseeing experience across major cities including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Established in 1999, it has grown into one of the largest TV and movie tour companies globally, attracting over 100,000 tourists and locals annually. These tours expertly navigate through iconic filming locations from popular shows such as Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, and The Sopranos, allowing participants to relive memorable scenes and connect with their favorite stories in a tangible way. The company offers diverse tour options ranging from the NYC TV & Movie Tour, When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour, to specialized experiences like the TCM Classic Film Tour and Holiday Lights & Movie Sites. On Location Tours also provides private group bookings and special workshops, making it a superb spot for friends to gather, bond over shared fandoms, and enjoy a unique entertainment adventure together. Beyond the engaging itineraries, safety and customer well-being are prioritized with rigorous cleaning protocols and health measures in place, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Here's what people think of On Location Tours
As of recent, On Location Tours holds a 4.6-star rating based on 839 reviews.
The user feedback on On Location Tours is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 839 reviews. Many reviewers praise the exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, and the engaging nature of the tours. Customers appreciate how the tours effectively blend entertainment with sightseeing, offering unique insights into beloved TV shows and movies that deepen their appreciation for the filming locations. Positive comments often highlight the friendly staff, well-organized routes, and the joy of experiencing familiar scenes first-hand, which enhances group outings and personal enjoyment. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional customer service issues, particularly related to ticketing and event organization, as noted in complaints involving disputes over ticket sales and refunds. A few guests encountered difficulties coordinating with the company when dealing with third-party platforms like Ticketmaster. Despite these isolated challenges, the majority of feedback underscores a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat visitation. In conclusion, On Location Tours remains highly regarded for delivering memorable and fun-filled tours for TV and movie fans, with minor areas for improvement mostly around customer service logistics rather than the tour experiences themselves.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Anthony
My wife and I recently went to New York for our 10th anniversary. She asked what things I wanted to do in New York City and the only thing I said was that I wanted to go on a movie tour! So she booked this one. Roseanne Almanzar was our tour guide. I enjoyed the fact that she's an actress and gave us extra insight on things and also the theatricality she provided, due to her profession. The tour was great because, prior to this tour, we went on a New York sightseeing tour, which pointed out a few movie locations, but not like this one. Both tours were exceptional in their own ways though. In this tour, I enjoyed it because I was able to learn so many things! One of the things that meant so much to me was knowing the relationship between locations and buildings. When I watch movies or TV shows now, I know how close or far things are in relation to one another. Roseanne also was very knowledgeable. She not only knew movie facts about classic movie productions, but also current and upcoming projects as well. You could tell she really enjoys filmmaking, which helps increase the enjoyment of the tour! My wife and I got to take several nice photos together, due to stops where you actually get to walk around. My wife watched "Friends" a lot growing up so it was fun to see the look on her face as she saw the exterior of the Friends' apartment building, which was used during establishing shots. The one regret we both had, though, is that we had a financial issue during our trip due to suspicious activity on our bank account so we weren't able to give a well-deserved tip after the tour, but now that the situation is almost resolved, we plan to send an electronic payment soon!
Darla Samuelsen
Ok, I'm fashionably late in writing this review for the Sex and the City tour I took with my BFF on April 25, 2025, but better late than never! Hannah was our tour guide, and she was fabulous! Apologies, but I forgot the name of the driver, he was amazing as well- navigating traffic, fixing the microphone, and making sure the AC was pumping. Hannah was professional, entertaining, and had all kinds of tidbits. She even took pictures of us at some of the locations we hopped off at. The mini-cupcake from Magnolia Bakery was delicious, and the Cosmopolitan was fabulous! The three-hour tour flew by! I highly recommend this tour and Hannah! Now if the tour company can just update their marketing and media to include Hannah (she wasn't on the brochure or emails we received about the company guides:(
Dhananjay Narayan
Was looking for things to do with the city pass and found the NYC TV & Movie Tour with them. The tour guide Lou had very good knowledge and a great attitude. We saw popular spots in NY like the Friends Apartment, Washington State park, Ghostbusters Headquarters and many others. You will enjoy this if you are a huge fan of movies, especially American.
Camille Sammons
The Night tour was very informative and provided information about New York City and Christmas movie trivia. We purchased premium seating in which I feel is not necessary. The city was very crowded and it took longer to get to each location, Macy was closed upon arrival. We had a good time and would have never been able to see it all so the price was right. I have booked with on location before and if I had to choose the “Sex in the City” tour is the best!!!!
Angela Leonardi
We booked a private Sex and the City tour for ourselves and our teenage niece. The tour was conducted by Lou, a very knowledgeable and professional guide. She was so nice. Lou took us through the Village, pointing out sites where filming was done, and giving us exact references to scenes amd episodes. We even stopped at a bakery and a bar featured in certain episodes. We were thrilled. We had a comfortable ride in a tour van, and walked through an enclosed market place featured in the series. It was a great experience. I highly recommend this tour to any and every Sex and the City devotee.
How to reach On Location Tours
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Why On Location Tours may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at On Location Tours with your friends? It’s simple: this experience turns a fun outing into an unforgettable adventure by bringing your favorite movies and TV shows vividly to life. Imagine stepping into scenes from iconic shows like Friends, Sex and the City, The Avengers, and Home Alone while wandering the bustling streets of New York City or Chicago with your closest companions. On Location Tours offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and nostalgia that sparks lively conversations, moments of shared amazement, and plenty of photo opportunities. Friends who love pop culture can bond deeply over their favorite stories and characters, creating memories tied not just to a place but to beloved moments in film and television history. The tours foster a special sense of camaraderie — discovering hidden filming locations and hearing juicy behind-the-scenes stories together draws you closer as a group. Whether you’re reconnecting old friends or hosting a family meetup, On Location Tours provides a dynamic, engaging setting where everyone feels like part of the show.
What activities can you enjoy with your group at On Location Tours? The company offers a diverse array of tours suited to different tastes and interests, each designed to immerse participants in a visual and narrative feast of famous film and TV locations. The signature NYC TV & Movie Tour takes you across Manhattan’s most filmed corners, allowing fans to walk the paths of superheroes, sitcom characters, and classic film stars. For comic book and superhero devotees, The Super Tour of NYC: Heroes! Comics! More! revels in the worlds of Marvel and DC, combining thrilling storytelling with city sightseeing. Fans of romantic dramas and lifestyle shows will love the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, visiting real-life Manhattan places featured in the series. Other specialized options include the Gossip Girl Sites Tour, which lets participants relive the glitz and drama of the Upper East Side, and the Sopranos Sites Tour, perfect for mob drama enthusiasts. In Chicago, the tours spotlight landmarks from films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Untouchables. Each tour is guided by knowledgeable local actors, many of whom have actual experience on TV or movie sets, providing insider anecdotes and expert insights that deepen the group's connection to the stories. This wide variety ensures there’s something engaging for every member of a meetup, whether they’re hardcore cinephiles or casual fans.
Why is On Location Tours perfect for a group meetup? First, the tours foster strong social interaction by encouraging shared discovery and discussion. As you and your friends walk together through iconic filming sites, you engage collectively with popular culture in a way no movie theater or museum visit can replicate. The emphasis on storytelling and humor — often delivered by talented guides who know how to entertain and educate simultaneously — keeps the energy high and everyone involved. You’re not just passive observers; you are part of the narrative experience happening in real-time. Additionally, the company is highly rated, boasting a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars based on nearly 840 reviews, which reflects consistent customer satisfaction and trusted quality. This rating assures groups that they will receive a well-organized, engaging, and fun outing. The tours typically last around two to three hours, making them accessible within a half-day schedule, ideal for groups balancing other plans. For families, the safe pedestrian routes and manageable pace make the tours inclusive for children and older adults alike. Moreover, the variety in tour themes allows you to customize the experience for your group’s interests, enhancing relevance and enjoyment for everyone involved.
How do On Location Tours guides enhance the experience for meetups? The guides aren’t just tour leaders; they are local actors and actresses who bring authenticity and charisma to every step of the journey. Having performers who have worked on TV and movies themselves adds a unique layer of credibility and excitement to the tours. They share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, lesser-known trivia, and personal experiences from sets in New York and Boston, making the entertainment industry come alive right before your eyes. Their humor and interactive style keep the energy lively and ensure that everyone, regardless of age or background, remains engaged throughout. For a group meetup, this interaction is crucial because it sparks group laughter, sparks curiosity, and encourages dynamic conversations. Many reviews highlight how the guides’ friendly and accommodating attitude makes the entire business feel welcoming and personalized, important factors when coordinating with a larger party. Whether someone wants to pause for photos, ask detailed questions, or make special requests, the guides strive to create a memorable, tailor-made adventure that keeps the focus on group enjoyment.
What makes the location and setting of On Location Tours special for group gatherings? Being situated in New York City and Chicago, two of the most iconic and cinematic cities in the world, means groups have an exceptional backdrop for their meetup. These urban landscapes are famous for appearing in countless films and TV programs, so participants get to explore the real-life streets and landmarks that have mesmerized audiences globally. Walking through places like Central Park, Times Square, or the Magnificent Mile creates an immediate connection not just to the tours but to the cultural fabric of the cities themselves. This authentic urban setting facilitates organic group interaction — you experience the vibe of the city, absorb its energy, and even enjoy incidental moments like street performances, local food vendors, or shopping stops during breaks. The tours are designed to integrate seamlessly into these neighborhoods, ensuring the route is scenic, interesting, and manageable, which is essential when hosting a larger group with diverse energy levels. Furthermore, the atmosphere of being in a real-life "movie set" heightens excitement and group bonding in a way that staged or artificial environments rarely manage to achieve.
How does On Location Tours support planning and logistics for meetups? The company’s professionalism and positive reputation make planning easy and reliable, critical components when coordinating multiple friends or family members. They offer simple booking via their website, with the option to reserve well in advance to ensure availability for larger groups. Cancellation policies are adapted to provide some flexibility in case plans change, which helps reduce stress. The tours operate daily, giving groups multiple scheduling options that can fit into weekday or weekend plans conveniently. Many customers report smooth check-ins and helpful staff, which eases the meetup’s start without long waits or confusion. The presence of different tour themes, locations, and durations empowers organizers to select an itinerary that perfectly matches the group’s interests and time constraints. This versatility means you can mix and match tours for multi-day meetups or focus on one to create a centered, cohesive experience that brings everyone together. Overall, the focus on seamless, enjoyable service enhances the group experience from start to finish.
Why do reviews and ratings make On Location Tours trustworthy for your meetup? Among the most compelling reasons to choose this company is its strong track record of positive feedback, which builds confidence in its ability to deliver a great group outing. With an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 800 reviews, customers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, fun-filled tours, and excellent value for the price. Many reviewers comment on how the tours are both informative and highly entertaining, uniquely combining sightseeing with storytelling. Frequent mentions of friendly, accessible guides who make guests feel involved and welcome underline the customer-centric approach of the business. The multitude of high ratings also suggests that issues are rare and that the company is responsive to feedback. This level of trust reduces worries about the meetup experience, making it a safe and enjoyable choice for groups seeking a memorable day out. Positive testimonials also provide useful first-hand insights that can help organizers tailor the experience to the group’s specific tastes, making it even more satisfying.
What makes On Location Tours an educational and fun experience for various types of groups? Beyond pure entertainment, these tours deliver educational content that enriches participants’ understanding of film, television, and city history in a dynamic way. Guests learn about the art of filming on location, the history behind famous storylines, and the transformation of urban sites over time. This mix of cultural knowledge and pop-culture nostalgia appeals to different group demographics, whether they are families, friends, or colleagues. Educational elements are woven into the lively narrative style of the guides, preventing information overload and ensuring the group remains entertained while gaining new insights. Additionally, the tours encourage discussion and exploration, allowing groups to share personal connections to the shows and movies featured. This combination of learning and laughter makes On Location Tours ideal as a social, cultural, and entertaining activity, perfect for groups looking to combine fun with meaningful discovery.
How can On Location Tours enhance special occasions or celebrations with your group? These tours are excellent choices for birthdays, family reunions, or casual get-togethers because they offer an engaging collective experience that naturally brings people together. The memorable journey through iconic TV and film sites can turn a simple meetup into a themed occasion complete with laughter, reminiscing, and lots of photo ops. The tour’s interactive and immersive nature often inspires group games, trivia challenges, and social media sharing, adding layers of enjoyment to the celebration. For friends or family who love pop culture, the tours provide a common passion to rally around, strengthening bonds in a relaxed yet exciting environment. Many groups incorporate the outing as part of a larger celebration day, such as dining nearby or attending shows afterward, making it a flexible and festive choice. The curated storytelling by professional guides ensures the event feels special and thoughtfully organized, elevating the group meetup beyond typical outings into an extraordinary, shared adventure.
In summary, On Location Tours offers a rich, engaging, and highly rated choice for anyone seeking to rally friends or family around a unique experience. With diverse themed tours, professional and entertaining guides, iconic city settings, and streamlined planning, it’s a perfect venue that transforms social gatherings into memorable adventures filled with culture, fun, and connection.