... Read moreHey fellow fashion and film fanatics! If you're anything like me, you've probably watched "The Devil Wears Prada" more times than you can count, dreaming of strutting through the streets of New York City just like Andy Sachs. Well, guess what? You absolutely can! I recently embarked on my own self-guided tour of the iconic filming locations, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream come true. You don't just see places; you feel the movie come alive around you.
My first stop, of course, had to be the intimidating yet alluring world of Runway magazine. While the actual interiors were likely sets, imagining Andy navigating the halls of the building at 1221 Avenue of the Americas was thrilling enough. Standing outside, I could almost picture Miranda Priestly's car pulling up, or Andy frantically trying to hail a cab. It’s definitely a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the heart of the publishing world as depicted in the film.
Then, I ventured downtown to the Lower East Side to find Andy and Nate's cozy apartment building at 252 Broome Street. It's so cool to see these places in person – it really grounds the characters and their lives. The area itself is vibrant, full of character, and a great place to explore. And speaking of the Lower East Side, just around the corner at 248 Broome Street, you’ll find where Andy famously bought an onion bagel. It’s now Erin McKenna's Bakery, a fantastic spot for gluten-free and vegan treats, so you can grab a bite just like Andy!
My tour continued, taking me to 29 Union Square W, which played host to The Coffee Shop where Andy often met her friends after work. It’s a classic NYC diner vibe, and it’s easy to imagine those heart-to-heart conversations about fashion and life. For a taste of the upscale, I made sure to visit Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse at 797 3rd Avenue. This is where Andy had to perform the impossible task of securing Miranda's steak. While I didn't get Miranda's demanding order, the atmosphere alone was enough to transport me back to that scene!
I also loved exploring SoHo, where I found the loft at 56 Crosby Street – the very spot where Andy met Christian Thompson at that glamorous party. The architecture in SoHo is just stunning, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen for such a chic gathering. And who could forget Nate's workplace? I popped into Bubby's Restaurant at 120 Hudson Street in TriBeCa. It's a fantastic spot for comfort food, and it was fun to think of Nate bustling around the kitchen.
For a touch of luxury, I stopped by the St. Regis hotel bar at 2 E 55th Street, where Christian Thompson handed Andy the "Harry Potter" manuscript. It’s such an elegant place, perfect for a fancy drink and imagining all the behind-the-scenes drama. Finally, no DWP tour is complete without a visit to Gapstow Bridge in Central Park. This picturesque spot was the backdrop for the iconic UrbanJungle photoshoot. Walking across it, I felt like I was right there with Andy and Nigel, observing the fashion world in action. It's truly a beautiful part of Central Park and a serene end to a whirlwind day.
To make your own tour perfect, I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes – New York is best explored on foot! Public transport, especially the subway, will be your best friend for getting between neighborhoods. Don't forget your camera to capture all your favorite spots. Experiencing these locations firsthand makes you appreciate the movie even more and provides a unique way to see the city. It’s more than just a movie tour; it’s an immersive fashion pilgrimage!