himym places to visit in nyc

I always dreamed of visiting the iconic locations from How I Met Your Mother. Last month, that dream became reality! My friend, Chloe, and I spent a week exploring the city, following in the footsteps of Ted, Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin. It was an unforgettable trip filled with laughter, nostalgia, and plenty of sightseeing. I can’t wait to share my adventures!

MacLaren’s Pub (or, My Attempt at Finding It)

Okay, so technically, MacLaren’s Pub isn’t a real place. It’s a fictional bar, brilliantly crafted for the show. But that didn’t stop me from trying to find its real-life inspiration! I’d read countless articles and forum posts, each claiming a different bar was the “true” MacLaren’s. Armed with my phone and a map brimming with possibilities, I embarked on a quest. My first stop was McGee’s, a cozy spot in the Village. It had the right vibe – dimly lit, a bit cramped, and definitely the kind of place where you could imagine Ted and the gang nursing beers and spinning tales. I sat at the bar, ordered a beer (a perfectly acceptable substitute for a Long Island Iced Tea), and soaked in the atmosphere. It felt close, but not quite right. The next day, I tried a few other contenders – a couple of pubs on the Upper West Side that were mentioned online. They were nice, but lacked that certain je ne sais quoi. One, in particular, was far too modern and sleek; it felt like a place Barney would frequent in his later, more refined years, not the boisterous, slightly dingy bar of the show’s early seasons. I even ventured into a few bars that weren’t even mentioned online, just on a hunch. These were all dead ends; the ambience was completely off. After a few days of dedicated pub-crawling, I had to admit defeat. While I didn’t find the MacLaren’s, my pub-hopping adventure became its own kind of HIMYM experience. Each bar held its own charm, offering a unique taste of NYC nightlife and reminding me that sometimes, the search itself is just as rewarding as the destination.

The Famous Rooftop

The rooftop scene in How I Met Your Mother is iconic. Who could forget those breathtaking views of the city skyline, the romantic moments, and the occasional disastrous mishap? Naturally, finding the actual rooftop used in the show was high on my list. After some research (and a healthy dose of detective work, thanks to some helpful online communities), I discovered that the show used multiple rooftops for filming. There wasn’t one single, definitive location. Undeterred, I decided to embrace the spirit of the show and find my own “HIMYM rooftop experience.” My friend, Liam, and I spent an afternoon exploring various rooftop bars in Manhattan. We started in Midtown, with a stunning view of the Empire State Building. The drinks were pricey, but the atmosphere was buzzing. We then headed downtown, to a smaller, more intimate rooftop bar in the West Village. This one had a more laid-back feel, perfect for a quiet conversation (or maybe a heartfelt confession). Both rooftops offered incredible views, each with its own unique charm. Neither was exactly the rooftop from the show, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was the experience of sharing a drink with a friend, under the vast expanse of the New York City sky, feeling that same sense of wonder and possibility that the show so expertly captures. We even recreated a few of the show’s iconic poses for photos – though, thankfully, without any accidental falls or dramatic declarations of love. The whole thing felt very much like a scene straight out of the show! Ultimately, my “HIMYM rooftop adventure” became a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you create yourself.

Exploring Ted’s Apartment Building (and Neighborhood)

Okay, so I’ll admit, I went a little overboard with this one. The show never explicitly reveals Ted’s exact address, but I found a building that strongly resembled the exterior shots used in the series, located in the charming West Village. Armed with a map, my trusty phone, and a healthy dose of optimism (and maybe a little bit of obsessive fandom), I set off to find it. The building itself was stunning, a classic brownstone with a certain timeless elegance. I even managed to sneak a peek inside the lobby – it wasn’t exactly what I expected, but it was still exciting to stand in the space where I imagined Ted and Marshall might have shared a beer after a long day. Naturally, I couldn’t just stand outside the building; I had to explore the neighborhood. The West Village is a delightful area, filled with quaint streets, independent shops, and cozy cafes. I imagined Ted walking these very streets, maybe on his way to meet up with his friends, or perhaps on a chance encounter that would change his life forever. I strolled through Washington Square Park, picturing him sitting on a bench, sketching in his notebook; I even stopped for coffee at a charming little cafe, imagining Ted and Marshall discussing their latest architectural triumphs (or their latest dating disasters). The whole experience was incredibly immersive. It wasn’t just about finding a building; it was about stepping into the world of the show, feeling the atmosphere, and letting my imagination run wild. The West Village, with its charming atmosphere and unique character, perfectly captured the essence of Ted’s life in New York City – a place where anything could happen, and often did.

Barney Stinson’s Haunts (A Wild Goose Chase?)

Tracking down Barney Stinson’s legendary haunts proved…challenging. Unlike Ted’s relatively grounded existence, Barney’s world was a whirlwind of high-stakes poker games, lavish parties, and questionable decisions. Pinpointing specific locations felt like trying to catch smoke. The show frequently used generic shots of New York City nightlife, making it nearly impossible to identify exact bars or clubs. I did, however, try my best. Armed with screenshots from various episodes, I spent a day wandering through Midtown, hoping to stumble upon a bar that looked even remotely familiar. I found myself in a maze of flashy, upscale establishments and dive bars, each with its own unique atmosphere; One place, a dimly lit bar with a surprisingly friendly bartender named Kevin, had a certain “Barney-esque” vibe. Kevin even cracked a few jokes that wouldn’t have been out of place in one of Barney’s legendary schemes. It wasn’t the legendary MacLaren’s Pub, but it was a fun diversion. My quest for Barney’s specific haunts ultimately felt more like a symbolic journey. It was about embracing the spirit of Barney’s unpredictable adventures, rather than finding a specific location. The energy of the city itself, its constant buzz and unexpected turns, felt like a fitting tribute to the character. The search, while ultimately unsuccessful in finding concrete locations, was a fun and memorable part of my HIMYM adventure. It taught me that sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination, especially when that destination is as elusive as Barney Stinson himself. The thrill of the chase, the unexpected encounters, and the sheer fun of exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife – that was the true Barney Stinson experience.

My Overall HIMYM NYC Experience

My HIMYM-inspired NYC adventure exceeded all expectations. It wasn’t just about ticking off locations from the show; it was about experiencing the city through a lens of nostalgia and friendship. Revisiting the show’s iconic settings – even if some were less concrete than others – brought a unique layer of enjoyment to the trip. The energy of the city itself, its vibrant pulse and endless possibilities, perfectly mirrored the show’s themes of friendship, love, and the unpredictable journey of life. I found myself constantly looking for connections to the show, spotting details that resonated with specific scenes or character arcs. Even simple things, like walking down a particular street or grabbing a coffee in a charming café, felt infused with a sense of the show’s spirit. The whole experience felt like a playful homage to the show’s humor and heart. I laughed, I reminisced, and I even found myself quoting lines from the show at random moments throughout the trip. My friend, Amelia, and I spent hours discussing our favorite moments, comparing our experiences to the show’s narrative, and sharing our personal interpretations of the characters’ journeys. More than just a sightseeing trip, it was a bonding experience, a celebration of friendship, and a testament to the enduring power of a beloved television show. It reminded me that sometimes the most memorable adventures aren’t about meticulously planned itineraries, but about embracing the unexpected, savoring the spontaneous moments, and creating new memories that intertwine with the nostalgia of the past. The magic of the city, combined with the warmth of friendship and the shared love for How I Met Your Mother, created an experience I’ll cherish forever. It was more than just a trip; it was a journey into the heart of a beloved show and a reaffirmation of the enduring power of friendship and the joy of shared experiences.