There are many motives behind those who have a seemingly endless supply of wanderlust. Some want to travel across the globe to find themselves, some want to experience living like a local in a completely foreign place and others just want to visit a spot reminiscent of their favourite TV show.
It doesn't really matter what the reason is, as long as you keep exploring the world around you. If you have a passport and a plane ticket, what's stopping you?
Long before the days of Pinterest, a lot of our "travel-inspo" came from watching classic sit-coms. And hey, there's nothing wrong with that. TV shows are a connection to a bigger world out there and gives us an inside look at faraway places we wouldn't have otherwise known about before. Before the days of social media, this is how we found cities worthy enough of being on our bucket list.
The best part about traveling to these locations is that they give off a unique sense of nostalgia when we walk down the same streets we have once seen on the small screen.
There's something so magical about standing in front of an apartment building you used to see in the opening credits every time you turned on the TV. Relive the past and travel down memory lane by visiting some of these places that classic sit-coms inspired us to visit. You won't regret it. And make sure to keep track of all the spots you still need to see for yourself.
20 'Friends' Apartment Building, NYC - I'll Be There For You...
The beloved TV show ran for a decade and was one of the most emotional finales in TV history. After all, like Monica would say "It's the end of an era!" While you can't go for a coffee at the 'real' Central Perk (it's a set, guys) you can stand outside the famous apartment building, which actually is above a little coffee shop itself.
Like a real New Yorker, trek down to Greenwich Village to find this gem at the corner of Grove and Bedford Streets. You probably won't see Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler or Ross here though...maybe a Gunther doppelganger? You can however take a selfie of epic proportions with your own friends and this classic spot as the ultimate backdrop.
19 Tom's Restaurant, NYC - Banter Over Nothing At This Spot
The classic sit-com was known about being "all about nothing," but that's what made Seinfeld so relatable and funny. This is another New York spot that is high on the list for tourists. You can see the diner in person in Manhattan on the corner of West 112th Street and 2880 Broadway—near Columbia University.
The diner has been around for decades upon decades and its stint on the show probably helps business to this day. You won't see Kramer making any dramatic entrances here, but it'll almost feel like the whole gang is with you as you visit this iconic spot.
18 'Full House' House, San Francisco - Everywhere You Look, Everywhere You Go
Chip-a-dee-ba-ba-dow! Relive the '90s by visiting the house that once filmed the classic sit-com Full House. Sit on the front steps just in front of the red door for an awesome photo-opp that will make all your Instagram followers green with envy. It's totally worth it if you grew up watching the show. And now with its spinoff on Netflix, Fuller House, you have even more reasons to want to see it in person.
But sorry, folks. Don't even bother knocking—Uncle Jessie won't be answering the door. Michelle is also super busy running her fashion empire. Check it out at 1709 Broderick Street.
17 Pasadena California, 'The Big Bang Theory' - BAZINGA!
The city of Pasadena was really put on the map after its appearance in the hit comedic TV series The Big Bang Theory. Everyone's favourite nerds work at Caltech and you can actually tour the institution and geek out 'Big Bang' style. Pasadena is also only a 10 mile drive away from LA so it's totally worth checking out if you're a fan of Sheldon, Leonard, Raj and the rest of the gang.
While you're in the area, you also have to hit up the Cheesecake Factory. You won't find Penny here but you will feel like you just spent the entire day with a bunch of nerds and a pretty blonde.
16 The Bar From 'Cheers', Boston - Where Everybody Knows Your Name...
And they're always glad you came... at least that's how it was in this popular sit-com back in the '80s that starred Ted Danson and Shelley Long.
It ran for an impressive 11 seasons—what a run! That's like a lifetime as far as sit-coms go. You can actually see this bar right before your very eyes on Beacon Street in Boston. Now that's something we can all clank our glasses together and 'Cheers' to. Be a part of TV history by seeing first-hand a vital part of what made this show, which by the way, has won 28 Emmy Awards.
15 Malibu Beach, Malibu, CA - Long Live Malibu
The popular teen sit-com 'Malibu, CA' only ran for two seasons but clearly those 52 episodes left quite an impact on its fans, as it should have. The comedy originally aired in '98 and ran until '00.
It followed the twin brothers' move from NYC to Malibu to live with their dad after their mom took a job in Saudi Arabia. It also instilled a lot of wanderlust in us fans from seeing those stunning Californian shorelines and pristine sandy beaches. Relive the glory days of this short-lived show you adored by walking along the serene beaches of Malibu—is there anything better?!
Malibu Beach was also shown a lot in another popular sit-com with Charlie Sheen - 'Two And A Half Men'.
14 MacLaren's Pub from 'How I Met Your Mother', NYC - LEGEN...Wait For It...DARY!
The favourite pub of Barney, Marshall, Lily, Robin and Ted is actually a real place. The pub you see the gang at every episode was actually inspired by McGee's pub, which is at West 55th Street in NYC. The creators of the show Craig Thomas and Carter Bays used to frequent McGee's to drink together and that's where they got the inspiration for the shows pub.
If you visit this pub now they have a special 'HIMYM' menu of food and drinks. These items include a 'Slapsgiving' pizza, the 'best burger in New York' and even 'The Naked Man' cocktail.
13 'The Golden Girls' Home, Los Angeles - Thank You For Being A Friend
It's not quite Miami but the four-bedroom home built in 1955 is a real spot that you can actually visit in the flesh. It's one of the most iconic spots to check out if you were a fan of The Golden Girls. You probably won't see Rose, Dorothy, Sophia or Blanche here... but you can imagine the kinds of conversations they would be having inside.
The house is tucked away so it can be easy to miss. Set your GPS to 245 North Saltair Avenue. The show ran from '85 to '92 but many of us still hold it near and dear to our hearts to this day.
12 The Bundy House from 'Married With Children', Illinois - Love And Marriage...Love And Marriage...
They go together like a horse and carriage! This classic sit-com ran from 1986 to 1997. The suburban Chicago family house can be found in Deerfield, Illinois. The show was a hit from the moment it aired, following the dysfunctional Bundy family. The fab four known as Al, Peggy, Kelly and Bud were the perfect family to watch on the small screen after a long day. Just drive to 641 Castlewood Lane to see the house in all its glory. Warning though: once you visit this incredible spot you will probably be singing the theme song for the rest of the day.
11 'The Fresh Prince' House, Los Angeles - I Hope They're Prepared For The Prince Of Bel-Air
Remember back in the '90s when Will Smith was the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? The extremely popular sit-com ran from 1990 to 1996 and basically launched his career into what it is today. But surprisingly, you won't find this house in Bel-Air. But it's not too far off so don't get discouraged. Instead, you can find it in the classy Brentwood neighbourhood of LA. Drive by and get out for a photo in front of this iconic house where Will Smith got his start at 251 North Bristol Avenue. It would make for the best social media profile photo—just saying!
10 'Mad About You', NYC - Yet Another Reason To Love The Big Apple
It wasn't just Friends that was filmed in the trendy Greenwich Village, nestled in the heart of New York. Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser starred as newlyweds in this classic '90s sit-com loved by many. The comedy ran from 1992 to 1999 and was mostly shot in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood which is near New York University. The building that was shown as being their apartment can be found on the corner of 12th Street and 5th Avenue. Fans of the show and friends definitely found inspiration to visit the Big Apple by simply just watching these character's lives unfold.
9 Riverside Plaza from the 'Mary Tyler Moore Show', Minnesota - You're Gonna Make It After All!
This is easily one of the most popular sit-coms of the '70s. It followed the storyline of a career-minded independent woman which was a rarity in this time. It starred Mary Tyler Moore (obviously) and ran from 1970 to 1977. Filming of her apartment in season six and seven took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Riverside Plaza (previously Cedar Square West) is a modern apartment complex on the edge of downtown Minneapolis.
If you were a fan of Mary Tyler Moore, this is a must to add to the bucket list. You can find the building at 1600 South 6th Street.
8 The Spellman House from 'Sabrina The Teenage Witch', New Jersey - No Talking Cats Here...
Fans of Sabrina The Teenage Witch will be absolutely thrilled to find out they can actually visit The Spellman House in real life. The popular '90s sit-com used this house as a place to be transported into other worlds while also being home to two awesome aunts and Sabrina. While you won't find Sabrina herself here, or her talking cat Salem, you will get a unique glimpse into one of the most magical shows of your childhood. The Victorian-style house is actually now an office building that you're welcome to visit and go down memory lane. Find it at 64 East Main Street in Freehold, New Jersey.
7 The 'New Girl' Loft, Los Angeles - Who's That Girl...It's Jess!
You know that wickedly awesome loft-style apartment Jess shares with Nick, Schmidt and Winston in New Girl? Well you can actually check it out in the Arts District of LA so book your ticket now to come check it out. The apartment building can be found at 837 Traction Avenue. It's seen in pretty much every episode so this is a pretty big deal. Stop by with your own best friends to take an awesome selfie out in front. You probably won't be joined by the bubbly school teacher and her BFF Cece but hey, you'll have a photo to last a lifetime.
6 'The Brady Bunch' House, Los Angeles - Marsha Marsha Marsha
The 1970s house was selected to be the home of the Brady family because creator of the show Sherwood Schwartz said it seemed like a place Mike Brady would have actually lived. You can visit the charming house at 11222 Dilling Street in Los Angeles. If you have your own 'Brady Bunch' size family—why not take them to this spot and take some epic photos. This classic sit-com ran from 1969 to 1979 but is known by everyone. The theme song is also super catchy so you will probably be singing it in your head when visiting the house.
5 The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle - Hello Kelsey Grammer
Seattle's most famous bookstore—The Elliott Bay Book Company may look familiar. That's because it's from the popular TV series, 'Frasier'. The cafe seen in the show was based on the one found here. It's an area that is often swarmed with tourists but it's totally worth it, especially if you were or still are a huge fan of the show. Frasier had an impressive 11-year run from 1993 to 2004. It starred Kelsey Grammer as Frasier and David Hyde Pierce as Niles Crane. Step back into time and see this bookstore that helped bring this iconic show to life. Find this gem at 1521 10th Avenue.
4 'The King Of Queens', NYC - Baby All My Life I Will Be Driving Home To You
Newly-weds with an in-law moving into their home? What ever could go wrong? This one switched things up a bit because a lot of New York shows are focused around Manhattan specifically. The popular sit-com really brought Queens into the limelight. The King Of Queens had a good run, airing from 1998 to 2007. It followed a husband and wife's trials and tribulations of everyday life. Its simple and comedic situations instantly made it a hit because it was so relatable. It also inspired more people to visit Queens and show there are other cool spots to visit in the area.
3 Cocoa Beach From 'I Dream Of Jeannie', Florida - Your Wish Is My Command
This beach in Florida was made famous by the classic American fantasy sit-com. I Dream Of Jeannie followed an astronaut who marries a 2,000-year-old genie shortly after discovering her. If that doesn't make for great television than what does? It ran for five seasons, airing from 1965 to 1970 but it is still in a lot of our hearts. Florida's pristine Cocoa Beach is also on a lot of peoples bucket lists just from watching the show. Now, that's a dedicated fan base. The astronaut, Captain Tony Nelson first finds this 'genie in a bottle' on the beach in the very first episode.
2 Franklin Canyon Park From 'The Andy Griffith Show', Beverly Hills - You Might Start Whistling
You can take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the city to find this quaint park where they filmed the shows catchy opening song. Once people hear the whistling of its opening credits they know exactly where it's from—it's iconic to say the least.
The classic sit-com ran for an impressive eight seasons from 1960 to 1968. Andy and Opie walked out to the fishing hole in the serene area of Franklin Canyon Park. Be a part of TV history and put this spot on your list of things to check out the next time you're near Beverly Hills, California.
1 The Ebell From 'Gilmore Girls', Los Angeles - Rory, Is That You?
This stunning theatre was used various times when filming the beloved Gilmore Girls series. Running from 2000 and going on until 2007, this show was a guilty pleasure for many. They even recently released a new season because fans were so hungry for an update! Ebell played a vital part in filming as it was Rory's school cafeteria and it's also where Richard and Emily renewed their vows—just to name a view of its filming moments. The Los Angeles theatre can be found at 741 South Lucerne Blvd. It brings a lot of people in as its not only a popular spot for filming TV shows but also movies and music videos.
As you can tell, TV sit-coms can take our minds off things for a half hour, make us laugh and even inspire us to visit places we never would have thought to otherwise.
References: Trip Advisor, classic-tv.com