Where Were We How I Met Your Mother

Ever wondered where How I Met Your Mother actually took place? I mean, beyond MacLaren's Pub and that iconic apartment?

Let's ditch the yellow umbrellas for a minute and dive into the real-world locations that inspired this legendary sitcom.

The Real New York (Sort Of)

Okay, first things first: while the show is set in the heart of New York City, most of it wasn't really filmed there. Shocking, I know!

The vast majority of scenes, including MacLaren's and the apartments, were shot on a soundstage in Los Angeles.

MacLaren's: Based on a True Story (and Bar)

MacLaren's Pub, the gang's favorite haunt, is loosely based on a real bar called McGee's in Midtown Manhattan.

Writers Craig Thomas and Carter Bays used to frequent McGee's when they were writers for the Late Show with David Letterman.

Apparently, McGee's was their go-to spot for drinks and storytelling, much like MacLaren's for Ted, Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin. You can visit McGee's and have your HIMYM moment.

The Apartment: A Studio Creation

Sadly, you can't actually visit Ted, Marshall, and Lily's apartment. It was built and maintained on a studio lot.

Imagine the rent on that place in the Upper West Side, though! Probably cheaper to build a set.

Spotting the Real NYC

While the show leaned heavily on its LA sets, it wasn't entirely devoid of genuine New York flavor.

Exterior shots and establishing shots frequently showcased iconic NYC landmarks. You'll see the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and other famous sights.

They gave the show that crucial "big city" feel, reminding us of Ted's unwavering belief in finding "the one" amidst the urban chaos. You can still feel Ted Mosby vibe.

The Gray's Papaya Connection

Remember that time Ted and Barney had a hot dog stand-off? That scene referenced Gray's Papaya, a real-life NYC institution.

Gray's Papaya is famous for its cheap and delicious hot dogs and its papaya juice, of course. Perfect for a late-night snack after hitting the bars.

The Show's Lasting Impact

How I Met Your Mother captured the spirit of friendship, love, and navigating your twenties in a big city.

Even though most of the show was filmed in a studio, the writers injected enough real-world inspiration to make it feel relatable and authentic.

So, next time you're watching, remember that MacLaren's is a little bit McGee's, and that apartment is a whole lot of studio magic.

And that Robin Sparkles shopping mall tour? That was definetely in Canada.

Ultimately, it's the characters and their stories that made the show so special, regardless of where they were filmed.

It's the legen...wait for it...dary tales told within those familiar walls that continue to resonate with audiences today. That's HIMYM secret.