Home New York A Perfect Friends-Themed Trip: Visiting the Friends Apartment & Central Park in New York

A Perfect Friends-Themed Trip: Visiting the Friends Apartment & Central Park in New York

Friends Apartment
Friends Apartment

From the iconic exterior of the Friends Apartment to the stunning spots in Central Park, New York has plenty to offer for fans wanting to relive their favorite moments from the show. If you’re a Friends fan, visiting New York City is an absolute dream. The city played a key role in the beloved sitcom, even though most of the show was filmed in Los Angeles.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a Friends-themed journey, helping you visit the best locations from the series while enjoying the charm of New York City.

Stop #1: The Friends Apartment – 90 Bedford Street

Location: 90 Bedford Street, New York, NY 10014

The first stop on your Friends trip should be the famous Friends Apartment. While the show was filmed in a studio, exterior shots of the gang’s apartment were taken from this building in the West Village. You won’t be able to go inside, but you can take plenty of pictures outside this iconic spot!

What to Do Here:

  • Snap photos in front of the famous apartment building.
  • Visit the Little Owl Café, a cozy restaurant located on the ground floor.
  • Take a short walk around the West Village to enjoy charming brownstones and trendy boutiques.

If you want to feel like you’re in a real Friends scene, grab a coffee nearby and imagine Joey yelling, “How you doin’?” from the window!

Friends Apartment
Friends Apartment

Stop #2: Central Perk Vibes at a Local Coffee Shop

While Central Perk, the gang’s go-to coffee shop, was a studio set, you can still find plenty of cozy cafés in NYC that will give you the Friends experience.

Recommended Coffee Shops:
Remi Flower & Coffee – A beautiful flower-filled café where you can enjoy coffee in a Friends-like ambiance.
Birch Coffee – A cozy coffee shop known for its welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a Central Perk vibe.
Irving Farm New York – A charming café that serves excellent coffee and pastries.

Sit back, sip a latte, and imagine Monica and Rachel arguing over their apartment’s rent!

Friends Apartment
Friends Apartment

Stop #3: Explore Central Park – A Classic Friends Hangout

Location: Central Park, New York, NY 10024

Central Park was often referenced in Friends, and while no scenes were directly filmed here, it’s an essential stop on your trip. Some of the most Friends-like activities include:

Must-Visit Spots in Central Park:

Bow Bridge – A picturesque bridge perfect for taking photos and enjoying scenic views.
The Loeb Boathouse – Rent a rowboat and imagine Ross and Rachel going for a romantic ride.
Sheep Meadow – A great place to relax, picnic, and chat just like the gang would.

Central Park is the perfect spot to unwind and immerse yourself in the NYC atmosphere.

Stop #4: Bloomingdale’s – Rachel’s Workplace

Location: 1000 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Rachel Green, fashionista and career-driven woman, worked at Bloomingdale’s as a buyer during Friends. This upscale department store is still a shopping haven in NYC, so if you’re a fashion lover like Rachel, spend some time exploring its designer collections.

What to Do Here:

Browse high-end fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada.
Check out the handbags and accessories section (because Rachel would totally approve).
Grab a cup of coffee at Forty Carrots inside Bloomingdale’s.

Even if you’re not shopping, just stepping inside this iconic store will make you feel like you’re part of Friends!

Stop #5: The Museum of Natural History – Ross’s Workplace

Location: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Ross Geller was a paleontologist who worked at the American Museum of Natural History, which is located near Central Park. While the exact museum from the show was fictional, this one is the real deal!

Highlights of the Museum:

Check out the dinosaur exhibits, just like Ross would!
Explore ancient artifacts and historical displays.
Visit the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a dream for science lovers.

If you’re a Friends fan who also loves science, this is a must-visit spot on your NYC trip.

Stop #6: The Plaza Hotel – Where Monica & Chandler Got Engaged

Location: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Remember when Chandler planned an over-the-top proposal for Monica at a fancy restaurant in Season 6? That scene was inspired by NYC’s Plaza Hotel. While they ultimately got engaged in their apartment, the Plaza remains a dreamy and romantic location.

What to Do Here:

Have a fancy drink at the Palm Court inside the hotel.
Walk around the area and visit the famous Fifth Avenue stores.
Take pictures of the hotel’s gorgeous architecture.

Stop #7: The Empire State Building – A Friends Finale Reference

Location: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10118

The Empire State Building was referenced multiple times in Friends, especially in the final season when Ross tries to impress Rachel before she leaves for Paris.

What to Do Here:

Go to the 86th-floor observatory for stunning views of NYC.
Take plenty of Instagram-worthy pictures.
Visit at sunset for a magical NYC experience.

It’s the perfect way to end your Friends-themed adventure in New York!

Bonus: Take a Friends-Themed Walking Tour

If you want a guided experience, consider booking a Friends TV Show Walking Tour. These tours take you to all the major filming locations and provide behind-the-scenes facts about the show.

Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Cost: Starts at $50 per person
Where to Book: Check platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or Airbnb Experiences.

Conclusion

Visiting the Friends Apartment, Central Park, and other iconic locations in New York will make you feel like you’re part of the show. Whether you’re grabbing coffee in a cozy café, exploring the city’s beautiful parks, or recreating your favorite scenes, this trip is a dream come true for any Friends fan.

So, put on your best 90s-inspired outfit, gather your real-life “Central Perk gang,” and get ready to live out your own Friends adventure in the Big Apple!

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