For all fans of the cult series Friends, a must-see attraction has taken up residence in New York. The Friends Experience promises total immersion in the world of the sitcom that marked a whole generation. Find out everything you need to know to make the most of this unique experience.
The history of The Friends Experience
Created in 2019 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the series, The Friends Experience was initially conceived as an ephemeral installation. Known as “The Friends ‘Pop-Up'”, the attraction quickly captured the hearts of fans. Faced with phenomenal success and constant demand, the organisers took the decision to transform this temporary experience into a permanent attraction.
The evolution of The Friends Experience was not limited to its duration. The attraction has expanded and improved considerably, offering an even more immersive and complete experience than when it was first launched. This transformation is testament to the enduring popularity of the series and the desire of the attraction’s creators to meet the expectations of the most demanding fans.
An immersive experience on two floors
The Friends Experience is spread over two floors entirely dedicated to the world of the series. From the moment they enter, visitors are plunged into the atmosphere. An introductory film traces the history of Friends, recalling the series’ key moments and its cultural impact. The film is preceded by a short briefing in which a guide explains the safety instructions to ensure that the visit goes as smoothly as possible.
The attraction features a meticulous reconstruction of the iconic locations from the series. Monica and Rachel ‘s flat is reproduced down to the last detail, from Monica’s impeccable kitchen to Rachel’s fashion accessories. Fans will be able to sit on the famous sofa and reminisce about the cult scenes that took place there.
Chandler and Joey ‘s flat is no exception. You’ll find all the characteristic elements that made the place so charming, such as the famous foosball table and the recliner that Joey loved so much. These reconstructions offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the characters.
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the reconstruction of Central Perk, the iconic café where the six friends spent so much time. Visitors can take a seat on the iconic orange sofa and pretend for a moment that they are one of the characters from the series. An added bonus: drinks and snacks can be purchased to prolong the experience.
An exhibition of costumes and accessories
In addition to the sets, The Friends Experience features a fascinating exhibition of costumes and accessories used during the filming of the series. There are outfits that have become cult favourites, such as Rachel ‘s wedding dress from the first episode and Ross‘s armadillo costume. Each costume is accompanied by anecdotes about its use in the series, giving fans an exclusive look behind the scenes.
This part of the exhibition is particularly popular with fashion fans, who can see at close quarters how the characters’ styles have evolved over the seasons. It’s a real plunge into the fashion of the 90s and 2000s, with all its excesses and emblematic trends.
The photo experience: a must-do
One of the highlights of The Friends Experience is undoubtedly its professional photo service. Included in the price of the ticket, this service allows visitors to leave with quality souvenirs. Photographers are stationed in the main settings to immortalise your visit. A few minutes after the shot, the photos are available on a dedicated web page, ready to be downloaded and shared on social networks.
For those who prefer to use their own camera, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. The most popular photo spots include:
- The orange sofa in front of the Bethesda fountain
- Joey and Chandler‘s recliners
- Phoebe‘s yellow cab
- The sofa in the girls’ flat
- The orange sofa at Central Perk
A tip for solo visitors: don’t hesitate to ask the staff present to take your photo. The atmosphere is generally friendly and Friends fans are always willing to help each other get the perfect shot.
Essential practical information
Address
The Friends Experience is located at 130 East 23rd St, on the corner of East 23rd St and Lexington Ave in New York. This central location makes it easily accessible by public transport or taxi.
Fares
Prices vary depending on the day and time of the visit. Allow :
- $45 excluding VAT on weekdays (excluding public holidays) before 5pm
- $52.50 excluding VAT at weekends, on public holidays and after 5pm on weekdays
Please note that if you buy your tickets on the spot, the price rises to $65 (excl. VAT) per person, with limited availability. We therefore strongly recommend that you book in advance.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Length of visit: allow around 1h30 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. This may vary depending on the number of visitors and your level of interest in each part of the exhibition.
Best time to visit: to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during the week, ideally in the morning. Weekends and school holidays are generally busier.
Accessibility: The Friends Experience is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Lifts provide access to all levels of the exhibition.
Languages available: at present, explanations and guides are mainly in English. Non-English-speaking visitors may find it useful to have a smartphone translation application.
Restrictions: the attraction is open to all, with no age limit. However, children under 3 get in free.
The official shop: souvenir heaven
Before leaving The Friends Experience, don’t miss a visit to the official gift shop. It’s the ideal place to pick up unique souvenirs and exclusive merchandise from the series. You’ll find a wide range of items, from t-shirts and mugs to reproductions of the show’s iconic props.
Some of the most popular items include:
- Replicas of Monica‘s yellow door frame
- Mugs inspired by Central Perk
- How You Doin’? cushions featuring Joey
- Posters from the series
For those who don’t have time to shop in person, or who would like to add to their collection, the shop has an online version accessible from The Friends Experience official website.
The Friends Experience beyond New York
Although the New York attraction is the best known and the only permanent one, The Friends Experience has spread to other American cities. Temporary versions of the attraction are currently present in :
- Miami: At the Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180
- Salt Lake City: Au The Gateway, 16 North Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
These temporary installations offer a similar experience to that in New York, with a few variations in the settings and activities on offer. If you happen to be in these cities, this is an opportunity not to be missed by fans of the show.
Extending the Friends experience in New York
For die-hard fans who want to take the Friends experience even further, New York offers other iconic locations linked to the series. The most famous of these is undoubtedly the building that served as the exterior façade of Monica ‘s flat in the series.
This building is located at 90 Bedford St, in the charming district of Greenwich Village. Although it’s not possible to visit the inside (it’s a private residential building), it’s a must-see for fans. A photo in front of the façade is a must to complete the Friends experience in New York.
Greenwich Village is also a great place to extend your Friends-themed day. With its quaint cafés and relaxed atmosphere, it’s reminiscent of the show. You could even find a cafe resembling Central Perk to sip a coffee while imagining Rachel serving it to you.
Will the cast of Friends be there?
A question often asked by visitors to The Friends Experience is whether there’s any chance of bumping into one of the main actors from the show Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll bump into Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc or David Schwimmer during your visit.
The actors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the attraction and do not make regular appearances. However, as New York is a city full of celebrities, you can never completely rule out the possibility of a surprise visit from one of them. Rest assured, even without the presence of the actors, the experience remains magical for any fan of the series.
Instead of meeting the real actors, The Friends Experience offers plenty of opportunities to get under the skin of the characters. You can sit in Joey‘s armchair, hold a cup of coffee at Central Perk like Rachel, or even recreate famous scenes in the reconstructed sets.
Preparing for your visit: tips and recommendations
To make the most of your visit to The Friends Experience, here are a few extra tips:
- Attire: dress comfortably, as you’ll be moving around a lot and may need to sit or lie down for some photos.
- Camera: although the professional photo service is included, don’t forget your own camera or smartphone to capture spontaneous moments. The friendly staff are happy to take photos with your equipment.
- Waiting times: be prepared to queue a little for the most popular photo spots, especially during peak hours.
- Revisiting the series: to get the most out of the experience, why not re-watch a few cult episodes before your visit? It’ll jog your memories and make the experience even more immersive.
- Budget: allow a little extra money for the souvenir shop. It would be a shame to leave without a little something to remember this unique experience.
The cultural impact of Friends and its reflection in The Friends Experience
Friends isn’t just a sitcom, it’s a cultural phenomenon that has shaped an entire generation. The Friends Experience goes beyond a simple recreation of the show’s settings, offering a reflection on the lasting impact of the series on popular culture.
Throughout the visit, informative panels explain how certain expressions and situations from the series became part of everyday language. Phrases such as “How you doin’?” and “We were on a break!” have become cultural references understood the world over.
The attraction highlights how Friends has influenced fashion, hairstyles (who doesn’t remember the “Rachel” haircut?), and even the way young adults perceive friendship and community life. It’s a chance to reflect on how a TV series can shape popular culture and influence the behaviour of an entire generation.
The Friends Experience: more than an attraction, a celebration
The Friends Experience is not just a tourist attraction, it’s a celebration of the show and everything it stands for. For fans, it’s a chance to relive their favourite moments and immerse themselves in the special atmosphere of the show. For newcomers, it’s an immersive introduction to a world that has captivated millions of viewers around the world.
The attention to detail in the reconstruction of the sets is impressive. Every element, from Joey and Chandler ‘s dog coat rack to the magnets on Monica‘s fridge, has been carefully reproduced to provide the most authentic experience possible. It’s a real masterpiece that will delight the most discerning of fans.
Beyond the nostalgia, The Friends Experience offers a unique perspective on the evolution of television and popular culture over the last few decades. It shows how a series can transcend its original medium to become a true cultural phenomenon, influencing the fashion, language and even aspirations of an entire generation.
Comparison with other New York attractions
In a city like New York, rich in tourist attractions of all kinds, The Friends Experience stands out for its original concept and immersive approach. Unlike traditional museums where interaction is limited, here visitors are encouraged to touch, sit and really live the experience.
Compared to other attractions based on TV series or films, The Friends Experience stands out for its authenticity and attention to detail. Where some attractions may seem superficial or commercial, this one manages to capture the essence of what made Friends so special to so many.
In terms of value for money, The Friends Experience is in the upper mid-range of New York attractions. Although the price may seem high at first, the quality of the experience, the opportunity to take professional photos, and the total immersion in the world of the show make this an attraction that is well worth its price for Friends fans.
The Friends Experience: a bridge between generations
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Friends Experience is its ability to bring together different generations of fans. Whether you grew up watching Friends when it was originally broadcast or have recently discovered it on streaming platforms, the attraction offers a rewarding experience for everyone.
For long-time fans, it’s a chance to rekindle memories and rediscover a series that accompanied their youth. For new fans, it’s an immersive plunge into a world they’ve only ever known through their screens. This meeting between different generations of fans creates a unique atmosphere, conducive to exchanges and the sharing of anecdotes.
The Friends Experience thus becomes an intergenerational meeting place, where parents and children, or even grandparents and grandchildren, can share their love of the series. It’s a chance to create new memories while celebrating those of the past.
The Friends Experience: a constantly evolving attraction
One of the strengths of The Friends Experience is its ability to renew and evolve. The organisers are constantly working to enrich the experience, whether by adding new interactive elements, organising special events, or offering temporary exhibitions linked to specific themes in the series.
This dynamic evolution means that even visitors who have already been there can consider returning to discover what’s new. It’s a clever way of retaining fans while attracting new visitors.
Editorial opinion
Ultimately, The Friends Experience is much more than just a tourist attraction. It’s an emotional journey, a celebration of friendship, and an immersion in a world that has left its mark on popular culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about this cultural phenomenon, it promises to be a memorable experience. Fans of the series are in for a treat, while less regular viewers can discover and even recall some of the cult scenes.
Prepare to laugh, reminisce and maybe even shed a nostalgic tear. The Friends Experience is the perfect opportunity to remember why Friends continues to captivate audiences, even years after it ended. So, are you ready to push open the door of Monica ‘s flat and get cosy on the sofa in Central Perk?
