You Got This Hanging on Your Pivot? Your Guide to Visiting the Friends Experience in NYC
Let's face it, folks. We've all dreamt of sipping coffee on the iconic orange couch at Central Perk, reenacting the epic "pivot" scene in Monica's apartment, or maybe even accidentally getting married in Vegas with your lobster (hopefully not your ex-best friend's lobster, though). Well, dream no more! Thanks to the wonders of immersive experiences, you can actually walk right into the world of Friends in the heart of the Big Apple.
The One Where You BECOME a Friend
The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City is pretty much everything a Friends fan could ask for. Spread out over two floors, this interactive exhibit lets you step into recreated sets from the show, pose for pics with iconic props (think Gladys the Thanksgiving turkey and the infamous Holiday Armadillo costume), and relive your favorite moments from the series.
But wait, there's more! You can also:
- Channel your inner Phoebe Buffay and strum a tune on her Central Perk guitar (air guitar skills totally acceptable).
- Recreate the "Smelly Cat" video (just don't expect it to go viral...unless you're aiming for a different kind of viral, that is).
- Test your Friends trivia knowledge (because who doesn't love a good low-stakes competition with fellow fans?)
How to NOT Get Lost Like Phoebe in Monica's Closet (Don't worry, it's easier than that)
The FRIENDS™ Experience is located at 130 East 23rd Street, New York City (right on the corner of Lexington Avenue). Tickets can be purchased online in advance, so you don't have to wait in line and risk pivoting your way out of frustration.
Insider tip: Aim for a weekday or earlier weekend slot if you want to avoid the crowds (and trust us, you don't want a Rachel waiting in line situation).
You're Gonna Love It (Just Like Monica Loves Cleaning)
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just enjoy a good dose of 90s nostalgia, The FRIENDS™ Experience is a guaranteed good time. It's the perfect place to celebrate your love for the show with friends (new or old), unleash your inner Central Perk regular, and create memories that will last longer than Ross and Rachel's "we were on a break" debate.
How to FAQ:
- How long does The FRIENDS™ Experience take? Plan on spending about an hour, but it can really vary depending on how much time you spend taking pictures and soaking it all in.
- Do I need to see the show to enjoy The FRIENDS™ Experience? While it helps to be familiar with the series, you'll definitely still get a kick out of the experience even if you're a Friends newbie.
- Can I see the actual apartments from the show? Unfortunately, the apartments themselves weren't real sets. However, you can visit the exterior of the building used for Monica and Rachel's apartment at 90 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village!
- Is there a Central Perk cafe at The FRIENDS™ Experience? You betcha! Grab a coffee (they have lattes with both steamed milk and moo!) and pretend you're part of the gang.
- How much does The FRIENDS™ Experience cost? Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, so check their website for the latest info.
