Friends Locations in New York City

How you doin'? If you’re a Friends fan on a break in New York City, you have to check out these familiar locations.

Published: May 16, 2024
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Despite first bursting onto our screens over 30 years ago, Friends remains ever-popular with audiences old and new. From the apartment in the Greenwich Village to the famous fountain in the opening credits, here’s our list of top Friends New York spots to visit, including...

  • 90 Bedford Street
  • Bloomingdale’s
  • The Plaza
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Madison Square Garden
  • And more!

90 Bedford Street

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The first stop on any Friends fan’s tour of the city has to be 90 Bedford Street. You’ll see the memorable exterior of the apartment building where Monica, Rachel, Chandler, and Joey lived for 10 seasons. And though it’s not Central Perk, there is a café below the apartments called The Little Owl where you can stop for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

While you’re in the area, take a tour of Greenwich Village to get a feel for the area where the gang lived and hung out.

The Plaza

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While The Plaza is a beautiful building so worth a visit in its own right, Friends fans will appreciate that it’s where Monica and Chandler intended to celebrate their engagement at the end of Season 6. In "The One with Monica’s Thunder," the friends face various hurdles and plot twists and never actually make it to The Plaza. Why not raise a glass of champagne in their honor?

Bloomingdale’s

Visit the luxury department store where Rachel began her fashion career as a personal shopper. You'll be able to walk the aisles of Bloomingdale’s and admire the luxury clothes and accessories. Inspired to do a little shopping yourself? Put together a stylish outfit Rachel would be proud of.

Solow Building

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This building on West 57th Street is home to Chandler’s office where he works as a... “transpondster?” This famous building with its glass facade has also been featured in other TV shows and films Sex & the City, Zoolander, Cloverfield, Superman, and Lost in America.  In reality, law firms and hedge funds make up the building’s offices, as well as the designer brand Chanel. Fancy!

If you’re interested in other filming destinations around NYC, check out our guide to Central Park movie and TV locations 

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

Another place of work: the American Museum of Natural History. Sort of. Ross actually works as a paleontologist at the Museum of Prehistoric History, which doesn’t exist. Visit the next best thing at the American Museum of Natural History to see the fossils and dinosaurs up close.

Check out our guide to the American Museum of Natural History to make the most of your visit.

Newark Airport

Newark Airport

If you’re flying in or out of Newark Airport, New Jersey, note that this is where Rachel gets off the plane in ‘The Last One.’ Rachel is due to fly to Paris but decides to get off the plane at the last minute to be with Ross. Earlier in the episode, Ross and Phoebe mistakenly race to JFK airport to try to catch her, so make sure you don't make the same mistake!

 

Madison Square Garden

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In the fourth-ever episode of Friends, Chandler, Joey, and Ross watch a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. You can catch a game like the guys, just try not to get hit in the face with a hockey puck, as Ross did!

If you can’t get tickets to a game, you can take a tour of Madison Square Garden to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the famous stadium.

The Lucille Lortel Theater

Head to this off-Broadway theater to see where Joey acts in a play in Season 3 and receives terrible reviews. There's no reason why you shouldn't see a play there yourself, though! Check the website to see what’s on at Lucille Lortel Theater during your visit.

Theater fans will also be interested in taking a walking tour of Broadway to learn all about its history (and secrets)!

So that's a wrap on our list of the top NYC destinations for Friends fans. Be sure to get a photo with these famous locations, (especially on Bedford Street)! Hopefully, this list will give you a chance to experience where the Friends gang lived, worked, and had their adventures over the 10 seasons.

New York skyline at night

So that's a wrap on our list of the top NYC destinations for Friends fans. Be sure to get a photo with these famous locations, (especially on Bedford Street)! Hopefully, this list will give you a chance to experience where the Friends gang lived, worked, and had their adventures over the 10 seasons.

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Seren Morris
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do Alone in New York

In many ways, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Aside from its undeniable beauty, the city presents no shortage of fun and interesting things to do. Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of America, view some world-class art, or walk the High Line, you’ll find countless reasons to love the Big Apple. In a city presenting so many opportunities for adventure, you’ll never be bored. If you aren't sure where to start, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Travelling alone provides great opportunity for sightseeing and discovery. Gifted to America by the French in 1884, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. To marvel at this historic landmark up close, take the ferry over to Liberty Island. Bearing a torch in her right hand above her crowned head, this neoclassical sculpture stands out as a true emblem of freedom and possibility. Whilst you’re there, you should take time to visit Ellis Island, since these two attractions come hand in hand. Once the United States' main immigration point of entry, the area now presents many interesting activities for those looking to learn more about the development of the United States. Check out the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, delve deeper in American history with a Hard Hat Tour, or take a boat trip around the area. Presenting such an interesting background that’s still relevant to this day, this site is a moving experience for many visitors. Some things are perhaps best enjoyed on your own – like the spectacular architecture of the city, for instance. Standing out against the towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the Brooklyn Bridge is a mainstay of NYC culture with its own claim to fame. Built in the late 19th century, it was the first roadway to connect Manhattan with Brooklyn and is recognizable today for its stunning gothic arches. Set aside an hour or so to walk the bridge and check out the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Don’t forget to bring your phone to capture the magic! Get Cultured If you’re looking for art and culture, New York City is the place to be! A well-recognized hub of innovation and creative thought, the city boasts some of the best galleries in the world. Located along the Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a total must-see for all artsy types. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the museum exhibits over 5000 years of art across all disciplines. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Another one of our favorite things to do alone in the city is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this place is recognized as one of the largest on-paper repositories in the world. Indeed, situated in a striking palatial building on Madison Avenue, you can view an expansive collection of art across a wide variety of disciplines, including drawings, prints, and musical works spanning from 4000 B.C. right through to the 21st century. Highlights include Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, the only manuscript of Milton's Paradise Lost, and letters written by Jane Austen. Going to see a play of your own choosing can be pretty liberating. Luckily, New York is brimming with options for theater lovers - no matter what your style may be! If you’re a musical fan, Broadway should be right up your alley. Attracting millions of visitors each year, this iconic playhouse is recognized for shaping the landscape of popular theater as we know it today. Still, if you’re looking to see something a little different, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. Located in Greenwich Village, the Cherry Lane Theatre is known for being the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. Here, you’ll find everything from total classics and tragedies to side-splitting comedies and political works all under one roof. Whether you’re an actor, a drama student, or a dedicated fan of the performed arts, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Relax! New York, we love you, but you can be a little tiring sometimes! For those looking for a refuge among the mayhem, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District right through to Hudson Yards, the High Line offers visitors a great chance to soak up the city without too much of a fuss. There are flowers, benches, and public art installations to be enjoyed. Go for a casual stroll, have a picnic, or sit back and enjoy the sunset over the skyline – the world’s your oyster! Visiting a market is a fantastic solo travel activity and New York has some of the best. Drawing together artisans and tastemakers from all over the city, Chelsea Market offers a rewarding experience for any visitor. Its main draw is its vibrant food hall, which has over 30 vendors selling dishes and ingredients from around the world. The market also has many interesting shops and kiosks to explore. Browse the book stores, check out the jewelry, pick up a jar of raw wildflower honey, or watch an interactive art installation at Artechouse. Hey, what’s not to love? Forever interesting and bustling with life, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Whether you love art, history, or just simply want to admire the cityscape, the Big Apple is where you want to be. Looking to learn more about the background of the city? Head over to Ellis Island for a trip back in time. Are you fostering a deep love of the performed arts? Make a trip to Broadway for some of the best live entertainment in the country. Harnessing a sweet tooth? Check out Chelsea Market for some delicious eats. Wherever your interests may lie, New York has plenty of things to do, and even more to see. Explore the city to its fullest with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes   The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor New York attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here.   The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities   Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry!   Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest!   New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our New York attraction pass options as you can use an All-Inclusive pass or an Explorer pass to see more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris

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