Explore NYC (and LA) with this guide to 'Friends' filming locations

"Smelly cat, smelly cat..."

Anna Hider

12 March, 2015

At some point, we all wished we were sitting on the orange couch with the cast of NBC's 'Friends'. Even though the show ended its 10 year run all the way back in 2004, people still love it-- I don't think that, as a population, people have been more excited about a show going on Netflix than everyone was when 'Friends' was finally put up. No matter what, 'Friends' will be there for you...even when the rain starts to pour. Celebrate the beloved sitcom by visiting some of the show's filming locations!

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons

Of course, we have to accept the reality that 99.99999 percent of the show was filmed on sets and soundtages in California. Even Joey's movie, which was supposed to be filming in Las Vegas, was actually filmed at Vasquez Rocks. There's a common misconception that the opening credits were filmed in Central Park...but they were actually filmed in LA, although it's (allegedly) a replica of NYC's Pulitzer Fountain. Central Perk is sadly not real, but you can visit a recreation of the set on the Warner Brothers Studios VIP Tour.

Wikimedia Commons

There are still, of course, places in New York that friends fans can visit! First and forement is the Friends Apartment Building in Greenwich. Even though Central Perk isn't real, rumor has it that there is, in fact, a coffee shop on the first floor. And we can't forget the Ugly Naked Guy's Apartment, where Ross also lived. It's not actually near the other building, though. Speaking of Ross, if you love dinosaurs as much as he does, you can visit the American Museum of Natural History, since the New York Museum of Prehistoric History isn't technically real, and stop by New York University, where Ross works after he leaves the museum.

Wikimedia Commons

Wikipedia

Chandler works in the Solow Building, doing God-knows-what vague business thing. And if you're an aspiring actor like Joey, he puts on an off-Broadway performance in Season 3 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in the Washington Square Park area. Or if you want to do some shopping while on your 'Friends' trip, you can stop by Saks Fifth Avenue Flagship, where Rachel is turned down for a job, but she does eventually find work at Bloomingdale’s. And the quirky Phoebe once worked at the equally quirky Moondance Diner but sadly, the retro restaurant was torn down to make way for The James New York. End your tour with a toast at The Plaza, where they celebrated Monica and Chandler's long-awaited engagement.