Could This Be Any More Fun? Inside the Friends Experience NYC (2025 Guide)

They Lived It. Now You Can Too—In the Heart of NYC

By Paul Martinez
Updated July 11, 2025

If you are like me: a massive fan of the iconic ‘90s sitcom Friends, then get ready for the ultimate fan experience.

Right in the heart of New York City, on the corner of 23rd Street and Lexington Ave., you’ll find the Friends Experience NYC—a multi-level, nostalgia-packed attraction that brings your favorite episodes to life.

The one that originated similar experiences around the world! It is right here in the Flatiron District. Also, as a bonus, there are many other things to do in the area!

✨ Why Visit the Friends Experience NYC?

🛋️ Snap pics on the iconic orange couch
🏠 Explore Monica, Joey & Chandler’s apartments
☕ Chill at a perfect replica of Central Perk
🛍️ Shop exclusive merch you won’t find anywhere else

Whether you’ve always wanted to sip a cup of coffee at Central Perk, chill for a bit in that iconic orange couch, or finally sit in Chandler’s comfy chairs, this is your chance to live out your dream—wether you’re a life long fan like me or just got around to watching the show recently.

🎟️ Book Your Friends Experience NYC Tickets

Ready to step into Central Perk and recreate your favorite moments? Already in the planning phase of your adventure?

Don’t wait—the Friends Experience NYC is one of New York’s most in-demand attractions! Located in the Flatiron District.

👉 Book your tickets in advance: Regular tickets start at $39.50 and are available in timed slots every day except Tuesday. You can also purchase flex tickets, which grant us entrance at any time on a specific day. Both kinds can be purchased directly on the Friends Experience NYC website.

Remember: the last entry is typically one hour before closing.

📍 Where Is the Friends Experience NYC?

You can find this flagship location at 130 E 23rd St, also listed as E. 23rd St. or East 23rd Street, in New York City. It is just a short walk from Greenwich Village, where the characters famously lived (fictionally, of course).

Local tip: take some time to visit the building they used for the outside of their famous apartments!

The whole experience takes place across two floors of immersive experiences! It is filled with original props, photo op spots, and nostalgia-packed rooms that look straight from the show. We can get to step into:

Monica’s apartment, perfectly color-coordinated, like the character had it in every episode.
Rachel’s apartment, filled with nods to her style from the show (including Rachel’s famous cow jacket).
Joey’s apartment, complete with Hugsy and a foosball table
Chandler’s apartment. My favorite part is that the bunny suit is on display for us to see!
Central Perk, the iconic coffee shop where the gang spent most of their time, is set up to perfection.

The level of detail is incredible, right down to set dressing and even changing chalkboard messages at Central Perk every once in a while.

☕️ What Can You Expect?

The Friends Experience NYC is a perfect way to spend time for fans of the show.

This won’t be a simple walk-through—this is the world of Friends, brought to life.

Our first stop? The legendary orange couch in front of the opening credits fountain. It’s the photo op of dreams!

I recommend bringing your phone fully charged, along with a power bank if you can. You will want to register every moment of this experience.

Other highlights besides the couch you should be on the lookout for:

Monica & Rachel’s kitchen table, laid out like Thanksgiving is coming;
Remember the stairwell from the “PIVOT!” scene? It is here so you can act it out.
There is a recreation of the Las Vegas wedding chapel where Ross and Rachel drunkenly tied the knot.
Phoebe’s Smelly Cat corner!
Ugly Naked Guy (not exactly —see if you can spot the reference)
And classic wardrobe items like Ross’s leather pants and Chandler’s sweater vests are spread throughout the Friends Experience NYC.

Every room is interactive, highly detailed, and full of amazing photo opportunities.

📌 Quick Facts: Friends Experience NYC

📍 Address: 130 E 23rd St, NYC. You just exit the 23rd Street Station and turn right, it is right down the block!
🕒 Time Needed: Set aside a couple of hours from your day to spend here, you will need it between the experience itself and browsing the store.
💳 Payment: This place accepts only credit cards.
🎟️ Tickets: They start at $39.50; the price depends on what kind of ticket you choose.
📸 Photo Friendly?: Absolutely— definitely bring your camera or phone to register everything you want.
🛍️ Store Access: This part of the Friends Experience NYC is open to all visitors, including non-ticketed guests.

🛍️ Shop Limited-Edition Friends Merchandise

The onsite store is open to the general public as well as visitors, so even if you’re not doing the full tour, you can still grab some exclusive merchandise, some items you’ll only find here!

Here are some things you can find:

“We were on a break!” mugs;
“Joey doesn’t share food!” totes and tees;
Adorable plush versions of Chandler’s bunny suit.
Cute Lobster-themed homeware;
Plus a bunch of collectibles featuring Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and the other main actors!

It’s the perfect place to grab a unique souvenir—or ten. Many items are limited-edition and only available at this flagship location. I recommend bringing a tote for your shopping loot!

🍕 Explore the Area: What’s Near the Friends Experience?

Because it’s located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and E. 23rd St, you will be right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Why not make a day out of exploring one of my favorite areas of NYC? Here are a few of my favorite nearby spots to check out after your visit:

Ess-a-Bagel – A classic NYC bagel shop with plenty of options to choose from.
Shake Shack at Madison Square Park – The first ever location of this iconic fast food chain, it is perfect for a post-tour bite.
SPYSCAPE or the Harry Potter Store NYC – Both places are guaranteed pop culture fun within walking distance.
Gramercy Park – A quiet, hidden gem just a short walk away. It can be your spot for relaxing a little bit.
Eataly Flatiron – If you’re looking for a fancier bite to eat or just want to try a bunch of delicious Mediterranean things, head to nearby Eataly Flatiron!

Turn your visit into a full NYC day of exploring my favorite city in the world.

🛫 Before You Go: Insider Tips

Want to have the best experience possible? Here are some things to keep in mind, according to my experience visiting the Friends Experience NYC:

🕓 Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings are the best since there won’t be as many people. You will have more space and more time to explore without rushing. And there will be less chance of people showing up in your pictures!

☀️ Weather:
The Friends Experience NYC is indoors, so no need to worry about the world outside. However, photos by the fountain are better on a sunny day since it is in an open area.

♿ Accessibility:
The experience is fully ADA-compliant, and staff are happy to accommodate any special needs you communicate. Just reach out to one of them as soon as you arrive.

📱 Devices:
Like I said before: bring a phone with plenty of storage and battery! You’ll take a lot of pictures.

👶 Are Kids Welcome?
Yes—I’d say older kids can have just as much fun as the adults. Make sure young ones are accompanied by a guardian at all times for safety reasons.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Friends Experience NYC take?
Most visitors will spend around 60 to 90 minutes going through the two floors of interactive experiences, along with the store.

Can I visit without a ticket?
You can only access the onsite retail store without a ticket. The full experience requires booking a time slot or booking a flexible ticket, which lets you access the experience at any time of a specific day.

Is it good for kids?
Yes! Kids over 5 typically love it, and anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, no exceptions.

Who created the Friends Experience NYC?
The experience is a partnership between Warner Bros and Original X Productions, led by Stacy Moscatelli.

🎬 5 Things Only Real Friends Fans Will Catch

This place was thought out for superfans. If you are a huge fan, keep an eye out for these hidden gems:

The cheesecake on the floor—yes, from that episode.
Gladys, Phoebe’s creepy 3D painting, makes a background cameo.
Ross’s leather pants and lotion bottle = priceless.
The chalkboard menu in Central Perk changes weekly, just like in the show.
Ross’s keyboard and sound experiment is set up (why not play a few keys?).

💬 Fan Reactions: What Visitors Are Saying

I know it can be hard to trust a person writing a travel blog, so here’s what a few fellow fans had to say:

🗣️ “I’ve been a Friends fan since I was 12, and this made me cry. So much detail, it felt like stepping into the show.” – @rachel.green.in.real.life

🗣️ “The best part? Sitting on the famous couch and hearing ‘I’ll Be There For You’ playing. Literal goosebumps.” – @90snostalgiaqueen

🗣️ “Perfect blend of photo ops and real fan moments. Not just fluff—this is made by fans, for fans.” – Travel blogger, NYCPopCultureTour

💡 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you want to go to one of the best new attractions in New York City, this is it. Whether you’re into popular culture, TV nostalgia, or just want an afternoon of much fun without being outside, the Friends Experience NYC delivers.

It’s immersive, makes you emotional, and totally worth it—just like the show. Whether you’re flying solo, with friends, or on a family trip, it’s a must-do.

❤️ From One Friends Fan to Another…

Whether you still laugh at “Miss Chanandler Bong,” cry during “The One with the Prom Video,” or quote Smelly Cat unironically, no matter how many times you’ve already watched the show, the Friends Experience NYC is made for us all.

We can make memories, live in the moment, and have a full-circle experience that brings the world of Friends to life—one laugh track at a time.