Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the beloved ’90s sitcom or simply looking for a fun and immersive experience, The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City is the place to be. Located at 130 E 23rd St in the heart of the Big Apple, this two-story interactive attraction is the ultimate destination for Friends enthusiasts.
From striking a pose on the iconic orange couch to exploring original props and costumes from the show, including Chandler’s bunny suit and Rachel’s infamous cow jacket, there’s no shortage of excitement at this incredible venue.
And if that’s not enough to entice you, you can even step into Monica and Rachel’s living room and feel like a part of the gang. Whether you’re a Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica, Rachel, or Phoebe, come be a part of this unforgettable experience.
We went to The FRIENDS Experience NYC. And OH. MY. GAWD was it good and SO CUTE!!
They really did a fantastic job on this experience. This is a must-do if you are traveling to New York City.
I, like many people, have been a fan of Friends TV show for the longest time. I was in about junior high when the show came out and back then we watched the show at 8:30 pm on Thursday or we missed it. No TIVO, or streaming. Old fashioned gather around the TV.
I have probably watched each episode of Friends at least 8 times. At least. My kids love the show, we have a Hugsy we fight over and even the baby takes her best naps to Friends. I do not think watching Friends will ever get old. It is a classic, the show is still funny and makes me and my family laugh.
What is The Friends Experience NYC?
The Friends Experience NYC feels like you walked onto the Friends set, it really does. You also get to see a behind-the-scenes look too like set designs, costume designs, and even artwork from Central Perk.
You will be able to immerse yourself into each separate set from the show like you are one of the famous characters-Joey, Chandler, Monica, Ross, Phoebe, and Rachel.
You will lounge in Joey and Chandlers Barcaloungers, play their foosball table, see authentic displayed outfits the characters wore in the show, explore Monica’s entire apartment, and drink actual coffee and eat pastries in Central Perk.
They even included Phoebe’s famed Gladys, her grandma’s taxi, and Rachel’s English Trifle. Everything was down to detail, we even poked fat naked man with a stick and took pictures with the holiday armadillo!
Friends the Experience NYC Tickets
Standard tickets to the Friends Experience are $52 per person and are totally worth it. If you are going with a friend or a group, be sure to buy your tickets together because entry to the experience is timed and it allows for photos, for you to interact with the props, see authentic memorabilia and hang in Central Perk at the end, which is a real coffee shop.
Purchase Standard Tickets Here >>
Premium Tickets to Friends Experience NYC include general access to the experience plus:
- 1 Exclusive The Friends™ Experience merchandise item
- 1 Free coat or bag check token
- One free digital download of the Central Perk commemorative photo
Purchase Premium Tickets Here >>
Digital Photo Package Add-On (Highly recommended) – save $5 by purchasing your photo package in advance! Receive digital photos of yourself in front of the fountain, reenacting the Pivot! the scene, and on the orange couch in Central Perk (only 1 needed per group)
Highlights of Digital Photo Package
- Dance in front of the fountain
- Hang out in Monica and Rachel’s apartment
- Kick your feet up at Joey & Chandler’s
- Order coffee from Central Perk
- Explore dozens of props and costumes, including Phoebe’s wedding dress
- Ride Pat the Dog and so much more!
Purchase Digital Package Tickets Here >>
Guided Group Tour – includes entry into The FRIENDS™ Experience NYC first thing in the morning before we open to the general public and allows you to choose the group you attend with. Groups of 6,8 or 10 guests will be checked in and allowed entry into the experience five minutes apart to allow for your group to have extra time to have a personalized experience through the Friends Experience New York.
Purchase Group Tour Tickets Here >>
The Friends Experience: Dates and Times
Operating Hours of Friends Experience NYC: (time slots available every 15 minutes): Thursdays through Sundays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (last entry); Wednesdays (in April): 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (last entry); Tuesdays: closed; Open Select Mondays
Guided Group Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Location of The Friends Experience: 130 E 23rd St, New York City, NY (Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St.)
Age requirement: all ages are welcome. Guests 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Children 3 and younger don’t need a ticket when accompanied by a parent or guardian
Accessibility: the experience is ADA-compliant and fully accessible for guests with many different disabilities and neurodiversities.
Is The Friends Experience NYC Worth It?
YES!! Oh my gosh, it was such a great time and we cannot get over it. The tickets were a bit pricey (for me), and I hesitated to purchase them for a bit.
As each day went on, the tickets kept selling out (and still do), so I made the plunge. I was worried this attraction would be corny and not worth the money.
Could I BE any more wrong?!! (If you know, you know, lol)
The FRIENDS Experience-The One in New York City was well worth the money (I am a budget traveler so it might not be too much from your perspective), so much fun and I am so glad we purchased tickets to this. I am sure the other cities are awesome too. It was a complete blast. I do not want to give much away if you plan on going but GO!
Insiders Tip: If you purchase your tickets here, they are fully refundable 24 hours before your scheduled time. Life happens, especially during travel. Additionally, if you are going in a group, purchase your tickets altogether because the experience is timed.
The Friends Experience Locations 2023
I am so glad we did this experience in NYC, and I have no regrets. The flagship experience is in New York City with a traveling Friends Experience popups in 2023 are Brussels, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
I went to the Dallas pop-up, while it was cute, the New York City permanent location is larger, more detailed, and has authentic props and realistic set recreations.
The Friends Experience: The One in New York City
From the beginning of the experience, it is exciting. I do not want to give away too much, because the beginning was awesome.
All the staff were great and friendly, and you get a ticket with a special QR code on it for the host to scan and they take pictures at each special section of the experience, which is included in the tickets.
Then you can access all your photos through a microsite in your email. This was great because you were able to get photos with your group and only your group.
“Monica Clean”
The experience is “Monica clean.” Meaning everything is cleaned and sanitized throughout the experience because of Covid. We were sent in our separate groups and were never within 6 feet of anyone. This actually made the experience better because we were able to get some great photos and take some time in each area of the show.
New York City Guides
Unique things to do in NYC: Looking for some ideas outside of tourist traps in New York City? We have some fun, innovative, quirky, weird ideas in New York City to consider HERE!
NYC Rooftop Brunch. Brunch in NYC is always a good idea but level it with a rooftop and a view, oh and bottomless mimosas! Find your NYC rooftop brunch guide HERE.
Things to do with Teens In NYC. I have taken my 16-year-old to New York City a billion times with me because she shares my passion for it. We have done all the things there is to do with kids and teens in New York City. This is a great guide on where to go with your kids or teens so you’re cool for a couple of days! You can check it out HERE.
New York City Travel Guide: This is the end-all-be-all New York City Travel Guide. It has everything you possibly need to know for your trip to NYC. Read the guide HERE.
New York City Travel Tips: Want to know why you dock your CitiBike properly or why you should not get on a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park? Read these Tips for New York City HERE.
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