When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City
Why The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City is a unique and immersive destination in Manhattan that brings the beloved TV series "Friends" to life. Located at 130 E. 23rd St., this flagship attraction spans two floors of interactive exhibits that let visitors walk inside the iconic world of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. Guests can pose on the classic orange couch, explore meticulously recreated sets like Monica and Rachel's living room and Chandler and Joey's apartment, and view original props and costumes, including Chandler's bunny suit and Rachel's cow jacket. The experience offers authentic photo opportunities, perfect for fans wanting to capture memories as if they truly visited the friends. After exploring the sets, visitors can relax at the fully operational Central Perk café, enjoying coffee drinks and signature snacks like "Rachel's Oops I Dropped the Cheesecake." The location conveniently allows guests to take their time for photos without overcrowding, as visitor numbers are managed to ensure a quality experience. With its balance of nostalgia, interactivity, and excellent theming, The FRIENDS™ Experience is an engaging meetup spot for friends and fans eager to celebrate the show together in an iconic New York setting.
Here's what people think of The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City
As of recent, The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City holds a 4.4-star rating based on 4572 reviews.
Reviews of The FRIENDS™ Experience in New York City reflect a strong overall appreciation, with the attraction holding a solid 4.4-star rating from over 4,500 visitors. Many fans praise the authentic recreation of the show's sets, noting that the attention to detail—from Monica's kitchen cupboards to Joey and Chandler's apartment—is impressive and creates a magical, immersive experience. Positive reviews highlight the opportunity for selfie-friendly photo ops without feeling rushed or crowded, thanks to controlled visitor entry. Visitors also enjoy the Central Perk café, noting it as a pleasant, thematic spot to relax and enjoy snacks and drinks. On the other hand, some negative feedback includes critiques about admission pricing and occasional wait times, or a wish for more interactive elements beyond viewing sets and props. A few visitors mentioned that while the experience is great for hardcore fans, casual visitors might find it less engaging. Overall, the reviews conclude that The FRIENDS™ Experience is a fun, nostalgic journey for fans of the series and a memorable New York City attraction, particularly suited for those who cherish the show and want to connect with friends over this shared cultural phenomenon.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Homaira Chowdhury
I visited The Friends Experience and it was such a fun, nostalgic trip down memory lane. The sets are recreated in amazing detail, from Monica’s kitchen to Central Perk, everything feels like stepping right into the show. There are lots of photo opportunities, interactive props, and little behind the scenes facts that make it more than just a photo spot. The highlight was definitely sitting on the famous orange couch at Central Perk! It’s a must visit for any Friends fan. Overall, it’s a joyful and immersive experience that brings the series to life ❤️
Daniela mhardin
For any “Friends” super fan or not!! This place is a must while NYC! Of course if you’ve watched the show it’s even better because you understand every detail of each room/scene. They have so much memorabilia from the original show it’s incredible. I felt like a little kid in an amusement park 🤩 the cab is the original from the show and you even get to “poke” ugly naked guy. If you’ve watch the show you’ll know what I mean. I absolutely loved this experience and would recommend to anyone who is visiting NYC. Also you can get a coffee in Central Perk! The best! 🙌
Goks Nair
10 stars for this. The whole experience was fantastic. The photos they take of us, great quality. They could have some more options in the store but cant complain. The gals at the cash counter could be kinder. The New York taxi kept on display was a complete winner for me. You always end up missing Matthew Perry. May his soul rest in peace. Also, the costumes on display and the show still being played adds its very own charm of nostalgia to it.
Jessica Vandruff
We absolutely loved it! Totally worth it! So much fun stuff to see and so many great photo ops. Not the kind of place I would necessarily visit multiple times but definitely worth going at least once for any true FRIENDS fan.
Swapnil Mahajan
Great for fans, but pricey and a bit disorganized. As a die-hard Friends fan, stepping into recreated sets like Monica’s apartment and Central Perk was nostalgic and fun. The attention to detail is impressive—from props to costumes—and there are tons of photo ops sprinkled throughout the experience. The staff were friendly and often happy to snap photos on your phone if you ask.  However, I was disappointed by the high ticket price, which didn’t include professional photos (you pay extra later), and the premium package felt misleading, offering little value beyond the basic entry and coat check.   All in all: a nostalgic treat if you’re a true fan—but consider it carefully if you’re on a budget or expecting better organization. Checkout my detail vlog - Wanderlust Swapnil on YouTube
How to reach The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City
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Why The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City with your friends? Because it offers a uniquely immersive way to relive the magic of one of television’s most beloved sitcoms alongside people who share your enthusiasm. This is not just a museum or a simple attraction; it’s an interactive journey that transports you into the world of Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, making you feel like part of the group. The recreation of iconic sets and moments invites laughter, nostalgia, and bonding over shared memories and favorite episodes. Whether you grew up watching FRIENDS or discovered it more recently, this experience fosters connection by giving you a shared space to explore, cosplay, and take photos — the perfect recipe for a memorable meetup. The vibe is vibrant and welcoming, and the carefully crafted details—from the Central Perk coffee shop to the recreated apartments—inspire fun conversations and spontaneous moments of joy. If you're looking to create lasting memories with friends or family, it’s a place that invites collective celebration of friendship, just like the show itself.
What activities can you enjoy at The FRIENDS Experience: The One in New York City? The venue offers two floors filled with meticulously recreated sets and original props from the show. You can lounge on the iconic orange Central Perk couch, the same one the characters famously gathered on, providing a perfect photo opportunity that captures the spirit of FRIENDS. Wander through Monica and Rachel’s apartment, complete with authentic décor and kitchen cupboards where you can peek inside, or step into Chandler and Joey’s apartment to see details from their one-of-a-kind bachelor pad. The experience includes viewing rare costumes and props such as Chandler’s bunny suit, Rachel’s cow jacket, and the Holiday Armadillo costume, which fans will recognize instantly. Visitors can engage in interactive displays, poke fun at Ugly Naked Guy, or run a victory lap on Pat the Dog’s statue, injecting playful energy into the visit. There is also a trivia challenge, great for testing who’s the ultimate FRIENDS aficionado in your group. These activities, combined with photo booths and a souvenir store, offer something for everyone, from casual fans to die-hard followers.
Why is The FRIENDS Experience the perfect spot for a group meetup? Firstly, its location in Manhattan makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike. The spacious two-floor layout allows groups to explore at their own pace without feeling cramped or rushed. The attraction is designed with social interaction in mind—comfortable spaces like the recreated living rooms encourage sitting, chatting, and sharing laughs, making it ideal for families and groups of friends. The accompanying Central Perk Café serves themed coffee drinks and grab-and-go goodies, including the popular “Rachel’s Oops I Dropped the Cheesecake,” so groups can recharge and snack together in a setting straight from the show. Furthermore, the experience is all-ages friendly, with children welcomed and under-12 guests accompanied by adults, making it inclusive for family outings. The ability to take selfies everywhere, combined with limited simultaneous visitor capacity, ensures that groups can capture clear and personal photos without crowds, adding to the enjoyment of the visit. This blend of nostalgia, interactivity, and comfort creates a compelling environment where groups can celebrate friendship and fandom all in one spot.
What makes the sets and props so special at The FRIENDS Experience? The attention to detail is astonishing, crafted to replicate the show’s iconic locations with authenticity. Every item, from the furniture to smaller props, has been carefully selected or reproduced to immerse guests fully in the FRIENDS universe. Visitors can touch and explore original costumes worn by the cast, such as Rachel’s classic cow jacket or Chandler’s eccentric bunny suit, lending a tangible sense of history to the experience. The replicated apartments and Central Perk set are recreated with such care that it almost feels like stepping onto the actual televised sets. Small touches like the themed kitchen cupboards and the Las Vegas Wedding Chapel set add layers of fun and surprise, allowing visitors to recall particular episodes or story arcs. This authenticity is vital for fans who want a deeper connection beyond just watching the show; it provides a multi-sensory, interactive environment that fans can physically inhabit. These immersive sets and props help create the illusion that you are truly “among friends,” reinforcing the bond for group visitors who share the common fandom.
What can you expect from the atmosphere and visitor experience at The FRIENDS Experience? The vibe is lively yet comfortable, combining elements of nostalgia and contemporary fan culture. The exhibit is designed not just to display memorabilia but to encourage interaction, laughter, and the kinds of group conversations that a FRIENDS meetup would inspire. Visitors often comment on how they feel transported into the world of the show, which adds a layer of excitement and connection to their visit. With fewer people allowed inside at one time compared to traditional museums, your group can enjoy a more personal and relaxed experience. The ease of moving around, taking pictures, and exploring together makes it ideal for groups to share their reactions in real time. Plus, the staff are knowledgeable and engage with visitors, enhancing the educational and enjoyable aspects. The addition of the Central Perk café creates a social hub where groups can gather, sip coffee, and continue their conversations long after exploring the exhibits, making the experience a full day affair that extends the fun beyond just the displays.
Why consider The FRIENDS Experience for family gatherings or friend celebrations? This attraction’s all-inclusive design means it works well for wide-ranging ages and interests. Younger visitors can enjoy the bright sets and costumes, while older fans appreciate the nostalgia and trivia challenges. The physical layout encourages group photo opportunities, making it easy to capture milestones like birthdays, friend reunions, or family celebrations. The experience also appeals to diverse groups because of the universal themes of friendship and humor that Friends embodies, making it relatable regardless of age or background. Interactive elements like the trivia challenge or reenacting funny scenes create shared memories that attendees will cherish. The availability of FRIENDS-themed merchandise at the Experience Store provides tangible keepsakes that deepen the sentimentality of the visit. Hosting a meetup here means choosing a place where bonding, laughter, and collective nostalgia are central, perfectly setting the stage for meaningful social connections among friends or family.
How easy is it to plan and visit The FRIENDS Experience? Located at 130 E 23rd Street in Manhattan’s Gramercy neighborhood, the venue is well connected by public transportation and nearby to other NYC attractions. Operating six days a week (closed Tuesdays), it offers convenient time slots to accommodate busy schedules. Tickets are required for entry, and it is advisable to book in advance to ensure your preferred date, especially for larger groups. The staff provide clear guidance on arrival and entry procedures, and accommodations are made to facilitate group visits smoothly. All ages are welcome, with children under 12 needing adult supervision, ensuring family safety and comfort. The combination of accessibility, clear operational hours, and group-friendly policies means gathering your friends or family here is seamless. By planning ahead, your meetup at The FRIENDS Experience becomes not only fun and nostalgic but also stress-free, allowing you and your group to focus on making the most of the experience together.