So no one told you life was going to be this way… That said, we decided to share with you the Ultimate Guide to Planning your ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’ Tour in NYC! Check it out!
Any fan of the hit sitcom Friends will immediately sing along to these lines and find themselves clapping reflexively.
Years after its ten-year run, Friends continues to strike a chord among old fans and generations of new ones.
Although the series was filmed on a sound stage in California, the show will forever be associated with New York, where all the misadventures took place.
If you are planning a trip to New York and want a one-of-a-kind tour, why not dedicate a day to crafting your itinerary around some famous Friends locations to experience the city through your favorite characters’ shoes.
Enjoy our tips below to the Ultimate Guide to Planning Your ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’ Tour in NYC and have fun!
The one with the fountain
While singing those lyrics, you might have pictured a certain fountain with the whole cast playfully splashing around in their coordinated black and white outfits in the opening credits.
Although this was also shot on the Warner Bros back lot, debates abound on whether it is based on the Cherry Hill Fountain in Central Park or the Pulitzer Fountain in Midtown West’s Grand Army Plaza.
While you can choose which of these locations you prefer, feel free to dance around as much as you want as it’s a public space, after all. Just be sure that you don’t jump in!
Although the memorable orange couch won’t be stationed in front of the fountain as in the credits, you can still sit around, people watch, and perhaps even whip a guitar out and belt out ‘Smelly Cat’ à la Phoebe Buffay.
The one with the apartment building
Much of the Friends action takes place on the corner of Grove and Bedford Street in the West Village. It’s better known as the destination of the kitschy Central Perk coffee shop as well as majority of the clique’s apartments.
This little corner destination is also a spot on the NYC TV & Movie Tour, but sadly, you’ll have to use your imagination to visualize the Central Perk logo.
Instead, you can actually walk into the Little Owl restaurant in its place and have a cup of coffee or even a full meal. Don’t expect Gunther to serve you – just pretend you’re at your own cozy little neighborhood joint and enjoy the distant chatter.
The one with the bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge and Friends have inevitably become intertwined because of how prominently it is featured on the show – including many scenes of the gang driving along it.
Just last year, fans of the series congregated on the Brooklyn Bridge for a special reunion called the “Friends 25th Vegas Takeover” with Lego replicas of its sets, live performances, and an appearance of Ross’s former pet monkey, Marcel.
The landmark is often used to promote merchandise from the series and has been featured on traditional games like Scene It! and Trivial Pursuit.
The iconic bridge is still being used to promote Friends across digital mediums with a dedicated title among the selection of slot games on Cheeky Bingo putting the Brooklyn Bridge front and center.
This not only shows how Friends is reaching new fans, but how the Brooklyn Bridge has come to symbolize the show. Fans who want a tangible memento of this image can look into the array of merchandise, as the collectible box sets feature the main cast in front of the iconic bridge.
Friends has become a pop culture phenomenon and its memory continues to live on 25 years later.
As a reunion is in the pipeline and the series and all related things are within arm’s reach, all you have to do is plan your trip. No matter when you schedule your visit, know that these places will be there for you!
Photo Credit: ©Behind the Scenes NYC
