And the closest Rooftop Bars to the Friends Locations!
Can you visit where Friends was filmed in New York? Yes you can! Most of the hit TV show Friends was actually filmed in a studio in LA but there are some recognisable landmark locations that are a must for all Friends fans. It is ironic that the filming was on the other side of the country as New York is more than a setting. It became a character in its own right, playing a crucial role in shaping the overall narrative and atmosphere of the show.
There was even the scene set in London where Joey misses NYC so much he needs to know what pizza is being delivered to Phoebe back in the city. This is just a small example of how the TV show Friends and New York captured our hearts with it’s humour and endearing characters and immortalized the city’s landscape making it a draw for tourist and fans alike. So let’s explore and retrace the footsteps of Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe, discovering the real-life locations you can visit and pose in front of!
Where in New York did the Friends live?
Four of six characters lived at 495 Grove street in West Village. Though Ross and Phoebe both also had stints living here too. Remember when Ross moved in with Joey and Chandler after being evicted and built a fort with Joey. Or when Phoebe had a fire and moved in with Monica who forbad her eating cookies in bed because of the crummies. The two apartments were set opposite each other and been deemed totally unrealistic in size for the area and their incomes. However this is the freedom and fantasy of TV! However the exterior of the building was not a fantasy. Featured in many shots the official address of the ‘apartment’ was 495 Grove Street. The actual address is a few blocks along at 90 Bedford Street. Known also now as simply the ‘Friends building’ – you can even find it as a tag on google maps!
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Jimmy’s
The location where Joey was in a play
If you are visiting the Friends building then just round the corner at 121 Christopher Street is the Lucille Lortel Theatre. This was where Joey performed in the play and where he fell for his co-star. It is a fully working theatre so you can book to see a show. Ironically it is also the theatre that Mathew Perry made his New York theatre debut at back in 2017, 13 years after the series finished.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Jimmy’s
Where did Rachel work in Friends?
Rachel had several jobs in the 10 year series, from a waitress at Central Perk to her dream job at Ralph Lauren. But it’s at Bloomindales we know her best. This is where Ross turns up with a picnic, Chandler sleeps with her boss and is how she meets her boyfriend Joshuaaaaa! There are several Bloomingdales locations in the city you can go shopping in but to be true to the story, then you need to visit the headquarters on Third Avenue.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Royalton
The Plaza
With views over Central Park this influential hotel has been the reference or actual TV location for a wealth of filming. In the case of Friends The Plaza is where the gang get dressed up to go for engagement drinks for Monica and Chandler but they never make it as Rachel, ‘steals her thunder’.
Where’s the nearest rooftop Bar? Royalton
The Fountain from Friends opening credits
Ok, it’s not THE fountain, as that’s a set but it was modelled on the beautiful Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. You won’t find a sofa in front on it to pose on but you can sit on the edge and for perfect park shot – you probably shouldn’t recreate the opening credits where Ross falling in or the water fight.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Cantor
Washington Square Park
This will be a recognisable location but you might be hard put to know why or from which episode. It is in fact used as an establishing shot in between scenes. As someone who used to work in TV and film (sadly not Friends), we would do this to set up where the next scene is. In this case, Washington Square Park is in Greenwich village – where the characters live, so it is usually used when they are coming back to a scene in the apartment. This is a great little square should be visiting as it’s full of arty locals and family friendly.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? The Ready Rooftop
Chandler’s office
What job did Chandler do? The million dollar question in this show! And no its not a Transponder – say that in a quiz and you face losing your apartment in a bet… Rachel! He was in fact a Statistical Data Analysist, before having a mid life crisis and moving careers to Advertising, and was based in this tall building. This will also been seen in many establishing shots. You can find this Friends location at the Solow Building just behind The Plaza.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Empire
The Museum Ross worked at and someone ate his sandwich
Our resident Palaeontologist, Ross had sacrificed many careers for this one. There was is basketball, his tai chi/ballet and obviously his natural talents as a musician with his ‘sound’! Thankfully he chose dinosaurs at the New York Museum of Prehistoric History actually called Museum of Natural History. We don’t see shots of this building as much as we do Rachel and Chandler’s places of work. But this location was central to many scenes that became legendary: The juice carton spillage on his second date with Rachel or when someone ate his sandwich at work and he was signed off with rage. Coining the phrase to be used whenever we over react to one of life’s annoying occurrences when actually much more is going on.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Empire
Madison Square Gardens
Sport features frequently through the show. Whether it was playing baseball for the Geller Cup in the local garden or Joey and Chandler’s obsession with the Nicks. Or in very first season when the boys went to Madison Square Gardens to watch a rangers game and Ross was hit in the face by a flying puck! You can also take that risk and watch a game or see a concert at this staple stadium in NYC.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Magic Hour
Phoebe running in Central Park
The actual scenes for these legendary running scenes weren’t on location in the park but actually on a set in LA. BUT they were meant to be set in the renowned Central Park. So there is no reason you cant recreate running like Phoebe – just imagine no one is watching, run carefree, fun and silly with your arms flapping in the air – and watch out for horses!
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Cantor
Ross carrying a little holiday weight on the fire escape
Again this was also filmed in LA however as a tourist these fire escapes are iconic to the USA. You can find them on most streets but Brooklyn and West village have some of the nicer ones. Obviously get permission if you fancy recreating this scene of Ross and Joey shimmering down!
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Le Bain
The Subway
There were three memorable moments from the TV series Friends in the subway. When Phoebe was busking at Bleeker Street subway. When she was accidently stalked by her twin’s ex boyfriend. And when Joey sees his photo has been used for a VD campaign. You can visit any subway location for these. However it has baffled most of us how they never seemed to use the subway!
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Jimmy’s
The NYC Skyline
The show uses the symbolic night-time New York skyline to clearly establish the setting of the TV series. And reiterates the city is a key character of the series. The best way to see this skyline is from the Brooklyn Bridge. You can walk over from Brooklyn to Manhattan – prepare to be mesmerised. More on that here in my 40 amazing things to do in NYC.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Time Out or Harriet’s
The Friends Experience
A visit to New York, as a Friends fanatic, would not be complete without a visit to the Friends Experience for all the photo worthy spots from the show. Yes, you too can pretend to be Rachel staring out of the window whilst on a break from Ross like me! If you are a true fan then this article by buzz feed made me laugh! Hope you laugh your way round the city recreating scenes and posing for the perfect photos. It’s also a great way to explore but if you need any help then my travel guides are for you.
Where’s the nearest rooftop bar? Monarch