Where the Iconic Friends TV Show Apartment is Located in New York City
Published October 2025, Updated April 2026
If you’re a huge fan of the hit TV show Friends like I am, then visiting the famous apartment building featured in the series is a must when visiting New York City. This iconic corner building served as the exterior shot for Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler’s apartments. As I stood there admiring this location it brought a sense of familiarity as I remembered the many years spent anxiously waiting the new episode to air each week.
You will instantly recognize the brick exterior when you arrive which will bring back fond memories of years watching Friends……but is it actually worth going out of your way to visit?
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Where is the Friends Apartment in New York City?
Address: 90 Bedford Street on the corner of Grove Street in Greenwich Village
This building was built in 1899 and showcases a pale brick facade and arched windows and remains the face of the iconic show Friends where visitors come from all over the world to visit every year.
Closest subway station is West 4th Street - Washington Square Station and is an 8-minute walk to the Friends apartment
This is an active area, so be aware of cars when trying to get your photo-worthy opportunity. We visited this location in June 2025 and found the small crowds manageable, and the building looked exactly like it did on the show.
This area is free to visit, and the area of Greenwich Village is a beautiful community to explore. See the map below for the location of the Friends Apartment.
What to Expect When You Visit
This is the actual building from the Friends TV show, but you cannot go inside
It can get crowded around the location so you may need to take turns getting a good photo
There is no Central Perk cafe there
You will only spend 15-20 minutes at this location
Can You Go Inside the Friends Apartment?
Not in the sense of visiting the actual Friends Apartment, however you can head inside to the current restaurant called Little Owl which serves up Mediterranean cuisine. You will also find private residences inside as well.
Another Friends TV show inspiration is located in Orlando Florida. This cute cafe is Friends themed and even has the iconic orange couch found in the Central Perk coffee shop. Stop by the next time you are in Florida. Read more about this location on my blog: Experience a F.R.I.E.N.D.S Inspired Cafe at Baldwin Perk in Orlando
Was Friends actually Filmed in New York?
No, the show was not filmed in New York City, but the building itself is the actual building you will see throughout the show. The interior scenes were filmed in Los Angeles on a Warner Bros set. The directors wanted to use footage from areas around New York to help viewers relate the story line to NYC.
Stop by for a drink Inside Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York City for Coffee, Pastries and Cocktails
Things to do in Greenwich Village Near the Friends Apartment
Washington Square Park - an iconic arch where you will find street performers, fountains and the perfect spot to relax and it is only an 8-minute walk from the Friends apartment
Cherry Lane Theatre - the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theatre in NYC
Magnolia Bakery - omg, some of the best sweets in New York. This location is an 8-minute walk from the Friends apartment and is located at 401 Bleecker St, New York
Famous TV and Movie Locations Guided Tour New York City - take a 3-hour bus tour of filming locations from Friends, Seinfeld, and Spiderman around NYC
Take this TOP-rated walking and food tour of NYC’s Greenwich Village. Enjoy this small group tour as you taste famous New York Pizza and more.
A Piece of History: How to Visit the Statue of Liberty up Close (Tickets, Ferry and Tips)
Other Friends Filming Locations in NYC
Stop by Central Park to view the iconic fountain in the opening credits of the Friends TV show. Some discredit this as the actual fountain, but it is similar and a great place to stop for a photo. This fountain is called the Cherry Hill Fountain and is located in a circular driveway and allows for time spent viewing this famous location. The area surrounding the fountain is a dirt path and was muddy in some areas due to the recent rain.
Other Ways to Explore NYC
Central Park is another place you must visit while in NYC. You will find many unique ways to explore the park from walking the paths on your own, taking a carriage ride, or getting a private ride in a Pedicab.
Check out this NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Parkfor a unique way to explore Central Park.
Take a highly rated Pedicab Tour around Central Park for an intimate tour of the area.
Rent a bikeand take your own tour through Central Park, stopping when you want and enjoying a more relaxing way to tour the park
How to Visit the Friends Apartment and Nearby Spots
While in the area, you can also walk to the other iconic locations in New York that are nearby. Check out the map below for the locations that are within walking distance from the Friends Apartment. We stopped at each of these locations except the Museum of Ice Cream. Each location offers a unique experience from delicious banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery, famous New York pizza at Prince Street Pizza or observing filming locations like the fire station from the movie Ghostbusters.
Stop 1: Chelsea’s Market is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and visit the unique shops
Stop 2: Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York Grab a coffee while you walk this itinerary
Stop 3: Magnolia Bakery - the best banana pudding!!
Stop 4: Washington Square Park - grassy area with the iconic NYC landmark
Stop 5: Museum of Ice Cream New York City - if you love ice cream as much as I do, you have to check out this cute museum
Stop 6: Prince Street Pizza - delicious New York style thick crust pizza or check out Joe’s Pizza for more New York pizza options
Stop 7: FDNY Hook and Ladder Station 8 - Ghostbusters filming location
Stop 8: 9/11 Memorial and Museum - this area is sobering as you see the names of all the people who lost their lives during 9/11
Additional New York related blog posts
A First Timers Guide to Niagara Falls State Park in New York
3-Day Tour of New York City - blog post coming soon, check back later
Is Visiting the Friends Apartment in NYC Worth it?
I would definitely say visiting the iconic Friends Apartment is worth the stop. I immediately found a sense of joy as I viewed the apartment and remembered the many hours I spent watching the Friends TV show and still watch it some today. I still laugh at many of the scenes even though I have seen the show over and over again.
Visiting the Friends apartment building in NYC is a quick but memorable experience. I stood in awe for a while at the fact that I was at the same location of this iconic building that I spent many years watching in the opening scene of the Friends TV show. The Greenwich Village area surrounding this building is beautiful so take some time to walk around, snap some photos, and enjoy the laid-back charm of the area.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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