Discovering the Manhattan Landmarks- The Real NYC Settings of the Iconic TV Show ‘Friends’

Where in New York is Friends Set?

New York City, known for its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and diverse culture, has been the backdrop for countless television shows. One of the most iconic shows in television history, Friends, is no exception. But where in New York is Friends actually set? Let’s take a closer look at the filming locations and the real-life neighborhoods that inspired the show’s beloved characters.

The show Friends revolves around a group of six friends living in Manhattan, New York City. The fictional apartment building, 90210, is where the friends reside and where most of the show’s memorable moments take place. However, the real-life location of this iconic address is a bit of a mystery.

The exterior shots of the friends’ apartment building were filmed at the Plaza Hotel, located at 76th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The Plaza Hotel is a luxurious hotel that has been a New York City landmark since 1907. While the Plaza Hotel is not the actual 90210, it is the most famous filming location associated with the show.

The interior shots of the friends’ apartment were filmed at multiple locations. The most well-known of these is the Upper West Side, which is a vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan. The friends’ apartment complex, 23rd Street and Columbus Avenue, is a fictional address, but the neighborhood itself is real and has a rich history.

The friends often hang out at Central Perk, a coffeehouse that is the heart of the show. The exterior shots of Central Perk were filmed at the Central Perk Café on the Upper West Side, located at 106th Street and Broadway. This quaint café has become a popular tourist spot for fans of the show.

Another important location in Friends is the Central Park Zoo, where many scenes involving the characters’ dogs were filmed. The zoo is located in the heart of Central Park, a massive urban park that spans 843 acres in Manhattan.

While Friends is set in New York City, some of the show’s characters also have connections to other neighborhoods. For example, Monica Geller’s family home is located in the fictional town of Westchester, which is actually based on the real-life Westchester County, New York.

In conclusion, Friends is set in the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York City. While the show’s fictional addresses may not correspond to the actual filming locations, the real-life neighborhoods and landmarks that inspired the show have left a lasting impression on fans around the world. Whether you’re visiting the Plaza Hotel, Central Perk, or Central Park Zoo, you can still feel the magic of Friends in the Big Apple.