At the heart of Greenwich Village in the bustling city of New York resides an iconic piece of pop culture history - the Friends Building. This unassuming New York Brownstone, located at 90 Bedford Street, became etched in popular imagination as the exterior of the apartment building featured in the beloved television sitcom, 'Friends.' A must-see for any true fan, the Friends Building offers visitors the chance to step into the iconic world of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, making you feel a part of their enchanting journey.
Despite in reality having never staged any of the interior shoots of ‘Friends’—those were all filmed in studios in California—the four-story Friends Building has undeniably become a symbolic landmark due to its regular appearance throughout the ten seasons of the show (from 1994 to 2004). Besides being popular in recent years due to its association with the sitcom, the structure itself was erected in the early 20th century and is reminiscent of a definitive era of architectural influence in New York. This brick-structured edifice represents an authentic New York City living experience.
The astute sitcom enthusiast can easily recognize the iconic view of the Friends Building from the 'Friends' intro, distinguishing the structure as the supposed location of Monica's apartment. Furthermore, the ground floor of the building pays further homage to the show; a corner of it is attributed to be the exterior of Central Perk—the coffee shop where the gang frequently congregated. Although the real inside doesn't flaunt the orange velvet sofa or the stage where Phoebe strummed 'Smelly Cat,' fans still cherish the thrilling feeling of standing where their favorite characters are envisioned to have spent considerable time.
Apart from the Friends Building itself, the charming neighborhood of Greenwich Village offers additional treats for visitors. Full of bohemian history, small parks, restaurants, and shops, it’s a great place to wander around and soak up the vibrant atmosphere before or after paying a visit to the Friends Building. Guests can eat at the ‘real’ Central Perk, a.k.a ‘The Little Owl,’ conveniently located on the ground floor of the building, serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
