Nostalgia
The 'Friends' cast blowing horns in celebration of all the experiences you can participate in ahead ...
9 Friends-Inspired Experiences You Can Participate In For A Central Perk Hangout

Could I *be* more excited?

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It’s never been easier for Friends fans to channel Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, and Chandler with a Central Perk-inspired hangout. Whether you decide to visit a Friends pop-up with your besties or take a virtual tour of all the show’s most iconic filming locations from the comfort of your home, you know it’s got to be as epic as the Friends cast coming together. Be inspired by the OG Central Perk crew by doing one of the many Friends TV show-inspired experiences and events that are available.

Instead of just planning to rewatch your favorite episodes from the series for the millionth time, “pivot” your plans a bit to include a little Friends-themed adventure as well. If you’re in a city like NYC or Dallas, you and your crew could visit some of the replicated sets from the show for a few Instagram snaps. If you don’t have a “pla” yet for how you’ll be rewatching Friends, you can make one by renting out a Friends-themed Airbnb and watching the show together in your matching Friends crewnecks ($38.25, Etsy). Keep in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that you should delay any travel plans until you’re fully vaccinated, and even after you’ve all received all your vaccinations, you should still follow the COVID-19 protocols of the places you’re visiting. Once that’s all set, you can live out your Friends-related dreams with the Rachel to your Monica.

You and your Day 1s are no longer on a break, so make this hangout one that would leave Janice saying, “Oh. My. God.” Any of these nine Friends-inspired experiences would be a good start.

01
Have A Sleepover On The Friends Set
The 'Friends' Experience

Thanks to Booking.com and The Friends Experience, you and your BFF could spend the night hanging out in Monica and Rachel’s living room, playing foosball in Joey and Chandler’s apartment, and catching up on the Central Perk couch. Booking.com is offering a sleepover in the Friends pop-up in NYC for only $19.94 (an homage to the year the show premiered). While it’s not currently taking reservations for overnight stays, you’ll want to keep checking back to enjoy access to the different sets for tons of Insta pics and moments to recreate your fave scenes from the series.

02
Visit The Friends Experience In NYC Or Dallas

Don’t worry if you weren’t able to score an overnight stay at The Friends Experience. You can still visit the interactive space in NYC ($45), plus the pop-up will be coming to Dallas, Texas from Nov. 4 through Jan. 17, 2022 ($32.50-$39.50). Throughout the experience, you’ll get to see not only replicated sets, but also actual costumes and props used in the show. There’s also a store for some fun souvenirs, and the New York location has a Central Perk where you can buy coffee and pastries.

03
Go On A Virtual Friends Tour In NYC

Visit the city where Friends takes place from the comfort of your own couch. On Location Tours is offering a virtual Friends tour for only $29. The 40-minute tour takes you to 18 different locations in NYC that were used as inspiration or referenced in the show.

You’ll get to the see the exterior used for the Friends apartment, as well as Bloomingdale’s, the Museum of Natural History, and Saks 5th Avenue. There’s also an option to upgrade your tour package ($68) to include a Friends-themed box shipped to you with goodies inside.

04
Visit Friends Locations In NYC With A Guided Tour

If you’re in NYC, On Location Tours has an in-person TV and Movie tour ($61 per person). It will take you to some of the Friends locations throughout the city, like the apartment building in the West Village. You’ll also get to see spots from other TV shows like Glee and The Mindy Project, as well as movies like When Harry Met Sally and Avengers: Endgame.

05
Book A Friends-Themed Airbnb
Airbnb

Need a special place to watch the Friends reunion? How about a Friends-themed Airbnb ($46 per night) with a kitchen that looks just like Monica and Rachel’s? This studio for two in Canada is the perfect place to rewatch the show with your bestie. You could even stock up on some of Serendipity’s Friends Central Perk Coffee Almond Fudge ice cream ($8) for a sweet snack to enjoy while watching.

06
Plan A Trip To FriendsFest

If you’re U.K.-based, you’re in luck, because FriendsFest is returning from Nov. 5 through Nov. 19 in Blackpool and Nov. 25 through Dec. 19 in London (£29-£34). The ultimate fan experience includes Insta-worthy sets, Central Perk snacks, and exclusive merchandise. It’ll be like the episode of Friends where everyone travels to London for Ross and Emily’s wedding — only you’ll make it even better (and not say anyone else’s name at the altar).

07
Compete In Friends Trivia

Having watched every episode multiple times, you’re basically a Friends scholar. Put your knowledge to the test with an online Friends trivia night ($10). There will be three rounds of multiple choice questions, and the winners get to take home a cash prize. There’s also a costume contest, so start thinking of what you and your friends can put together now. You could also just put on every item in your closet to be like Joey pretending to be Chandler. Could you be wearing anymore clothes?

08
Work Together In A Friends Quotes Virtual Trivia

Eventbrite has another Friends trivia night ($7) planned where you can flex your Friends knowledge. This particular virtual trivia game is all about Friends quotes, so you know you’re going to kill it. Surprise everyone with how much you can quote the show, because they don’t know that you know they know you know.

09
Visit The Actual Set On The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Another Friends experience you can plan with your besties is to go on the Warner Bros. Studio ($69) tour in Burbank, CA. On the tour, you’ll get to see actual sets from the show, like the part of Central Park where Phoebe and Rachel go for a run. There’s also a Central Perk set where you can take a photo on the couch with your friends.

The CDC recommends traveling only after you’re fully vaccinated and your vaccine has become fully effective. If you’re not fully vaccinated and must travel, check the CDC guidelines before you book. Check your destination’s vaccination and testing requirements before you depart.

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