New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Museum · Midtown · on 2 of my lists

The Friends Experience.

Worth it, says Antonina. I went to The Friends Experience mostly out of curiosity, but I left totally impressed!

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best interactive museums in New York
Where The Friends Experience appears on New York Dearest

It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best interactive museums in New York

No. 6 on that list2 min from the subway
Worth it
  • Subway6 to 23 St-Baruch College, 2 min
  • Address130 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

I went to The Friends Experience mostly out of curiosity, but I left totally impressed! I used to watch the show in college, but it’s been a minute! I wasn’t sure if I’d get the hype, but thankfully, most of the references stuck.

The exhibit is designed as an immersive walk-through of the world of Friends, and even if you weren’t a mega-fan growing up, it’s hard not to enjoy the nostalgia. The sets are incredibly well done, especially Monica’s apartment and the Central Perk couch, and the whole space is filled with little nods and props from the show.

It’s organized so you can take your time, snap photos, and learn behind-the-scenes trivia along the way. I thought it might feel like a rushed photo op, but it was actually paced well and had a lot more substance than I expected. And yes, you do get to pivot a couch.

this interactive NYC museum may not appeal to everyone. Big fans of the show are sure to love it; otherwise, many references may go over your head.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

Best things to do in the Flatiron District

No. 7 on that list2 min from the subway
Worth it

With a whopping 62 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, there’s no denying that Friends captivated the nation. Unsurprisingly, the Friends Experience stands out as one of the most popular things to do in the Flatiron District.

Fans can grab a drink at Central Perk or chill in Monica & Rachel’s apartment. The exhibit showcases an extensive collection of props and costumes recognizable to die-hard fans. You can even recreate the famous pivot scene in one of the rooms by grabbing each end of the couch with a friend.

Even those who haven’t watched the series can enjoy the commitment to theme and can see why this one of the top things to do in Flatiron NYC.

The Friends Experience
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The Friends Experience

Midtown