Could this BE any more exciting? If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Friends, we’ve got the perfect month-long travel guide for you and your friends (or family) who love the show. This guide takes you to iconic filming locations, Friends-themed attractions, and destinations that embody the spirit of friendship and adventure.
The Flexibility of the Trip
While this guide is designed for a month-long journey, it’s completely adaptable. You can break it into shorter trips throughout the year if you can’t take an entire month off. Whether you want to spend a week in one destination or sprinkle different stops across seasons, this guide works perfectly. And while the plan is built with a group of friends in mind, it’s just as fun for a family who shares a love for Friends.
travel guide
Week 1: New York City – The Heart of Friends
• Start with a Tour of Greenwich Village: Walk through the neighborhood where Monica, Rachel, Chandler, and Joey “lived.” Visit the famous Friends apartment exterior at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets.
• Sip Coffee at a Central Perk-Inspired Café: Several NYC cafes recreate the cozy vibes of Central Perk. Some even have couches where you can snap an Instagram-worthy pic.
• Broadway Night: Treat yourself to a show—because, as Phoebe said, “There’s nothing like live theater!”
• Budge-Friendly Option: Take a self-guided walking tour of filming locations.
• High-End Option: Book a professional Friends walking tour and stay at a boutique hotel near Greenwich Village.
Week 2: Los Angeles – Behind the Scenes
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Head to Burbank, CA, and take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to see the actual Friends set. Sit on the Central Perk couch and relive your favorite scenes!
• Hollywood Exploration: Check out the iconic Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, and other LA landmarks that scream “big dreams,” just like Joey’s acting career.
• Beach Day in Santa Monica: Recreate the gang’s beach trip vibes with a day on the California coast.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Focus on free or low-cost attractions like Santa Monica Pier and outdoor sightseeing.
• High-End Option: Add a behind-the-scenes VIP tour at Warner Bros. or splurge on a luxury beachside resort.
Week 3: International Friends-Inspired Destinations
• London, UK: Relive Ross’s wedding fiasco with Emily by exploring iconic London landmarks, including Westminster Abbey and the Tower Bridge.
• Paris, France: Dive into Rachel’s dream of working in Paris by strolling the Champs-Élysées and visiting Parisian cafes.
• Tuscany, Italy: This trip captures the heart of Joey’s Italian heritage. Perfect for food lovers and those who just want to say, “How you doin’?” to Italy!
• Bali, Indonesia: Channel Phoebes bohemian vibes with a trip to Bali, the ultimate destination for relaxation and self-discovery.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Choose one international location and find budget accommodations like hostels or Airbnbs.
• High-End Option: Travel to multiple locations, book guided tours, indulge in fine dining, and embrace the perfect mix of spiritually and adventure.
Week 4: Relaxation & Reflection
• The Hamptons, NY: Inspired by the summer trips mentioned in the show, end your journey with relaxation in a beachside town. Rent a cozy beach house and visit local attractions.
• Group Game Night: Host your own Friends trivia night while sipping on cocktails and reminiscing about your travels.
• Stay Option 1: Rent a private home with friends and family for a relaxing week of bonding.
• Stay Option 2: Beachfront Hotel or Resort
Budget-Friendly vs. High-End versions
• Budget-Friendly Version: Focus on self-guided tours, affordable accommodations like Airbnbs or hostels, and dining at casual spots. Perfect for a fun yet economical trip!
• High-End Version: Stay at high-end hotels, book guided experiences, and include fine dining or unique activities like private tours or premium tickets.
Why Take This Trip?
This Friends-inspired travel guide is about more than just visiting places; it’s about celebrating the bonds that make us say, “I’ll be there for you.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply someone who loves making memories with your favorite people, this trip can help to deliver unforgettable moments.
So, pack your bags, grab your friends (or family), and let’s make some Friends-worthy memories!
Are you ready to plan your Friends adventure? Share your favorite parts of the show or let us know which destination excites you the most!
Travel Essentials
Before you head off on your Friends-inspired journey, make sure you’re prepared with these travel essentials to make your trip as smooth (and fun!) as possible:
• The Friends Complete Series DVD: What better way to relive the laughs than by bringing Friends along with you? Whether you’re lounging in your hotel room or having a group movie night, pop in an episode and let the nostalgia flow. Click here to grab the Friends Complete Series DVD.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: From strolling the streets of Greenwich Village to exploring London or Paris, you’ll want shoes that keep you comfy all day—Monica-approved for practicality!
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while channeling Phoebe’s eco-friendly vibes. A reusable water bottle is a must for walking tours and sunny beach days.
• Travel Journal: Document your adventures, jot down fun quotes, or sketch landmarks—Ross would love the historical touch!
• Themed Outfits: A chic outfit for Rachel-inspired moments in Paris or Tuscany. Cozy, laid-back attire for Chandler-approved comfort in the Hamptons or Bali.
• Snacks and Coffee Essentials: For Joey moments of hunger and Chandler-level coffee obsessions, pack some snacks and a portable coffee mug to keep the energy up during your travels.
Make sure you’ve packed your sense of humor, appetite for adventure, and love for all things Friends!
Ready to start planning?
A list of possible places to stay, eat and enjoy on your adventure!
This guide ensures there’s something for every Friends fan, whether you’re channeling Monica’s love for fine dining, Joey’s appetite for food, Rachel’s flair for luxury, Ross’s appreciation for culture, Phoebe’s free spirit, or Chandler’s need for comfort and a laugh.
Greenwich Village, NYC (The Heart of the Show)
Stay:
• The High Line Hotel – Quirky and budget-friendly, a place Phoebe would appreciate.
• The Marlton Hotel – Chic and upscale, perfect for Rachel or Monica.
Dining:
• Joe Coffee Company – Cozy, reminiscent of Central Perk.
• Carbone – Italian-American cuisine Joey would adore (and devour).
Explore:
• Visit Washington Square Park, a cultural hub Ross would love.
• Take a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar for Chandler vibes.
Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood Glamour)
Stay:
• The Tangerine Hotel – Retro and close to Warner Bros. Studios.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel – Iconic luxury Rachel would swoon over.
Dining:
• In-N-Out Burger – Classic comfort food Joey would crave.
• Republique – Trendy and sophisticated for Monica’s culinary side.
Explore:
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour for Phoebe’s quirky energy and Ross’s love for behind-the-scenes history.
• Walk Hollywood Boulevard for a mix of glam and nostalgia.
London, UK (Ross’s Wedding Adventure)
Stay:
• The Z Hotel Soho – Stylish and compact, great for Chandler’s practicality.
• The Savoy – A luxurious experience Rachel and Monica would love.
Dining:
• Flat Iron – Simple, budget-friendly steak Joey would approve of.
• Sketch London – Quirky yet upscale, perfect for Phoebe’s artistic side.
Explore:
• Walk across Tower Bridge, an iconic landmark Ross would admire.
• Visit Hyde Park for a peaceful outing Phoebe would enjoy.
Paris, France (Rachel’s Dream City)
Stay:
• Hotel Saint-Louis en l’Isle – Charming and cozy for Phoebe’s style.
• Hôtel Plaza Athénée – Elegant and dreamy, just like Rachel’s Paris fantasy.
Dining:
• Le Relais de l’Entrecôte – Simple and delicious steak-frites Joey would devour.
• Angelina Paris – Decadent desserts Monica and Rachel would cherish.
Explore:
• The Eiffel Tower and Louvre for Ross’s love of culture.
• People-watch at a Parisian café, soaking in Phoebe’s bohemian vibe.
Tuscany, Italy (Joey’s Homeland)
Stay:
• Agriturismo Podere Spedalone – A cozy farmhouse perfect for group bonding.
• Villa Petriolo – A luxurious villa for Rachel and Monica’s sophisticated taste.
Dining:
• Trattoria Mario – Authentic, hearty food Joey would adore.
• Osteria Francescana – A world-renowned dining experience Monica would dream of.
Explore:
• Visit vineyards for wine tastings Ross would find fascinating.
• Take a cooking class to channel Monica’s culinary passion.
Bali, Indonesia (Phoebe’s Spiritual Haven)
Stay:
• The Yoga Barn – A peaceful retreat for Phoebe’s free spirit.
• The Mulia, Nusa Dua – A high-end beachfront resort for Rachel’s taste in luxury.
Dining:
• Warung Biah Biah – Traditional Balinese cuisine Joey would enjoy.
• Locavore NXT – A sustainable fine-dining experience Monica would appreciate.
Explore:
• Yoga classes and meditation retreats Phoebe would love.
• Uluwatu Temple for a mix of spirituality and Ross’s love for history.
The Hamptons, NY (Summer Getaway Energy)
Stay:
• Montauk Blue Hotel – Beachfront and budget-friendly, ideal for group stays.
• Gurney’s Montauk Resort – Upscale and relaxing for Rachel and Monica.
Dining:
• Sip ‘n Soda Luncheonette – A casual diner Joey would frequent.
• Topping Rose House – Farm-to-table dining Monica would appreciate.
Explore:
• Relax on Cooper’s Beach for a laid-back day Chandler would enjoy.
• Visit local art galleries or host a Friends trivia night
This guide brings all six characters’ personalities to life, giving you the perfect mix of food, fun, and exploration inspired by Friends. There’s something for everyone!
