friends new york places to visit

These Are The 11 Places Every Friends Fan Needs To See When They Visit NYC

Monica and Rachel's apartment building is real.

Could you be anymore excited for the Friends: The Reunion special on HBO Max ? As a Friends fan, you’ve watched the entire series from start to finish too many times to count, and constantly quote your favorite characters. It almost feels like you’re actually friends with Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, and Ross in real life. So it’s about time to live out your very own episode by visiting some of Friends ’ New York City filming locations, along with some of the places that inspired the sitcom.

While most of the series was filmed at the Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank, California, there are some iconic NYC landmarks used as establishing shots, or as references for the group’s places of work. Ross’ job at the Museum of Prehistoric History? Not a real place. The opening credits fountain? That was in California — but there are a couple of NYC fountains that will totally remind you of it, so you can still make it look like you’re living in the beloved world of Friends on your next trip to the Big Apple. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s safe for anyone who is fully vaccinated to travel domestically, so you can start planning your Friends -inspired adventure ASAP. Keep in mind you’ll need to wear a mask on all forms of public transportation on your journey through Manhattan, but you’ll barely notice it as you take in the sights from the Upper West Side down to Greenwich Village.

Since the OG cast of Friends reunited for their HBO Max special, it only makes sense you and your besties also get together in an epic way soon. So, pivot any potential plans you and your crew, or maybe your lobster, made for the summer if they didn’t involve a Friends -themed vacation, and be sure to stop at these 11 NYC locations.

Your first stop on a Friends NYC tour should be this apartment building in Greenwich Village. While the interior shots of Monica and Rachel’s apartment (as well as Joey and Chandler’s apartment) were filmed on a soundstage in California, this building was used for all the exterior shots.

As you walk through Greenwich Village, stop by Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street for a cupcake Monica would approve of, or grab a bite to eat at the Little Owl restaurant below the apartment. It may not be Central Perk, but the eatery offers plenty of options for food, cocktails, and — of course — coffee.

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.

This article was originally published on 05.27.21

The ultimate 'Friends' guide to NYC

May 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Central Park's Cherry Hill Fountain is not the one from the credits, but it looks pretty similar © espiegle/ iStock / Getty Images Plus

Seventeen years after the last episode was broadcast, the cast of the popular show is back on our screens this week for Friends: The Reunion special looking back on the hit '90s sitcom. But what about the iconic locations of the show? 

Any Friends fan worth their salt knows the series was filmed in Los Angeles, but some of its most memorable exteriors were shot on site in New York. Here are 13 of our favorites, from legendary landmarks to lesser-known locales – yes, including  that apartment. 

1. The opening credits

The famous fountain memorialized in the show’s opening credits can be found on a Warner Bros. backlot in Burbank, California – and a Boston-inspired one , at that. But that minor detail hasn’t stopped fans from seeking out watery doppelgängers around town. Central Park ’s Cherry Hill Fountain is often mistaken for its onscreen counterpart, while Pulitzer Fountain at Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza is regularly cited as the inspiration for the one in those iconic scenes. 

2. The apartment

The West Village building that served as the exterior of Monica, Rachel, Chandler, and Joey’s pre-war walk-up needs little introduction – it has its own tag on Google Maps, after all. Located at 90 Bedford Street, on the corner of Grove, the so-called Friends Apartment looks much the same as it did in the show’s heyday, fire escape and all, though you won’t find Central Perk on the ground floor. Instead, there’s a classy neighborhood joint called Little Owl, which slings its signature meatball sliders in lieu of macchiatos at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. 

3. Ross’s homes

Ross cycled through three apartments during the course of the show, only two of which made it to the screen. Until he married Emily and moved out in season five, he lived at Washington Square Village, described by Village Preservation as a “modernist superblock of apartments built by Robert Moses in the late 1950s just south of Washington Square Park .” After their divorce, he floated around a bit before landing at Ugly Naked Guy’s apartment. On the show, it’s across the courtyard from Monica and Rachel; in reality, it’s across the street at 17 Grove. 

4. Phoebe’s place  

In the season seven episode “The One With Joey’s New Brain,” Phoebe found a cell phone at Central Perk, and when its owner called to retrieve it, she gave him her address: 5 Morton Street, a brick building on a quiet, tree-lined block, just a few minutes’ walk from the rest of the gang on Bedford. 

5. Rachel’s first fashion job

After a disastrous stint as a waitress at the coffee shop and before she landed a plum position at Ralph Lauren, Rachel scored a job at Bloomingdale’s as an assistant buyer – until her department closed down and she was demoted to personal shopper. While the sales team at the department store’s Third Avenue flagship won’t let you walk in her shoes, they’ll let you buy a few pairs…along with all the designer clothes, bags, jewelry, and perfume you can carry in those trademark brown bags. 

6. Ross’s workplaces

The ‘50s-themed diner where Monica had to don a blonde wig and take orders on rollerskates was a SoHo fixture for decades. Sadly, it’s no longer there, but her brother’s employers are still around, especially if you squint a bit. During the show’s early years, Ross served as a paleontologist at the oxymoronically named Museum of Prehistoric History – a thinly veiled stand-in for the Upper West Side’s American Museum of Natural History , where you’ll see a 94-foot model of a blue whale and yes, a whole lot of dinosaur fossils. 

Following that, he got a gig as a professor at New York University , despite the fact that the real NYU doesn’t actually have a paleontology department. The downtown area around the school is still worth a visit, though, particularly Washington Square Park, a gathering place in the heart of the village. Just watch out for the chess hustlers if you want to leave with your savings intact. 

7. Chandler’s office

No one knew exactly what Chandler did for a living, but they all knew where he worked: the Solow Building, a distinctive black-and-white skyscraper looming 49 stories above 57th Street, with a gently sloping facade reminiscent of a ski jump. Completed in 1974, it covers 1.4 million square feet and reaches heights of 672 feet, making for one impressive photo op. 

8. Joey’s favorite theater

Joey racked up an impressive amount of acting credits over the years, from films and plays to soaps and indies. (He even appeared in print ads warning of the dangers of venereal disease – but more on that later.) Some of his most notable performances, including the musical  Freud! , were staged at the Lucille Lortel Theatre , an Off-Broadway venue on Christopher Street known for its buzzy productions and star-studded history. See a play, catch a reading, or simply swing by and take a look at the Playwrights’ Sidewalk, a permanent monument to the city’s Off-Broadway theater writers. 

9. Phoebe’s busking spot

She and her guitar may have been regulars at Central Perk, but in the show’s first episode, Phoebe tried to pick up some extra cash in a much less cozy locale: the Bleecker Street subway station . Just north of Houston, the 6 train stop is also where Joey’s potential date bailed when she saw his modeling effort – as the face of sexually transmitted infection in giant, poster-size form.

10. Madison Square Garden

For athletes and rockstars alike, few arenas hold the cachet of Madison Square Garden , the legendary home of both the New York Rangers and the New York Knicks. The latter may be a perpetual disappointment, but that didn’t matter much to the titular sixsome, who went to games, relied on spare seats to finagle dates, and dangled the promise of season tickets during that infamous apartment bet. The Rangers weren’t left out either: early in the first season, the guys went to a hockey game – and Ross caught a puck in the face. 

11. The Pierre

When Monica and Chandler were planning their wedding, they didn’t pull any punches. Their venue was The Pierre, a luxurious landmark property on Fifth Avenue dating to the 1920s, and the couple went all out, inviting a ton of people, organizing a mouthwatering feast, and booking a swing band for the reception. You’re not likely to catch a similar event if you stop by, but the art deco bar in the hotel lobby is open to the public for afternoon tea or evening cocktails, as long as you dress the part. (Smart-casual, that is – no Friends cosplay necessary.)

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This article was first published Mar 6, 2020 and updated May 24, 2021.

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7 FRIENDS FILMING LOCATIONS IN NEW YORK

A tour of New York is a unique opportunity to visit the places where Friends, one of the most iconic and memorable series on television, was recorded. So, if you want to embark on an unforgettable trip, we recommend you visit the places we shared you down here, 7 places where Friends was filmed in New York .

Let’s get started!

Friends Apartment

The Friends apartment is one of the most important stages of this famous series, the Friends apartment is the place where the best moments of the series were lived, a Friends fan will never forget this place.

Friends Apartment – Source secretldn.com

Visiting the Friends apartment in New York is a worthwhile experience, although the apartment is a fictitious setting, the building that was used as a facade can be found at the corner of Bedford Street and Grove Street in the West Village, so if you want to take a picture of the Friends apartment you already know where to go.

If you want to continue visiting Phoebe’s apartment you can go to Morton St with Bleecker St. There you will see the place where one of Friends’ most beloved characters lived.

Bloomingdale’s

One of the New York Friends scenarios you can visit is the famous Bloomingdale’s Big Apple’s giant warehouse and place where Rachel worked as a fashion assistant after leaving behind the famous Central Perk .

This Big Apple store can be found at 59th Street 3rd Avenue. One of the most important memories of the Friends series occurs in Bloomingdale’s , it is in this store where Rachel meets Joshua.

You can take advantage of your visit to Bloomingdale’s to shop in one of New York’s luxury stores, an experience you must live in the Big Apple.

The Fountain of Friends

Pulitzer Fountain – Source iStock

The Friends fountain is another of the emblems of the series, where the protagonists sing and dance while the song “I’ll be there for you” plays. This Friends location doesn’t really exist in New York , this is a big disappointment that many Friends fans have to face, but, coincidentally, there are many theories that say that the creators of the series were inspired by the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park and the Pulitzer Fountain in the Grand Army Plaza , places that you can visit on your tour of New York.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Bloomingdale’s is not the only store in New York that appears in the Friends series, in many episodes of the series also appeared Saks Fifth Avenue, it was there where Joey worked as a model of a perfume for men and where the mythical scene of Joey having a duel with another model dressed as a cowboy occurred.

On the other hand, Saks Fifth Avenue is another perfect store for shopping in New York , a giant store where you will find thousands of products at great prices. Saks Fifth Avenue is located on 5th Ave between 49th street and 50th street.

Natural History Museum

One of the most spectacular Friends locations in New York you can visit is the Natural History Museum , where Ross Geller worked as a paleontologist throughout the series. This place is sensational, although the museum was never used to film the Friends series, we remember it because through the Ross series he always mentioned that he worked there.

Natural History Museum – Source www.inexhibit.com

Another of the most spectacular plans you can make is to visit New York’s museums , absolutely all of the Big Apple’s museums are wonderful, but there is no doubt that the New York Natural History Museum is one of the most amazing places you can find in New York .

A fact that no Friends fan will forget is that Ross and Rachel had their first romantic date at the Natural History Museum . The museum is located on 8th Ave and 79th street very close to Central Park on the Upper West Side. A full tour of the museum takes approximately 4 hours.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is another of the locations where Friends was filmed in New York , this famous Big Apple square appeared several times in the series. It is in Greenwich Village, one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Thousands of times the great Arch of Washington and the fountain of Washington Park appeared in between the scenes, and let’s not forget that this square is in the same neighborhood where Rachel and Monica lived. If you are touring New Yor k you should visit this historic place in the Big Apple , where you can enjoy the street artists and the good atmosphere of the square.

Very close to Washington Square Park there are many famous restaurants and bars such as Café Wah.

Although it’s not a Friends stage, the NBC Store is another place worth visiting in New York , since there you can buy something that reminds you of one of the most famous TV series.

NBC Store – Source www.bons-plans-voyage-new-york.com

NBC Store is in the Rockefeller Center , in addition to the Friends series in the store you will see cups, t-shirts, handbags and all kinds of accessories from other famous series and talk shows.

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The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City

⭐ Step inside the world of FRIENDS™ ! With two floors of immersive experiences, it’s the ultimate experience for FRIENDS™ fans. You can pose on the iconic orange couch, sit at Monica & Rachel’s kitchen table, kick back and relax in Joey and Chandler’s comfy chairs, and so much more. Reserve your spot and save money by purchasing tickets in advance.

Tickets for The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in NYC 🎫 Standard Tickets - includes entry into The FRIENDS™ Experience and one free digital download of the Central Perk commemorative photo

• Group Ticket (6 guests) - enjoy ticket bundles at a special price

🎫 Premium Tickets - includes general access to the experience plus:

• 1 Exclusive The Friends™ Experience merchandise item
• 1 Free coat or bag check token
• One free digital download of the Central Perk commemorative photo  

🎫 Guided Group Tour - includes entry into The FRIENDS™ Experience first thing in the morning before we open to the general public and allows you to choose the group you attend with. Groups will be checked in and allowed entry into the experience five minutes apart to allow for your group to have a personalized experience through the space.

• Groups of up to 6, 8 or 10 guests  

🎫 Flexible Entry Ticket - includes full access to the experience at any time on your selected date

• This option is available in the calendar on this page in the first time slot
• Final entry time is one hour before closing  

🎫 Digital Photo Package Add-On - save $5 by purchasing your photo package now! Receive digital photos of yourself in front of the fountain, reenacting the Pivot! scene, and on the orange couch in Central Perk (only 1 needed per group)

Highlights ⛲ Dance in front of the fountain 🛋️ Hang out in Monica and Rachel’s apartment 😊 Kick your feet up at Joey & Chandler’s ☕ Order coffee from Central Perk ✨ Explore dozens of props and costumes, including Phoebe's wedding dress 🤩 Ride Pat the Dog and so much more!

General Info 📅 Dates: July to December, 2023 🕒 Opening hours(time slots available every 15 minutes): - Wednesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (last entry) - Guided Group tickets start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays 📍 Location: 130 E 23rd St, New York City, NY (Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St.) 👤 Age requirement: all ages are welcome. Guests 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Children 3 and younger don’t need a ticket when accompanied by a parent or guardian ♿ Accessibility: the experience is ADA compliant and fully accessible for guests with many different disabilities and neurodiversities ❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here Description Our flagship location has two floors of interactive experiences where you can step inside the world of FRIENDS™. Pose on the iconic orange couch, explore newly added original props and costumes from the show like Chandler's bunny suit and Rachel's famous cow jacket, or hang out in Monica and Rachel's living room. I KNOW! Buy your tickets now for The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City! FRIENDS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

User reviews

• Maryann D. Jun 2022 What's not to love!? Seriously all the reviews I read online were accurate! The STAFF WAS INCREDIBLE! The exhibits and the props from the set were AMAZING!!!! I didn't want to leave and I want to go back!!! Could I BE anymore excited...I THINK NOT!
• Adriana L. Jun 2022 It was so much fun and the staff was so friendly and helpful! I wish I could remember names of the few we spoke to more than a few words but they were extremely nice and super friendly and added to our experience in a great way
• David S. Jun 2022 This was a fun and exciting experience. A must do for anyone
• Lisa T. Jun 2022 Awesome! Loved all the props and costumes. So nice to have pics taken for us and emailed. Such a fun experience!
• David S. May 2022 Very cool experience and everyone in my family loved it! Pictures were great and so was the whole staff!
• Teresa K. May 2022 This is one of the coolest opportunities- to sit in Monica and Rachel’s apartment as well as Joey and Chandler’s AND Central Perk! So much fun!
• Carla P. May 2022 It was great. And the fact that professional pictures, taken by their crew, were included, made it extra special.
• Lisa N. May 2022 The exhibition was nice and the pictures were great. I liked how the bathrooms were painted in Friends purpule, but I wish the rooms and house felt more friends and not just friends things put into the room
• Damien B. May 2022 OH MY GOD !! It was amazing ! I wanna rest all the day inside !!! Don’t think just go if you are a true Friends fan 😍
• Kayla G. May 2022 I had the absolute best time ever on mothers day weekend with my mom!!! will be back!! The staff was friendly , its was clean!
• Solana F. May 2022 We are obsessed with Friends as a Family! We Came to New York as a Family & my daughter had to come to this!! How could we say No! We all Had a Blast! My daughter is their Biggest Fan & loved every minute of it! Staff was so please tell! Thank you!
• Pedro Henrique P. May 2022 For those who are fans of Friends I have nothing to say other than the perfection of this experience. Best choice to miss the show and feel a little part of the world of Friends.
• Saba K. May 2022 Loved the experience. It felt like we were living in the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. world. Staff was amazing. Photo spots were amazing. I felt like the experience ended early probably because I didn't want it to end :P but it would be nice to have 1 or 2 more sets. And a slightly more affordable gift shop. But I loveed it.
• Valérie G. May 2022 Fun fun fun… i like it… congratulations…. Thank you for this amazing expérience of Friends… kiss from belgium
• Leslie P. May 2022 The staff were all so nice and helpful. They hit on every pivotal moment of the show and recreated it. Had a blast!

Getting there

The FRIENDS™ Experience, NYC

130 E 23rd St, New York, NY (Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St.), 10010

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The Friends Experience New York

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The Friends Experience New York - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Living in NYC

Everything about the immersive Friends Experience in NYC

The FRIENDS™ Experience has finally opened its first flagship location in New York City. After so many years of the series launching and some pop-up experiences, I think we can all agree that the city should host something like this – and permanently! Yes, The Friends Experience is here to stay – Created by Warner Bros. and Superfly X, it’s designed to immerse fans in the universe of iconic TV series like never before. I must say: I’m not a Friends fan – I’ve only watched the first season, but I know that the series has a huge fan community. And although it wasn’t originally shot in NYC, the plot is set here, so, I think is very symbolic having a place like this in the city.

I had the opportunity to visit the place before the official opening and now I’m gonna show you all the details and everything you need to know!

The Friends Experience is an interactive celebration of the iconic TV show. With set recreations, original props and costumes, photo ops, a retail store, and Central Perk, it’s the biggest celebration of FRIENDS™ yet. Before the experience, you watch an intro video and when it is over, a door opens revealing the iconic opening credits with the fountain and the coach. Like I said: I’m not a fan, but even for me it was really cool, so I can only imagine how the fans will freak out with this first room!

I know that the set recreations are very exciting but there is more than iconic scenarios and photo opportunities at Friends Experience. You can explore exciting details of the behind the scenes process, from Central Perk artwork to the characters fashion sketches plus original costumes and much more. The experience is not only visual but also involves sounds: through the rooms, you will listen to iconic dialogues and quotes ( oh my gawd! Pivot! ).

You will have so many photo opportunities, like the famous purple door, the turkey head and Joey’s layers of Chandler’s clothes.

Besides that, the experience offers quizzes to check your knowledge about the series and a lot of fun facts. I absolutely love how they feature the dating scene using the “NYC subway map”. So creative!

Ok, now the best part: the set recreations! You can visit Monica’s apartment – it is so huge for NYC standards, lol – and even try the poking device to poke the ugly naked guy who lives across the street to check whether he is alive or not. The details impressed me: so many objects in the kitchen! You can also see the exterior of the apartment – the doors and the stairs and it looks so real. Chandler and Joey apartment is also really nice – and guess what: you will hear the baby chick and duck that have fallen into the foosball table, lol. Las Vegas wedding chapel where Ross & Rachel tied the knot is also included in the experience.

Last but not least: Central Perk, of course! Probably the most popular set recreation, the space is the last room you will visit – just in time to treat yourself with a coffee and character-inspired treats.

More information:

• The Friends Experience features a total of 18 rooms – prepare to spend at least 80 minutes there!
• The Friends Experience remains “Monica Clean” and is taking measures throughout the space to ensure a safe environment for its staff and guests. Safety protocols and procedures at the Experience include but are not limited to social distancing, requiring masks, non-invasive temperature checks, and thorough cleaning and sanitization measures;
• If you buy a ticket for the experience, you will get a QR code at the time you arrive. You will use this QR code to have your photo taken (for free!) and you will receive the pictures in your e-mail;
• Central Perk is open daily starting at 7 AM – 1 PM to the public, stop by to grab your coffee and character-inspired treats – that means you can visit the coffee shop without a ticket;
• There is a souvenir and licensed products store too – you can stop by wherever you want to shop Friends stuff;
• Check operating hours for the experience here ;
• Grab your tickets online – they start at $45.

The Friends Experience – 130 East 23rd Street, at the corner of Lexington Avenue, in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan.

Did you like this post? Are you excited to visit The Friends Experience?

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Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!

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▷Where to see the Friends apartment building in NYC?

You probably already know: between New York City and TV shows, it’s a huge love story! How many of us have fallen in love with NYC during a scene filmed in Central Park or on 5th Avenue? On my side, I fell in love with this city a long time before to go there. These films and TV series really influenced me and made me want to go to NYC …

Today, we are going to talk about the most iconic series of all times: Friends ! Although it has been over for many years now, many of us still want to see the unforgettable building where Rachel, Monica, Joey and Chandler lived in the show . If you too don’t want to miss it during your stay in NYC, follow the guide 🙂

☞ You might be interested in: 20+ best New York attractions (you really shouldn’t miss)

Friends: From the studio to New York City

As everybody knows, the show is supposed to take place in New York City . But it was actually shot in studio in Los Angeles. So, no need to look for the famous Central Perk in the streets of New York: the coffee shop only existed in the Warner Bros. studios! The same goes for the fountain that appears in the opening credits of the series: the scene was shot in the studios.

Images of the city are therefore added in post-production in order to place the story and the characters in the New York environment. Season after season, we discovered a beautiful, typical New York City building that was supposed to be the place where Monica, Rachel, Chandler and Joey lived. This time, this building does exist and I’ll explain to you below how to find it in New York 🙂

Friends building location in New York City

Over the years, the place has become a real place of homage for the nostalgic fans of the show. Almost 20 years have passed since the end of Friends, but it’s still impressive to see the number of people who still gather in front of this iconic building!

So, what is the address of the Friends apartment building in New York City? It’s time to discover it!

➜ You will find it at the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street , in West Village (Manhattan), a few blocks away from the Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment!

It’s very easy to recognize it because the facade has absolutely not changed since the end of the serie. For the anecdote, you should know that behind the red frontage of the ground floor, there is a very nice Italian restaurant (called The Little Owl) which proposes a very accessible menu for lunch or brunch (more expensive for dinner).

Why was this building chosen for the series? One of the producers simply explained afterwards that it was one of the buildings where he had lived as a child.

Continue the adventure with the “Friends Experience” attraction in New York

And the Friends craze is still far from dying out in New York! Since a few years, an exhibition is even dedicated to the series under the name of “Friends Experience”.

At first, it was supposed to be a temporary exhibition, open only for a few months in 2019. And then, due to its huge success , the exhibition simply became a permanent exhibition and now a full-fledged attraction to be scheduled during your stay in NYC if you are a fan of the series!

Friends Experience is located in the Flatiron district , just a few blocks from the famous Flatiron building. Inside, you can discover the sets of the Central Perk, Rachel and Monica’s apartment and Chandler and Joey’s apartment. We also find other emblematic objects of the series as the famous cab of Phoebe or the Ross’s sofa stuck in the staircase. PIVOT!

⚠️ Good to know: If you want to visit the Friends Experience during your stay, it is recommended to book tickets well in advance as the attraction is literally overwhelmed. The cheapest tickets are sold out very quickly! Tickets can be booked directly here (with the possibility to book up to 2 months in advance).

See the full article about the Friends Experience

Friends building location on the map

To help you easily find the Friends building on the streets of New York:

___________

That’s it! If you still have questions, feel free to ask in the comments 🙂

I’m a french travel blogger, crazy about New York City! Since I discovered NYC in 2014, each trip is an opportunity to learn more about the secrets of this fantastic city. I wish you a pleasant visit on my blog, with I hope, a lot of beautiful discoveries!

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Friends New York Locations and Tours

This post is a self-guided tour of the many Friends TV show locations in New York City. We also include information on guided tours and also the Friends Experience.

Just like you, many of our local tour guides are fans of this brilliant comedy that takes place in New York City. 

They’ve had fun visiting the places featured in the show. Some have gone to the Friends Experience which is why we wrote about it here. 

They enjoyed it a lot, but we wanted to see what the members of our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group thought about it. We share their opinions below .

Our Facebook group has more than 230,000 members consisting of locals, regular visitors to NYC, and those just getting to know the city.

There's no need to join to read the posts and comments so take a look at our group for more NYC advice. You can even ask a question yourself!

• Friends Locations in NYC
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• Best Things to Do in NYC

FRIENDS TV SHOW LOCATIONS

We all know that Friends was set in New York City. But were any of the scenes filmed here? Sadly, no.

The show was filmed on a studio set. But significant exterior shots were filmed in NYC.

Below are some of the key locales you can see.

This self-guided tour is free to use and you can access the tour on your smartphone which means you can take it any time you want!

TIP: Both our pay-what-you-wish All-in-One Downtown Tour and Greenwich Village Tour include a stop at the Friends building in New York.

Where is the Friends Apartment?

This iconic building is at 90 Bedford Street at the corner of Grove Street in Greenwich Village .

Only the exterior shots were filmed here. The apartment's interior was on the Friends set in Los Angeles.

Don't be sad! You can hang out amidst those interiors at the Friends Experience !

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There are two major subway stops within a 10-minute walk from this attraction, making it pretty easy to get there from almost anywhere in the city.

For full directions, read our post on how to get to the Friends Apartment building .

Where is the Friends Cafe?

Also known as Central Perk, this instantly recognizable location is not a real Friends location in New York. Sorry, but you can't grab a coffee there.

The cafe exterior is The Little Owl, on the ground level of the Friends apartment building.

TIP : If you're planning your next vacation in Los Angeles you can see Central Perk at Warner Bros. Studio!

Learn more from our post about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour .

Phoebe’s Apartment

As you know, Phoebe lived on her own but of course, was always over at Monica and Rachel's apartment.

Fortunately for Phoebe, she was just a 4-minute walk from her pals.

If you want to check out her pad, follow the below route to 5 Morton Street, Apt. 14.

The address is referenced in an episode called "The One With Joey's New Brain". 

The same question pops up - how did Monica and Rachel, a barista at Central Perk, afford to live on one of the most coveted blocks in the West Village?

It's all about who you know. In this case, it's Monica's grandmother. Read the explanation of rent-stabilized apartments below .

The Lucille Lortel Theatre

In Season 3, episode 22, this is the theater where Joey stars in a show and invites his friends to come and see him perform.

Rachel brings a date named Tommy (Ben Stiller) who ends up being a total psycho.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daniel Spiess (@dan_spiess)

The Lortel is featured in our pay-what-you-wish Greenwich Village walking tour . You may even want to see a show in this historic off-Broadway theater.

Our post on getting cheap theater tickets might come in handy!

Friends Fountain

The fountain, in which the cast is frolicking around in the opening credits, is not the fountain in Central Park .

As stated above, the show was rarely filmed in New York City. That fountain was on the studio set.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BB♥KK ON VACATION (@bkonvacay)

The fountain in Central Park is called the Bethesda Fountain and has been in countless movies and TV shows.

However, some think that the Pulitzer Fountain in front of the Plaza Hotel and adjacent to Central Park was the inspiration for the fictional fountain.

New York Museum of Prehistoric History

Ross works at the New York Museum of Prehistoric History modeled on the American Museum of Natural History , used for the exterior shots.

Several key moments in the entire series occur here, including the first night that Ross and Rachel spend together.

It is located off of Central Park West between 77th and 78th Streets on the Upper West Side .

The American Museum of Natural History is one of New York’s best museums and you should consider visiting it.

You can save money on tickets and even get free entry. Find out how from our post, American Museum of Natural History .

The Plaza Hotel

In the first episode of Season 7, the gang plans to celebrate Monica and Chandler's engagement by going for a champagne toast at the Plaza Hotel.

Due to unexpected plot twists, they never make it to the Plaza Hotel.

You can enjoy a drink at The Champagne Bar next to the hotel lobby.

The Plaza is located at 768 5th Avenue at 59th Street, just across the street from our pay-what-you-wish Central Park walking tour .

We also have a pay-what-you-wish Midtown Manhattan walking tour which explores the neighborhood where The Plaza is located.

Chandler’s Office

Chandler works in IT and his office is located at 9 West 57th St., near the Plaza Hotel.

The entrance to this building has a giant 9 in front, so you can't miss it!

This building also appears in scenes in Sex and the City. If you are a SATC fan, check out our Self-Guided Sex and the City Tour .

The Moondance Diner

This is where Monica was a waitress and the diner was decked out in a 1950s theme. At work, Monica had to wear a horrendous blonde wig. 

This diner was located at 80 Sixth Avenue, between Grand Street and Canal Street. It closed down in 2012, and in its place, the James Hotel was built. 

The Moondance was also featured in Spider-Man, where Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) worked.

If you are a Spidey fan, check out our Self-Guided New York Super Hero Tour .

Bloomingdale's

In Season 3, Rachel works at Bloomingdale's as an assistant buyer. It is worth a visit to get an iconic Bloomie’s Little Brown Bag.

( Sex and the City fans may know all about Bloomie's!)

It is one of the stops in our self-guided tour of Midtown Manhattan .

Bloomingdale’s is at the intersection of 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, near the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram which offers one of the most spectacular views of NYC.

Madison Square Garden

This arena is the home to the New York Knicks basketball team. It’s not easy or cheap to get season tickets.

Yet in Season 4, Episode 19, Monica and Rachel offer Joey and Chandler their season tickets if they can move back into their apartment, having swapped with the guys previously.

If you want to see the inside of this historic arena, you can take a tour of the Garden.

Our post, Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour will help you find the best prices for this popular tour.

Friends Tour Options

There is currently at least one Friends tour in New York that visits the notable sites from the show.

If you’re a fan, this is one of the best ways to see the sights while being entertained by an engaging tour host.

On Location Tours

This company offers a wide variety of entertainment-themed tours in New York City.

Their Friends Tour covers a total of 18 locations from the television series, including details about where the cafe Central Perk would have been if it existed.

Clocking in at just 40 minutes, this is a fairly short tour to take.

Currently, they’re only offering this outing as a virtual tour, but there’s always a chance they’ll make it a full tour in the future.

• $15 per person
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Availability: Daily
• Purchase the On Location Virtual Friends Tour or learn more .

If you’re looking for a fully-guided tour, this company also offers an NYC TV & Movie Tour which includes stops at locations related to Friends and many other shows.

This is a great alternative to the virtual outing because it’s in-person and covers some of the same attractions.

• $61/Adults | $45/Children (7-9)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Availability: Thursday - Sunday at 11 am
• Purchase tickets to the NYC TV & Movie Tour or learn more .

NOTE: If you’re planning to use a tourist pass, it’s worth noting that the NYC TV & Movie Tour is included with both the New York Pass and the New York Sightseeing Pass .

The Friends Experience

If you want to visit Monica & Rachel's apartment or Joey & Chandler's apartment, this exhibit is the closest you'll get in all of New York City.

Spread across 2 floors, this attraction recreates the two most notable apartments from the show and even Central Perk.

Visitors will have an opportunity to take photos throughout the attraction, including on the orange couch, in the comfy chairs, and at the kitchen table.

You can purchase tickets here and for detailed information about the exhibit, read out post on the Friends Experience in New York.

OTHER TV SHOW FILMING LOCATIONS IN THE AREA

Sex and the City  

Those interested in visiting Carrie's Stoop and Magnolia Bakery can take a 6-minute walk away from both.

The quickest route to both is to walk east on Grove Street and turn left (north) on Bleeker Street.

Magnolia Bakery is on Bleeker Street and Carrie's apartment building is at 66 Perry Street (see red circle on map).

Be warned. Some of the residents on Perry Street are not huge Sex and the City fans, so please be respectful of their privacy and limit your photography to one photo.

Be sure to check out our free tour of Sex and the City sights .

The Cosby Show

The exterior of the Huxstables home is at 10 St. Luke's Place. The Huxstables did not live in Greenwich Village, but rather in the equally historic district of Brooklyn Heights .  

To reach the house from the Friends  Apartment Building, it's best to head south on Bedford St until you make a slight right onto 7th Ave.

Then, you will make your first right onto St. Luke's Place (which is also Leroy St.) until you reach 10 St. Luke's Place. The house sits just across from a city park.  

Like the Friends  Apartment Building, 10 St. Luke's Pl. allowed the show's producers a lot of light for filming.

Find out what other TV Shows were based in NYC . And why not check out our free Self-Guided Tour of Seinfeld’s New York ?

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

We know that the Friends Experience in New York is worth a visit, but we don't expect you to take our word for it.

So we took a look at what members of our New York Travel Tips Facebook group had to say and here are just a handful of the comments.

We should warn you -- it was very difficult to find any negative comments!

So just how much did people love it? Many people said it was a standout during their trip to New York City.

Even this skeptic loved it!

If you are thinking of dragging someone with you, good news. Even non-fans can have fun too.

Wondering about taking photo ops? Here are the answers!

Some people in the group asked how much time they could spend there and if they would feel pressured to move through quickly.

Lastly, a tip to guarantee you won't feel rushed.

Related Posts

• Self-Guided Tour of Seinfeld’s New York
• Self-Guided Sex and the City Tour
• How to Get New York TV Show Tickets

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About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near The Friends Experience New York

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Things to Do near The Friends Experience New York

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30 Captivating and Fun Places to Go in NYC - Memories and Amusement Await

If you want to hoop around the Big Apple with your buddies and friends during your vacations or holidays, we have many things for you. The grand city is full of exciting activities and excellent tourist attractions in New York . Various fun places to go in NYC with friends are rooftop bars, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, food streets, and food markets to enjoy delicious international and local food and flavors, several amusement park activities and fun rides, dance and music, theater shows, clubs, and pubs, seashores, beaches, museums, art exhibitions, theater shows, musicals and concert, movies and cinema, books and libraries, shops and shopping malls, public parks, events, and festivals, to enjoy the evenings and fantastic things to do in NYC with a group of friends with your group of friends and make a memoir for the NYC vacation trip.

List of 30 Stunning & Fun Things to Do in NYC and NY

You will get several entertainment and amusement activities and dazzling things to do in New York City with your friends and pals. Check out the list of stunning spots and fun things to do in NYC. It's not only for tourists, but locals can also enjoy the lovely and fun things to do in NYC this weekend.

1. The Madison Square Garden, New York City

Madison Square Garden is a multiplex entertainment arena full of fun and amusement in Midtown Manhattan, New York. You can enjoy exciting activities like Billy Joel music concerts, Beacon Theater shows, Radio City shows, and The Theater for music, comedy, arts, sports, and special events in NYC.

2. Aire Ancient Baths Chicago, Spa, and Wellness

Aire Ancient Baths in Chicago and New York is a great spa and wellness spot that offers exotic bath experiences with salt scrubs, water pools and steam baths, massages, exfoliation, artificial waterfalls, and floats for various packages and offers for its regular clients.

3. City Days Scavenger Hunt, New York City

City Days scavenger hunt is an escape room-like urban game, an immersive experience for a great adventure, thrill, and excitement to explore and discover the great mystery and fun.

4. The Queen’s Ball, New York City

The Queen’s Ball is an immersive experience for the exclusive event that tells the story of the famous Bridgerton show. You will experience the fantastic ball with great dance performances, music, drinks, exact scenarios with Queen Charlotte, and more fun with the great ambiance of this fascinating event.

5. The Guggenheim Museum, New York City

Guggenheim Museum is on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. The museum displays sculptures, prints, art, and collectibles from famous artists like the Gego Measuring Infinity exhibition, Sarah Zee Timelapse collection, Picasso of Paris collections, and French artist Thanhauser’s collections.

6. The Botanical Garden, New York City

The Botanical Garden, NYC, is a beautiful museum and a research center for several plant species. It has a green forest, a home gardening center, a native plant garden, a rock garden, seasonal walk tours, and a library for a research center. You can find several fun things to do at the park with your friends.

7. The Cauldron NYC, New York City

The Cauldron is a fantasy-themed based cocktail bar that takes you into an immersive experience with unicorns, cauldrons, magic wands, and potions, and you will get your cocktails by mixing drinks through unicorns and cauldrons.

8. The Yankee Stadium, New York City

Yankee Stadium is the sports venue in Bronx, New York City. It’s a significant sports stadium where famous baseball and soccer teams play the most fascinating games at the battleground.

9. The Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a famous city in New York at the Niagra Riverbank. Niagra Falls has the most fascinating natural scenes and three huge waterfalls at the Niagra River in the Niagra Falls State Park. It’s a fantastic tourist spot and the most stunning camping and glamping site in New York.

10. The National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC

The National Air and Space Museum is in Washington, DC. The museum displays air and space art collectibles and artifacts that tell the stories of the great astronauts of the United States and the history of Air and space evolution.

11. The Admire International Art, Washington DC

The Admire International Art is a gallery of exclusive and outstanding collections of modern art and contemporary artists; Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Pierre Soulages, and Manolo Valdes.

12. The Ghostbusters Firehouse, New York

The Ghostbusters Firehouse is an actual firehouse in New York associated with Hook and Ladder Company Eight. This firehouse is a popular film location and is used for the famous supernatural comedy movie Ghost Busters. Due to the super hit movie and its prime scenes in this firehouse, it has a fantastic popularity, and its fans visit the firehouse to keep the lovely memories of the famous film scenes.

13. The Manhattan Rooftop, New York

Several outstanding rooftop bars and restaurants are in Times Square, Manhattan. Enjoy the fantastic cocktails, beers, wines, and delicious international cuisines at these rooftop bars and restaurants while enjoying the breathtaking views of Times Square and the Manhattan skyline.

14. The Iconic Comedy Cellar, New York

The Comedy Cellar is in Greenwich Village, New York. It’s famous for its excellent standup comedy shows with live performances, and the renowned comedians perform the show at the comedy cellar in NYC.

15. Fun Skydiving at iFLY Westchester, NYC

So, here's the fun and excitement bursting with Skydiving at iFly Westchester in New York City. Enjoy your great time with pals and buddies and experience the thrill and adventure of skydiving at the indoor wind tunnel. No fear of the worst weather and accidents, no more climbing or jumping, you can skydive in the safe tunnel without any hazel security. It's one of my best activities to do in new york with my buddies.

16. The Escape Rooms Experience, NYC

Real-life gaming challenges are over here, and the striking objects at the stunning escape rooms are waiting for you; the games of adventures and the games of escape; an immersive adventure experience gives you thrilling chills and great fun. You will get sixty minutes to solve the puzzles and achieve the challenges in five escape rooms. The Heist, The Prison Break, Special Ops-Mysterious Market, The Playground, and The Gold Rush escape room are fun places to go with friends.

The Escape Rooms Experience is the most remarkable thing to do in NYC for first-timers to enjoy with friends.

17. The Photo Lab Studio, NYC

The Photo Lab is a self-portrait studio that allows its customers to become photographers and models. You can visit the stunning photo lab with your friends to get cool selfies and snapshots of your choices. They will provide a complete photo studio setup with all high-quality professional cameras, lights, and interiors. You can set up your experience with friends and family pictures and create unique clicks for a reasonable price. You can grab the offer to get the digital copy for free for a specific time. It’s one of the best things to do with friends in NYC.

18. Arcadia Earth AR VR Experience, NYC

Arcadia Earth is a great immersive experience to learn about the planet Earth with highly advanced AR/VR technology and various fun things to do with friends in NYC. You will know how human actions can affect the planet Earth and the possible outcomes of these actions in the future via VR and AR project mapping Arcadia Earth . Here you will find the best installations of Augmented reality, and multi-sensory projections will expand the new era of the world and see planet Earth differently.

19. Long Island Aquarium, NYC

Long Island Aquarium is the best marine life experience in real-time and one of the most incredible fun places to visit in NY on Coney Island. It's the Lost City of Atlantis-themed aquarium that allows its visitors to dive underwater and watch the marine life under the ocean live standing beside them. It's a must-see place in NYC with your friends, and you enjoy watching them confront the stunning wild sharks, giant octopuses, and other sea creatures.

20. The Hamptons Beaches, NY

The Hamptons are on East Long Island, with beautiful farmland, villages, and a seaside community. Its beaches are one of the most incredible fun and entertainment for friends, picnic parties, and fun with friends in NYC. The five famous Hamptons beaches are Egypt Beach, Georgica Beach, Main Beach, Two Mile Hollow Beach, and Wiborg Beach in East Hamptons, NY. It’s one of the best fun places to go on vacation with friends.

21. The Museum of Ice Creams, NYC

The Museum of Ice Creams nyc is in Soho, one of the tremendous fun places in NYC. It is the most fantastic experience for fun and chilling sweetness with your friends and family. A huge funky pool of excitement offers a wide enmity to take colorful and vibrant clicks for social media to share your interactive experience with the world!

So, if you'd love to taste the yummy flavors of more ice creams, check out the Sweet Museum of Ice Creams in New York City. You can taste the various delicious flavors of ice cream and make a cone of the flavors of your choice at the end of the experience. It’s one of the outstanding fun things to do in NYC with friends.

22. The Rooftop Cinema Club, NYC

Enjoy the exciting and thrilling movies at the Rooftop Cinema Club of Sky Lawn Embassy Suites, NYC. It’s somewhere fun to go with friends, where you can enjoy watching movies under the stars with your buddies. This rooftop cinema has a giant LED screen and comfy chairs with personal headsets, and you can grab some food and drinks from the Bar on the rooftop. Choose your favorite movie at the cinema and have a great time out in NYC with friends. It's one of the Best Restaurants and bars in New York and offers a rooftop cinema club.

23. The Ladurée Patio Garden, NYC

Ladurée is a fascinating Garden that serves the best food in Soho, NYC. It's a French restaurant with Parisian vibes and ambiance, elegant style, and decorated with delicious food, cocktails, and beverages. Enjoy a great lunch and tea with your friends and family in this patio garden. It’s one of the most stunning places to go with friends in NYC.

24. The Barcade Gaming Zone, NYC

The Barcade is a bar and restaurant, but it has a gaming zone and offers exciting games like Street Fighter and Pin Ball video games on the spot. It’s one of the great fun places to go with friends. So, you can enjoy food and drinks with your friends and play thrilling video games at the Barcade in Chelsea, NYC.

25. The Bang-Bang Tattoos, NYC

The most thrilling activity in the US is engraving a Tattoo, and it’s one of the unique things to do in NYC. Keith Bang-Bang McCurdy is the most popular tattoo artist in NYC. Bang-Bang Tattoos have tattooed renowned celebrities Rihanna and Justin Bieber.

26. The Cotton Club in Harlem, NYC

The fantastic jazz venue in Harlem is the Cotton Club. The fun and entertainment, electric jazz streams with stunning settings, enjoy the evening with music and rhythm with your buddies and make your trip more amazing with Cotton Club music events. You will experience the most new things to do in NYC.

27. The Coffee Shops, NYC

Restaurants and bars are one of a kind in NYC to explore the lovely lunch and dinners, but the best coffee in New York City is available at fantastic coffee shops in the city. Toby's Estate Coffee is a popular spot, and it’s one of the best places to go with friends for roasted Australian coffee. They serve delicious snacks, but the coffee beans are amazing to taste the world's flavors. Enjoy your evenings with your friends and loved ones at the lovely Toby's Estate Coffee Spot to taste the Australian roasted coffee and learn various brewing methods for a flavorful cup of coffee.

You can explore the awe-inspiring coffee shops in the Upper West Side , Manhattan, and have a yummy coffee with your buddies.

28. The Spyscape Museum, NYC

The Spyscape Museum is a real-time immersive experience with spy film character figures and exciting activities, advanced technology and thrilling games, chilling lasers, spy art collectibles, and fun things to do in New York City. It's a deep dive into the spy world and starting new exciting games like escape rooms experience.

29. The Scavenger Hunts Real-time Games Experience, New York City

The Scavenger Hunting Games is a real-time exciting adventure, with incredible thrills and chills and outstanding things to do in New York with friends. It offers tremendous skills through puzzles, sorting out hidden objects, and resolving mysteries and riddles through brilliant activities and horrible and crucial events. Still, it's a real-time game challenge, fun, and a lot of random activities to do with friends for intelligent people, so enjoy the hunt with a group of friends for fantastic adventures in New York City.

The famous companies that offer scavenger hunts are Midtown Scavenger Hunt Adventures, Central Park Adventures , NYC Midtown Exploration, and thrilling games and adventures for the explorers.

30. The Friends Experience Exhibition, NYC

The Friend’s Experience is a fun exhibition themed on the popular TV show "The Friends" organized by Warner Bros, Themed Entertainment, and SuperflyX. If you're a show fan or trying to hang out with your buddies, it could be the best spot to check out the exhibition as the same things shown in the TV series and the fun things to do with friends in NYC. Enjoy a real-time experience of the Friends Show, all the things are the same, an orange couch and other things like an actual TV series, and at the end, you can buy the best NYC souvenirs from the Experience Store of the unusual Friends exhibition in NYC.

Conclusion:

Tourists and visitors might get some fun attractions to explore the spots and activities in NYC with friends. Still, the locals can also hang out with buddies from several amazing things and activities in the Big Apple and NY. If you’re curious about what to do in NYC with friends. Let’s check here for the best options.

You can enter the food cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs, patio lunches and dinners, cruise dinner parties, Jet skiing and kayaking, speed boating, and Helicopter tour of NYC's skyline.

Tourists can get help from locals to plan an itinerary for the NYC trip, but here's the best guide on planning a trip to New York . It might be helpful and exciting for you. Now, you can choose the best time to visit the best spots, find fantastic places to hang out with friends in NYC and do fun activities in the grand city of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you have a good day out with friends, how do you plan a fun day out, where can i hang out with friends, how to survive with little money, what kind of activities do you do with your friends.

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10 Spots In NYC That Are Perfect For Your Next Friend Date

To commemorate International Friendship Day (July 30), we’ve put together a list of the best places to go around the city with your bestie.

There’s nothing like linking up with friends — after all, they’re the family members you chose !

In honor of International Friendship Day this weekend, we’ve got you and your BFF covered for your next outing — from struggling to move a couch together at the FRIENDS™ Experience and fancy lunches to volunteer experiences and working out together. No matter what borough you’re in, there’s always an adventure to have.

Check out our list of some of the places you can make memories with old (and new) friends! Here are our best things to do with friends in NYC:

1. The FRIENDS™ Experience

What better way to celebrate with your pals than pay homage to a show all about the bonds of friendship? The interactive FRIENDS™  Experience is presented by Warner Bros., Superfly X, and Themed Entertainment. You and your buds can play games, shop for merch, and explore a variety realistic rooms replicated from the iconic sets from the series. Whether you want to relax in Central Perk or on Joey and Chandler’s old recliners, p ivot all of your plans! Grab some of your closest friends for a photo-op and celebrate one of the most popular TV shows.

Where: 130 E. 23 rd St. Manhattan

Get your tickets here, and bring your friends or your ‘lobster’!

2. Grab a bite at Ladurée’s gorgeous garden patio 

You and your chums can feel fancy while having a beautiful lunch in the outdoor garden at Ladurée SoHo. Known for the macaroons, this Parisian-branded establishment transports you with its special menu and drink pairings. The tea time menu starts at 3 p.m and offers a variety of pastries, finger sandwiches and other treats along with a cocktail or mocktail. The gorgeous back patio will whisk you away to France with its delicate and elegant ambiance.

See other French cafes and bars with Parisian vibes here !

Where:  398 W Broadway

3. Take the sun at a rooftop bar like Elsewhere

This is a two-for-one: a fun rooftop bar and a music venue. What could be better? From DJ sets to dance parties, this art space is a spot where you and you mates can party the night away, with a frozen drink in hand. The venue has five rooms, three performance stages and 24,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor space combined. As of March 2022, Elsewhere requires proof of full vaccination for entry, for more information on their policies, go here .

Where: 599 Johnson Ave, Bushwick

4. Head to an underground museum, like the NY Transit Museum  

We know mass transit isn’t usually the greatest experience for New Yorkers, but it’s a service we greatly depend on. You and some comrades can descend underground for one of the coolest museums in the city. You can hop on vintage trains and buses to learn more about the system New Yorkers have been using for over 110 years. The museum is located in Downtown Brooklyn in a subway station that has been been around since 1936.

Where: 99 Schermerhorn St. Brooklyn

5. Catch a free concert in the Park

Maybe the place you and your friends want to see a show at is a park instead of a rooftop. From free performances at Bryant Park to the Bandshell at Forest Park in Queens, there are free music events and festivals across the five boroughs all summer long. You can experience jazz, celebrate hip-hop, dance to salsa music  or crowdsurf at a rock show. There’s something for every music fan. Be sure to take a look at all of the free concerts in parks, by borough, here .

Where: Various Parks across NYC

6. Or, do a free workout class  in the Park 

Maybe we had too many macaroons this summer (see #2…totally worth it). Time for you and your buds to work it off. Luckily, there are many ways to get fit for free with outdoor classes . From Yoga in Bryant Park to dance and cardio kickboxing in the Meatpacking District, there are numerous workout options. If you’re in Brooklyn you can enjoy Waterfront Workouts . There are a variety of workouts throughout the boroughs, go here to find more in Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island . So soak up sunshine and start sweating (more than you already are this summer).

7. Cozy up with coffee and a new read at Housing Works Bookstore Café

If you and your friends are coffee snobs and bookworms then Housing Works Bookstore Café could be your new spot. This establishment is a nonprofit where 100% of their earnings go to life-saving services for low income New Yorkers. There are also all kinds of events throughout the summer to go to. Or grab some friends and volunteer here as well! For over a decade, Housing Works has been an advocate for change and it’s the perfect place for you to share gratitude with and for your friends.

Where: 126 Crosby St.

8. Enjoy a glass of wine or bottomless brunch at Amelie Wine Bar

Whether you have volunteered for the day or it’s a catch up after work, wine always pairs well with friends. Amelie Wine Bar (with two locations in the city) has an intimate atmosphere to hang with a couple of your closest pals. There are blocks of time for Happy Hours happening every day of the week, which include a variety of wines but also small plates, cocktails and beers. There is also bottomless brunch option where you can have unlimited mimosas for an hour for $22.

Where: 22 W 8th St.(West Village) & 566 Amsterdam Ave (Upper West Side)

9. S plurge on a spa day at QC NY Spa

A spa day is always a good day. Chill with your friends at QC NY Spa which features saunas, infinity spa pools, steam rooms and more. While relaxing outside you can take in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. You can also choose massages from 25, 50 or 75 minute sessions. There are small bites and drinks available from refreshing mimosas and salads. End on a sweet note with Venchi chocolates. Find out more here.

Where: Governors Island, 112 Andes Rd

10. Get your game (and drink) on at Barcade

How could this spot not be on the list? Booze, arcade games and friends are all a part of what makes the Barcade experience about nostalgia and having fun. After you clobber your friends at Streetfighter and pinball, enjoy some drinks and food. You can also take advantage of Happy Hour which goes until 6 p.m from Monday to Friday. Their menu also gives you a taste of childhood, from tater tots and chicken tenders to the more adult dishes such as an elevated pork roll banh mi sandwich and tasty salads. 

Where: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Chelsea, St. Marks Place + More. See locations here.

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'Total disbelief': Friends shocked by man setting himself on fire outside Trump trial, say he was kind but troubled

When Doug Johnson received a text that his friend of over a decade, Maxwell Azzarello , had died after setting himself on fire in New York City, he didn't believe it.

"I was like, 'No, you got the wrong person. I don't know anybody that would do that,'" Johnson told NBC News.

Johnson did some research online out of curiosity, and that's when he saw Azzarello's face pop up in an article.

"Just immediately, chills up my spine, like, in total disbelief," he said.

Azzarello set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial  was taking place on Friday.

According to police, he walked into the center of the park where protesters were allowed across the street from the courthouse, opened a backpack and threw numerous pamphlets on the ground. He then pulled out a canister, poured a liquid accelerant on himself, lit himself on fire and then fell to the ground.

Azzarello, 37, later died of his injuries, leaving friends and strangers alike wondering what drove him to his actions.

Johnson, who was part of the same friend group as Azzarello in North Carolina, describes him as smart, funny, charismatic and the most intelligent human being he had ever met.

"I keep hearing on the news, you know, how he was a conspiracy theorist, an extremist — and obviously, you have to be extreme to do something like he did," Johnson said. "But as far as the way the picture's been painted of him so far, I feel like it's a really inaccurate depiction of him."

Selfless, but troubled

A glimpse at social media gives a small window into Azzarello's thoughts. Multiple pictures of pamphlets entitled "Dips--- Secrets of our Rotten World" and "The True History of the World," were posted to his Facebook and Instagram, expressing anti-government views. In his pamphlets, he accused powerful people of running Ponzi schemes and warned of an imminent economic collapse and coup.

On Friday, a user on Substack going by the name M. Crosby — Crosby is Azzarello's middle name — published a blog post where he wrote that he set himself on fire outside of the Trump trial in New York City. The writer said that this "extreme act of protest is to draw attention to ... an apocalyptic fascist world coup."

Mary Pat Cooney, who worked with Azzarello nine years ago at the Liberty Hill Foundation, an L.A.-based social justice nonprofit, described him as a selfless person who was "always happy to help people" if they had a problem.

"He was highly intelligent, thoroughly dedicated, funny and kind — that's the person that I remember," Cooney said.

Azzarello attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 2009 with a B.A. in public policy and anthropology, according to a university spokesperson. He also earned his master's degree in city and regional planning, with a major in urban planning and policy development from Rutgers University in New Brunswick in 2012.

"I swear, as far as history and politics and, you know, social studies, social matters, stuff like that, there wasn't a topic that he wasn't knowledgeable in," Johnson, Azzarello's friend from North Carolina, said. "And it was like the equivalent of me typing something into Google and then Max is spitting out the information to me, and he was accurate with it."

But beyond Azzarello's brilliance, he seemed to be troubled, according to his friends. Both Johnson and Cooney said Azzarello appeared to change after the death of his mother in April 2022.

Cooney, who kept in touch with Azzarello through Facebook, said the character of his posts became less good-natured after his mother's death.

"In his previous posts, and all our communication — (he was) concerned, righteous, knowledgeable, a good-spirited guy," Cooney said. "The guy that came a little later was a bit more of a ranter, had a different level of anger, and was expressing it in a — I don't know what the right word is, but it was kind of like he was yelling at us to pay attention to him, rather than pleading his case and sharing it for the world."

In August of last year, Azzarello posted a picture of grippy socks to his Facebook with the caption, "Three days in the psych ward and all I got were my new favorite socks."

"I was handcuffed, shoved, and put into a psych ward," Azzarello wrote toward the end of the caption. "I was given no information about why I was there until after my discharge. Though I committed no crime and was released upon my first evaluation, all background checks (like the ones for jobs) will show an incident with police officers that cannot be expunged (until we abolish the government, of course)."

It's not clear what events took place before Azzarello said he was committed to the psych ward.

A string of arrests

Azzarello's alleged stint in a psych ward seemed to precede a string of arrests in St. Augustine, Florida, where he lived before his death.

On Aug. 19, 2023, Azzarello was charged with criminal mischief when he allegedly threw a glass of wine at an autograph by former President Bill Clinton that was on a wall at the lobby of the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, according to a warrant affidavit from the St. Augustine Police Department.

Two days later, Azzarello allegedly returned to the resort and stood outside, where he stripped down to his underwear, yelled and cursed at customers, and was blasting music from a speaker, per an arrest report.

An officer who attempted to make contact with Azzarello said "he just began yelling and was not making any sense." He was arrested for disturbing the peace. Azzarello was put on probation for this incident, which ended earlier this month.

Three days after that, Azzarello was arrested again for criminal mischief after he was seen on surveillance video allegedly vandalizing property belonging to a nonprofit in St. Johns County, including writing with permanent marker on one of their signs, court documents state. He was also seen climbing into the bed of someone's pickup truck and going through their belongings, as well as removing a sign placed at a home by pest control warning them to keep pets and children off the lawn.

"Azzarello was misinterpreting the sign and was telling me that the pest control company was there to exterminate children and dogs," an officer with the St. Augustine Police Department wrote in the arrest report.

Azzarello was also put on probation in connection with these incidents, which ended earlier this month.

His final moments

Two years after the death of his mother, Azzarello made his way to New York City where he self-immolated. It's not clear why or when Azzarello came to the city, but NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said he arrived early last week and that family members were unaware that he was there.

When asked if he felt there was a reason Azzarello would self-immolate outside of the Trump trial, Johnson said Azzarello wasn't specifically concerned about Trump, but would speak generally about the corruption of all politicians.

While struggling to understand why his friend would do this, Johnson hopes people don't remember Azzarello just for his final moments.

“He deserves at least to be remembered for the good person that he was, the selfless person that he was, the charismatic, loving, giving person,” Johnson said. “All he wanted was better for people and it didn’t matter if he knew you or not. He wanted better for everyone.”

 If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or visit  SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources .

Breaking news reporter

The best free things to do in New York

N ew York City is not cheap. That’s a well-known fact. It’s even more expensive these days, thanks to post-pandemic inflation. But don’t let that stop you form enjoying this metropolis of nearly nine million denizens. That said, there are a legion of fun, free things to do too. Here are the best free things to do for solo travelers, children, couples, and families, from free ferry trips to Staten Island (where views over Manhattan are glorious), and wandering through Central Park, to watching the street artists at Washington Square, and soaking up the atmosphere at South Street Seaport.

Below our expert shares his pick of the best things to do for free in New York . For more inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels , restaurants , nightlife , bars , shopping and attractions , plus how to spend a weekend in New York . 

Ellis Island

Search for a lost ancestor at ellis island.

For more than 60 years from 1892, Ellis Island served as one of the main immigration processing centres in the United States. It's estimated that 40 per cent of living Americans today can trace at least one ancestor whose gateway to America was through this island just off the coast of Manhattan, many escaping war and famine. Today the place is a fascinating monument to human immigration. Visit the restored Main Arrivals Hall and the museum which is a self-guided tour through the complex's history. At the American Family Immigration History Center, visitors can do multimedia searches through the archives. Who knows? You might just find a lost ancestor.

Website:   ellisisland.org

Nearest metro:  Ferry terminal from Battery Park

Governors Island

Explore a lesser known corner of new york city.

This 172-acre island south of the Brooklyn Bridge off the southern tip of Manhattan is one of the city's most beloved green spaces. Between May and October, you can access it by ferry from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) in Manhattan or from Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. With bikes for hire, a beach, acres of lawns, and a promenade around the perimetre, it's perfect for a stroll, or an afternoon picnic taking in views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. There are a number of food trucks and vendors operating on the island, and a line-up of summer-long events from the Jazz Age Lawn Party  to pop-up dinners.

Website:   govisland.org

Nearest metro: Ferry from Battery Maritime Building

Financial District

Visit the 9/11 memorial monument.

There are few places in New York City as emotionally, politically and patriotically loaded as this spot in lower Manhattan. The memorial consists of the footprints of the two towers, today, two giant reflecting pools with the names of the victims inscribed along the periphery. Another powerful monument to the victims who lost their lives on 11 September, 2001 is inside St. Paul's Chapel, the diminutive church from 1766 across the street from the reflecting pools, houses photos, fliers, and mementos related to the attacks. Fans of contemporary architecture should take a look at the new Santiago Calatrava-designed subway station that looks like the skeleton of a stegosaurus. 

Website:   911memorial.org

Nearest metro:  World Trade Center; Chambers St; Wall St; Fulton St

Take it to the bridge… the Brooklyn Bridge

Arguably the most famous bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is not only aesthetically pleasing, it makes for a great walk. The 271-foot-tall neo-gothic arches are certainly the bridge's trademark, but strolling along the elevated pedestrian walkway (starting in Brooklyn and walking toward Manhattan) is a must for any visitor. When it was completed in 1883, it not only united the two, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at almost 7,000 feet. The bridge's construction was overseen first by John Augustus Roebling and then his son, Washington. But after Washington suddenly died, his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took over and finished the job, a fact that has been largely lost to history.

Nearest metro:  Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (Manhattan); York St, High St (Brooklyn)

South Street Seaport

Explore an historic port.

Most New Yorkers have known the 400-year-old South Street Seaport as the home of the massive fish market. It moved to the Bronx in 2005 and now locals and visitors flock here to meander the cobblestoned streets flanked by the largest concentration of 19th-century buildings in New York. Big efforts have gone into reviving the neighbourhood, whose roots can be traced back to the 17th century, with the development of wide spaces, social dining and drinking scene, shops and a market. It's entertaining enough to stroll the streets, window shopping, checking out the historic ships docked on the East River, and taking in the views of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge.

Nearest metro:  Wall St

Little Italy

Sip an espresso in little italy.

Benvenuto al'Italia Piccola. Also known as Little Italy, this swathe of all things Italian isn't what it used to be. For decades the area has been losing its Italianness to encroaching Chinatown. But that hasn't stopped the masses of tourists from descending upon what's left, Mulberry Street. Little Italy today is a collection of shops peddling in Italian food products and mediocre restaurants (complete with aggressive barkers trying to lure every passerby inside). Nurse a cappuccino at an outdoor café if you must, but don't waste time and money eating at any of these restaurants. Still, Little Italy is an amusing quick diversion on your way to Chinatown or elsewhere.

Nearest metro: Canal St

Head to the markets of Chinatown

Sprawling and dense at the same time, New York's Chinatown isn't just the chief neighbourhood in which to pick up super cheap 'I Love NY' t-shirts and gadgets. Chinese began settling in the area in the 1850s and it has grown and expanded since. It's not the biggest Chinatown outside of the motherland – that distinction would go to the Chinese-area in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – but estimates suggest there are about 100,000 Chinese living in this Manhattan enclave. There aren't many Chinese landmarks here, so put away the map and wander the streets where markets brim with live seafood and restaurants buzz with atmosphere.

Lower East Side

Feel like a movie star as you explore lower east side.

Sometimes this neighbourhood feels like a movie set, with five-floor tenement buildings, their façades partly masked by snaking fire escapes; narrow streets; and subterranean shops. It all makes for one of the city's most atmospheric neighbourhoods. A century ago, the Lower East Side was a bastion of new immigrants – mostly Central and Eastern European – and due to high crime rates it became known as the place not to go (lest you wanted to leave without your wallet). Today, though, the Lower East Side has become synonymous with one thing: partying. Its streets are overflowing with bars but there are also some great restaurants. And don't miss the very intriguing Tenement Museum.

Nearest metro:  Delancey St

Greenwich Village

Live like the locals in greenwich village.

Say you live in 'the Village' and locals who know their New York neighbourhoods will swoon. This leafy area, filled with historic brownstones, stretches from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River, W. 14th to Houston Streets. There are actually two neighbourhoods that make up the Village. The names 'Greenwich Village' and 'West Village' are generally interchangeable, but locals use West Village to demarcate the more tranquil section between Sixth Avenue and the Hudson River, while Greenwich Village is generally referred to as the area centred around Washington Square and the intersection of Bleecker and MacDougal Streets. The latter area might interest fans of the 1960s, as it was here where young, struggling artists named Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, among others, got their start.

Nearest metro:  W. 4th St

Enjoy the street performers at Washington Square

It might be hard to envision it today, but this well-manicured swath of land in the centre of downtown Manhattan was once murky marshland, a cemetery, and then a military parade ground. Of the city's 1,900 or so parks, Washington Square is one of the most memorable. Not only because of the giant arch that stands where Fifth Avenue begins; nor for the recently revamped and re-manicured landscape of the place, but because of the people who frequent the park. Bohemians and beatniks, street performers and students from nearby New York University give the place a groovy and fun vibe. On hot days, children play in the fountain and jazz musicians thump out tunes.

Nearest metro: W. 4th St

Meatpacking District

Admire the high line park's glorious gardens.

It all began with a long stretch of abandoned elevated railroad track. Built in the 1930s, the track was used to transport cargo from the piers along the Westside at 34th Street to downtown Manhattan until 1980. But the track fell into disarray and a movement to turn it into a park picked up steam, aided by the support of celebrities. And finally in June 2009, the High Line Park officially opened, becoming only the second elevated park in the world (after Promenade Plantée in Paris).  Since opening, the High Line has become an instant Big Apple classic site, wowing visitors and locals with its cool design (it goes right under the Standard Hotel) and incorporating much of the natural surrounding.

Nearest metro:  W. 14th St./Eighth Ae

Explore a ‘Little Island’ in the middle of the Hudson River

While it was being built in 2020, many passersby stopped to marvel at this odd structure in the Hudson River with its massive stone tulip-shaped columns emerging from the water to support a lush landscape of verdant, path-carved hills. Little Island put down its drawbridge to Manhattan in May 2021 and it’s been a hit ever since. Funded mostly by a foundation run by  businessman Barry Diller and his fashion designer wife Diane von Furstenberg and designed by London-based Thomas Heatherwick, the one-hectare artificial island boasts food kiosks and an amphitheatre where regular free concerts take place in the warm-weather months. Spend an hour or so traversing the trails and taking in the splendid views of Manhattan. 

Nearest metro: W. 14th St./Eighth Ave

Flatiron and NoMad

Take a walking tour of the flatiron district.

Every Sunday at 11am, rain or sunshine, a professional tour guide is waiting at the Flatiron Building on 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue, in order to give a walking tour of the Flatiron District and the NoMad neighborhood . And it’s entirely free. The 90-minute stroll takes you past some of the neighborhoods’ most iconic landmarks while the guide puts everything into a historical context. 

Website: flatironnomad.nyc/things-to-do/free-tours

Nearest metro: 23rd St

Midtown West

Pull up a chair at times square.

This 'square' (which is really just the convergence of Seventh Avenue and Broadway) flashes and pops with enough lights to make your head spin. But the square wasn't always so bright. After the Depression, the area was the most dangerous part of town. And in the 1980s, the strip clubs and peeps show houses became infamous. All that's gone now in the new Disney-fied version of the space, where mega-stores compete with fast-moving news tickers and flickering billboards for your attention. The latest development, though, is a good one: tables and chairs have replaced part of the street, making Times Square a much more comfortable place to spend a couple hours.

Nearest metro: Times Square

Look studious at the New York Public Library

Perhaps one of the most iconic libraries in the world—its two stone lions acting as sentries that bookend the steps leading up to the entrance—the main branch of the New York Public Library is a fun (and free) place to wander around. Head up to the famed first-floor Main Reading Room and marvel at a two-block-long space,  52-foot-high ceilings, bathed in natural light, where scholars and the intellectually curious comb over documents from the cellar archive where over four million books are stored. 

Website: nypl.org

Nearest metro: 42nd St./Bryant Park

Midtown East

Marvel at grand central station's architectural elegance.

What is this, Grand Central Station? We've all asked this question when we're in a suddenly and unexpectedly busy place. Now go see where it originated and you'll catch the true meaning of this bustling transportation hub, as a whopping 750,000 people pass through the station every day. Yes, you say, it's only a train station. But quite a majestic one indeed. Roman-style vaults may impress, but visitors are awed by the starry sky of an arched ceiling in the main ticket hall. Built in 1913, Grand Central is the dream of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Unlike once-glorious, now decrepit Penn Station, Grand Central is still shining like the day Vanderbilt conceived it.

Website:   grandcentralterminal.com

Nearest metro: Grand Central/42nd St

Take a closer look at the Chrysler Building

The 86-storey Empire State Building may get all the oohs and aahs from out-of-towners, but the 'little' Chrysler building (at 77 floors) is a stunner. Look closely enough and you'll notice the grills of automobiles at the top (the name of the building should be a clue as to why it's car themed). But there are more than just car parts going on here: gargoyles jut out at floor 59 and eagles two floors above that. Made with stainless steel, this striking skyscraper gleams in the sunlight during the day and reflects the city lights at night. Most of the exterior of the building is off limits, but pop into the lobby, open to the public during the day, to get a taste of the marble-clad Art Deco interiors.

Nearest metro:  Grand Central/42nd St

Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral

It's not New York's biggest cathedral (that honour would go to St. John the Divine), but St. Patrick's is the city's most famous and arguably most beautiful. This bewitching neo-gothic structure makes for a nice architectural contrast with the Art Deco-clad Rockefeller Center across the street. Completed in 1878, the cathedral is one of the country's most identifiable churches. Up to 2,200 people can fit inside and the interior has been packed to take part in requiem masses for notables such as Babe Ruth, Celia Cruz, Robert F. Kennedy, Joe DiMaggio, and Andy Warhol. Be sure to check out the Pieta, three times larger than Michelangelo's version in the Vatican, and sculpted by Araldo Perugi.

Website: saintpatrickscathedral.org

Nearest metro: 5th Ave./53rd St

Central Park

Explore central park and enjoy its many elements.

Central Park is the work of genius landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also helped create Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco). Olmsted's objective was to give city dwellers a reprieve from the blights of urban life, to make them forget – if only for a couple hours – that they were in one of the most bustling cities on the planet. It worked. Even today, one finds New Yorkers and New York visitors taking advantage of the park's many elements: from ponds and orchards to rock formations and meadows. A whopping 25 million people visit the park each year and it still does a fine job of absorbing urban dwellers.

Website: centralparknyc.org

Nearest metro: 59th St./Columbus Circle

Upper West Side

Take a stroll around columbia university.

Sedate and tranquil compared to the rest of Manhattan, the Upper West Side is for many a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Midtown or lower Manhattan. Largely residential with quiet tree-lined streets, the neighbourhood has a few attractions that may inspire a visit: the American Museum of Natural History, for example. Fans of Seinfeld should most certainly wander up: the coffee shop on the corner of Broadway and W. 112th St. may look very familiar, but Columbia University is a lovely stroll, as it exudes a classic university campus with its monumental neo-classical buildings, sculpture-studded plazas, and students buzzing around.

Website: columbia.edu

Nearest metro:  116th St./Columbia University

Washington Heights

View spanish art at the hispanic society museum.

Hop on the A or C subway trains to 155th Street to the Hispanic Society Museum , a free museum that owns the the largest collection of Spanish art and manuscripts outside of Spain. The collection includes religious artifacts, furniture, textiles, ceramics and art by some of Spain’s most famous artists, including Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, and Joaquin Sorolla, whose monumental 14-panel painting called “Visions of Spain” is worth the trip to the museum in and of itself. 

Website: hispanicsociety.org

Nearest metro: 155th St

Watch fireworks at Coney Island

It's one of the longer journeys you'll take on the subway – about an hour – but it's a pleasant one, as part of the way is elevated. Coney Island has long been a summer escape for urbanites. Stroll the historic boardwalk, take a dip in the Atlantic, or take in a baseball game, as the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team play at the charming MCU Park just off the Boardwalk with free fireworks every Friday night through summer. If you're there for lunch, Nathan's Famous  on Surf Avenue is, indeed, world famous, hosting their Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest since 1916, but for a better calibre of food try Totonno's (1524 Neptune Ave) offering some of New York's finest pizza.

Website: coneyisland.com

Nearest metro:  Coney Island/Stillwell Ave

Take a peaceful walk through Green Wood Cemetery

When it was founded in 1838, this vast and bewitching cemetery was actually a rural spot in Brooklyn. Today it sits smack in the centre of an urban landscape. And provides for an enchanting, peaceful stroll. The 478-acre city of the dead is actually the highest elevation in the borough, making for some lovely views, as you stroll along ornate gravestones and neo-Gothic chapels. In the 19th century before Prospect Park was constructed, Green Wood was Brooklyn's unofficial city park. If you’re looking for the graves of famous people, seek out the burial spots for conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Website: green-wood.com

Nearest metro:  25th St

Staten Island

Board the staten island ferry for great views of manhattan.

Sad as it is to say, there are few obvious sightseeing opportunities in the borough of Staten Island. One of them, though, is to take the free ferry from Manhattan. It provides a great view of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. And the Staten Island neighbourhood at the ferry dock, St. George, boasts cafés and restaurants. Over 70,000 people per day take the five-mile, 25-minute scenic ferry ride. You should too. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. 

Website: siferry.com

Nearest metro: Whitehall St./South Ferry

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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Trump criminal trial wraps for the day after opening statements and first witness

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell in the courthouse

Key takeaways from opening statements and the first witness in Trump's hush money trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell

Prosecutors and Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness — a former National Enquirer publisher — was called Monday in the historic and unprecedented criminal trial of a former president.

Each side got their first chance to lay out a theory of the case for jurors. Prosecutors told jurors that the reimbursement of hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels was part of a larger conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election.

The former president’s attorneys responded by telling the jury that Trump was innocent and not involved in the creation of the 34 business records he’s charged with falsifying. They also pointedly added that there’s “nothing wrong with trying to influence an election.”

Here are key takeaways from Monday:

• Prosecutors say Trump schemed "to corrupt the 2016 presidential election": The district attorney’s office framed the case for jurors as illegal payments to try to influence illicitly influence the 2016 election that Trump then tried to illegally cover up by falsifying business records. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo walked the jury through Trump’s efforts, along with Michael Cohen and former American Media Inc., chief David Pecker, to keep damaging information from coming to light during the 2016 election.
• Defense says Donald Trump is innocent: Defense attorney Todd Blanche began his opening statement with a simple assertion: “Donald Trump is innocent.” Blanche told the jury that the story isn’t as simple as prosecutors laid out and argued that Trump was not involved with any of the business records he’s accused of falsifying beyond signing the checks. Blanche didn’t dispute the paper trail existed, but he argued to the jury there was nothing illegal about signing non-disclosure agreements — or trying to influence an election.
• Tabloid publisher testifies first: Prosecutors called former AMI CEO David Pecker as the first witness in their case against Trump. He testified for less than 30 minutes Monday morning before the trial adjourned for the day. He’s expected to continue testifying Tuesday. Colangelo teed up the former tabloid publisher as a key player in Trump’s “catch and kill” scheme to control the public narrative about him ahead of the 2016 election.
• Gag order hearing will lead off court on Tuesday: Before the trial resumes Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan is holding a hearing on allegations that Trump violated the judge’s gag order barring discussion of witnesses. The district attorney’s office asked the judge to fine Trump $1,000 for each of several gag order violations leading up to and since the trial started. In addition to the fines, prosecutors want the judge to remind Trump he could be imprisoned if he continues to disobey the order.
• Trump was thinking about the $175 million bond hearing down the street: Meanwhile, other lawyers for Trump were in a courtroom a block away arguing over the legitimacy of the $175 million bond Trump posted to appeal the judgment in his civil fraud trial. Trump, who could not attend the civil hearing because he’s required to attend each day of the criminal trial, railed against Attorney General Letitia James.

Fact check: Trump falsely claims Michael Cohen’s crimes "had nothing to do with me"

From CNN’s Daniel Dale

Speaking to reporters Monday after opening statements in his criminal trial in Manhattan, former President Donald Trump declared that the crimes committed by his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen “had nothing to do with me.” 

Cohen is expected to be a key  witness for the prosecution . Trump said: “The things he got in trouble for were things that had nothing to do with me. He got in trouble; he went to jail. This has nothing to do with me. This had to do with the taxicab company that he owned, which is just something he owned – and medallions and borrowing money and a lot of things – but it had nothing to do with me.” 

Facts First:  Trump’s claim that Cohen’s prison sentence “had nothing to do with me” is false. Cohen’s three-year sentence in 2018 was for  multiple crimes , some of which were directly related to Trump. Most notably, Cohen was sentenced for  campaign finance offenses   connected to a hush money scheme  during the 2016 presidential campaign to conceal Trump’s alleged extramarital relationships -- the same hush money scheme that is central to this prosecution against Trump. Cohen was  also sentenced to two months in prison , to run concurrently with the three-year sentence, for  lying to Congress in 2017 in relation to previous talks about the possibility of building a Trump Tower in Moscow, Russia , including about the  extent of Trump’s involvement in the aborted Moscow initiative  and about when in 2016 the discussions ended. (The discussions continued into June 2016, the month after Trump  became the presumptive Republican nominee , and did not conclude in January 2016 before the first votes were cast, as Cohen had claimed.)

Referring to Trump as “Individual-1,” Cohen  said  at the time of his 2018 guilty plea for making false statements to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence: “I made these statements to be consistent with Individual-1’s political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual-1.” When Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to the campaign finance violations, he  said  he broke the law “in coordination and at the direction of a candidate for federal office,” Trump. 

David Pecker is an important witness in prosecutor's quest to prove criminal intent, legal analyst says

From CNN's Elise Hammond

David Pecker will be back on the stand on Tuesday to continue testimony in the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump. Not only is he the first witness to answer questions from the prosecution, but he is also a critical piece of how the state is trying to prove criminal intent, one former federal prosecutor said.

Criminal intent means that “not just an act happened, but an act happened for a purpose,” said Elliot Williams, a CNN legal analyst. “The defendant did something wrong to carry out some criminal purpose.”

As the then-chairman of American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, Pecker was involved in numerous “catch-and-kill” schemes he orchestrated on behalf of Trump, and he allegedly helped broker the deal with adult film star Stormy Daniels which is at the center of  the case.

“It’s not just the catch-and-kill payments, but catch-and-kill payments for the purpose of concealing information from voters in the context of an election,” Williams explained, referring to the 2016 presidential election. 

Williams said it’s likely that prosecutors will focus much of their questioning trying to uncover what was discussed in meetings between Pecker and Trump.

The question at the heart of the argument, Williams said, is if the payments were intended to conceal information from voters, “or was it just Donald Trump saying, ‘Well, you know, this is embarrassing to my wife and my kids, I really want to keep this hidden.’”

Read about the stages of Trump's criminal trial — and what they mean 

From CNN's Lauren del Valle, Jhasua Razo and Gillian Roberts

Former President Donald Trump’s first criminal trial is expected to take six to eight weeks from start to finish.

This trial, related to a  hush money payment  to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, is the first of  four ongoing criminal cases  that are expected to head to trial for the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee.

Now that opening statements are done, prosecutors are presenting trial evidence through witness testimony and exhibits. David Pecker, the ex-publisher of the National Enquirer, will resume testimony Tuesday.

Defense attorneys can cross examine the prosecution’s witnesses and typically aim to discredit their testimony. Witnesses’ responses are considered evidence, but not the questions posed by an attorney.

Read more about the stages of the trial, and what they mean here.

Michael Cohen jabs back at Trump's claim that Cohen's crimes have nothing to do with him

From CNN's Laura Dolan

Michael Cohen, who is expected to be a key witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial, jabbed back at his former boss in response to comments Trump made about him outside the courtroom Monday.

Speaking to reporters in the courtroom hallway after court concluded, Trump said Cohen’s crimes have “nothing to do with me."

“He got in trouble, he went to jail. This has nothing to do with me,” said Trump. “This had to do with the taxicab company that he owned, which is just something he owned — and medallions and borrowing money.”

Shortly after those comments. Cohen posted on social media, “Hey Von ShitzInPantz … your attacks of me stink of desperation. We are all hoping that you take the stand in your defense. 

Cohen, who is Trump’s former attorney, served time in federal prison after pleading guilty to breaking federal campaign laws when he facilitated the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, which is directly linked to the charges against Trump.  As for the taxi medallions that Trump referenced, Cohen was also sentenced for tax evasion related to a taxi medallion enterprise and lying to a bank in relation to a home loan. 

Trump is under a gag order and was ordered by Judge Juan Merchan not to comment about any witnesses in the trial.

CNN's Daniel Dale contributed to this post.

See courtroom sketches from today's Trump trial

No cameras are allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway, but a sketch artist captured the scene as opening statements unfolded and the first witness took the stand.

Biden builds early advertising edge as Trump spends millions on legal fees

From CNN's David Wright

President Joe Biden and his allies have nearly tripled Donald Trump’s network in ad spending over the last month and a half while the former president has had to devote millions of campaign funds to legal expenses — and sit in a New York courthouse for his hush money trial.

Since March 6, after Super Tuesday when Trump effectively secured the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, through April 21, Biden’s campaign and other Democratic advertisers spent $27.2 million on advertising for the presidential race, while the Trump campaign and GOP advertisers spent about $9.3 million, according to AdImpact data.

Ad spending data (presidential race, March 6 to April 21)

• Democrats: $27,153,293
• Republicans: $9,344,948

During that time, Biden's campaign has spent millions in key battleground states, including $4.1 million in Michigan, $3.9 million in Pennsylvania, and at least $2 million in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia. And the Biden network has used its plentiful airtime to promote the administration’s first-term record and slam Trump, focusing on key issues such as the  cost of living  and  abortion rights .

Meanwhile, Trump’s network has failed to match that effort since he became the presumptive nominee, though a pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., recently ramped up its advertising, booking over $1 million worth of airtime in Pennsylvania to coincide with Biden’s recent campaign swing through the state last week.

Trump has also benefited over that stretch from a nearly $3 million anti-Biden campaign from outside groups aligned with the oil and gas industries, which have been  running ads  in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, criticizing California fuel standards  defended  by the Biden administration. But despite some recent signs of activity, Trump’s network has been significantly outspent on the airwaves since his general election matchup with Biden came into focus. And  the latest round of FEC filings  shows how Biden’s fundraising edge is enabling that advertising advantage, as Trump’s ongoing legal battles drain millions from his campaign coffers.  

How we got here: A timeline of the Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels hush money case

From CNN’s Lauren del Valle, Kara Scannell, Annette Choi and Gillian Roberts 

The first criminal trial of a US ex-president is underway in New York, where former President Donald Trump faces charges from the Manhattan District attorney related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. 

This is the first of four criminal cases expected to go to trial for Trump, also the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee. CNN compiled a timeline of the key events leading up to the historic trial. 

Here’s how we got here: 

• September 2016: Donald Trump discusses a $150,000 hush money payment understood to be for former Playboy model Karen McDougal with Michael Cohen who secretly records the conversation . McDougal has alleged she had an extramarital affair with Trump beginning in 2006, which he has denied. 
• October 7, 2016: The Washington Post releases an "Access Hollywood" video from 2005 in which Trump uses vulgar language to describe his sexual approach to women with then show host Billy Bush. 
• October 27, 2016: According to prosecutors, Cohen pays Daniels $130,000 to her attorney through a shell company in exchange for her silence about an affair she allegedly had with Trump in 2006. This $130,000 sum is separate from the $150,000 paid to McDougal. Trump has publicly denied having any affairs and has denied making the payments. 
• November 8, 2016: Trump secures the election to become the 45th president of the United States. 
• February 2017: Prosecutors say Cohen meets with Trump in the Oval Office to confirm how he would be reimbursed for the hush money payment Cohen fronted to Daniels. Under the plan, Cohen would send a series of false invoices requesting payment for legal services he performed pursuant to a retainer agreement and receive monthly checks for $35,000 for a total of $420,000 to cover the payment, his taxes and a bonus, prosecutors alleged. Prosecutors also allege there was never a retainer agreement. 
• January 2018: The Wall Street Journal breaks news about the hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels in 2016. 

See the full timeline.  

Trump is also facing charges in 3 other criminal cases

From CNN’s Devan Cole, Amy O'Kruk and Curt Merrill 

The hush money criminal trial against former President Donald Trump is just one of  four criminal cases  he faces while juggling his presidential campaign.

The former president is facing at least  88 charges  over the four criminal indictments in Georgia, New York, Washington, DC, and Florida. Trump has pleaded not guilty to every charge in these cases. 

Here's a recap of each case: 

• Hush money:  Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a hush-money payment to an adult film star in 2016. Prosecutors allege Trump was part of an illegal conspiracy to  undermine  the integrity of the 2016 election. Further, they allege he was part of an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, including the $130,000 payment. 
• Classified documents:  Trump was indicted in June 2023 by a federal grand jury in Miami for taking classified national defense documents from the White House after he left office and resisting the government’s attempts to retrieve the materials. The National Archives said in early 2022 that at least 15 boxes of White House records were recovered from the estate, including   some that were classified . The charges were brought by special counsel Jack Smith. 
• Federal election interference:  Smith separately charged the former president last August with four crimes over his efforts to reverse the 2020 election results. The indictment alleges Trump and a co-conspirator "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol by calling lawmakers to convince them ... to delay the certification" of the election. That case is currently on hold as the Supreme Court weighs Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in the matter. 
• Fulton County:  State prosecutors in Georgia brought a similar election subversion case against Trump and others. An Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14, 2023, indicted Trump and 18 others on state charges stemming from their alleged efforts to overturn the former president’s 2020 electoral defeat. A trial date has not yet been set in that case. 

Read more about  the four criminal cases  Trump faces.  

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2 New York City beaches make Travel + Leisure's "25 Best in the USA." See the complete list.

By Dave Carlin

Updated on: April 29, 2024 / 6:47 PM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK -- Travel + Leisure magazine's annual list of the 25 best beaches in the U.S. includes a pair of popular ones right here in New York City.

The two beaches are sharing the prestigious space with other sun, sand and surf spots in places like Hawaii, California and Florida.

George Schlereth of Forest Hills said his love for Rockaway Beach predates the hit 1978 song by the Ramones with lyrics that went, "Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach."

"It's a great place to spend the afternoon. It's the best place you could go," Schlereth said.

So what else makes Rockaway Beach such a fan favorite?  

Travel + Leisure praised Rockaway Beach's "Five-mile boardwalk, and surf-worthy waves."

"It's definitely very diverse. People come from all over come here," said Kristen Supple of Far Rockaway.

"Rockaway Beach, because I love like the waves and boogie boarding and they have great ice cream and food," said 10-year-old Jordan Cannetti.

"I used to come here as a kid with my parents and family and it's just night and day. The boardwalk, it's just amazing. Now, the restaurant," his father said. "The parks along the boardwalk are just amazing. Ninja Park is great The pickle ball, the basketball."

"They spent so much money fixing up the Rockaways. They brought in more people, more families down there. The place is packed now," Schlereth added.

And let's not forget the amazing Coney Island   

Coney Island bubbled up to the Top 25 as well, with the editors of Travel + Leisure writing, "Coney Island is a perfect seaside wonderland of nostalgia and kitschy fun."

Kenya Dethan, who is 7, called it her favorite beach.

"I like the nice water. I like going on the roller coasters," Dethan said.

The thing about Coney Island is there is so much to do -- sand and surf, the boardwalk with the amusements, and the food and drinks -- all of it rain or shine.

"Number one in the world, Coney Island," resident David Dingle said. "Best of both worlds. You're at the beach and the stores all together, all in one place. Once you're here, you don't want to go back home."

Also making the best beaches list is the New Jersey favorite for fun, Asbury Park. It's the hometown of music legend Bruce Springsteen and features clubs like The Stone Pony , which keep the town highly rated and rockin'.

• Asbury Park
• Coney Island
• Rockaway Beach

Dave Carlin serves as a reporter for CBS2 News and covers breaking news stories and major events in the Tri-State Area.

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