Could I BE any more excited? 😄 If you grew up watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S like me, visiting the Friends sets at Warner Bros. Studio in Los Angeles is pure happiness. I had a coffee at Central Perk, sat on (a version of) the famous orange couch, and took my photo at the fountain from the opening credits.
In this post I share what the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is really like for a Friends fan, what it cost me, how long it takes, how to get there, and my tips so you can make the most of your visit.
I visited in 2024. Prices, opening hours and what’s included can change, so check the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood website before you go. The booking link below is an affiliate link; see my disclosure.
What is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
First, an important thing to know: this is not a Friends-only tour. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a tour of a real, working film and TV studio in Burbank, Los Angeles. You visit backlots and sets used for lots of shows and movies over the years, and you learn a bit about how film and television are made.
But if you’re a Friends fan, there’s plenty for you. There’s a real Central Perk café where you can order coffee, a Friends shop designed to look like the apartments, and photo spots with some of the most famous scenes from the show. For me, those were the highlight of the whole day.
Central Perk: coffee with your favourite character
The Central Perk café is exactly what you hope it will be. The drinks on the menu are named after the characters, so ordering becomes a small personality test. I got The Joey, obviously 😄 Which one would you pick?
It’s a lovely place to rest for a bit after the guided part of the tour, and great for photos.
The orange couch and the Friends fountain
The two photos every Friends fan wants: one on the orange couch, and one at the fountain from the opening credits. You can get both here.
The couch is set up as a photo spot, so take your time and get the shot you want. The fountain is the real one used in the opening of the show, and seeing it in person after watching that intro hundreds of times was a bit surreal. I just loved it 😍
The Friends shop
There’s also a Friends shop, and the fun part is that it’s designed to look like Monica’s and Joey’s apartments. Even if you don’t buy anything, walk through it slowly and look at the details. It’s also a nice place to relax for a few minutes, and if you want a souvenir, this is the place.
How much does the Warner Bros. Studio Tour cost?
When I went in 2024, tickets started from $69 per person. Prices can change and can differ by date, so check the current price when you book. In my opinion it’s worth it if you love Friends or are curious about how TV shows and films are made.
How long does the tour take?
Plan about three hours in total. Around one hour is the guided part, where a guide takes your small group through the studio on a cart. After that, you have around two hours to explore the interactive exhibits on your own, at your own pace. That’s where most of the Friends spots are, so don’t rush the first part to get there.
When I went, tours were capped at 12 people, which made the guided part feel personal and gave time for questions.
How to get to Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank
The studio is in Burbank, just off the 134 freeway near Riverside Drive. The tour has its own entrance, separate from the gates used by people working at the studio, so follow the signs for the Studio Tour.
Most people get there by car or rideshare from wherever they are staying in Los Angeles. Traffic in LA can be unpredictable, so leave extra time and aim to arrive a little before your tour starts.
If you want to make a full day of it, Universal Studios Hollywood is not far from Burbank, so some people combine the two areas. Personally, I’d keep the Warner Bros. tour as the main plan for the day and not rush it.
My tips for visiting the Friends sets
1. Book in advance
This tour is very popular, and there are very few tickets on the day. Book online before your trip, especially if you’re going on a weekend or during holidays.
2. Give yourself enough time
You ride two carts during the visit: the first takes you on the main studio tour to the exhibit area, and the second brings you back to where you started. Plan about two hours just for the exhibits so you have time for photos and coffee.
3. Be careful with the couch in the sun
The couch at the photo spot is made of fiberglass. It’s hard as a rock, and it can get really hot in the LA sun 😅 Touch it before you sit down.
4. Don’t skip the fountain photo
That’s the one everyone back home will ask for. Go when it’s less busy if you can, so you get a clear shot.
5. Wear comfortable shoes
There’s a fair amount of walking between stops, and you’ll be standing in lines for photos. Comfortable shoes make the day much more fun.
6. Bring your Friends knowledge
The guides love it when people react to the references. Knowing your episodes makes the whole tour more fun, and you’ll spot little details others miss.
Is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour worth it for Friends fans?
For me, yes, 100%. It’s not only about Friends, and I liked that, because you also learn how much work goes into making a show. But the Friends parts made me so happy. If Friends was a comfort show for you too, this will feel special.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sit on the Friends couch at Warner Bros. Studio?
Yes, there is a couch photo spot where you can sit and take pictures. Just be careful, because it can get very hot in the sun.
Is the Central Perk at Warner Bros. a real café?
Yes. You can order drinks there, and many of them are named after the Friends characters.
How long is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
Plan about three hours in total: around one hour guided and about two hours exploring the exhibits on your own.
Do you need to book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance?
I’d strongly recommend it. It’s very popular and there are only a few tickets available on the day.
Who’s your favourite Friends character? Mine is in my drink order 😉 Tell me yours in the comments 👇
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