Friends is my all-time favorite show. I quote it so much that I’ve probably driven my family crazy by now. It’s my comfort show—I’ve watched it countless times, especially when I can’t sleep. And yes, I can’t say “I know” without channeling Monica’s famous shout.
So imagine my excitement when I arrived in Brussels and saw advertisements for The Friends Experience! It was like fate—no plans, just my usual go-with-the-flow travel style—and there were still tickets available! For only €18, I hopped on the train to the Brussels Expo, ready for what I knew would be the best afternoon ever.
As soon as you enter the exhibit, you’re greeted with the iconic orange couch and the serene waterfall backdrop from Central Park—a perfect photo op. Throughout the experience, there are several other photo vignettes with professional photographers on hand. And yes, at the end, you can purchase those photos as keepsakes.
Some of the most memorable photo spots include a moment to “PIVOT!” (You know the one!) and Monica’s purple door!
The exhibit also dives into the show’s costume design, with fascinating tidbits curated by Debra McGuire. You’ll learn why she chose certain color palettes or styles for each character. There are even set designs on display, paired with—you guessed it—more photo ops! One of my favorite sections was the wall covered in Magna Doodles, each featuring iconic messages from the series. I was crossing my fingers that I’d spot the one from Season 5, Episode 12, where the Magna Doodle says, “Joey – Call Kim.” Sadly, it wasn’t there, but the display was still so much fun to explore!
Next up was Joey and Chandler’s apartment, complete with their beloved Barcalounger recliners, Huggsy (Joey’s Bedtime Penguin Pal), and even Pat the Dog! Walking into the set felt like stepping directly into an episode.
And then there’s Monica and Rachel’s apartment—my absolute dream space. I could live here! The décor, the vibe—everything felt just right. As a solo traveler, I was grateful to have met a local family during the experience. We took turns snapping photos for each other, and despite the language barrier, it was such a heartwarming moment of connection.
After reliving moments from the apartments, I headed to Central Perk. I couldn’t resist hanging out by Phoebe’s music setup, then stepping inside to pretend I was a barista, just like Rachel and Gunther. Naturally, I ended my coffeehouse experience by grabbing a seat at the reserved table and relaxing on the orange couch—just like the gang.
The grand finale was a photo op in front of the classic “Lunch atop a Skyscraper” scene—an iconic image to wrap up the experience.
And of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the functioning Central Perk café. I indulged in Phoebe’s famous oatmeal raisin cookies and a cup of coffee, soaking in the nostalgia.
The Friends Experience travels to different cities around the world, and I was lucky enough to catch it in Brussels. If you’re a Friends fan, I highly recommend this interactive, nostalgia-filled experience. It’s a must-do for anyone who, like me, can’t get enough of this iconic show.
