Have you ever wanted to sip coffee in Central Perk, stroll through Downton Abbey, or stand in front of Walter White’s infamous car wash? For fans of iconic TV shows, visiting real-life filming locations is a bucket-list experience. The good news? Some of the most beloved TV show sets aren’t just Hollywood fantasies—they’re real places you can explore.
From laugh-out-loud sitcoms to intense dramas, these five TV show sets will transport you straight into the world of your favorite characters. Pack your bags and get ready to live your fan dreams!
Central Perk from Friends (New York City and Los Angeles)
Could this BE any more exciting? The cozy orange couch where Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey spent countless hours is one of the most iconic spots in TV history. While the original Friends set was filmed in Los Angeles, fans can visit replicas of Central Perk in multiple locations worldwide.
Where You Can Visit:
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Los Angeles): The Friends experience at Warner Bros. allows fans to step onto the original soundstage. Snap a photo on the famous couch or behind the counter where Gunther made countless espressos.
- The Friends Experience (Various Locations): This traveling pop-up exhibit has recreated Central Perk with incredible attention to detail, complete with props and memorabilia from the show.
Fun Fact:
A real-life Central Perk café opened in New York City for the show’s 20th anniversary, drawing thousands of fans eager to relive the sitcom’s best moments.
Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, as the Friends section is one of the most popular attractions.
While the original Friends series was filmed in Los Angeles, fans can experience the charm of Central Perk through various replicas and experiences.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Los Angeles): Visit the original soundstage and sit on the famous orange couch.
- Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Walter White’s Car Wash from Breaking Bad (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
If you’re a fan of Breaking Bad, you know that A1A Car Wash wasn’t just a place to clean cars—it was the starting point for Walter White’s transformation into the infamous Heisenberg.
Where You Can Visit:
- Octopus Car Wash (Now Mister Car Wash): The actual car wash used in the show is located in Albuquerque. While it operates as a fully functional car wash, fans are welcome to take photos and relive Walter and Skyler’s money-laundering escapades.
- Breaking Bad RV Tours: Explore multiple filming locations, including Saul Goodman’s office and Jesse Pinkman’s house, while cruising around Albuquerque in an RV inspired by the one used in the show.
Fun Fact:
The car wash owner was initially hesitant to let the show film there, fearing it would scare off customers. Instead, it became a hotspot for fans.
Pro Tip: Combine the car wash visit with other filming locations for a full Breaking Bad day trip!
The A1A Car Wash, a pivotal location in Breaking Bad, is a real car wash in Albuquerque.
- Octopus Car Wash (Now Mister Snow Heights Shopping Center)
- Address: 9516 Snow Heights Cir NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle (Hampshire, England)
The sprawling estate of Downton Abbey is as much a star of the show as the Crawley family. Highclere Castle, the real-life filming location, offers fans a chance to step into the world of 20th-century aristocracy.
Where You Can Visit:
- Highclere Castle (Hampshire, England): Open to the public for tours during select times of the year, Highclere Castle allows fans to explore the grand hall, drawing room, and gardens that served as the backdrop for many iconic scenes.
Fun Fact:
The castle has been home to the Carnarvon family for centuries and is filled with historical artifacts, including items from ancient Egypt discovered by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
Pro Tip: Check the castle’s website for special Downton Abbey-themed events, including costume exhibits and afternoon teas.
Highclere Castle served as the primary filming location for Downton Abbey.
- Highclere Castle:
- Address: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, United Kingdom
Tom’s Restaurant from Seinfeld (New York City)
“The show about nothing” might have filmed on a Los Angeles soundstage, but its famous diner scenes were inspired by a real location in New York City. Monk’s Café, the gang’s go-to spot for coffee and conversations, is based on Tom’s Restaurant.
Where You Can Visit:
- Tom’s Restaurant (New York City): Located on the corner of 112th Street and Broadway, Tom’s Restaurant has become a pilgrimage site for Seinfeld fans. While the interior doesn’t resemble the set, the iconic neon sign and exterior are exactly as seen on TV.
Fun Fact:
The diner’s real-life history predates Seinfeld—it was also featured in Suzanne Vega’s song “Tom’s Diner.”
Pro Tip: Grab a coffee or snack at Tom’s, but don’t expect Jerry, Elaine, George, or Kramer to show up!
The exterior of Tom’s Restaurant was used as the iconic Monk’s Café in Seinfeld.
- Tom’s Restaurant:
- Address: 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Winterfell from Game of Thrones (Northern Ireland)
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through the halls of Winterfell or standing where Jon Snow took his oath as a Night’s Watch member, Northern Ireland should be your next destination. Much of the Game of Thrones series was filmed there, and several locations are open to the public.
Where You Can Visit:
- Castle Ward (County Down, Northern Ireland): The grounds of Castle Ward served as the primary filming location for Winterfell. Visitors can tour the castle, dress in costume, and even participate in archery experiences.
- Dark Hedges (County Antrim, Northern Ireland): This eerie, tree-lined road is instantly recognizable as the King’s Road from the series.
Fun Fact:
Castle Ward’s architecture is a blend of Gothic and classical styles, making it a perfect stand-in for the Stark family’s ancestral home.
Pro Tip: Book a Game of Thrones tour to visit multiple filming locations and get insider details about the production.
Castle Ward served as the backdrop for Winterfell in the early seasons of Game of Thrones.
- Castle Ward:
- Address: Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA, United Kingdom
Bonus: Honorable Mentions
- The Office (Scranton, Pennsylvania): While the show was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, fans can visit landmarks in Scranton, including the “Welcome to Scranton” sign.
- Stranger Things (Georgia, USA): Explore Hawkins’ spooky locations with tours around Atlanta, where much of the show was filmed.
Final Thoughts
TV shows have a way of making us feel like we’re part of their world. Visiting these iconic sets takes that connection to the next level, letting you step into the shoes of your favorite characters—even if just for a moment. Whether you’re sipping coffee at Central Perk or walking the halls of Winterfell, these experiences will make you fall in love with your favorite shows all over again.
