Ever dreamed of sipping coffee at Central Perk or exploring the halls of Hogwarts? We’re making your TV dreams a reality! Explore these 5 iconic TV show sets you can visit in person and relive your favorite scenes.
Ever felt transported to another world while binge-watching your favorite TV show? The meticulously crafted sets, from bustling cityscapes to fantastical landscapes, become ingrained in our minds alongside the characters and storylines. But what if you could step out of your living room and into those iconic locations? Believe it or not, many beloved TV show sets are open to the public, offering fans a chance to experience them firsthand.
So, grab your camera, pack your fandom spirit, and get ready to embark on a real-life TV adventure! Here are 5 iconic TV show sets you can actually visit:
1. Central Perk from Friends (Burbank, California)
For a generation raised on reruns of Friends, Central Perk was more than just a coffee shop – it was a second home for Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, and Ross. The iconic orange couch, the purple booths, and that unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee – stepping into the real-life Central Perk at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is like stepping into an episode itself. While the set isn’t a functioning coffee shop (sadly, no lattes for you!), you can explore the space, pose on the legendary couch, and recreate your favorite scenes.
Planning Your Visit: The Central Perk set is part of the larger Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Tickets can be purchased online and tours run most days of the week. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak season, as tours tend to sell out quickly.
2. The Shire from The Lord of the Rings (Matamata, New Zealand)
For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings, Hobbiton, the peaceful home of the hobbits in the Shire, is a dream destination. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of New Zealand’s North Island, the Hobbiton movie set has been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to explore the charming hobbit holes, wander through the lush gardens, and even enjoy a refreshing beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.
Planning Your Visit: The Hobbiton Movie Set offers guided tours year-round. Tickets can be purchased online and booking in advance is highly recommended.
3. Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter (Leavesden, England)
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with its soaring towers, grand halls, and secret passageways, has captivated audiences for over two decades. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter brings this magical world to life, allowing fans to walk through iconic sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Dumbledore’s office. You can even witness the craftsmanship behind the films, including special effects, creature creations, and the elaborate costumes.
Planning Your Visit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a hugely popular attraction. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and timed slots are available.
4. Monk’s Cafe from Seinfeld (New York City, New York)
For fans of the “show about nothing,” no location is more iconic than Monk’s Cafe, the neighborhood hangout for Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer. While the exterior of Monk’s is actually a facade on a busy New York City street, the interior set used for filming still exists as a restaurant called Tom’s Restaurant. While the menu doesn’t feature the “Junior Mint” soup Elaine once craved, you can still grab a booth and imagine yourself getting into philosophical debates with your best friends.
Planning Your Visit: Tom’s Restaurant is a casual diner located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s not uncommon to see Seinfeld fans snapping photos outside the iconic exterior. Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is quite popular.
5. The Bates Motel from Psycho (Universal Studios Hollywood, California)
For a dose of chills and thrills, head to Universal Studios Hollywood and step into the chilling world of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The Bates Motel, a two-story Victorian house with a creepy Norman Bates lurking behind the curtains, has been recreated on the backlot of the theme park. As part of the studio tour, you can walk through the motel office, peek into Norman’s mother’s room (if you dare!), and even take a shower (just make sure you check the curtain first
