Best Places to Stay in Porto, Portugal
Porto sounds like seagulls flying overhead. Porto sounds like water lapping as you sit by the Douro River. Porto sounds like a group of Portuguese middle-aged women chatting to each other on the bus. Porto sounds like car tires clickety clacketing as it drives across cobblestone.
Booking.com
After booking my flight from La Rochelle, France, I started to research where to stay in Porto, Portugal. I wanted to know the good, bad, & the ugly with the ultimate goal of finding the best places to stay in Porto. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, affordable hotels, or even Airbnbs, you'll enjoy exploring the seaside city. The best places to stay in Porto are within your fingertips!
The view of Porto, Portugal & the Douro Valley. Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel is the yellow building. This is one of the best places to stay in Porto as far as location! |
About Carmen
Hi, bonjour, bom dia. My name is Carmen. What do I know about travel? I’ve visited 22 countries. I’ve worked as a content producer for TripSavvy, the #4 largest site in the ad-supported Travel Information category. As a blogging coaching & social media consultant, some of my clients are travel influencers, travel companies, tourism boards, & more. Learn more about my blogging & career background. Keep reading to discover the best places to stay in Porto.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you! Learn more about my disclosure.
Booking.com
Create a list of 10 or more things to do in Porto. How far are you from those things? Ideally, I try to be within a 30-minute transportation ride away from the bulk of my to-do list/what I want to do; the occasional outlier is fine. Ultimately, you don’t want to be commuting for an hour each way every day- that’s a waste of precious time.
Planning Your Trip to Porto
If you’re considering where to stay in Porto, Portugal, first ponder about what you want to do while you’re visiting. Porto tourism continues to grow, so there may be some crowds depending on the time of year.Create a list of 10 or more things to do in Porto. How far are you from those things? Ideally, I try to be within a 30-minute transportation ride away from the bulk of my to-do list/what I want to do; the occasional outlier is fine. Ultimately, you don’t want to be commuting for an hour each way every day- that’s a waste of precious time.
What Are Some of the Best Places to Stay in Porto?
Decide if you’re more of a hotel person or an Airbnb person. Porto tourism means there are plenty of choices. I have options for both, so read them all or scroll down to find what you’re looking for. Based on actual reviews, these are some of the top-rated, best places to stay in Porto.Homes with a view of the Douro River. |
Best Hotels to Stay in Porto
These are some of the top-rated hotels throughout the city of Porto, according to Google reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, and more. Take a look at each hotel & decide where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas – Stare at the beautifully restored interiors. InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. You can find the famous Livraria Lello bookstore & São Bento station within a close walk of the hotel.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Pousada & National Monument – Pestana Palácio do Freixo has gorgeous views overlooking the Douro River. The 18th-century palace was built by Nicolau Nasoni. Pestana Palácio do Freixo is part of the "The Leading Hotels of the World." This is easily one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Reviews show that past Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa guests appreciate the hospitality, the rooms, & the amenities (sauna, fitness center, Wi-Fi) but felt as though it might be out of the way for the average tourist. It's modern decor & facilities make it a popular choice.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel – Eat breakfast with waterfront views of the Douro River at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel - World Heritage Site. The Pestana hotel building & location date back to the 16th century. This is a seriously stunning area if you're wondering where to stay in Porto, Portugal!
Infante Sagres – The Hotel Infante Sagres is a historic luxury hotel. It underwent renovation & reopened in April 2018. Notable decorative features of the Infante Sagres include ironwork, carved wood detail, & stained glass panels.
Spot Apartments Porto – The hip, cool rooms at Spot Apartments Porto feel homey, unlike your a boring, sterile hotel room. Spot Apartments Porto guests seem to love the location, clean and spacious apartment, & the friendly staff.
There are so many hotels & accommodations in the area. Scroll down to search the map to find where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas – Stare at the beautifully restored interiors. InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. You can find the famous Livraria Lello bookstore & São Bento station within a close walk of the hotel.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Pousada & National Monument – Pestana Palácio do Freixo has gorgeous views overlooking the Douro River. The 18th-century palace was built by Nicolau Nasoni. Pestana Palácio do Freixo is part of the "The Leading Hotels of the World." This is easily one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Reviews show that past Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa guests appreciate the hospitality, the rooms, & the amenities (sauna, fitness center, Wi-Fi) but felt as though it might be out of the way for the average tourist. It's modern decor & facilities make it a popular choice.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel – Eat breakfast with waterfront views of the Douro River at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel - World Heritage Site. The Pestana hotel building & location date back to the 16th century. This is a seriously stunning area if you're wondering where to stay in Porto, Portugal!
Infante Sagres – The Hotel Infante Sagres is a historic luxury hotel. It underwent renovation & reopened in April 2018. Notable decorative features of the Infante Sagres include ironwork, carved wood detail, & stained glass panels.
Spot Apartments Porto – The hip, cool rooms at Spot Apartments Porto feel homey, unlike your a boring, sterile hotel room. Spot Apartments Porto guests seem to love the location, clean and spacious apartment, & the friendly staff.
There are so many hotels & accommodations in the area. Scroll down to search the map to find where to stay in Porto, Portugal.
Blue & white azulejo tiles in Porto - if you look closely, these are all individually painted tiles! |
Search for Hotels in Porto
Search for where to stay in Porto, Portugal with this handy dandy map. Type in the date of your travel & it'll give you a list of options.
Consult my guide on how to save hundreds of dollars on flight tickets. I paid $350 for roundtrip tickets to London & $420 for roundtrip tickets to Paris! Browse through these tips on how to eat on a budget while traveling abroad without depriving yourself. Scroll down & read comments from readers to learn their tips too.
Visit Porto & the North - News, events, things to do, & information on Porto & the area north of Porto.
Visit Porto - Information on Porto Card transportation, trip planning, entertainment in Porto.
Best places to stay in Porto, Portugal - Hotels, Airbnbs, & other accommodations. |
Airbnb Accommodations
Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. That could be a free night's stay somewhere! I stayed in Airbnbs in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Oslo, Norway; Tijuana, Mexico, & manyyyyy more cities/countries.Other Sources of Information on Porto
Visit Portugal - Information on Porto tourism & Portugal.Visit Porto & the North - News, events, things to do, & information on Porto & the area north of Porto.
Visit Porto - Information on Porto Card transportation, trip planning, entertainment in Porto.
Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Where do you think are the best places to stay in Porto?
What I'm Watching, Reading, & Listening to: True Crime Podcasts, Anthony Bourdain, & Aladdin
Despite an influx of social media consulting clients, I still had time to watch a whole slew of television series, listen to a ridiculous amount of true crime murder podcasts, & read the occasional book. I recently reached the 2-year mark of being fully self-employed as a blogging coach, travel influencer/writer, & social media manager for small brands & businesses! I work remotely, so I spend a lot of time in coffee shops, libraries, coworking places, & anywhere with Wi-Fi.
Here's everything I'm watching, reading, & listening to lately!
Here's everything I'm watching, reading, & listening to lately!
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you! Learn more about my disclosure.
Reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain & probably listening to a true-crime podcast. |
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
TV Shows I'm Watching (& One Movie)
Aladdin
Hell yes, I went to see the new Aladdin film with Will Smith in theatres. It was incredible. I was singing along the way & can appreciate some of the updates they made to the characters & plotline to align with modern times. My favorite is the "Prince Ali" song! Did you see the new Aladdin? Do you like the original with Robin Williams or the new one?Rick and Morty
I'm years late to the Rick and Morty party but this inappropriate animated comedy is made for adults. It's the If you're curious where to watch Ricky and Morty online, you can find seasons 1-3 on Hulu.The Act
Being the true crime fan that I am, I promptly watched The Act once I heard it was coming out. I'd already seen the documentary, Mommy Dead and Dearest. The series revolves around the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard & Dee Blanchard — murder, lies, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. The Act stars Patricia Arquette, Joey King, AnnaSophia Robb, & Chloë Sevigny.Game of Thrones
I can't be the only person who completely binge-watched Game of Thrones in a three-month span. Who's with me? Man oh man, although this extremely popular show premiered in 2011, I only began watching in 2019. Spoiler-free commentary from one of my Facebook friends, "I liked the ending but the pacing of the last season was so much faster than the others that it felt off."The Golden Girls
Sometimes you just need a wholesome show to relax after a long day of work. After spending all day listening to true crime podcasts, it's optimal for my brain (& dreams/night terrors) to listen to four mature ladies from the 80s talk about life. The Golden Girls is refreshing & holds up well after all these years.Hey Arnold!
I actually watched Hey Arnold! a lot as a cute little kiddo. It was on Nickelodeon & are used to watch at my grandma's house. All those were the days when responsibilities were little just like myself. I watched whatever is available on Hulu but you can also watch Hey Arnold! The Ultimate Collection.Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars is the updated version of Gossip Girl, except gnarlier, darker, & deadlier. The show revolves around a bunch of high schoolers & their web of lies. It was something to put on while typing or writing.GLOW
GLOW stars Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron, among others, & follows a group of ladies as they dabble in the world of wrestling; the show takes place in the 1980s & was inspired by GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, a series which ran from 1986-1989.The Handmaid’s Tale
Other than actual true crime, The Handmaid's Tale is it one of the most horrifying TV shows out there right now. It’s based off a best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood. Set in the modern USA, the show takes place in the totalitarian society of Gilead, where are women are seen as property, oppressed, & forced to carry children for high-ranking officials.Books I'm Reading
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
I read the updated edition of Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. Anthony's voice seeps off the pages of Kitchen Confidential. It feels like you're watching him on The Food Network, his voice shines through, almost blindingly. The book reads like a diary entry from the year 2000 before Bourdain became the badass culinary iconic we know him as.You Are a Badass Every Day by Jen Sincero
Technically the full title reads You Are a Badass Every Day: How to Keep Your Motivation Strong, Your Vibe High, and Your Quest for Transformation Unstoppable. Use Sincero's You Are a Badass Every Day as your daily dose of inspiration, affirmations, & strategies to stay empowered to feel your most badass.Podcasts I'm Listening To
Crime Junkie
Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat host Crime Junkie, one of the most popular true crime podcasts out there. They use sound in the podcast to relay an eerie vibe, much like film scores for soundtracks to dramatic movies. It certainly makes me feel more on edge. Crime Junkie recently made headlines due to plagiarism allegations.Criminal
"This is Phoebe Judge." Listen to any episode of this podcast & you'll know exactly what I’m talking about; the host, Phoebe Judge has a unique voice, which I always associate with the classic journalism/newscaster persona. Criminal is heavily researched so you know you’re getting the facts & the latest information available on a case.Morbid
Morbid falls under what I consider soap opera/gossipy/personal true crime shows, as does My Favorite Murder (listed below). Morbid, hosted by Ash & Alaina, has a sassy dynamic banter. It turns out the ladies are actually related. Can't lie, it took me about 20 episodes to determine who was speaking because I couldn't tell them apart! P.S. Alaina is an autopsy technician, so she brings real-life perspective to...death.My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder might be the original true-crime podcast don’t quote me on that one though. This popular podcast sets itself apart because it's considered a true crime comedy podcast. Hosts Georgia Hardstark & Karen Kilgariff aim to give you a couple of chuckles even though they’re talking about pretty heavy stuff. The ladies released their book Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide in mid-2019.To Live and Die in LA
To Live and Die in LA podcast follows the disappearance of actor Adea Shabani. Rolling Stone journalist Neil Strauss investigates the mystery, unraveling one thread at a time until the whole thing comes apart. Unlike the other true crime podcasts in my list, this podcast covers one case the whole way through, allowing Strauss to decipher what happened. Prepare to be enthralled.Anacapa Island Day Trip: Channel Islands National Park
Magic exists in the natural marvels of Channel Islands National Park. Off the coast of Southern California, you'll find five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, & the smallest island of them all, Anacapa Island. Available by boat only, these other islands are secluded from the buzzing freeways & cell phone chatter of everyday life. You won't find a Wi-Fi signal out here, but you might find yourself. Anacapa Island is 12 miles out to sea. As your boat comes in you might see the sea caves, kelp beds, and arch rock. Seriously the best views for wildlife watching.
Scroll down to learn the answers to: Where is Anacapa Island? How do you get there? Is it part of Channel Islands National Park? What are some things to do on Anacapa Island? Is there camping? Are there hotels in Downtown Oxnard? How can you do an Anacapa Island day trip?
About Carmen
Hello, welcome to my blog! I'm Carmen. I'm a travel writer (also known as a travel blogger or travel influencer). Some of my most popular travel posts are Things to Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, How You Can Visit Central Perk Cafe from Friends, & Your Guide to Oslo, Norway. I prefer black tea over coffee. I've worked with brands & companies such as The French Ministry of Agriculture, KAABOO Del Mar, Queen of the South TV show on USA, OLLY, & more. You can learn more About Me here.Where is Anacapa Island?
Part of the Channel Islands National Park, you can find Anacapa Islands off the coast of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles; 38 miles south of Santa Barbara. Anacapa Island has three islets named East, Middle, & West Anacapa Islands. However, you aren't permitted to explore all three of them.
How do I get to Anacapa Island?
It's not like visitors can walk from one island to the next anyway, that's why you need a boat for transportation. You have to take a boat trip out there. The boat ride over takes about an hour. Visitors can explore the entire island in just half a day. You can't just leave the island when you want, you have to stay there until the boat takes you back later in the afternoon. Perfect excuse to go on an adventure!
Other things to do in California: Go skydiving & wine tasting in Lompoc, California
Travel to Anacapa Island on the Island Packers boat. |
Transportation Around the Islands
I took a majestic boat ride with Island Packers. Arrive at the Oxnard Harbor. Travel time takes about an hour each way. Fred & I downloaded a few episodes of the Dr. Death podcast so we could listen with headphones from our phone. A layer of clouds protected us from the sun & the waves of the ocean. Apparently, the clearer the skies, the choppier the water. The more you know, right?
As we ventured past the Anacapa arch our way back to Oxnard, we saw a pod of dolphins. They swam right next to us. It was a top life experience. Island Packers offers trips to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, whale watching, & other exciting options for visitors.
Once the Island Packers boat docks, adventurers step onto a ladder at Landing Cove then they corral everyone to cover the essential rules of Anacapa Island. After that, get ready for your quads to burn because you have 157 steps to climb.
I felt a bit winded but the view from the top was spectacular, the first time you can see what it looks like from the island. You're really stuck out there on a small blip of land in the middle of the ocean, okay well it's about 10 miles off the coast of Oxnard, California.
Other things to do in California: Beach hopping & meditation in Encinitas, California
Western Gull mama (probably) & cute little spotted chick. |
Marine Life and Animals on Anacapa Island: Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, Island Fox, Oh My!
Visit Anacapa Island from April through mid-August & you'll run into some seabirds, particularly the Western gull. An annoyed gull pooped on Fred's backpack as we walked by its nest. If you're not a fan of birds, guano (bird poop), possible bird carcasses, loud squawking (literally anytime you walk by a nest or chicks), questionable smells, then avoid voyaging to the island during this time frame. However, if you want to experience an absolutely remarkable natural phenomenon, then mark your calendar & book a ticket. You might spot California Brown Pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, California sea lions, harbor seals. I saw California Brown Pelicans, Western gulls, sea lions, & dolphins! Just stay on the hiking trails! There is even summer whale watching so you might catch a whale too.Anacapa Island Camping
We only did a day trip on the island, but there are Anacapa Island camping options. We saw several campers already setup from the day before. There were a couple campers who left on the evening boat out for the day. The campsites are "primitive." That's the wording from the National Park Service website, but I'd called them minimal or bare. Anacapa Island provides picnic tables, food storage boxes, & pit toilets for use. But ultimately, you need to take all trash with you as there are no rubbish bins. The island has 7 campsites that fit 4-6 people per site. Reservations are required, so you can't just decide you're having a great time staring at the baby Western Gulls & have a sleepover. Check campsite availability on Recreation.com, the official website to make your Anacapa Island camping reservations.
Is There Food, Drink, & Water on Anacapa Island?
No, make sure to bring everything you need with you. There's no food, drink, or water on the island for visitors to purchase. We brought a couple liters of water, sandwich or pita pockets, chips, fruit, granola bar, & some chocolate in a backpack for our Anacapa Island day trip. You must take all garbage with you; we simply put it in our backpack to throw away once we got back to Oxnard.
Things to Do on Anacapa Island: Hiking, Bird-Watching, Camping. |
Things to Do on Anacapa Island
On our day trip to Anacapa Island, we walked the entire trail around the island, saw the Anacapa Island lighthouse, marveled at the views from Inspiration Point, got pooped on by a Western Gull (well, Fred did at least), picnicked with a panoramic ocean view. Despite the boat full of people we arrived on the island with, we were able to have many private, secluded moments. You can't get super close to the Historic Light house on Anacapa Island but you can definitely get a good photo of it.Activities for Visitors to Do on Anacapa Island
Water Sports
Picnicking
Hiking
Camping
Bird-Watching
Historic & Cultural Site Information Site
Photography
Ranger Station
Snorkeling
Swimming
Small Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Water Access
Scuba Diving
Whale-Watching
Our ocean view room from Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard, California. |
Where to Stay (Besides Camping on Anacapa Island): Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort
I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort with a remarkable ocean view. Our spacious two-room suite Mandalay Beach Hotel is a good option for kids, families, & couples. They have a spa, fitness center, huge pool. I took advantage of Happy Hour by the pool. Just show your wristbands & order your drink. I grabbed the house wine while Fred opted for their beer on tap. We sipped our beverages along with the dozens of other people doing the same thing on a Friday evening. Make sure to eat the made-to-order brekkie at the Coastal Grill in the morning.Hotels in Oxnard
✓ Best Western Oxnard Inn
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard/Ventura
Take a look at some of the hotels in Downtown Oxnard. You can customize what day you'll arrive/leave & how many people in your group. You can even expand your hotel search to include Oxnard & surrounding areas:
Booking.com
Things to Do in Oxnard, CA
You can spend the entire day or weekend admiring nature in Oxnard. There are endless things to do in Oxnard, California as far as strolls by the beach, kayaking, exploring the Channel Islands National Park, & thriving outside. Visit Oxnard has some fabulous suggestions if you need more inspiration for places to stay, where to dine, things to do, & local events in Oxnard. There are other other California National Parks as well.Other Fun Stuff
Pin this image on Pinterest - Day Trip to Anacapa Island. |
Have a question? Comment below & I will answer the best I can. Let me know if you've visited Anacapa Island. Would the birds scare you off? :]
Where was Friends Filmed? Central Perk Cafe From Friends: Warner Bros Studio Tour
Friends fans can sit on the orange couch at Central Perk Cafe where Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, & Chandler spent so much of their time at the coffee shop. Take a photo in the Friends cafe. Stand where Red Ross played rugby. See where Rachel, Ross, Chandler, & Monica walked down the stairs for prom. The Warner Bros Tour Hollywood is a must-see experience if you like Friends, Harry Potter, Batman, Gilmore Girls, & entertainment in general.
We all know the iconic opening credits song. The cast of the show made us all laugh while they hung out in their apartment building. Do you know when Ross played rugby? The piece of grass is TINY! The magic of angles. You can see where Rachel, Ross, Chandler, & Monica walked down the stairs for prom. There were a couple other Friends fans on our tour, but we also had Gilmore Girls fans, Batman fans, Big Bang Theory fans, quite a nice range. Speak up or else your tour guide will talk about what others ask for!
Is Central Perk real or just a building? Can you do a Friends set location tour? Where was Friends filmed? What are the filming locations? Where is the Central Perk coffee shop? Are there cheap hotels in Burbank, CA? Plan your Friends trip & stay up-to-date on everything you need to know about Warner Brothers Studio Tour Los Angeles.
Learn more About Carmen here.
Keep reading to learn all about Central Perk Cafe, Lot 48, Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood, & more. |
Friends Boutique & Café
Warner Bros has a cool Friends Boutique & Café where you can shop for exclusive Friends-themed souvenirs and even eat in recreated sets. The Friends Boutique is only accessible when you purchase a ticket to the Studio Tour, located within Stage 48: Script to Screen. Learn more online!
Tell Your Warner Bros Tour Guide You're a Friends Fan
Friends was an original show that aired on NBC. You have to buy Warner Bros Studio tickets! The Warner Bros Studio Tour is located in Burbank, which is part of the greater Los Angeles Area. Most of the filming locations occur here. There isn't an official Friends set tour, but the Warner Bros Hollywood Tour is customizable based on tour participants, so make sure to specify you're a Friends fan! They'll tell you all the juicy details, show you where certain scenes were filmed, & more!We all know the iconic opening credits song. The cast of the show made us all laugh while they hung out in their apartment building. Do you know when Ross played rugby? The piece of grass is TINY! The magic of angles. You can see where Rachel, Ross, Chandler, & Monica walked down the stairs for prom. There were a couple other Friends fans on our tour, but we also had Gilmore Girls fans, Batman fans, Big Bang Theory fans, quite a nice range. Speak up or else your tour guide will talk about what others ask for!
Buy your tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood!
Explore the guided Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Burbank, California. |
Is Central Perk a Real Place? Was Friends filmed in NYC?
Yes & no. The Central Perk in New York City doesn't really exist & you can't visit Monica's apartment. While the show took place in New York, the show was filmed in California. Warner Bros Tour Hollywood created a real-life Central Perk coffee shop where visitors can sit down to enjoy a coffee, located at Stage 48 in Burbank, California. The Central Perk Cafe isn't a replica of the Friends set, but you can still eat a sandwich or pastry in the Friends cafe. Order food at the counter then chose where to eat from the available tables & seats. It was pretty busy at the cafe. Buy a Friends coffee mug, coffee, Friends souvenirs, & any Warner Bros Tour souvenirs your heart desires.Stylistically, you might see the show written as f.r.i.e.n.d.s or f r i e n d s. The show takes place in New York but in real life it was filmed in the Los Angeles/Burbank area. The apartment is supposed to be in Greenwich Village, New York. For ten seasons, the Friends apartment entertained us. That apartment held a lot of laughs & good times together. The sitcom remains popular to this day, all these years later.
In season three, the friends all go to see Joey perform at Lucille Lortel Theatre, which is a real theatre in New York. With the art of filmmaking, they didn't actually have to go to the Lucille Lortel theater to get the shot.
The exterior shot of the apartment was filmed at 90 Bedford Street at the corner of Grove Street.
Tip: The Friends cafe does include a replica of the Central Perk coffee shop sign. There might be a line in front of the sign but it goes quickly. Worth it if you have time.
Don't forget to take a photo in front of the Central Perk Cafe sign on Lot 48 at the end of the Warner Bros Studio Tour. |
Is There a Friends Set Tour? Can You Visit the Set?
Central Perk New York City doesn't exist nor does Monica's apartment in Greenwich Village or ugly naked guy. You can't jog through Central Park after a cup of coffere. However, there are multiple Cental Perks out there. There is no official set tour. The Friends set tour doesn't include Joey and Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Ross, or Phoebe's apartment building. They always made New York look so cool. However, the Central Perk Cafe is available at the end of the Warner Bros Studio Tour at Stage 48 when your guide drops you off at the gift shop. This is at the end of the tour so there's no guide for this portion.The self-guided set tour does include a replica of the Central Perk Cafe building from Friends that we all know & love, including the orange couch, counter, tables, Phoebe's guitar, & more! It feels like New York, but not really. You can look at the inside of Central Perk coffee shop along with all the other people on the mini set tour from the side of the set. You cannot walk around the Friends cafe set replica. Now if only Joey and Chandler were there too.
Buy your tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood!
The Friends set replica on Lot 48 of Warner Bros Tour in Burbank, California looks lonely without our favorite characters. |
Tip: If you have time, stand in line to get your photo taken on the Central Perk Cafe set replica. You can pose on the orange couch with a Friends coffee mug. Don't miss this iconic photo opportunity!
Where to Stay/Hotels in Burbank, CA
There are a couple Marriott Burbank hotel options: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport & the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown. Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport is less than a mile away from the Burbank Airport. The Marriott Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown is a 15-minute drive from Universal Studios Hollywood & Warner Bros. Studios. Burbank Inn and Suites is 5 miles away from Universal Studios.Do a quick search for hotels in Burbank, CA. Just add your travel dates to see what's available & what the cost is:
I Cried When Friends Ended on TV
Gotta loves those opening credits. I grew up watching the show over the years & even watched the finale when it aired. I used to think it was really filmed in New York as a kid. I thought Central Park & Greenwich Village & New York City were a subway ride away. I used to want to visit Monica's apartment. Was ugly naked guy there?It was a very popular series. I always laughed at Joey. I watched Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, & Chandler for years. I wrote about it in my diary later that night. I mourned for the end of the show & cried at its last moments. I tore up the diary entry & threw it away years later because I was so ashamed at how lame I sounded. I must've been a moody teenager at this point. But it's a fond memory now that I can laugh & reminisce about. I can watch a DVD, the Friends box set, or Netflix when I want my Friends fix; it always reminds me of growing up, much like the characters in the show. There's nothing new like it.
Buy your tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood!
The side of the Friends Central Perk Cafe set with a line of people waiting to take their photo. |
Do you have a question about Warner Bros Tour, Central Perk Cafe, or the Friends set tour building? If you have time, please comment below & I'll answer the best I can.
Looking for Friends-related gifts?
- Buy your Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood tickets.- Buy the Friends box set to watch every episode whenever you want.
- Buy a Friends coffee mug to drink all the coffee in the world.
- Buy tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood - skip the line.
Looking for places to stay in Burbank, CA?
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank AirportSpringHill Suites by Marriott Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown
Burbank Inn and Suites
Holiday Inn Burbank
All Friends fans should add the Warner Bros Studio Tour their list of Friends-related things to do. Is Central Perk real? Where was Friends filmed? It's located in Burbank, California. You can visit a replica of the set & even take your photo with a giant Friends coffee mug. I had a blast exploring the WB gift shop building & finding out all the juicy behind-the-scenes details from our tour guide.
What's your favorite television show? Do you like the show? Do you have any new shows to recommend? Do you know any other Friends filming locations? What other shows are set in New York City? :] Leave a comment!
Things to Do in Lompoc, California
Are you curious about things to do/what to do in Lompoc? Wondering where is Lompoc, CA? A few people asked me about this! Or perhaps you're trying to find cheap hotels in the Lompoc area? Scroll through this guide to answer your biggest questions, & probably answer some questions you never had at all.
About Carmen
Hi, I'm Carmen. I'm a travel influencer & blogging coach who shares my experiences with my readers & anyone browsing for trip ideas (hey, that's you!). I visited the city of Lompoc, California on a press trip with a handful of journalists, magazine editors, & writers to experience a piece of what Explore Lompoc has to offer. "What is a press trip/familiarization tour?" you ask. I explain it in this post.How Do You Pronounce Lompoc?
Make sure you pronounce Lompoc properly or you might get corrected by a long-time resident. Say it with me now: LOM-poke. "Poke" as in "Did you just poke me?" Lom-poke. Lom-poke. Lom-poke. Say it 10 times without looking at the word & it helps.
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Woodfired pizza from Valle Eatery + Bar |
Where is Lompoc, CA?
Several people sent me messages & comments asking where is Lompoc, California? I pondered that too until I drove my butt there. The city of Lompoc is located in Santa Barbara County. It's 60 miles south of San Luis Obispo, 55 miles north of Santa Barbara, & 155 miles north of Los Angeles. Lompoc is fresh & fun but not ridiculously out of the way. There are local events in town as well.Where to Stay in Lompoc, CA?
I stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc - Central Coast, which has a marvelous breakfast. I nibbled on the made-to-order omelette with fresh vegetables in the morning before heading out for all the things to do in Lompoc, CA. Some of the other journalists on the press trip stayed at Hilton Garden Inn. Don't fret, there are several options for cheap hotels in Lompoc, California. Don't like hotels? Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. There are plenty of places to stay in town.
Here's a map:
Booking.com
Here's a map:
Booking.com
What to Do in Lompoc? There are a plethora of things to do in Lompoc, California, especially if you're traveling as a couple, with friends, family, children, or solo.
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T-Rex Mural in Lompoc |
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Lompoc
Spend time trying local wine, exploring the Lompoc Flower Fields, and enjoying the most popular things to do in Lompoc. Bring the kids for the weekend to explore Lompoc. There are plenty of spots to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take the day off at Jalama Beach County Park. You can even reserve a cabin to stay in.
Walking Mural Tour in Downtown Lompoc
The Lompoc Mural Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing art to the walls of Lompoc in order to share Lompoc's history, tell the story of ethnic & cultural groups, & bring tourism to the city. They have a mural map with the exact location & details of 36 murals. Print it out or look it up on your phone as you do a walking mural tour. There are many beautiful pieces of art throughout the streets of Downtown Lompoc.
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
Founded in 1787, the beautifully restored La Purisima Mission shares a glimpse into the past. You can choose guided tours of the buildings & grounds or venture off on your own. Walk through the tranquil mission gardens. Hike La Purisima Mission State Historic Park's 25 miles of trails. Grab a souvenir or hand-crafted item from the Gift Shop. I bought a stunning pink & green shell necklace. La Purisima Mission in the city of Lompoc, CA even has living history events such as a grape harvest, tortilla making, candle making, rope making, basket weaving, & other cool things to do with the family.
Related reading: How to Use Google Flights to Save Hundreds $$$ on Flights
My Skydiving Experience at Skydive Santa Barbara Check out the Skydiver's Handbook |
Go Skydiving at Skydive Santa Barbara
It felt frigid in the tiny airplane on the ride up. I start to shiver. The engine buzzed louder than my thoughts. The first tandem skydivers open the airplane door, scoot to the edge of the plane, lean out, & then vanish like a puff of air. Now it's our turn - my badass female tandem skydiver who has done 8,000+ jumps - we inch our butts to the edge of the airplane & into the abyss. I brace myself, tilt forward, & oh shittttt we’re outtttttttt of the planeeeeeeeee. Magical. Positively magical. As far as exciting things to do in Lompoc, California, I highly recommend skydiving at Skydive Santa Barbara!Where to Eat in Lompoc, CA
Lots of local eats in town! Sissy's Uptown Cafe, a family-owned business, is the hot-spot in town for pie. The coconut cream pie came so highly recommended but alas, it was sold out by the time we arrived. In fact, they were sold out of almost all their pies. Sissy's pie notoriety might literally leave you wanting more. Hangry & need a quick & casual food in Lompoc? Burrito, pizza, sushi, oh my. Plenty of options to order, grab, & go. If you want to sit down to eat, try one of Lompoc's full-service restaurants. I ate pad Thai at Herb Home Thai Restaurant, sampled desserts & woodfired pizza from Valle Eatery + Bar inside the Hilton Garden Inn. Search online ahead of time to find something to suit your taste buds.Blue nail polish: OPI (similar) // Hair tie ribbons: Kenz Laurenz (similar) Wine from Dierberg Vineyard |
Wine Tasting in Lompoc, California
Support local. Choose from 40 wineries and vineyards on Lompoc's wine trail, from Arcadian Winery to Zotovich Vineyards. The rolling hills & sprawling land make for some pretty scrumptious wine & stunning views. Check out the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, a cluster of local wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in Santa Rita Hills, if you want easy access to multiple wineries. Enjoy an afternoon of Lompoc wine tasting. The media crew first met at Dierberg Vineyard for a press trip wine tasting. Visit Lompoc and try a couple different tasting rooms. Browse their websites to see when they open and what their hours are.Airbnb
There are several cheap hotels in Lompoc, CA & affordable options but you can also search for Airbnbs. You can find something close to or in the center. Sign up for Airbnb with my link & get $40 off your booking. That could be a free night somewhere. I loved my Airbnb in Oslo, Norway, affordable & chic. I made coffee every morning. Ahh, I'm thankful for Airbnb memories. But I loved my Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc – Central Coast experience too!The City of Lompoc |
If you haven't paid a visit to the city of Lompoc, integrate it into your upcoming travel plans. This buzzing town won't stay unknown for long. Soon people won't ask "where is Lompoc?" they'll say "I had no clue there were so many things to do in Lompoc, California."
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