As water spouts from New York's Pulitzer fountain, I count the number of hours I've spent staring at this iconic sight.

Yes, this fountain is the fountain. It's the one from the opening credits of all 236 episodes of Friends.

It's hard to believe September marks the 20th anniversary since Joey, Chandler, Ross, Phoebe, Monica and Rachel first appeared on our screens, sparking a successful 10-year run.

Sadly, there are no planned reunions, but it's possible to visit locations popularised by the show. Although filmed in Los Angeles, the sitcom was set in New York, so I set off to the Big Apple to catch up with old Friends.

THE ONE WHERE THEY VISITED THE LOCATIONS

Actually, scrap that about the fountain. It isn't really in the series at all! Realising the real Pulitzer fountain would dwarf the show's stars, producers opted to build a much smaller replica.

This is one of the many nuggets of information I glean from an On Location Tour of New York, which features a very popular Friends section.

We also stop at the corner of Bedford and Grove streets in Greenwich Village, outside a very recognisable apartment building. It's far smaller than I expect, but our guide explains the film crew used clever camera angles to make it look more like one of Manhattan's famous skyscrapers.

THE ONE WHERE THEY EARNED A LIVING

Rachel's office, well, Bloomingdale's, where she was an assistant buyer, seems a good place to start. The massive department store attracts a steady stream of tourists and fashionistas, and many leave with their iconic "little brown bags".

Just around the corner, I see the Solow Building, which doubled as Chandler's office, where he worked as an IT procurement manager (and we still don't really know what that is).

As I'm by Fifth Avenue, I head north to Museum Mile, which was frequented by another dependable employee, Ross Geller. His love of dinosaurs landed him a job as a palaeontologist at the New York Museum of Natural History.

The other big attraction is the planetarium. Remember the episode when Ross and Rachel got a little physical beneath a simulated solar system display? I must say the show doesn't make me feel amorous – quite the opposite, in fact. It's so relaxing I almost nod off.

THE ONE WHERE THEY ATE OUT

Forget sophisticated eateries – I want something akin to the Moondance Diner, where Monica had to skate around the restaurant and dance on tables when tunes came on the jukebox. Right by Times Square is Ellen's Stardust Diner, which bears a striking resemblance. Here, staff take turns singing songs to amused guests who regularly pack out the place.

I also discover the more serene Tick Tock Diner, where we sit in retro booths and eat hearty food. There may be no roller skaters, but Monica would approve.

THE ONE WHERE THEY SAW THE SIGHTS

After spending the day sightseeing with Monica and birth mother of their adopted twins, Erica, Chandler bursts through the front door wearing a Statue of Liberty hat and declares: "New York is awesome".

I make my way to Liberty Island to see why he was so amazed. Close up, Lady Liberty is absolutely gigantic – 92m, to be exact – and although it's possible to climb her, you'll need to join a queue.

Most people are happy just to walk around the base, admiring the green (caused by the weathered copper exterior) statue. Visit the gift shop and for a couple of dollars and you can pick up one of the sponge hats Chandler wore.

THE ONE WHERE THEY HUNG OUT

I'm disappointed to discover there's no real Central Perk in Manhattan, so I decide to search for an alternative. The research begins in the comfort of The Hotel @ Times Square, where I'm staying, which is conveniently close to the downtown attractions.

The Apple Core hotel has – as well as free breakfast, giant beds and big TV screens – free Wi-Fi. I make the most of it, scouring the internet for coffee house options.

It's not easy because most are far too hip. Let's face it – Chandler's not cool. He owns two copies of the Annie musical soundtrack and loves Miss Congeniality (to be fair, it is a classic).

But on my final day, I find the Tea Lounge in Brooklyn. It has sofas and a bare brick wall. But the abundance of MacBook Airs is a sign a lot has changed in the 20 years since Friends first aired.

THE ONE WHERE THEY WORKED OUT

Keen to finish my trip with a burst of energy, I head to Central Park where Rachel and Phoebe went jogging. Throwing aside all inhibitions, I attempt Phoebe's distinctive running style, which Rachel described as "a mix between Kermit the Frog and the Six Million Dollar Man".

Running like you do when you're a child – arms spinning, legs out wide – is liberating, although people look slightly alarmed when I head in their direction.

Unfortunately, my trip has come to an end. If only I had longer – I'd find the perfect foosball table and seek out the smelly cat Phoebe famously wrote a song about.

As I board the plane home, I recall the episode when Phoebe and the gang were desperately trying to stop Rachel flying away forever. If only someone could halt my flight by telling passengers there's something wrong with the left phalange…

IF YOU GO

On Location Tours' New York TV & Movie Sites costs $US40 ($A43) a person. See onlocationtours.com for more details.

For information on New York tourist attractions, such as the CityPASS, which saves 41% on six attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, see nycgo.com.

* Polly Weeks was a guest of Apple Core Hotels (applecorehotels.com).