Greenwich Village is a neighborhood in New York City, located on the west side of Lower Manhattan. It is known for being one of the most historically artistic communities in New York City and was an important center for both gay men’s culture and counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s.
Greenwich Village is home to the High Line, a section of rail track that has been converted into a public park on the West Side.
The High Line is a park on the West Side of Manhattan. It’s a park, but it’s not just any traditional park: it’s actually built along an abandoned elevated rail line. The High Line opened to the public in 2009, and it’s been one of New York City’s most popular attractions ever since.
The elevated tracks were originally built in 1948 to connect the Hudson River with Harlem and have since been abandoned by Amtrak. They’ve been transformed into an urban oasis that features lush green spaces, gardens, restaurants, street art installations and more—all within steps from some of NYC’s best shopping destinations (Fifth Avenue), entertainment spots (Times Square) and historical sites (Washington Square Park).
One of my favorite things to do in Greenwich Village is visit Washington Square Park.

One of my favorite things to do in Greenwich Village is visit Washington Square Park. The park has been a gathering place for the community since the 18th century, and it’s still one of New York City’s most popular parks today.
It also has a great view of the city! And there are many activities inside Washington Square Park as well: people-watching, reading a book, playing sports (if you’re into that), attending political rallies or protests—there’s no shortage of things to do here! There are also plenty of places to eat nearby if you’re hungry after your afternoon at the park.
Nearly every street in Greenwich Village has something interesting or fun on it, so be ready to take a photo.
The best way to explore Greenwich Village is by foot. Nearly every street has something interesting or fun on it. Whether you want to go shopping, get some good food, or just walk around and people watch, there’s plenty to do in this historic neighborhood. For architecture photo, west village is one of the best neighborhood in NYC
If you love art, then you will love the Whitney Museum of American Art in Greenwich Village.
The Whitney Museum of American Art is located at 945 Madison Avenue. The museum houses works by many artists, including Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keefe. If you love art and have an afternoon to spare, then this is the place for you!
Of course, many tourists choose to stay in hotels in the heart of the Village, but there are plenty of affordable accommodations just across town or on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (which is also close by). If you’re looking for a unique experience that doesn’t involve sleeping under someone else’s roof, look no further than one of several hostel-like accommodations located near Washington Square Park and other popular attractions. You can spend your days shopping at the designer shops on Fifth Avenue or browsing through
Visit Three Lives & Company
Three Lives & Company is a bookstore that has been operating since 1957. It is known for its wide selection of books and art supplies, including paper, drawing materials and paints. The store also carries a variety of stationery items like notebooks, postcards, envelopes and greeting cards.
Three Lives & Company opened in 1957 when Grove Press founder Barney Rosset purchased the space from artist Larry Rivers who was using it as an art studio at the time. The shop moved two blocks south to its current location at 6 St. Marks Place in 1965 when Rosset bought out his partner’s interest in the business after becoming disenchanted with running Three Lives through mail order catalogs only.[14] The building itself was constructed sometime before 1886 as part of architect Charles C. Haight’s residential development called Hubert Place.[15]
Play chess in Washington Square Park
When it comes to chess, Washington Square Park is one of the best places to play. The 9.75-acre public park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan has been a favorite spot for chess players since 1837. In fact, it’s also home to the oldest outdoor chess table in New York City (1952).
If you’re interested in learning more about Washington Square Park and its history, we recommend taking a tour with Urban Adventuress. Their 90-minute “New York City Stories: Greenwich Village Tour” will take you through this historic area by foot while telling stories from its past that are sure to make your visit more enjoyable!
Friends Apartment Building west village
Located at the corner of Grove and Bedford Streets is the Friends Apartment Building, which was featured in multiple episodes of Friends. You can see Monica’s apartment as well as Central Perk on the show’s opening credits.
There are many great restaurants and bars in Greenwich Village. You could spend an entire day just eating your way through the neighborhood. For example, if you’re looking for a good Asian meal, try out Momofuku Noodle Bar or Xi’an Famous Foods. If you’re in the mood for pizza, check out Artichoke Basille’s Pizza or Lombardi’s Original Coal Oven Pizzeria. There is also plenty of nightlife to enjoy in Greenwich Village.
Watch stand-up at the Comedy Cellar
If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, then you should definitely check out the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village. The club has been around for decades and is known for its long list of famous alumni, including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Amy Schumer. It’s also a great place to see emerging talent that may soon be hitting the big time.
The Comedy Cellar was famously founded by Louis “Red” Deutsch (who also owned another world-famous comedy club: The Improv) in 1982. Since then it has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy—and continues to do so today!
Check out their website or book tickets online if you can’t wait until next time you’re in New York City.
Drink a coffee at Caffe Reggio, 119 MacDougal Street

Caffe Reggio is a great place to grab a coffee. They have a great selection of coffees, pastries and sandwiches. If you’re not already hungry, they also have a great selection of salads and pizzas.
Or at Buvette, 42 Grove Street
If you want a more romantic experience, check out Buvette. Located at 42 Grove Street, this French restaurant has a classic Parisian feel with its revolving menu and traditional French dishes. It’s open from 7:30 am to 11 pm, so you can go anytime during the day or night.
The food is beautifully presented and carefully prepared, but not expensive for what you get—a prix fixe dinner here will cost only about $75 per person (and that includes wine). The menu changes daily based on what’s in season; when we visited in May 2018, my husband and I had foie gras doughnuts with blackberries and rose petal sorbet as an appetizer; a mushroom pizza topped with crispy manchego cheese as an entrée; and chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert (the portions were quite generous).
You should also try one of their signature cocktails like the Elderflower Collins made with gin infused with elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and sparkling water. They also have several wines available by the glass if you want something less alcoholic than your cocktail but don’t want to commit to buying a bottle just yet—this way it won’t feel like such a commitment!
Walk around the James J Walker Park
If you want to experience the Village’s quiet side, this is the place to do it. James J Walker Park is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a quick break from sightseeing with its benches and trees. You can even bring your bike here if you want to go for a ride along Riverside Park on the Hudson River!
If you’re looking for something more active, James J Walker Park also has two tennis courts where locals gather to hit some balls around during their lunch breaks and evenings after work. There’s also an outdoor basketball court that local kids use after school hours—so watch out for stray balls flying through the air!
If you are hungry, a brunch at Banter, 169 Sullivan Street
When you’re hungry in Greenwich Village, Banter is a great place to go. The food is good and the drinks are even better. The vibe is relaxed and casual, making it a comfortable place to unwind or meet up with friends.
One of the best things about Caffe Reggio is that they are open 24/7, so you can grab a cup of coffee whenever you want. You can enjoy your coffee while sitting outside and watching the world go by.
Or at Pinto Garden, 117 W 10th Street
While you’re in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop by Pinto Garden {117 W 10th Street}. This Latin American restaurant has a great ambiance and is a great place to grab a drink. It’s open for lunch and dinner, so it’s the perfect spot for your late night snack after the bar. (Or if you want to start there.) Located on 10th Street, Pinto Garden offers an eclectic menu of food inspired by Mexico City’s street food scene. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail list, which is obviously what we’re all after when we go out to eat!
If you prefer fine dinning, High Street on Hudson, 637 Hudson Street
If you prefer fine dinning, High Street on Hudson is a great option. It’s located in the West Village and features both indoor and outdoor seating. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with soft lighting and metal accents that give off a modern vibe. The menu features dishes from around the world such as risotto with wild boar ragout and roasted salmon with fresh herbs in lemon butter sauce. They also have an extensive drink list featuring wines by the glass or bottle along with an array of craft beers.
Play board games at the Uncommons
The Uncommons is a board game store and cafe located in the West Village. They offer a wide variety of games, from classics like Scrabble and Monopoly to more obscure games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. You can play by yourself or with other people. In fact, if you feel like mingling with some new faces, this place is also equipped with plenty of seating space for socializing. So grab your friends (or make some new ones) and head over to the Uncommons!
Catch A Film At The IFC Center

The IFC Center, located at 323 Sixth Avenue, is a movie theater that shows independent films and classic movies. It provides a unique experience for film lovers and moviegoers alike.
The theater is known for its intimate setting, which makes it easy to get close to the screen and feel like you’re right there in the story with your favorite characters. The room also has excellent sound quality so that even if you’re not sitting right next to the speakers, everyone will be able to hear everything clearly! The best part? You can see movies here for only $12 each (or less if you buy tickets online).
Peruse Bookmarc Bookstore
If you love books, magazines and stationery, then make sure to stop by this bookstore. Located at the corner of 6th Avenue and 10th Street in Greenwich Village, New York City’s most famous literary destination is a must-visit. Boasting more than a century of history as an independent shop, Bookmarc offers hard copy editions alongside digital versions of titles ranging from special interest topics such as design and architecture to popular fiction novels.
Museum of Illusions west village
The Museum of Illusions is a fun place to visit in the West Village. This museum has three floors filled with optical illusions and mind benders that will have you perplexed and entertained. The first floor has exhibits such as the mirror maze, which is an optical illusion that makes you feel like you’re walking through a maze while actually moving in circles. The second floor holds more interactive exhibits such as the “Magic Mirror” where visitors can see their reflection on one side of a glass wall but not on the other side; however, when looking into this “mirror” from outside it appears transparent so there’s really no mirror at all! Finally, there are many other fun activities at this museum including a giant kaleidoscope and an exhibit featuring animated projections onto walls.
Historic Stonewall Inn west village
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, be sure to check out the following:
- Historic Stonewall Inn, located at 53 Christopher St. in New York City’s West Village, is both a gay bar and historic landmark. In 1969 it was the site of a riot that served as a major catalyst for the gay rights movement. The first openly gay comedian to perform at Stonewall was Stewart Lee; Sir Elton John has also played there.
Enjoy Desserts In The West Village
If you’re looking for dessert, there are plenty of great places to choose from. You can get cupcakes, cookies and brownies at Bake Sale. Savory options are also available. Baked by Melissa offers cookies, brownies and more in their original bakery locations throughout the city. Their ice cream sandwiches also make for a delicious treat! Bouchon Bakery sells pastries like macarons here at this West Village location. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming inside this French inspired cafe that feels like home while you enjoy your favorite pastry or cake!
Cafe Blossom is another place where you can find delicious desserts that look as good as they taste! They have an extensive menu with plenty of different options so you will surely find something that suits your tastes! Be sure to check out some of our other favorites including Carmine’s Italian Restaurant which serves up classic Italian cuisine with a side of gelato – perfect for sharing with someone special after dinner out on the town tonight! Or maybe Cookies NYC has been on everyone’s mind lately due to its featured appearance on Shark Tank…stop by today before they sell out!!
There are many places to shop in New York City, but for something a bit more low-key and local, head to Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village is a great place to find unique and unusual gifts. Most tourists will flock to the big name stores, but if you’re looking for something special that no one else has, head here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Greenwich Village, maybe it doesn’t exist!
Greenwich Village is also home to some of New York’s best restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat if you want fine dining or quick food on the go—the choice is yours!
If you are looking for some great food while you are visiting Greenwich Village, try out one of these spots!
If you are looking for some great food while you are visiting Greenwich Village, try out one of these spots!
- Caffe Reggio is a classic New York eatery that has been around since 1927. It serves up amazing Italian dishes and has the perfect atmosphere for a date night or casual dinner with friends.
- Buvette is known for its French cuisine and its intimate atmosphere. The restaurant is located inside an old European-style townhouse on MacDougal Street and its brunch menu offers something for everyone: pancakes, omelets and even French toast!
- Pinto Garden serves up delicious Mexican fare in an elegant space with beautiful decor that makes it feel like Mexico City transported itself to New York City (or at least its Greenwich Village neighborhood). Their margaritas are also excellent! They have two locations: one on 6th Avenue near Washington Square Park, another on 8th Avenue between 23rd & 24th streets near the entrance to 23rd Street subway station. Both places are worth checking out if you want authentic Mexican food without having to leave NYC; we recommend eating there after visiting MoMA PS1 where there’s plenty of outdoor seating available during nice weather months so try this place out when visiting both institutions together!
Known for its identity as the home of American Bohemia, Greenwich Village is one of New York City’s most famous neighborhoods.
- Greenwich Village is one of the most famous neighborhoods in New York City.
- It’s known for its identity as the home of American Bohemia, which was a subculture that developed in the mid-19th century and lasted until World War II.
- The bohemian movement began when artists, musicians and intellectuals escaped from their homes to live among like-minded individuals who shared their interests. These individuals often lived without having steady jobs or income sources; instead they supported themselves through freelance work such as writing or painting.
Conclusion
With so much to do in Greenwich Village, it’s hard to choose just one thing! Whether you’re looking for a good place to eat and drink, live music or comedy, art galleries and museums… there’s something for everyone here. From historic landmarks like the Stonewall Inn to shopping districts like Fifth Avenue South or Chelsea Market; from parks like Washington Square Park {you can even see where the Friends’ apartment building used}, James J Walker Park (also known as Jackie Onassis Reservoir)—there really is no shortage of things to do in New York City’s Greenwich Village neighborhood!