Greenwich Village
From the Beats to LGBTQ rights, New York’s most bohemian neighborhood has spawned some significant historical moments. It also has a unique spirit and a number of well-known institutions. Every day, creative New Yorkers congregate in Washington Square Park to share their art and music with the rest of the world. Greenwich Village is a nightlife hotspot with comedy clubs and excellent restaurants. In this Manhattan neighborhood, there is so much to celebrate and experience.
If you’re only doing one thing, grab a falafel from Mamoun’s and stroll through Washington Square Park, or go to the Blue Note or Village Vanguard for a night of live jazz. Murray’s Cheese, Ottomanelli & Sons, Faicco’s Italian Specialties, and Porto Rico Importing Co. are just a few of the specialty food shops in Greenwich Village where you can create a delicious meal. Choose a few items for a gourmet spread.
When the weather is nice, head to Pier 45 for a sunset salsa session or a self-guided tour of the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and Julius’ bar to learn about LGBTQ history. There’s always a great selection of films at the IFC Center if it rains, or you can play board games with a hot chocolate at The Uncommons. The Whitney Museum is one of the city’s best for those who enjoy a stroll through a gallery, and the AIA Center for Architecture (temporarily closed until Fall 2021) will give you a new perspective on urban design and preservation.
After a day of sightseeing, relax at Tea and Sympathy, an authentic English eatery, or dine at Osteria 57, a charming Italian restaurant that specializes in seafood and vegetarian dishes.
West Village
Despite the fact that the West Village is technically part of Greenwich Village, most residents consider the two neighborhoods to be distinct. The West Village is the quieter, more exclusive, and celebrity-heavy section of the neighborhood. While strolling down its charming tree-lined streets of brick townhomes and brownstones, with the occasional café or restaurant tucked in, you’d be forgiven for thinking you weren’t in a bustling city of 8.5 million people. However, getting that small-town, close-knit community vibe isn’t cheap – this is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.
The Village Vanguard jazz club, the White Horse Tavern, and the Stonewall Inn, where the gay rights movement was founded in America, are among the area’s many excellent restaurants for all budgets. Unique boutiques, book stores, clothing accessories, and jewelry stores are also available.
Chelsea borders the West Village on the north, Greenwich Village on the east, SoHo on the south area, and the Hudson River on the west.