Quiet Empty Commerce Street in the Historic Greenwich Village Neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City

Local’s Guide to the 20 Best Things to Do in Greenwich Village NYC

If you’re trying to figure out the best things to do in Greenwich Village NYC, you’re in the right place!

Using what I know as a near-life-long New Yorker, I’ve put together this local guide to Greenwich Village to help you know what to do in Greenwich Village and how to make the most of your visit to this beloved New York City neighborhood.

New York City’s different parts are each special in their own way, but nowhere is that more true than in Greenwich Village. On one hand, it’s a go-to spot for eating out, live music, and fantastic nightlife.

But, the neighborhood’s attraction is also its small, tree-lined streets, historic homes, boutique shops, and a classically New York artsy feel.

If you’re planning a New York City itinerary, spend at least a few hours in Greenwich Village, if not an entire day. And when you’re considering your evening’s out during your trip, look no further than the Village’s bars, music venues, and comedy clubs for a fun, city night out!

Quick Summary

  • A local’s guide to the 20 best things to do in Greenwich Village with history, food, culture, nightlife, and hidden gems.
  • Perfect for visitors who have a few hours or a full day and want to experience the Village beyond just the mainstream spots.
  • Highlights include iconic stops like Washington Square Park, Bleecker Street, live music at Blue Note & Village Vanguard, historic architecture, and excellent neighborhood restaurants.
  • If you love strolling, visiting local shops, and eating well, this guide will help you see the Village like a New Yorker.

What You’ll Miss if You Only Read This Summary

  • Ways to get around: which subway lines go to Greenwich Village
  • Detailed recommendations for specific restaurants, like the best Italian, pizza, brunch, sushi, wings, and bakeries in the Village.
  • Pro tips for enjoying live music or off-Broadway shows including places New Yorkers love.
  • Sights that capture the character of the Village with specific locations of historic streets, homes, and must-see sights.

Drafted by AI. Rewritten & edited by a human.

20 Best Things to Do in Greenwich Village NYC

Just a quick note before we get started to make sure you’re oriented. The Village, as the locals like myself call it, is on the lower west side of Manhattan between 14th Street to the north and Houston Street to the south. The neighborhood is bookended by the Hudson River to the west and Broadway to the east.

These broad boundaries also include the West Village and the Meatpacking District.

For that reason, the best things to do in the West Village, for example, overlap with what to see in Greenwich Village.

With that cleared up, let’s get away from the towering skyscrapers of Midtown and wander away from the grid street pattern to discover the history, culture, and Bohemian vibe of the Village.

@theglobetrottingteacher

Come spend the day in Greenwich Village NYC with me (a local NYer!) #nyc #newyorkcity #greenwichvillage #newyorktravel #nyctips ✨Full Greenwich Village NYC Guide at theglobetrottingteacher.com✨

♬ Luxury and fun big band jazz(1324443) – Ponetto

1. Visit Washington Square Park.

closeup washington square park arch

At the heart of Greenwich Village sits one of New York City’s most beloved city parks. Established as a park in 1827, no trip to New York City’s Greenwich Village is complete without a visit to Washington Square Park.

Compared to the 840-acre Central Park, Washington Square Park is tiny at just under 10 acres. It’s easy to walk the park from end to end as part of a Greenwich Village visit. However, size doesn’t define Washington Square Park and the impact it has had, not only on Greenwich Village, but all of  New York City. 

On any given day, you’ll see artists, musicians, chess players, families, NYU students, poets, and pets all bringing the park to life.

The rectangle-shaped park is bordered by straightforward street names, Washington Square North, South, East, & West. But if you ask a local for directions, don’t be surprised if you hear different street names. We prefer to use popular Greenwich Village street names instead.

To the north is Waverly Place, to the south is West 4th Street, to the east is University Place, and to the West is MacDougal Street. 

If you’re heading south on NYC’s famous Fifth Avenue, you’ll ultimately head right into the Washington Square Arch. 

At the northern point of the park is the Washington Square Arch. The Arch was built in 1892 for the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration, which took place at Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan.

This Greenwich Village park also has a fascinating history! Before there were park benches and chess players, this area was fertile farmland surrounded by woodlands and a stream full of fish.

New York City grew outward from what is now Battery Park and the Financial District, and Greenwich Village was considered a rural retreat north of the city.

This made the land where Washington Square Park is today perfect for a potter’s field. Starting in the late 1790s, up to 20,000 bodies were buried here and are still resting in peace below the park’s soil.

Add this to the park’s legend of the Hangman’s Elm. “The Hanging Tree”  which still grows today, is believed to be the oldest tree in Manhattan at 300+ years old and a witness to a lot of Village history.

If you’re looking for something spooky that includes the dark history of this land where Washington Square Park sits, try the Ghosts of Greenwich Village tour

Depending on the time of year, you may see a crowd gathered at the park’s fountain. On hot summer days, it’s a popular spot to dip your feet and cool off.

But anytime is perfect for a stroll around the park to take in the Greenwich Village vibe. Along the way, stop to play a game of chess with a friendly stranger or take a seat with something to drink and enjoy the sights and sounds of this famous Greenwich Village park.

2. See the Friends Apartment Building.

Friend's Apartment Building NYC

For 10 seasons, the comedy sitcom Friends entertained millions of fans with endless laughs as we watched six twenty-something friends living in the big city, trying to make it through all that NYC life threw at them.

While the popular TV show was filmed on a Warner Bros. sound stage in Burbank, CA, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey lived in Greenwich Village and drank coffee at the cleverly named “Central Perk.”

Specifically, the building at 90 Bedford Street on the corner of Grove and Bedford Streets was used for the exterior shots of the Friends apartment building before cutting to the action inside. Today, it’s become a pilgrimage for fans from around the world.

On most days, the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets in Greenwich Village is bustling with groups of people taking selfies and staring up at the mostly nondescript 6-story building that was completed in 1899.

You can’t enter the building, but don’t be disappointed! After getting your photos, the best part is that you’ll find yourself on a beautiful Greenwich Village street where you can continue to meander through this fabulous neighborhood.

The closest subway stops to Bedford & Grove are Christopher Street from the 1 subway line and West 4th Street from the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M lines. It’s about a 5-minute walk from each station. 

You can also do a guided Greenwich Village Walking Tour, which includes a stop outside this iconic building.

3. Walk along Bleecker Street.

Bleecker street sign in Manhattan. Bleecker Street is most famous today as a Greenwich Village nightclub district.

Any visit to New York City’s Greenwich Village must include a walk along Bleecker Street. Not only is this one of the most popular areas in Greenwich Village, but it’s also one of the most famous streets in all of New York City. 

Back when the area was mostly farmland, the Bleecker family owned a farm that had a road that ran right through the land. That road would ultimately be given to the city and forever named Bleecker Street.  

Today, things are a bit different along Bleecker Street. Across several blocks, you’ll find the “Village” vibe in the restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, live music, and shopping along Bleecker Street.

The food scene on Bleecker Street has an incredibly rich history. In the late 1800s, there were just a couple of thousand Italians in all of New York City. By the early 1900s, over half the people living in Greenwich Village were Italians. 

Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and butcher shops owned by Italians opened around Greenwich Village and dominated most of Bleecker Street in what became one of New York’s first Little Italys!

Much of this influence is still felt today. John’s of Bleecker Street pizzeria was established in 1929, and Ottomanelli and Sons Butcher Shop opened in 1900. Faicco’s Italian Specialities (with its delicious rice balls!) opened in 1900 and moved to its current location on Bleecker Street in the 1940s.

Bleecker Street also has a legendary music scene. Simon & Garfunkel (who had a song called Bleecker Street), Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, & many more performed in the smoky venues along Bleecker Street.

Today, you can still pop into places like The Bitter End, The Red Lion, and Terra Blues to enjoy live music in a small venue…All without the smoke, of course!

Several subway lines access the area around Bleecker Street, depending on where you’re coming from in Manhattan. The Christopher St. or W. 4th St stations mentioned above would land you just steps from Bleecker.

If you’re further east, take the 4 or 6 train to Bleecker Street or the B, D, F, or M trains to Broadway-Lafayette.

4. Try Some Samples at Murray’s Cheese.

Closeup of a cheese shop's selection of cheses

Murray’s Cheese on Bleecker Street is a landmark cheese shop and market in Greenwich Village. It’s been open since 1962 and is a popular stop on many Greenwich Village walking tours.

The selection of cheeses from around the world is unmatched. Even while shopping in other markets around the city, I’ll see cheeses from Murray’s that are being sold.

My absolute downfall is the Fromager d’Affinois, a creamier-than-Brie cheese that is so rich and delicious, it’ll ruin you forever!

5. Don’t Miss MacDougal Street!

After strolling along Bleecker, head to MacDougal Street, which intersects Bleecker.

“I’ll meet you at Bleecker and MacDougal after work” has long been a common exchange by many New Yorkers looking to enjoy an evening out. You’ll know why seconds after walking onto the street. 

At just 6 blocks long, starting at Prince Street to the south and going to West 8th Street at the north, MacDougal Street somehow gets more classically Greenwich Village with each step.

Many of the storefronts have maintained their historical significance thanks to a Greenwich Village Historic District designation. MacDougal Alley is a perfect example of this. Just south of West 8th Street, this famous cul-de-sac served as stables for the neighborhood’s wealthy residents.

New York City Greenwich Village
An Artichoke Pizza slice on MacDougal is a must!

When these were converted into workshops at the turn of the century, artists like Jackson Pollack and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (future founder of the Whitney Museum) moved in.

Today, MacDougal Street’s history combines fun, food (50+ places to eat!), laughs, and live music. Cafe Wha is an absolute blast. Get ready to rock out at this legendary live music spot where Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan have played.

The Comedy Cellar (more on this in a moment) is perfect for some laughs. And, there’s no shortage of places to have some drinks and good eats.

Some of my favorite places include Minetta Tavern, Mermaid Oyster Bar, Caffe Reggio, Mamoun’s Falafel, and Artichoke Pizza. (Do NOT leave MacDougal until you have an Artichoke slice!) 

6. Stop for a Cappuccino at Caffe Reggio.

Caffe Reggio on MacDougal Street in NYC

This historic cafe is home to the first cappuccino ever served in the U.S.! Caffe Reggio is on MacDougal Street between W.3rd Street and Minetta Lane. It’s in a prime spot to watch daily life in the Village pass by.

Not to mention, scenes from The Godfather II (and several other movies) were filmed here. And just across the street at 130-132 MacDougal Street, Louisa May Alcott lived with her uncle for a while and may have written part of her famous novel, Little Women, there.

7. Admire the Greenwich Village Architecture. 

Grove Court, a private enclave in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

If your time in New York City has been spent in Midtown in and around main tourist attractions, you’re in for an architectural surprise in the Village. It’s one of the best things to see in Greenwich Village, if you ask me.

The further south you go on the island of Manhattan, the older the neighborhoods get. On top of this, the island’s bedrock is much further down and harder to reach in Greenwich Village, so tall skyscrapers are harder, if not impossible, to build here.

This adds up to brick-style homes and townhouses on narrow tree-lined streets, smaller apartment buildings, and historic buildings dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s.

You can still see Federalist-style architecture as you stroll the Village streets. One of the best examples can be seen in Grove Court just off Grove Street (just steps from the Friends Apartment building).

The secluded court is set back from the street behind a wrought iron gate. But look through to admire the 6 red townhouses dating back to the mid-1800s. They’re exactly the type of buildings that give the Village its charm!

Before you leave Grove and Bedford Streets, take a look at 17 Grove Street, one of the oldest wooden houses in Manhattan, dating back to 1822. Or check out 75 1/2 Bedford Street, the narrowest house in the Village, lived in by many notable figures, like Cary Grant!

Along Washington Square North, you can admire the Greek Revival townhouses known as “The Row,” built in the mid-1800s. Many still have their original iron fences and stone stoops. In the 1800s, the townhouses were home to the social elite, but today most of them are owned by NYU.

Just a block or so up Fifth Avenue from Washington Square Park is a tiny street known as Washington Mews. The tiny cottages on this street were once stables and carriage houses for Greenwich Village’s wealthy homeowners. Peeking down the cobblestone street, it’s easy to forget you’re in New York City!

Houses aren’t the only notable architecture, either. Jefferson Market Courthouse, which is now the Jefferson Market Library, was built in the 1870s in the Venetian Gothic style. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark in plain sight at 425 6th Avenue. When you’re there, be sure to check out the pretty Jefferson Market Garden, too!

These are just snippets of noteworthy architecture in Greenwich Village. You can wander the neighborhood to discover more or join a guided walking tour of Greenwich Village.

8. See an Off-Broadway Show at Cherry Lane Theatre.

Cherry lane Theatre Greenwich Village NYC

With all the focus on Broadway performances uptown and so many other amazing things to do in New York City, it’s easy to overlook the live performances happening at smaller off-Broadway theaters.

And with so many artists, poets, musicians, and creative minds calling Greenwich Village home, it makes sense that the neighborhood would have a vibrant theater scene.

Cherry Lane Theatre is located at 38 Commerce Street, just steps from the Friends Apartment Building. It’s also the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in the city. The 179-seat theater has staged plays by some of the most famous American writers, like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Eugene O’Neill.

Even if you don’t have time to see a show here, take a moment to pass by the theater. Commerce Street is a pretty, curved street in the Village. Try to picture the building where the theater is today as a farm silo, which is what it originally was built as in the early 1800s.

Greenwich Village has other small theaters tucked away like the ones I’ve listed below. It’s worthwhile to check what’s playing at these downtown theaters while you’re in NYC.

Minetta Lane Theater

Lucille Lortel Theatre

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

Public Theater  (Honorable Mention – Slightly east of Greenwich Village but close!)

ProTip: Walk to the end of Commerce Street to see “The Twins,” at numbers 39 and 41. This historic double Federalist-style house with a garden in the middle was built in 1831.

9. Discover (So Much!) History in Greenwich Village!

Quiet Empty Commerce Street in the Historic Greenwich Village Neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City

Saying Greenwich Village is a historic place doesn’t seem to do the neighborhood justice. So much U.S. and New York City history has happened here, and that’s after the Native Americans had already called the area their home for hundreds of years. For this, the entire neighborhood is a Historic District of New York City.

Four hundred years ago, the colony of New Amsterdam (not yet New York) sat in a small area between City Hall and Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan. 

As the colony grew, and was eventually given up to the English and renamed, the area to the north (and what would ultimately become Greenwich Village) was considered a country escape from the hustle and less-than-hygenic colony 2 miles south. Even for a lifelong local, this is fascinating and hard to believe.

It wasn’t until the 18th century and the epidemics that flourished in the congested colony to the south that the population of what is now Greenwich Village started to grow. And in the 20th century, it became a mecca for bohemians, artists, musicians, poets, and writers.

As you stroll the Village streets, you’re walking in the footsteps of Edgar Allen Poe, Louisa May Alcott, Eugene O’Neill, Bob Dylan, Eleanor Roosevelt, Robert De Niro, and Lady Gaga. Countless celebrities have lived (and still live) in these apartments, performed in Village music halls and theaters, and wined and dined at these bars and restaurants. 

As a local, I’ve had the majority of my celebrity sightings in Greenwich Village. It’s also my favorite area to join a guided walking tour. Each street is full of history, and I always come away with another piece of interesting Greenwich Village history.

10. Check Out One of NYC’s Tiniest Streets.

Gay Street Greenwich Village NYC

Gay Street, likely named for a wealthy family that once lived here in the late 1700s/early 1800s, is easy to miss as you wander around Greenwich Village. This one-block street sits between Christopher Street and Waverly Place.

Aside from its historic homes (some originally built as horse stables), this tiny street has been used for music videos by artists Cheryl Crow (A Change Would Do You Good) and Cyndi Lauper (Girls Just Want to Have Fun).

11. Visit the Stonewall Monument and Visitor’s Center

Stonewall Memorial Visitor's Center

The historic Stonewall Riots took place here in 1969 and brought attention to the Gay Rights Movement in the U.S. They were in response to the regular police raids that happened at the Stonewall Inn, as well as many other gay bars.

Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark. While you’re in Greenwich Village, stop inside the Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the Stonewall Riots.

12. Have a Jazzy Night Out.

Blue Note Jazz Club NYC

Greenwich Village is known for its artsy vibe and fantastic nightlife. Village Vanguard and the Blue Note Jazz Clubs are live music landmarks in the neighborhood that draw in locals and visitors for live performances and that one-of-a-kind Village atmosphere.

Village Vanguard on 7th Avenue between 11th and Perry Streets has been open since 1935. Since then, some of the most iconic jazz musicians have performed here, including Miles Davis, Charlie Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane, to name a few.

The Blue Note on W.3rd Street between 6th Avenue and MacDougal Streets opened its doors nearly 50 years ago and has seen the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, and Ray Charles take the stage.

Both are classic nights out in New York City if you’re looking for live music in a small space where you can listen to the music and enjoy the hip vibe. Especially on weekends, be sure to make reservations.

13. Catch a Flick at the IFC Center.

IFC Movie Theater Greenwich Village NYC

Of all the cinemas in Greenwich Village, the IFC Center is an art-house staple and where to go to watch independent and foreign films, as well as documentaries.

This now 5-screen theater was where the midnight Rocky Horror Picture Show showings first became popular. The audience actively participated alongside the parody of horror and comedy by wearing costumes and yelling at the screen, all in good fun! 

Today, the theater hosts a documentary festival, midnight showings of cult favorites, short films, and a weekend classics series. If you’re from out of town and you’ve been hoping to see a movie other than the latest blockbusters, check out the IFC Center schedule.

14. Don’t Miss Shopping in Greenwich Village.

Hamlet's Vintage Thrift Shop NYC

When you think of shopping in NYC, it’s only natural that 5th Avenue or Soho comes to mind. But Greenwich Village shopping brings all the diversity you’d expect in this neighborhood. 

Looking for vintage books and vinyl records? Head to Mercer Street Books & Records. 

Need to add to your vintage clothing collection? Hamlet’s Vintage on West 4th Street has you covered. 

C.O. Bigelow on 6th Avenue between W.8th and W.9th Streets is the oldest apothecary in the United States, dating back to 1838. They carry both unique and familiar cosmetics and skin care products that are fun to shop for.

New guitar? Scandinavian candy? Chessboards? Rubber Stamps? Check, check, check, and check. Greenwich Village makes for an eclectic shopping afternoon.

Want to go more upscale? Boutiques along Bleecker sell pieces by Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, and others.

There isn’t a more walkable neighborhood in all of New York City. Shops are nestled into all the neighborhood’s nooks. The charm is in the exploration and the unplanned.

15. Sing Your Heart Out at Marie’s Crisis Cabaret Bar.

Marie's Crisis Greenwich Village NYC

If you’re a fan of Broadway music, having fun, and looking for an authentic Village experience, then this is the place for you. It’s almost impossible not to have fun here! 

Marie’s Crisis has a quintessential dive bar interior complete with plenty of drinks a-flowing! It gets crowded on the weekend so if this is at the top of your Greenwich Village nightlife list better to arrive on the earlier side to make sure you get in.

A piano sits at the center of the room where a pianist churns out Broadway favorites, and everyone in the room sings their hearts out! Have I mentioned how fun this place is??

Like many other iconic locations in the Village, the building where Marie’s Crisis is today has an alluring history. Revolutionary War activist and author Thomas Paine died in this location. And, in the mid-1800s, the building was used as a lair for the world’s oldest profession (as their website claims).

ProTip: Want to plan a fun night out in Greenwich Village? Marie’s Crisis is less than 5 minutes away from Village Vanguard on foot. So after a meal on Bleecker or MacDougal, make stops at both for an unforgettable night of good times.

16. Eat at the Many Amazing Greenwich Village Restaurants!

Whether it’s your first time in New York City or your 5th, avoid eating anywhere near Times Square. The restaurants are touristy and overpriced. Instead, head to a neighborhood like Greenwich Village for a more local eating experience.

My challenge here is that the food in Greenwich Village is too delicious that it’s hard to choose what to list! Keep in mind, I’m not a food critic, but just an NYer who loves to eat.

The food variety in Greenwich Village ranges from the dive bar with great wings to the posh and upscale spots for fine dining. Here are some of my faves. 

Best Italian Restaurant in Greenwich Village?

Don’t miss Il Mulino, Gene’s Restaurant, Lupa, Carbone, Morandi, or Babbo.

Best Pizza in Greenwich Village?

Check out L’industrie Pizzeria West Village, Bleecker Street Pizza, John’s of Bleecker Street Pizza,  Joe’s Pizza, and Artichoke Pizza. 

Best Brunch in Greenwich Village?

Try classic favorites like Cafe Cluny, Bluestone Lane, Buvette, The Grey Dog, Jack’s Wife Frieda, or the hip vibe at Shuka.

Best Sushi in Greenwich Village?  

I go to one place for sushi in the Village,  Tomoe Sushi. You might be waiting for a bit, but it’s worth it. 

Minetta Tavern NYC

Best Bakeries in Greenwich Village?

Mille-Feuille Bakery, Pasticceria Rocco, Magnolia Bakery…or a complete Greenwich Village Cupcake tour!

Best Wings in Greenwich Village? 

Get the atomic wings at Down The Hatch on West 4th. 

Best Cafes in Greenwich Village?

Cafe Reggio on Bleecker is perfect for a cappuccino and a cannoli. The Olive Tree Cafe is a fun place to eat (chalkboard-topped tables…need I say more) with Mediterranean dishes.

Still looking for the Best Restaurant in Greenwich Village??

A few others I l-o-v-e and can’t NOT mention…

The Mermaid Oyster Bar is a fabulous casual-ish Village seafood spot.

Blue Hill and Perry Street are out of this world. 

Corner Bistro and Murray’s Bagels (just as good as Apollo Bagels but without the line!) are classic NYC eateries.

As I said, there are so many restaurants in Greenwich Village. It’s an absolute foodie paradise!

17. Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Whitney Museum of American Art as seen from Little Island Park NYC

If you’ve walked south along the High Line, through Chelsea to the Village, you’ll arrive at the Whitney Museum at Gansevoort Street.

Inside, you’ll find works by American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, like Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Edward Hopper.

One of my favorite things about the Whitney Museum are the outdoor terraces, designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano, with art exhibitions and stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson River.

18. Catch a Glimpse of the Carrie Bradshaw Apartment.

Greenwich Village NYC Apartments

Sex and the City is as New York City as New York City gets.

The popular HBO show ran from 1998 to 2004 and starred the iconic fictional character, Carrie Bradshaw. (As well as the most legendary rent-controlled apartment in NYC!)

In the show, Carrie lived at the fictional address 245 East 73rd Street. In reality, though, the famous exterior shots were filmed at 64 Perry Street in Greenwich Village. Not only is this building one of the most recognizable locations in the Village but it’s widely considered a top sightseeing spot in all of NYC.  

This Village tree-lined block will have you dreaming of living there! If you’re curious, the townhouse at 64 Perry Street has more than 4,000 square feet, over 5 floors, and last sold for $9.5 million!  

If you’re hoping to see more Sex and the City filming locations, this popular On Location tour is a must-do!  

19. Get Your Laughs in at the Comedy Cellar.

Comedy Cellar NYC

In the heart of Greenwich Village at 17 Macdougal Street between 3rd Street & Minetta Lane, the Comedy Cellar has been an epicenter of laughs since the 1980s. Many famous comedians have taken the stage here…and still do!

The Comedy Cellar doesn’t do headliners like a lot of clubs do. They’re known for showcases, which means 5-7 performers are doing about 15 minutes each with multiple shows a night. You never know who just might show up when you’re at the Comedy Cellar.

Big-time comedians often stop by to keep their comedic skills sharp with a surprise set. Before they take the stage, the stand-ups will often hang out at The Olive Tree Cafe, which is a restaurant just above the club.  

20. Discover Greenwich Village on Foot.

Block of colorful buildings on historic Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York City

What’s the best way to soak up the Village vibe? Just stroll! Touring Greenwich Village on foot is the way to go. You can even customize a Greenwich village tour to suit your interests or go at your own pace with an audio tour.

Greenwich Village is fun, charming, and quirky. The best way to get a feel for this world-famous neighborhood is to immerse yourself in it.

Ditch the grid city layout and the organized numbered streets in Midtown and Upper Manhattan, and just get lost in Greenwich Village.

Roll with it. In the Village, you’re never too far from discovering a local-favorite cafe, a one-of-a-kind shop, a historic tavern, or your favorite movie star. 

Searching for a hotel in Greenwich Village?

row houses on a Greenwich Village Street

Where to stay in New York is always the hardest part of planning an NYC trip. Greenwich Village is a great neighborhood to stay in, especially if you’re in search of that signature cool New York City vibe.

Is Greenwich Village safe to stay in? Absolutely! It’s a family-friendly area of the city. But also very active at night. So even on smaller streets, you’re not likely to ever be alone.

You can have a leafy, green neighborhood setting by day and great nightlife when the sun goes down. And because Greenwich Village is well-connected by subway, you’re never too far from the city’s popular sights in Midtown and downtown Manhattan. Here are a few popular Village hotels to get your search started.

How to Get to Greenwich Village

Times Square Entrance subway station at night - New York City.

The subway to Greenwich Village is easy because there are a lot of options no matter where you’re coming from in the city.

The Christopher Street stop along the #1 train line and the W. 4th Street stop along the A, B, C, D, E, F, and M train lines bring you into the heart of Greenwich Village.

The A, C, E, #1, #2, and #3 subway lines also have a 14th Street Stop at the northern edge of the neighborhood. The L train’s 8th Avenue stop is also part of Greenwich Village.

The N, Q, R, and W trains stop at 8th Street along the Village’s eastern boundary. While the #1 and #2 trains also stop at Houston Street at the southern edge of Greenwich Village.

If you’d like to walk, it’s about a 40-minute walk to a central area in the Village from Times Square. A better option from Midtown is to walk the High Line from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to the end at Gansevoort Street. You’ll be just near the Whitney Museum of American Art and the far west side of the Village.

Ready to Visit Greenwich Village?

This legendary New York City neighborhood isn’t to be missed! Whether you’ve got a few hours or plan to spend the whole day, visiting the Village is a true New York City experience.

So, come with an empty stomach, take a rest in Washington Square Park when you need to, and keep your visit going into the night. We just might cross paths singing showtunes at Marie’s Crisis or laughing the night away at the Comedy Cellar!

What would you like to do in Greenwich Village?

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