The 15 Best Things To Do in the East Village NYC
Originally part of the Lower East Side, New York’s East Village, through its multi-cultural influences and being considered as the birthplace of punk, developed into its own exciting personal identity in the 1960s, thus forming its own neighborhood in the so-called “Village” of New York City. This guide will cover the best things to do in the East Village.
Musicians and artists flocked to East Village back in the day and populated the area. Once you step into the neighborhood, you just get this gritty rockstar vibe. It’s pretty much a miniature Williamsburg in Manhattan and also very similar to the Lower East Side. In the early eighties, the art galleries in the East Village were one of the first to feature exhibitions by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. With its very own personality, East Village is a neighborhood worth checking out.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My TOP 5 Things to Do in the East Village
- St. Mark’s Place – From the fifties to the seventies, St. Mark’s Place was the home of various artists and musicians. Today, it is mainly filled with bars, restaurants, and stores, but you still feel the creative and edgy vibe. (Address: St. Marks Pl and 2nd Ave, Subway 8th Street NYU and Subway Astor Place)
- Astor Place – Cooper Union is located in this area. Many art schools and architectural offices are also found here. Abraham Lincoln held his famous Cooper Union speech in February 1860. (Subway 8th Street NYU and Subway Astor Place)
- Proletariat – Inconspicuous, but our insider highlight among the bars in the area. (Address: 102 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009, Subway 8th Street NYU and Subway Astor Place)
- McSorley’s Old Ale House – The city’s oldest pub is another pub that we recommend and a true New York establishment. (Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, Subway 8th Street NYU and Subway Astor Place)
- Strand Book Store – For the bookworms out there, make sure to check out this place which is one of the largest used bookstores in the world. (Adress: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, Subway 8th Street NYU, Subway 14th Street Union Square and Subway Astor Place)
Where is the East Village located?
As you can see on the map below the East Village is located right in the center if Downtown Manhattan. From here, the Meatpacking District as well as the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan are within walking distance.
How to Get To the East Village in New York
- Metro:You can take the all the way to Astor Place. The and also run to the 8th Street-NYU station while the train drops you off at 2nd Ave. the station which is between East Village and Lower East Side.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 7 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 14 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC.
My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York!
🥇 Look no further: That‘s the only New York Travel Guide you need (300+ pages and 700+ reviews on Amazon)
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The 16 Best Things To Do in the East Village of NYC
It’s an eclectic neighborhood with a lot of personalities. Considered to be the birthplace of punk, there are a bunch of things to do in the East Village.
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01
East Village Haunted Manhattan Walking Tour
Walking Tour in Alphabet City
On this haunted walking tour you’ll explore one of the oldest neighborhoods in Manhattan: the East Village (and Alphabet City). And at night! There are 13 haunted locations on the list – from historic pubs to the Public Theater to a subway stop known for its “ghost train”.
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02
Go vintage shopping at No Relation Vintage
Second Hand Store in East Village
L Train Vintage is a thrift store chain based primarily in Brooklyn – but it also exists under the name “No Relation Vintage” in the East Village. Here you can find stylish second-hand clothes at a bargain price.
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03
Ukrainian Museum: Dive into the Ukrainian History
Museum in East Village
This is another specialty museum in the East Village. It was established in 1976 and is considered as the largest museum in the US that exhibits and preserves artifacts, articles, and art of Ukrainian heritage. Every year there are many exhibitions that the museum displays to the public.
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04
Support the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space
Museum in East Village
This museum pays homage to activists from the East Village and has transformed abandoned spaces into community spaces and gardens. To learn more about the museum, visit their website here.
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05
Play arcade games at Barcade
Bar in East Village
Nostalgic for arcade games and want to relive your childhood? Then head on over to Barcade. There are multiple locations in NYC, such as Williamsburg and the East Village. Barcade has the classic arcade games that you’re accustomed to such as Pac-man, Donkey Kong and Tetris. The only difference between your childhood and now is that if you wanted to (and we don’t encourage this), you can play drunk. Yes, they serve beer. Arcades and beer is an amazing time.
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06
Enjoy an Event at Webster Hall
Club in East Village
This former speakeasy turned rock n’ roll club (known as the Ritz), turned to what it is now today, a concert and events venue was established in 1886. It’s been serving the people of the East Village with numerous events and concerts each year.
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07
McSorley's: Have a beer in New York's Oldest Ale House
Bar in East VillageOur Highlight
McSorley’s Old Ale House is a true legend. The pub is the oldest in town (opened in 1854) and best of all, not much has changed since then. Old wooden floors covered with sawdust, old newspaper articles and a bartender like from a Hollywood movie make McSorley’s a very relaxed place.
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08
Kenka NYC: Eat the most authentic Japanese food
Japanese Restaurant in East Village
Authentic Japanese cuisine in the East Village for those who love Sushi & Co. Itadakimasu!
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09
Watch rare independent movies at the Anthology Film Archives
Other Art & Culture in East VillageIf you’re a movie fanatic and you use quotes that come from movies then pay a visit to Anthology Film Archives in the East Village. The place has independent movies that you can’t really find anywhere else.
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10
Buy a book in the famous Strand Book Store
Book Store in East Village
If you are looking for a specific book or if you just want to browse through books undisturbed, you should definitely go to the Strand Bookstore on Broadway. The world’s largest bookstore offers you a wide range of historical, classic and modern books on a surface of 5,100 m2.
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11
Proletariat: Visit one of my favorite bars in the East Village
Bar in East VillageOur Highlight
A small bar that sprays with atmosphere and individuality. Altogether only 20 people fit in, because the bar consists of 2 small tables and a long bar counter. On a small blackboard is written with chalk, which kinds of beer are available today, where they come from and what makes them special.
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12
Moxy NYC: Spend a night in one of the best hotels in the city
Hotels & Accommodations in East VillageOur Highlight
4 Stars | Such a stylish hotel! The Moxy NYC in the East Village is the sister hotel of the Moxy Chelsea NYC and is a boutique hotel at its best. The interior is a blast, the people super nice and the location top-notch. Can highly recommend!
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13
St. Marks Place
Other Attraction in East Village
From the fifties to the seventies, St. Marks Place was home to many artists, writers and musicians.
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14
Visit one of the speakeasy bars in the East Village like Please Don't Tell (PDT)
Bar in East Village
The bar “Please Don’t Tell (PDT)” is an absolute insider tip. The brilliant thing about it: from the outside you can’t see it at all – you can find the entrance via a telephone booth in the hot dog shop. The Please Don’t Tell was opened in 2007 and is one of the Speakeasy Bars.
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15
Astor Place
Other Attraction in East Village
South of East 8th Street is Astor Place – the site of the Cooper Union – where many art schools, architecture offices and schools can be found today.
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16
Bar Primi: Enjoy a negron at one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC
Italian Restaurant in East Village
The Bar Primi is a small pasta shop that offers brunch, lunch and dinner with great Italian wines. Of course the typical Italian desserts are not missing. Everything is handmade – from the pasta to the sauce – and the authentic interior makes you feel as if you have made a little detour to Italy.
Impressions of the East Village in New York City
Once you step into the East Village you start to feel it’s atmosphere right away. In the fall, winter and spring, college students roam around the premises. It’s a busy neighborhood because of NYU and there’s always a buzz going around. There are vintage stores, AMAZING restaurants and there’s always something going on.
Going Out in the East Village
Bowery & East Village
Bowery is a street and neighborhood right next to the East Village. It’s fairly small so we decided to pair it with this insider guide. This area features a lot of bars, lounges and some really good eats. There’s a small outdoor food court as well that features tacos and sushi. It’s definitely a nice little area to check out whenever you’re in the East Village.
Best Attractions in the East Village
Many of New York’s major New York attractions are located in this part of Manhattan so make sure to add them to you travel itinerary:
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01 Anthology Film Archives
If you’re a movie fanatic and you use quotes that come from movies then pay a visit to Anthology Film Archives in the East Village. The place has independent movies that you can’t really find anywhere else.
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02 Astor Place
South of East 8th Street is Astor Place – the site of the Cooper Union – where many art schools, architecture offices and schools can be found today.
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03 Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space
This museum pays homage to activists from the East Village and has transformed abandoned spaces into community spaces and gardens. To learn more about the museum, visit their website here.
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04 St. Marks Place
From the fifties to the seventies, St. Marks Place was home to many artists, writers and musicians.
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05 Ukrainian Museum
This is another specialty museum in the East Village. It was established in 1976 and is considered as the largest museum in the US that exhibits and preserves artifacts, articles, and art of Ukrainian heritage. Every year there are many exhibitions that the museum displays to the public.
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours in NYC are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate 👉 New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉 New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
Best Tours in the East Village
There are no special walking tours just for this neighborhood. Instead, there is a huge selection of walking tours in the adjacent Greenwich Village and Lower East Side, which is very similar to the East Village.
These are the most popular walking tours that we can recommend to you:
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01 A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour
The A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is a combination of sightseeing tour, bus and walking tour. It starts not far from Union Square Park in Manhattan: with your New York guide you drive to Brooklyn to get to know one of the most important neighborhoods like Sunset Park, DUMBO, Bay Ridge and also Coney Island.
On this sightseeing tour you will learn where movies like Goodfellas, Once Upon in America or Annie Hall were filmed and you will stop at two of the best pizzerias in Brooklyn. Because pizza and New York simply belong together!
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02 NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour
The Lower East Side is still an absolute insider tip among the neighborhoods of New York City and a part of Lower Manhattan that I love to visit. There are countless authentic bars and delis, some of which have been family-owned for more than 100 years and are thus an important part of the community.
The NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour deals exactly with these small spots and stores and is therefore a TOP Thing to do for foodies!
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03 2-Hour Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village
If you’re into sweets and desserts you should try the famous Cupcake Tour. Sample colorful cupcakes at boutique bake shops, and build your own custom cupcake during this 2-hour tour in Greenwich Village. New York clearly has the best cupcakes and this will be the chance to try the best of them.
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04 Friends of the High Line Walking Tours
The High Line Park takes you along the old tracks of the elevated railway to the Meatpacking District. Thanks to the initiative “Friends of the High Line” the park exists at all, because originally the construction was supposed to be torn down. And the best thing? They offer free tours!
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05 Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village NYC
Greenwich Village is for me one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of New York and has a lot to offer. But it also has a haunted side in stories, which will be shown to you on this walking tour. This ghost tour through Greenwich Village is full of spooky tales of lost children, phantoms and celebrity ghosts – and not only at Halloween a popular tour.
Along the way, you’ll learn many interesting anecdotes as you stroll through Washington Square Park, West 10th Street and the campus of New York University. The Greenwich Village Ghost Tour is a real highlight!
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06 Ghosts of Greenwich Village: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour
Do you like stories about ghosts? Then this private haunted tour of Greenwich Village in the evening is a great option! In two hours, you’ll hear lots of haunted stories about people who have suddenly disappeared or are haunted around Washington Square Park and New York University. And of course: also a lot about this beautiful neighborhood of NYC!
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07 Greenwich Village Pizza Walk
Pizza and New York simply belong together! Next to the famous Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour, this tour through Greenwich Village and Little Italy is one of the most popular food tours in NYC. Included in the price are 3 slices of pizza from different stores and during the tour you will also learn a lot about these neighborhoods from a New York guide.
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08 Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Greenwich Village has a reputation as a magnet for Bohemians and intellectuals. Generations of artists and writers have given the neighborhood its free-spirited identity. From Bleecker St. to MacDougal St. and Sheridan Square, this tour will show you some of the best sights in Greenwich Village and tell you the story behind them.
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09 Manhattan Neighborhood Private Customized Walking Tour
You already have an idea of which neighborhoods and sights of New York you want to see? Then this walking tour is perfect for you, because you can create your individual route with your New York guide.
Each of the many neighborhoods has its own charm and character, which is what makes New York so charming and interesting. Therefore, the right mix can show you the best picture of the city. Combine Times Square and Broadway with Greenwich Village and Soho, or schedule Greenwich Village or Chelsea with the High Line. The beauty of this private tour is that you set the schedule. If you particularly like a place, you can just stay longer!
With over 350 positive reviews, this private walking tour of NYC is one of the best!
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10 New York West Village Food Tour
Go on one of the famous Food on Foot Tours. During the 3-hour tour, you will discover many great little restaurants and bakeries. A total of 6 of them are on your program on this walking tour, which is one of the most popular in the West Village. For foodies this tour is a must!
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11 Pride Walking Tour
Learn about the most significant historical event in the LGBTQ movement, the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 in NYC. Visit famous LGBTQ sites, like the Stonewall Inn, on a 1 hour and 15-minute walking tour beginning at Christopher Park.
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
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Best East Village Restaurants NYC
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01 Cathedrale
The imposing Cathedrale restaurant will be doing Thanksgiving their way this year (located in the MOXY East Village). Their menu will include favorites such as autumn squash with pomegranate vinaigrette, rotisserie heritage turkey, brussels sprouts, golden raisin chestnut stuffing, pumpkin pie, and much more.
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02 Angelica Kitchen
Fresh, vegan food has been served here since 1976. Many of the ingredients are organically grown and Fairtrade certified.
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03 Avant Garden
In the cozy restaurant in the East Village, the food is served in a very stylish way. The quality is excellent and it tastes fantastic.
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04 Bar Primi
The Bar Primi is a small pasta shop that offers brunch, lunch and dinner with great Italian wines. Of course the typical Italian desserts are not missing. Everything is handmade – from the pasta to the sauce – and the authentic interior makes you feel as if you have made a little detour to Italy.
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05 Beetle House NYC
Created to honor and celebrate the horror culture, Beetle House NYC is a year-round Halloween-themed party. With pieces and props inspired by the works of Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, Bram Stoker, Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe and others, Beetle House is a must-see as one of the main Halloween theme restaurants in NYC.
If you’re just stopping by for drinks, there’s no need for reservations – just slide up to the bar and order your Coco Skellington or your The Beetle’s Juice. If you are stopping by for the $55 prix-fixe dinner, which includes main courses like Edward Burger Hands and Sweeney Beef, it’s best to call in advance to reserve your spot.
Take a look at the incredible decorations and make your reservation at Beetle House’s official website.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best East Village Restaurants NYC.
Best East Village Bars NYC
And these are my personal recommendations when it comes to bars in the East Village – you will love it!
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01 Amor y Amargo
The Amor y Amargo is one of the bars we really love! From the outside it is totally inconspicuous, but when you go inside you will immediately feel the charm of the bar. Such spots are what makes New York for me (similar spots are the Proletariat and Fools Gold NYC in the Lower East Side for me). It is small, cozy and absolutely relaxed – just great!
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02 Barcade
Nostalgic for arcade games and want to relive your childhood? Then head on over to Barcade. There are multiple locations in NYC, such as Williamsburg and the East Village. Barcade has the classic arcade games that you’re accustomed to such as Pac-man, Donkey Kong and Tetris. The only difference between your childhood and now is that if you wanted to (and we don’t encourage this), you can play drunk. Yes, they serve beer. Arcades and beer is an amazing time.
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03 Crocodile Lounge
The Crocodile Lounge is the Manhattan version of the Alligator Lounge. Also here you get a free pizza with every drink. So enjoy it!
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04 Death & Company
Recognized as one of the 50 best bars in the world, Death & Company in the beautiful East Village is also one of our favorite spots to go out in NYC.
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05 Empellón Al Pastor
Empellón Al Pastor is a bar in the East Village with margaritas, beers, and various cocktails. The drink menu consists mainly of different types of margaritas like a ‘mezcal,’ ‘spicy cucumber,’ or ‘blood’ margarita. They also serve a rotating menu of specials that typically involve innovative Asian-Mexican fusion dishes. These specials are announced every Thursday, and they change a week later. Some of these interesting bar snacks include steamed birria dumplings, shrimp toast torta, and chicken nuggets with Sichuan salsa. It is best to follow @empellonapastor on Instagram for more updates about the bar snacks menu and different cocktails.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best East Village Bars NYC and the Best East Village Rooftop Bars NYC.
Shopping in the East Village
Shopping in this neighborhood can be one of the best things to do in the East Village, but you need to know where to look. Just like many hip and creative neighborhoods, there aren’t many mainstream department stores. What you will find however are pretty cool vintage and second-hand thrift shops. These stores will carry clothing from different generations which would diversify your closet. Check out either L Train Vintage (204 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009) or Metropolis Vintage (43 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003).
Best East Village Hotels NYC
Staying in the East Village has many advantages. You’ll always be surrounded by some of the best atmosphere, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops in NYC. If you decide to stay in the neighborhood please check out these amazing hotels.
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01 Moxy NYC East Village
4 Stars | Such a stylish hotel! The Moxy NYC in the East Village is the sister hotel of the Moxy Chelsea NYC and is a boutique hotel at its best. The interior is a blast, the people super nice and the location top-notch. Can highly recommend!
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02 East Village Hotel
3 Stars | The spacious studios at the East Village Hotel are equipped with a kitchenette, dishwasher and cooker. So it’s great if you are on a budget and don’t want to constantly eat out. Astor Place underground station is a ten-minute walk from the hotel.
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03 The Bowery Hotel
5 Stars | This luxurious boutique hotel offers first-class service and great views of the city from the cozy rooms. If you want to explore New York by bike, you can rent one for free at the hotel.
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04 The Standard East Village
4 Stars | The Standard East Village is the sister hotel of The Standard High Line and is equally stylish and clean. The location in the East Village is perfect for those who appreciate the food scene. What sets The Standard in the East Village apart is the beautiful design and clean decor. I’m a very big fan of that – and the view from your hotel room is unmatched!
Unlike many other hotels in this star category, the rooms are relatively spacious, and you can admire the city wonderfully through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Only one thing bugged me a bit: the closets are too small.
Neighborhoods nearby
If you’re in the East Village, make sure to check out these nearby neighborhoods.
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Neighborhoods that are Similar
If you have enjoyed the East Village, then make sure to check out these neighborhoods below.
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I found the article fulfilling and enjoyable
Interested in checking out the neighborhood have not been there in about 20 years.