The 19 Best Things to Do in Greenwich Village NYC
The Ultimate Greenwich Village Guide
NYC has so many neighborhoods that are truly unique in their own way. One of those neighborhoods is Greenwich Village or as New Yorkers call it, “The Village.” We just want to point out real quick that there has been some confusion about where the West Village is in comparison to Greenwich Village.
There are different opinions about Greenwich Village and the West Village: some say the West Village is part of Greenwich Village – others think both have enough differences to be considered neighborhoods in their own way.
No matter which side you take, the wonderful little bars, restaurants and parks are the same. So here you’ll find all of our favorites that, for us, make up the charm of Greenwich Village. This guide will point out exactly where to go and what to see!
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides.
Skyscrapers are non-existent in Greenwich Village. Instead of expensive apartments in skyscrapers, there are expensive residential units within the neighborhood. Many of the brownstones and townhouses date all the way beginning of the 19th century and are now privately owned by many wealthy New Yorkers. Also, another notable thing you should take note is that the narrow streets have names and do not contain any numbers like anywhere else in Manhattan.
Table of Contents
My TOP 5 Things To Do in Greenwich Village
There are a lot of things to do in Greenwich Village, so we’ve narrowed down our top 5 just in case your time is limited. Below this list, we’ll explain other places that you should visit within the neighborhood.
- Spend Some Time in Washington Square Park: Washington Square Park is gorgeous. You’ll see the Washington Square Arch which is a replica of the arch in Paris. It’s an iconic location and is one of NYC’s go-to spots. It’s not just the arch that attracts tourists there. There are always events going on in the area as well.
- Gay Street: have a look at New Yorks smallest Street
- MacDougal Street: Foodies, make your way to this street if you’re ever in Greenwich Village. This street is loaded with bars and restaurants. It’s also a historic street as well.
- IFC Center: This theater screens independent movies. Once you see this center, you know you’re in the neighborhood. It’s a pretty unique experience and definitely one of the things to do in Greenwich Village.
- Fat Cat: If you love jazz, then the Fat Cat is the place to be. Here you can enjoy drinks, live music, a ping-pong table and it’s a great place to meet with friends.
Where is Greenwich Village located?
The Greenwich Village is the part of Downtown Manhattan and is bounded on the north by 14th Street and Union Square (where the Gramercy and Chelsea begin). 7th Avenue marks the western border and Broadway and 4th Ave mark the eastern border (where NoHo and the East Village begin).
How to Get to Greenwich Village
- Subway: Take the trains to 8 Street Station, or to 14 St. – Union Square. If you’re coming from New Jersey, we think you have the best stops. There are three stops on the PATH train that go through Greenwich Village. Those stops are 14th Street station, 9th Street station and Christopher Street station.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 6 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 7 and/or 8 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!
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The 19 Best Things To Do in Greenwich Village NYC
It’s a historic neighborhood and very trendy as well. There are a lot of activities that are constantly happening and there are many restaurants, bars and cafes. Greenwich Village has so much to offer which includes the smallest street in New York City. The name of the street is “Gay Street” and is located near the Gay Liberation Monument in Christopher Park and very well known in the Village.
Christopher Street in 1960 was the center of the LGBT movement and is a symbol and functions today . On Christopher Street, the Stonewall Uprising took place on June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn Bar, an important event for the movement.
Every summer there’s an LGBT rights demonstration and has become a tradition. New York’s Gay Pride Week takes place in June every year, and then everything around Christopher Street is decorated. Christopher Street is a vibrant street that is well worth the visit.
Here are some more things that you can explore if you have more time:
- 01
LGBT-Sign
Other Attraction in Greenwich Village
Very close to the Stonewall Inn – one of the most important spots of the LGBT scene – stands this colorful street sign since 2019. For a short time, the street was even renamed as part of an art installation, Acceptance Street. You’ll find it at the corner of Gay Street and Christopher Street.
- 02
Gay Pride Week & Christopher Street Parade
Other Art & Culture in Greenwich Village
The New York Gay Pride is one of the oldest parades for gays from all over the world. The beautiful Greenwich Village has been hosting it every year since 1970. Especially Christopher Street is colorfully decorated and you can find the famous rainbow flags everywhere. Also the global company Google decorates its outer facade at this time and shows tolerance. The parade taking place at the end of June is one of the biggest parades in New York. It leads along 5th Avenue to Greenwich Street.
- 03
High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
Walking Tour in Hudson YardsOur Highlight
This walking tour through Greenwich Village and Chelsea is one of the best food tours New York City has to offer! Because in this part of the city there are many wonderful little food spots that you must discover.
In addition, you will learn many exciting anecdotes about the High Line, which connects the Hudson Yards with the Meatpacking District. This former elevated railway line was saved from demolition due to an initiative and is now one of the most popular sights in New York. All the more reason to book this awesome walking tour!
- 04
Comedy Cellar
Other Art & Culture in Greenwich Village
The Comedy Cellar is a Manhattan comedy club where many of New York’s top comedians perform. It was founded in 1982 by the then stand-up comedian and the current TV writer and producer, Bill Grundfest. A show consists of five to seven comics, each lasting about 20 minutes. The club isn’t just exclusive to two New Yorkers. Notable comedians have also performed here such as Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari.
On the weekends, it can get pretty busy. A visit to the Comedy Cellar is an insider tip for anyone who wants to feel like a true New Yorker and is one of the best things to do in Greenwich Village.
- 05
The Stone Wall Inn: Have a drink is this historic gay bar
Bar in West Village
The Stonewall Inn located in the West Village/Greenwich Village neighborhood in NYC is a gay bar and recreational tavern. But, it’s just not an ordinary bar. The place is a National Historic Landmark and was the site of the 1969 riots that focused on the relationship between the police and the LGBTQ community. This jump-started the gay rights movement that we see today and has made a lasting impact.
- 06
Spend Some Time in Washington Square Park
Park in Greenwich Village
Washington Square Park, centrally located in the Village, extends over almost 4 hectares. Close to New York University with its distinctive Washington Square Arch, a triumphal arch inaugurated in 1895, the park is a popular place to be when the weather is fine. Through the Arch you have a wonderful view along 5th Avenue to the top of the Empire State Building.
If you are lucky, you can even enjoy a free jazz concert from the many jazz artists of the Village. Here, friends and family meet to relax, play chess, or just in general have a good time.
- 07
Listen to jazz in Village Vanguard
Bar in West Village
jazz band playing on the street, selective focus on the hands with trumpetWest Village, is known for its many famous jazz artists. Come to this area if you want to experience some great jazz music. The Village Vanguard is one of the best known and oldest jazz clubs in town. Since 1935 it has been offering great live music in an intimate setting. It was at its peak in the 1960s with some of its iconic performances. Even the legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis played here.
- 08
2-Hour Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village
Walking Tour in 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.
- 09
Washington Mews: Head to the historic small street at Washington Square Park
Other Attraction in Greenwich Village
Washington Mews is a very small street just one block from Washington Square park. There are many historic houses with cobblestones in front – it shows how old New York once looked like here.
For photographers this is a real insider tip!
- 10
Dante NYC: Have a Negroni on Tap (!)
Bar in Greenwich VillageOur Highlight
When it comes to the best Negroni in town, there is hardly a way around Dante NYC. They are an institution in New York and have been serving their Negroni since 1915 (it’s an Italian restaurant with a small bar). You find it at the corner of Greenwich Village, SoHo and Hudson Square – here we are super-often when we are on the road in New York.
- 11
West Fourth Street Courts: Watch the local play basketball
Other Attraction in Greenwich Village
If you’re out of the basketball season and still want to see some real action, we recommend you play street basketball on the West Fourth Street Courts. We haven’t seen such an intense game in a long time – and the spectators went really well!
- 12
Rubin Museum of Arts
Museum in Chelsea
For three decades, New Yorkers Shelley and Donald Rubin have been collecting Buddhist art, mandalas and meditation images here. The exhibitions of contemporary Asian artists are very impressive.
Recommended: The very best museums in NYC
- 13
Watch independent movies at IFC Center
Other Art & Culture in Greenwich VillageThe IFC Center is a theater screens independent movies. Once you see this center, you know you’re in the neighborhood. It’s a pretty unique experience and definitely one of the things to do in Greenwich Village.
- 14
DOMODOMO: Have one of the best Sushi in Town
Japanese Restaurant in East Village
The DOMODOMO in Jersey City is a restaurant inspired by Japanese cuisine – super yummy!
- 15
Jefferson Market Courthouse
Building in Greenwich Village
The Jefferson Market Courthouse is located in Greenwich Village and in 1880, the building itself and was dubbed one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States. This Gothic building was built in 1874-1877 by the architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux. The building was a courthouse until 1945 and now you can come here to borrow books.
- 16
The Smallest Street in New York: Gay Street
Other Attraction in Greenwich Village
The Gay Street in the West Village in Manhattan is with its length of 85 m one of the shortest streets in New York City and is located near the Gay Liberation Monument in Christopher Park. The name of the street does not actually come from the LGBT movement, but probably from a colonial era landowner living there.
- 17
Head over to the Union Square Green Market (to buy local honey!)
Food Market in Gramercy
The Union Square Greenmarket in Manhattan is home to numerous local vendors where you can purchase fresh produce, meats and seafoods.
- 18
Rosemary's: Have a romantic dinner in one of our favorite restaurants
Italian Restaurant in Greenwich Village
Rosemary’s is a small fine Italian restaurant in the heart of Greenwich Village with a sensational selection of dishes. Whether you come here for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The kitchen crew knows their craft – the homemade pasta is a dream (gluten-free on request). By the way, the fresh herbs come from our own herb garden, which is laid out on the roof.
- 19
Grey Art Gallery NYU
Gallery in West Village
This is New York University’s fine art museum in Greenwich Village. It is right on Washington Square Park therefore making it a great location to visit. The museum puts on exhibitions about human culture where they acquire and preserve different artifacts that pertain to that specific subject.
Best Attractions in Greenwich Village NYC
Many of New York’s major New York attractions are located in walking distance of Greenwich so make sure to add them to you travel itinerary.
These are the best places to visit in Greenwich Village NYC:
01 Bleecker Street
Bleecker Street is a nice change from the turbulent Herald Square or 5th Avenue. It is considered one of the best shopping streets in the world. Why? Here a hip designer store and second hand shop follows one another.
02 Comedy Cellar
The Comedy Cellar is a Manhattan comedy club where many of New York’s top comedians perform. It was founded in 1982 by the then stand-up comedian and the current TV writer and producer, Bill Grundfest. A show consists of five to seven comics, each lasting about 20 minutes. The club isn’t just exclusive to two New Yorkers. Notable comedians have also performed here such as Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari.
On the weekends, it can get pretty busy. A visit to the Comedy Cellar is an insider tip for anyone who wants to feel like a true New Yorker and is one of the best things to do in Greenwich Village.
03 Film Forum
The Film Forum in SoHo/Greenwich Village is a non-profit theater that’s known for showing independent flicks. If you’re a big movie person, this place is for you. The theater opened in 1970 and is an iconic spot.
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04 Gay Pride Week & Christopher Street Parade
The New York Gay Pride is one of the oldest parades for gays from all over the world. The beautiful Greenwich Village has been hosting it every year since 1970. Especially Christopher Street is colorfully decorated and you can find the famous rainbow flags everywhere. Also the global company Google decorates its outer facade at this time and shows tolerance. The parade taking place at the end of June is one of the biggest parades in New York. It leads along 5th Avenue to Greenwich Street.
05 Gay Street
The Gay Street in the West Village in Manhattan is with its length of 85 m one of the shortest streets in New York City and is located near the Gay Liberation Monument in Christopher Park. The name of the street does not actually come from the LGBT movement, but probably from a colonial era landowner living there.
06 IFC Center
The IFC Center is a theater screens independent movies. Once you see this center, you know you’re in the neighborhood. It’s a pretty unique experience and definitely one of the things to do in Greenwich Village.
07 Jefferson Market Courthouse
The Jefferson Market Courthouse is located in Greenwich Village and in 1880, the building itself and was dubbed one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States. This Gothic building was built in 1874-1877 by the architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux. The building was a courthouse until 1945 and now you can come here to borrow books.
08 LGBT-Sign
Very close to the Stonewall Inn – one of the most important spots of the LGBT scene – stands this colorful street sign since 2019. For a short time, the street was even renamed as part of an art installation, Acceptance Street. You’ll find it at the corner of Gay Street and Christopher Street.
09 Washington Mews
Washington Mews is a very small street just one block from Washington Square park. There are many historic houses with cobblestones in front – it shows how old New York once looked like here.
For photographers this is a real insider tip!
10 Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park, centrally located in the Village, extends over almost 4 hectares. Close to New York University with its distinctive Washington Square Arch, a triumphal arch inaugurated in 1895, the park is a popular place to be when the weather is fine. Through the Arch you have a wonderful view along 5th Avenue to the top of the Empire State Building.
If you are lucky, you can even enjoy a free jazz concert from the many jazz artists of the Village. Here, friends and family meet to relax, play chess, or just in general have a good time.
11 West Fourth Street Courts
If you’re out of the basketball season and still want to see some real action, we recommend you play street basketball on the West Fourth Street Courts. We haven’t seen such an intense game in a long time – and the spectators went really well!
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours of the West Village and the surrounding neighborhoods 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 Guided Tours in Greenwich Village
The Village offers plenty of excellent restaurants. The bests chefs from all over the world come here to create their best dishes for the locals. We have tried the Food Tour of Greenwich Village that takes you through various eras of dining and shopping in Greenwich Village and is worth trying.
These are our TOP Greenwich Village Walking Tours that we can highly recommend:
01 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.
02 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!
03 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!
04 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.
05 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.
06 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!
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!
We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!
Best Greenwich Village Restaurants in NYC
These are our best places to eat in Greenwich Village NYC:
01 Cuba
New Yorkers love the restaurant, especially because of its authenticity. The Cuban music, Latin American interior, excellent mojitos and friendly Cuban staff make this restaurant a must-go. The cuisine is absolutely recommendable. Everything is to the point and it tastes great. My tip: the Churrasco. With it a good wine or a glass of sangria.
02 J.G. Melon
Time seems to have passed without a trace here, as the pub still exudes the glamour of the old days – and there is one of the best burgers in town.
03 Loring Place
American cuisine in the heart of the Greenwich Village. For those who love authentic American food, definitely worth a visit!
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04 Max Brenner
If you love chocolate and are a big fan of desserts Max Brenner in NYC is the place to go. The two level restaurant near Union Square offers everything from fancy milkshakes, chocolate fondue, waffles to creative hot chocolate drinks.
05 Peacefood Downtown
Im Peacefood findet ihr viele tolle Gerichte für Veganer und Rohköstler. Es gibt Sushi mit Süßkartoffeln, würzigen Tomaten und Walnüssen. Smoothies mit Superfoods und Nussmilch und rohe Cashew-Creme-Torte. Ihr könnt also ohne Reue in dem gemütlichen Café schlemmen.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best West Village Restaurants in NYC.
Best Greenwich Village Bars in NYC
And these are my personal recommendations when it comes to bars in Alphabet City – you will love it!
01 55 Bar
A great bar with a good atmosphere, delicious drinks and cool music. The waiters are very nice!
02 Amelie Wine Bar
When Paris meets New York, such wonderful places like the Amelie wine bar in Washington Square Park are born. Fantastic wines and little treats are available here at affordable prices. Definitely one of our favorites in the city.
03 Amity Hall
Especially when the Carolina Panthers play, the atmosphere in Amity Hall is boiling! The bar is huge and the game is broadcast here on a 6 meter flatscreen and many other screens. Besides the classic Chicken Wings you can also get great burgers here.
04 Analogue
In the bar in the heart of Greenwich Village you can enjoy your drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Live music is also played here from time to time.
05 Cafe Wha?
A classic spot in Greenwich Village is Cafe Wha?. Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, The Velvet Underground, Cat Mother & All Night Newsboys, Kool and the Gang, Peter, Paul & Mary, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers and Bill Cosby are just some of the greats that were frequent visitors when they were just starting out their careers.
Today, you can listen to live music here and you should definitely have an evening at Cafe Wha?
Best Greenwich Village Cafés in NYC
If you don’t want to necessarily dine-in, you can always check out some cafes. There are artisanal tea and coffee shops and bakeries throughout the neighborhood and are great places to visit for a quick break.
01 Magnolia Bakery
The classic! Carrie and her girls have eaten delicious cupcakes here. An absolute must-do for Sex and the City fans and all those who can’t resist the sweet treat.
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02 Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen
Inspired by Sydney’s hottest beach cafes, the founders opened this great location in the heart of The Village. Te Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen is located just across the street from Hudson Clearwater, one of our favorite breakfast spots in the West Village. If you want to grab a delicious coffee in a hipster atmosphere afterwards, Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen is the perfect spot.
I can recommend the Flat White as well as the sandwiches – with a little luck you can sit at the window and watch the hustle and bustle of the locals.
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03 Nutella Cafe
Nutella Cafe in NYC is located in Union Square and offers customers a menu that features the famous hazelnut spread, Nutella. On top of its remarkable menu, theres also a gift shop located on the corner of the cafe with plenty of souvenirs for purchase. So, if you’re in town make sure to check out the Nutella Cafe in New York and we promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Best Hotels in Greenwich Village NYC
Staying in the Village has many advantages. You’ll always be surrounded by some of the best bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops in NYC. If you decide to stay in the neighborhood please check out these amazing hotels.
01 The Marlton Hotel
4 stars | The Marlton Hotel is located in the heart of Greenwich Village – just one block from Washington Square Park. It is a beautiful bohemian-style boutique hotel and feels like a little part of Paris in the middle of New York City.
The building, lobby and rooms have been lovingly restored and have a very special atmosphere.
My tip: Book one of the rooms on the upper floors. They have a balcony from which you can look out over Washington Square Park!
02 Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
4 Stars | This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Greenwich Village (such a beautiful area) and offers everything you would expect from this kind of place: The interior design is very aesthetic and reminiscent of the roaring 20s. Small details, such as a retro telephone, adorn the rooms and just make the place quite special. Simply beautiful!
03 Washington Square Hotel
3 Stars | The hotel is located directly at the beautiful Washington Square Park and scores with a spa and a great restaurant. You can expect chic rooms that are not lacking in the coziness department. A continental breakfast is included in the price.
Recommended article: Our complete list of all recommended Hotels in Greenwich Village NYC and the Best Hotels in NYC.
Shopping in Greenwich Village
Just like many neighborhoods in NYC, you won’t really find mainstream stores in this neighborhood. What you will find however are specialty boutiques and vintage stores. The price points are a little bit higher in this area. Stores like Star Struck Vintage Clothing and Brooklyn Industries are spread throughout the Village. If you’re into chocolate, the popular Jacques Torres Chocolate also has a store here. Come by the neighborhood and check out what they have to offer.
Neighborhoods Nearby
If you enjoyed Greenwich Village, then make your way to East Village, SoHo or even the Meatpacking District. Each one of these neighborhoods are different from each other but are also very close. The beauty of New York City is that each neighborhood has their own distinct character and vibe. Sometimes, you might not even feel like you’re in NYC anymore.
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Greenwich Village comprises of the area South of 14th St. and North of Hudson St.
Broadway is the Eastern perimeter and the Hudson River the Western.
The so-called “West Village” is a back formation from the “East Village” which
is a real-estate invention so areas of the L.E.S. could gain the cachet of the actual Village.
I think Weehawken Street is shorter than Gay Street.
It’s very small, one short block between Christopher
Street and West Tenth Street, near West Street.
Jane Heil Usyk