Things to Do in Greenwich Village
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. To our knowledge, the West Village is part of Greenwich Village. With that being said, there are a bunch of things to do in Greenwich Village and this guide will point out exactly where to go and what to see.
Making Your Way to Greenwich Village
Getting to Greenwich Village is very easy, but can also involve a lot of walking once you’re actually in the village itself. There are numerous stations right on the border of the neighborhood. If you want to venture more into the area, you would have to walk or take a bus. There are a lot of things to do in Greenwich Village so we recommend taking in the scenery by walking. To get to the Village, you have the option of taking the trains to 14th St./8th. Ave station. The next subway is 14th St./7th Ave which houses the trains. 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. Those who prefer to explore the village with a knowledgeable tour guide can do so during the 3.5 hour “Greenwich Village Tour.” The New York Pass, offers this tour in their program.
Walking Through Greenwich Village
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.
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.
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The “Friends” Apartment – Everyone is familiar with the TV sitcom “Friends.” It’s considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time. Lucky for you, the Friends apartment is located right here in Greenwich Village. The exterior of the apartment was shot in NYC, but the rest of the show was shot in a studio in Los Angeles. The apartment is located on the corner of Bedford and Grove St. You’ll always see a flock of people taking pictures, so you can’t miss it. If you’re a true Friends fan, you definitely won’t miss it.
(Address: 90 Bedford St | Subway , to Christopher Street Station) -
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. You’ll probably also recognize it in numerous movies such as “I Am Legend” and “Hitch.” 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.
Address: Washington Square Park | Subway , , , , , to West 3 St – Washington Sq Station) -
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.
Address: MacDougal Street| Subway , , , , , to West 3 St – Washington Sq Station) -
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.
dress: 323 6th Ave| Subway , , , , , to West 3 St – Washington Sq Station) -
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.
Address: 75 Christopher St| Subway , to Christopher Street Station)
Things To Do in Greenwich Village
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. You really can’t go wrong in this area.
Food and Drinks in Greenwich Village
The Smallest Street in New York
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.
Walking through Greenwich Village
Explore the counterculture of New York’s Greenwich Village on a 2-hour walking tour. Hang out at places where Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Edgar Allan Poe used to hang out. And learn everything about gay pride in New York City, café society and more during this super interesting 2 hour walking tour.
Comedy Cellar New York
One of the most famous spots in New York is the Comedy Cellar at the Olive Tree Cafe and Bar. On the weekends, it can get pretty busy. Great artists such as Louis CK and Aziz Ansari come here spontaneously to entertain the crowds. There are some really crazy acts that are definitely different compared normal comedy clubs. Even celebrities like Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer and Dave Chapelle come here to watch the comedians. 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. (117 MacDougal St)
The White Horse Tavern
Built in 1880 and still operating today is the White Horse Tavern which became popular because writers, poets and artists such as Dylan Thomas made this bar their go-to spot. It is said that Dylan Thomas had his last drink at White Horse Tavern before dying at the Chelsea Hotel. Even today, portraits of Thomas hang in the restaurant and reminds everyone of their famous guest. This bar is one of the 10 oldest in New York and has physically survived the changing times over the years (Address: 567 Hudson Street).
The famous friends apartment NYC
If you are wondering where the friends house is in NYC, it is in Greenwich Village. It’s located at 90 Bedford Street at the corner of Grove Street. Remember that this building was only used for the exterior shots. The actual apartment wasnt inside this building. If movie sites in New York City interests you, make sure to check out the TV and Movie Half Day Bus Tour. Here you will also learn more about the TV Show Friends, where it was filmed exactly and what is really inside 90 Bedford Street.
In the Footsteps of Hendrix & Co
Another classic spot 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? (Address: 115 Macdougal).
Washington Square Park at Greenwich Village
Spread over 9.8 acres, Washington Square Park is centrally located in the Village. It’s close to New York University and is home to the beautiful Washington Square Arch which was dedicated in 1895. Washington Square Park is a popular place in fine weather and one of the best things to do in Greenwich Village. One of 1700 parks in the city, Washington Square Park is one of the most popular in New York. 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.
Considered One of the 10 Most Beautiful Buildings in the US
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.
Food 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.
If you’re more 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.
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.
The Art and Museum Scene in Greenwich Village
Museums and the art scene really differs between each neighborhood. Greenwich Village is no different. Here are some of the places you can check out.
The Rubin Museum
The Rubin Museum of Art is a treasure trove. For three decades, New Yorkers Shelley and Donald Rubin have been collecting Buddhist art, mostly from the Himalayas. You can see impressive mandalas, meditation pictures and exhibitions of contemporary Asian artists. Hours are Mon, Thurs 11-17, Wed 11-19, Fri 11-22, Sat, Sun 11-18 pm at 150 W 17th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. The entrance fee is $10.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
If you have children with you during your trip to NYC this is definitely one of the things to do in Greenwich Village. The Children’s Museum of the Arts lets your kids view art as well as make it which makes it great place to be creative and open their minds to abstract ideas.
Grey Art Gallery NYU
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. If you want to learn more about the museum, please click here.
Hotels in Greenwich Village
- The Jane Hotel (Address: 113 Jane St, New York, NY 10014)
- Washington Square Hotel (Address: 103 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011)
- The Marlton Hotel (5 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011)
- Walker Hotel (52 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011)
Top Jazz-Bars in Greenwich Village
If you’re into Jazz Music Greenwich Village is the place to be and listen to probably the best Jazz in the city. Discover hidden jazz clubs in The Village and learn the history of jazz in New York during a Jazz Crawl tour in the city. You will visit 3 Jazz bars and have enough time to soak it all in.
Living in Greenwich Village
At Greenwich Village, you won’t really see too many high rises. Families and college students mainly make up the population here. It’s a historic location with a lot of things and events that you can check out. People can visit museums, a beautiful park in Washington Square Park and just has a nice vibe in general.
Nearby Neighborhoods
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.
Which NYC Neighborhood Do You Belong In?
Are you a Brooklyn Boy or maybe a Queens Queen? Find out now!
Hip & Trendy
You’re walking through the streets as you spot bearded men in flannel shirts in the distance. They are wearing sunglasses with thick black frames. The women next to them are wearing small, black hats that cover their autumn color hair, falling onto their leather jackets and ponchos. The group is drinking from Mason jars and eating sweet potato fries topped with truffle mayo served on wooden boards. What do you do?
You are using the front camera of your smartphone to ensure your mustache is twisted properly - or - your pastel colored clutch that you just snagged from a fancy pop-up store is hanging off your shoulder. You're happily walking toward the crowd.
You're curious about these people. You decide to observe them from a closer distance, as you wanted to head that way anyway.
You're not really in the mood for a circus, so you decide to turn around and go somewhere else.
Food & Drink
You’re enjoying your day in New York. When your stomach starts rumbling, you decide to…
... get a quick snack to satisfy your hunger
... look for a top restaurant nearby to sit down and eat, because what could possibly make the day better than a great meal?
... ignore it! Time is too precious to spend at restaurants.
Family
You’re strolling through a park and observe a family having a picnic. Immediately, the sight makes you..
... smile, because spending quality family time is the best thing in the world!
... think that you could really use a cold beer and a hot dog right now.
... laugh, because (thank God)- you're by yourself and don't need to take care of anybody. Instead you're free to do whatever you want!
Tourists
For you, meeting fellow tourists in the most amazing places in the world is like…
... a bonfire at camp: the perfect opportunity to learn incredible stories.
... a night at a wild party followed by a nasty hangover. You can't have one without the other.
... a large glas of expired milk: simply the worst!
Shopping
We say shopping, you say…
... Michael Kors meets Sex and the City
... drop a new item into the online cart and click "Order Now".
... *facepalm*
Nightlife
You and nightlife, that’s like…
... the cast of the Jersey Shore out first pumping.
... Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in the Golden Havana Bar.
... two bears hibernating in their cave for the winter
Art & Culture
Back in 2015, one of Picasso’s art pieces was auctioned for a record breaking $200 million. What’s your first thought?
A masterpiece like this belongs into a museum, so everybody can enjoy it.
I would sell my last shirt to own one of Picasso's works.
Who would have thought that Pokemon could paint!
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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