The 17 Best Things To Do in West Village NYC
The West Village, along with Greenwich Village, forms the neighborhood that New Yorkers just call “The Village.” Both neighborhoods are quite similar, with the West Village being less dominated by students and more by the upper middle class population. 7th Avenue divides The Village into the two neighborhoods in a western part (unsurprisingly the West Village) and the eastern part (Greenwich Village).
What is West Village known for?
You can expect a wide selection of fantastic restaurants, cafes, wine bars and bars. Since the West Village is a residential area, there are no major attractions to see – yet this neighborhood is one of my favorites because the beautiful Hudson River Park is adjacent, the art scene is very active and there is plenty for families to discover.
The architecture is dominated by Brownstone and Federal-style townhouses, which served as a set in many famous movies and series. Sex and the City (go here for the best tours on that) and Friends are just two of them. Sarah Jessica Parker liked it here so much that she owned a house in the West Village of New York for a long time.
Everything you need to do, see and eat in the West Village, I’ll tell you here in my ultimate guide!
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 West Village
- Stonewall Inn: 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.
- Discover the neighborhood with the New York West Village Food Tour
- Watch the sunset at Drift In
- 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.
- Visit the Museum of Illusions
Where is the West Village located?
The West Village is the easternmost neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan and is bounded on the north by 14th Street (where the Meatpacking District and Chelsea begin). 7th Avenue marks the eastern border and W Houston Street the southern border.
How to Get to the West Village
- Subway: Take the train to Christopher St Station, or to 14 St.
- 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 17 Best Things To Do in the West Village of NYC
Here are some more things that you can explore if you have more time.
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01
The City and Sex Movie Scenes from famous TV show - Private Tour in New York
Walking Tour in Midtown Manhattan
The Sex and the City tours in New York City are among the most popular tours of all – in addition to the Sex and the City tour by bus, there is this walking tour that takes you to the most important spots of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte.
What to expect on the three-hour Sex and the City Hotspots Tour in New York
You will meet with a local guide at Central Park to start your tour. The first destination is the famous The Plaza Hotel, which played an important role between Carrie and her Mr. Big at the end of season 2.
After that, you’ll head to Perry Street in beautiful West Village – it’s one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in New York (not only because of Sex and the City). As fans of Sex and the City New York, you of course know what is located here: the apartment of Carrie Bradshaw.
What can’t be missed on a Sex and the City tour? The Magnolia Bakery! Although it was only featured briefly on the show, it became one of the most important spots for Sex and the City fans. Do just as Carrie and Miranda do: buy a delicious cupcake and you’re good to go!
By the way, in addition to Magnolia Bakery in the West Village, there are now other branches in New York. You can also buy the cupcakes made famous by Sex and the City at Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, Bloomingdales, Columbus Circle and the Upper West Side.
Next stop on the walking tour is the Buddakan restaurant. This is where the rehearsal dinner was held before Carrie’s wedding – and therefore couldn’t be left off the list.
The same goes for Onieal’s Bar and Restaurant in Little Italy, which is another important stop. It is just as significant for Sex and the City fans as the Central Perk café is for fans of the “Friends” series.
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02
Feel the rich LGBTQ+ history of The Stonewall Inn
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.
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03
Trick your mind at the Museum of Illusions
Museum in West Village
This is one of the most fun museums in NYC for kids right now. It’s an interactive museum that will make you question your sense of reality with optical illusions. The museum guarantees a great time, lots of laughter, and the funniest photos. The exhibits will stimulate your cognitive abilities in a way that it will be hard for you to believe your eyes.
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04
New York West Village Food Tour
Walking Tour in West Village
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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05
Take photos of the Friends apartment
Other Attraction in West Village
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.
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06
Enjoy a jazz concert at Village Vanguard
Jazz Club in West Village
The Village Vanguard is located at Seventh Ave South in the West Village. It was first opened by Max Gordon in 1935, making it New York City’s oldest operating jazz club. Though, many people didn’t realize that this venue actually hosted beat poetry and folk music until 1957, when it became a home for jazz music. Even the legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis played here.
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07
Visit the Whitney Museum
Museum in Meatpacking District
Newly opened in 2015, the Whitney Museum in New York shines in a whole new light. The Whitney Museum has one of the most spectacular collections of contemporary art that focuses on American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock, and Robert Rauschenberg are just a few of the names whose paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and installations are part of the exhibits at the Whitney Museum. More than 21,000 works of art are permanently showcased here. The museum is located in The Meatpacking District in Manhattan.
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08
Relax and enjoy river views at the Hudson River Park
Park in ChelseaOur Highlight
The Hudson River Park is the second largest park in Manhattan after Central Park. Besides being a nice place to relax on a beautiful day, you will have a fantastic view of the Hudson River. If you want to do more than just relax, you can take advantage of different activities offered in the park. Check out their mini golf course or carousels, for example! If you are looking for even more fun, you should go kayaking on the Hudson River. The best thing about kayaking? It’s absolutely FREE! We think you understand that we had no choice but to include this park in our top 5 things to do in Chelsea NYC!
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09
Have a romantic evening at the LELABAR
Wine Bars in West Village
Close up shot of a bartender pouring red wine into a glass. Hospitality, beverage and wine concept.The wine bar LELABAR is one of our absolute highlights, you can find it in a small street in the West Village. It’s small, cozy, straightforward and definitely one of the best in the city. That’s exactly how we imagine a wine bar where locals go for a good wine in the evening.
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10
Hudson Clearwater: Eat one of the best avocado toasts in NYC
Other Restaurants in West VillageOur Highlight
This beautiful little restaurant has everything I like: it is cozy, beautifully decorated, the food is delicious and in summer you can sit together romantically in a small courtyard!
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11
Have an ice cream from the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop
Ice Cream in West Village
Big Gay Ice Cream is one of the most famous ice cream shops in New York City. Here you can get fancy ice creams, which for us are among the best in town!
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12
Stroll along the High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
There are few parks as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was repurposed as a public green space that opened in 2009 and now offers amazing views of the city, as well as a place to relax and unwind. Its plant life is based directly off what was growing there while it was abandoned, giving this park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line stretches from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards-34th Street.
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13
Watch the Sunset at the Skyline Rooftop Bar & Lounge or ...
Rooftop Bar in West Village
The Blu 33 Rooftop on top of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York hotel is one of the few rooftop bars in the West Village. It’s just one block from Macy’s and two blocks from Hudson Yards, and the view from here is really special!
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14
.. from the Drift In.
Sea Food Restaurant in West VillageOur Highlight
The Drift In is one of my latest new discoveries in New York: it’s located right on the Hudson River promenade in the West Village. They serve oysters and the best lobster roll in town – no wonder, the team behind the Drift In is the same as at my beloved PILOT Brooklyn and GRAND BANKs. Just great!
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15
Employees Only: one of our favorite speakeasy bars in NYC
Bar in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
A bar where you can dive into the 20s and 30s of New York. The Speakeasy Bar was voted into the TOP 20 of the best bars in the world – the drinks are of the finest. Attention, the entrance is a bit hidden: you’ll find it next to the neon “Psychic” sign.
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16
Enjoy Aussie-Style coffee at Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen
Café in West Village
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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17
Have a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery
Café in West Village
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.
Best Attractions in the West Village of NYC
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 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.
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02 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.
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03 Grove Court
Nestled between six brick red townhouses on Grove Street in the West Village, Grove Court is one of many courts spread throughout the city of NYC. The court is between 10 and 12 Grove Street and even though it’s pretty exclusive, there are always people at the game peeking in. If you’re ever in the West Village make sure to check this out.
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04 Museum of Illusions
This is one of the most fun museums in NYC for kids right now. It’s an interactive museum that will make you question your sense of reality with optical illusions. The museum guarantees a great time, lots of laughter, and the funniest photos. The exhibits will stimulate your cognitive abilities in a way that it will be hard for you to believe your eyes.
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 the West Village
There are a lot of very popular tours where New York guides show you the best parts and the history of this neighborhood:
These are the most popular walking tours that we can recommend to you:
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01 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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02 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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03 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.
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04 West Village Ghost Pub Crawl
The West Village Ghost Pub Crawl presents an exciting journey through the haunted corners of the bohemian West Village. Meander through charming, tree-lined streets with 19th-century brownstones, engaging in a thrilling ghost hunt throughout the neighborhood. Your guide will lead you through a series of haunted landmarks including a piano bar, a famous speakeasy, a popular inn, and a historic carriage house, each harboring its own spectral inhabitants. Embark on this spirited expedition to uncover the ghostly mysteries hidden in one of New York’s spookiest neighborhoods.
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
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Best West Village Restaurants in NYC
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01 & Son
The & Son Restaurant is a steak speakeasy ( “steakeasy” for short) located in an old townhouse in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Their menu features steak dinners that consist of several courses. With each course, you can choose between at least two options. In addition to delicious, top-quality steaks, there are also vegetarian options on the menu.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm you can stop by for brunch. How about a Lobster Benedict, for example? The lobster meat and boiled eggs taste just sensational with the hollandaise sauce! You’d rather have something sweet? Then try the French toast with berries and whipped cream! Add a few mimosas and the brunch is perfect!
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02 5 Guys Burger and Fries
Just like Shake Shack, the 5 Guys Burger and Fries have become a burger chain that is very popular. Again, the good ingredients are the basis of everything – if you’re looking for a 5 Guys in New York, there are several of them!
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03 Baker & Co
If you’re looking for a restaurant with innovative dishes in Greenwich Village, then your answer is Baker & Co. Situated just a few blocks from Washington Square Park, this restaurant is a trendy fusion of a modern Italian eatery with a rustic, cozy feel.
If you want to try Baker & Co.’s brunch, then you’ll need to stop by on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 10:30 am and 3:45 pm. Known for their devotion to fresh and seasonal ingredients, I’d highly recommend the Nutella French toast or the savory Crab Eggs Benedict. Trust me, one bit of their food, and you’ll see why it’s rated as one of the best brunches in West Village, New York.
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04 Boucherie West Village
Around NYC, you’ll find four Boucherie sister restaurants, all of which will offer a special menu for Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner will consist of a roasted turkey smothered with truffle ballotine, brussels sprouts, sweet potato au gratin, cranberry compote, chanterelles, and turkey for $48 per person. This year’s famed dessert is priced at $15 for a slice of cheesecake topped with spiced caramel and pecans.
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05 Buvette
Tucked away on 42 Grove St, Buvette serves up daily brunch in the heart of Greenwich Village and provides a distinctly Parisian flair that’s hard to resist. The moment you enter, you’re whisked away to a charming Paris café thanks to its laid-back ambiance.
Amid the tempting brunch menu options, the succulent Croque Madame is a clear standout, with velvety prosciutto that melts in your mouth. And sure, Buvette’s popularity might result in a slight wait, but I assure you, this tantalizing French culinary adventure is genuinely worth your patience. So, brace yourself for this French delicacy in your New York City brunch itinerary that’s undeniably worth the hype.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best West Village Restaurants in NYC.
Best West Village Bars in NYC
And these are my personal recommendations when it comes to bars in the West Village – you will love it!
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01 Drift In
The Drift In is one of my latest new discoveries in New York: it’s located right on the Hudson River promenade in the West Village. They serve oysters and the best lobster roll in town – no wonder, the team behind the Drift In is the same as at my beloved PILOT Brooklyn and GRAND BANKs. Just great!
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02 Blu 33 Rooftop
The Blu 33 Rooftop on top of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York hotel is one of the few rooftop bars in the West Village. It’s just one block from Macy’s and two blocks from Hudson Yards, and the view from here is really special!
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03 Hudson Bar and Books
There are several Bar and Books locations in New York – but the one near the Hudson is the best whiskey bar of all. It has its very own charm and offers a huge selection of whiskey, scotch and co. If you’re looking for a whiskey bar where you can also relax and smoke a cigar, you’ve come to the right place.
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Cocktail drink on night club. Cocktail concept.04 STK Downtown & Rooftop
The Rooftop Bar can be found above the STK Downtown Steakhouse. With a delicious cocktail you can enjoy the fantastic view of the Hudson River and the New York skyline.
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05 The Stonewall Inn
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.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the
Best West 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.
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01 Bluestone Lane West Village Coffee Shop
Bluestone Lane Coffee now has several locations in New York. The coffee is roasted by hand, is fairly traded and there are only 100% natural ingredients on the bagels and sandwiches. What you will immediately notice: the locations are really nicely decorated – definitely very cozy and unique!
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02 Bus Stop Cafe
Bus Stop Cafe is one of our favorite breakfast spots in the West Village. It is a charming place and exactly what you call and expect as a typical American diner. Very authentic, friendly and therefore absolutely recommendable!
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03 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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04 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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05 The Grey Dog
Located near Washington Square Park, The Grey Dog not only serves tasty food but they offer brunch all day, every day. One of the main reasons that I like it is because this restaurant offers simple, satisfying meals without burning a hole in your pocket.
If you ask me, their drink menu steals the show with options like the Grey Dog Spritz and spicy pineapple margarita. And when you pair that with the Fried Chicken, and waffles served with maple butter and spicy chili syrup, then you’ll understand why it’s counted amongst the best brunch spots in Soho West Village.
Best West Village Hotels in 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.
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01 Incentra Village Hotel
3 Stars | The Village House with its Victorian style also impresses with its location. The High Line Park is only a few minutes’ walk away. There is a small kitchen in each of the rooms.
Recommended article: The Best Hotels in Greenwich Village NYC.
Neighborhoods Nearby
The West Village is right next to some of the most popular neighborhoods and definitely worth a visit.
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Neighborhoods that are Similar
If you enjoyed Alphabet City, then here are neighborhoods that have a similar feel:
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