Viva la Vie Bohème! An Insider’s Guide to New York City’s Greenwich Village CheapOair Staff August 22, 2013 Destinations, Interests, New York, Top US Destinations, Travel Guide This post was last updated on October 6, 2023. C In the battle of the boroughs, Manhattan always seems to be the favorite of tourists who love the plethora of vibrant city neighborhoods. One of the most famous areas that has evolved over time is Greenwich Village. The Village was once a seedy part of the city with a cutting edge arts scene. Today, it’s prime real estate with high end shops, upscale restaurants, and many celebrity residents. The next time you visit the Big Apple, check out these Greenwich Village hot spots. Walk the High Line You’ve probably been told many times to visit the High Line, but why exactly? What was once just abandoned, elevated railroad tracks has now been recycled into a vibrant park and popular tourist attraction. The route begins at Gansevoort Street, where there is plenty of high-end shopping and a bustling nightlife scene, right next to the Whitney Museum of American Art. (See listing below.) The High Line takes you on a journey from the Meatpacking District, through Chelsea, landing you and the newest upscale attraction on the Westside, Hudson Yards. Honestly, it’s worth booking flights to New York City just to see how cool the High Line really is. Sip a Cocktail at the Greenwich Treehouse There’s something about being in the Village that makes you feel part of a larger community. Maybe it’s something about having a drink and enjoying your time down here that makes you a bit friendlier. Well, you can feel just like this at Greenwich Treehouse, a simple little bar that is so Greenwich Village. There’s Star Wars paraphernalia on the walls, a jukebox with 2.000 songs, a miniature dance floor, and a happy that lasts until 8 p.m. There are always drink specials that will make your happy hour extra happy along with a rotation of tap beers. If you don’t drink, you can always sit at the window seat and watch the colorful crowd go by. Grab a Slice at John’s Pizzeria Since 1929, the Village has been blessed with John’s of Bleecker. With 850-degree brick ovens, John’s uses the finest ingredients to serve up the freshest and most savory pizza pies. (Note: They only serve pizza by the pie, not the slice.) Having pizza at John’s is a classic Village experience you simply must have. While you can always get dollar slices on West 4th Street, at John’s you get to sit down and have a proper pizza. People-Watch at Washington Square Park New York City is famous for its many landmarks iconic landmarks and images. But few images are as famous and unforgettable as the arch at Washington Square Park. The park itself was created in the early 19th century. The arch, which architect Stanford Hite modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, was built in 1891 as a tribute to celebrate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration as the first U.S. President. Washington Park is a bustling part of the city, and home to many colorful characters, so be sure to come with your eyes open — and your wallets secure. RELATED: Twelve Places in New York City Where You Can Relive the 1930s Check out the Whitney Museum of Art [Above image “Edward Hopper (1882–1967), Early Sunday Morning, 1930” by Art is a word on Flickr – licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0] The Whitney Museum of Art is the go-to destination for Village visitors looking for a dose of culture and artistic inspiration. Channeling the neighborhood’s rich artistic history, the Whitney treats guests to one of the finest collections of modern art in the city. The Whitney features a large permanent collection, but only a fraction of it is on view at any given time. Most of the space is devoted to changing temporary exhibits, which almost always draw significant crowds. Alongside amazing contemporary artwork, the Whitney also offers free walking tours of the surrounding neighborhood with an emphasis on its history of establishing LGBTQ rights in the city. Likewise, you’ll definitely enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson from the museum’s eighth-floor terrace, including an unimpeded views of Little Island, New York City’s newest and most intriguing park, which sits on pylons atop the Hudson River. Visit the Friends Building [Above image “Friends Apartment, New York” by Rob Young on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0] Resting on the corner of Bedford Street and Grove Street is the iconic Friends building, the setting of the beloved sitcom that ran from 1994 to 2004. The building’s façade was used for exterior shots of Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Rachel’s apartment building. While interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, Friends diehards nevertheless flock to the location for Insta-worthy selfies outside of the iconic building. The building is a perennial favorite on most TV-themed tours of the Big Apple. And vacationers hoping to go inside can check out the Little Owl Restaurant on the ground floor. Although not as cheap as the Central Perk, the Little Owl offers a variety of tasty bites for visitors hoping to spend more time at the TV landmark. Go Boutique Shopping on Bleecker Street Named after the Bleecker family, who deeded much of the land that Greenwich Village rests on to the city in the early 19th century, Bleecker Street is one of the most historic neighborhoods in New York. Bleecker was once home to lush farmland before it became the urban oasis that it is today. If you consider yourself a fashionista, you’ll adore Bleecker Street, one of the most charming places for boutique shopping in the city. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store as you visit the area’s brilliant boutiques. What makes Bleecker Street’s boutiques so extraordinary is the sheer variety of options at hand. Whether you’re looking for a spring dress, the perfect pair of boots, or a new centerpiece for your coffee table, Bleecker Street has something for everyone. After a day of shopping, head to some of the bohemian nightclubs and restaurants that made the neighborhood famous in the time of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Relax and Read at Three Lives & Company Three Lives & Company is proof that the neighborhood bookstore is still alive and well. Three Lives has been the bookshop for New Yorkers looking for a good read and a friendly face for over 40 years. Independently owned and unassuming, the store rests on the corner of Waverly Place and 10th Street. Bibliophiles come to Three Lives as much for the welcoming staff and passionate literary discussions as they do for the colorful volumes that rest on the honey-toned shelves. Whether you’re looking for a classic or a new work by an up-and-coming author, employees at Three Lives are always ready with personalized recommendations and an earnest respect for the store’s place in the hearts of booklovers. Grab a Bite at Minetta Tavern [Above image “Minetta Tavern, MacDougal Street” by Village Preservation (Greenwich Village Society) on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0] Boasting one of the finest menus in the city, the Minetta Tavern is a foodie’s dream come true. Once the favorite drinking spot for the likes of Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings, the restaurant is now famous for its delectable dining options. Minetta Tavern may best be known for its signature Black Label Burger. And, it frequently appears on lists of New York City’s top restaurants. Outstanding cuisine aside, you’ll also relish the striking ambiance. Built in 1937, the restaurant leans heavily on its classic appeal. The Minetta sports fine wood paneling, checkerboard tile floors, and red leather booths. The place exudes the atmosphere of a bygone era, welcoming visitors to an all but forgotten time in the neighborhood’s past. c FAQs: Q; What’s the best way to get to Greenwich Village from other parts of NYC? A: Getting to Greenwich Village is easy. You can take the subway, bus, or even walk if you’re in a nearby neighborhood. The subway lines A, B, C, D, E, F, and M all have stops in or around The Village. Q: Are there any free events or attractions in Greenwich Village? A: Yes, there are plenty of free events and attractions, especially in Washington Square Park. You can enjoy street performances, art displays, and even free concerts during certain times of the year. Q: Can I find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Greenwich Village? A: Absolutely! Greenwich Village is known for its diverse culinary scene, which includes numerous vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Check out local eateries like By Chloe or the Red Bamboo for delicious plant-based meals. Q: Is Greenwich Village safe for tourists, especially at night? A: Greenwich Village is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any other urban area, it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions, especially at night. Q: Are there any famous movies or TV shows set in Greenwich Village? A: Yes, indeed. Greenwich Village has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films and TV shows, including “Friends,” “Sex and the City,” and “Manhattan.” Exploring the neighborhood may feel like stepping onto a famous movie set. Got any other favorite hotspots in Greenwich Village? Tell us about it in the comments below!
