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

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

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.