Table of Contents
Introduction
Greenwich Village (also known as West Village or simply “the Village”) is a captivating area in New York City’s Manhattan borough. It’s one of the city’s best neighborhoods to explore, especially on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. The streets of Greenwich Village offer an escape from the formal grid, reminiscent of a quaint European city. Visitors will find many shops, particularly a blend of major chains and charming independent stores and restaurants waiting to be discovered.
When you’re looking to escape the towering skyscrapers and busy streets of Manhattan, Greenwich Village provides a serene retreat with a more intimate atmosphere. Notably, the neighborhood’s shorter buildings allow more sunlight to illuminate the streets. Additionally, hidden courtyards and scenic gardens dot the residential blocks, adding to the neighborhood’s allure. Notable figures like poet Dylan Thomas and musician Bob Dylan have made their mark here, contributing to its rich artistic legacy, alongside Beat Generation luminaries such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac.
While guided tours abound, you should also allocate ample time to wander freely and embrace the experience of “getting lost.” In case you feel disoriented, modern technology or a friendly local can easily guide you back to your starting point.
Greenwich Village–West Village Subways
- A, C, E and B, D, F, V
- – West Fourth Street
- 1
- – Christopher Street–Sheridan Square
- – Houston Street
Neighborhood Boundaries
The boundaries of the neighborhood extend from 14th Street in the north to West Houston in the south, and from the Hudson River to Broadway.
Greenwich Village Architecture
Breaking free from the uptown grid system, the neighborhood features smaller, winding streets located at various angles, providing a unique and charming character. This distinctive architecture along with smaller buildings and quaint townhouses contributes to the European ambiance that defines Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village Attractions
- Jane: A casual bistro offering American cuisine and a delightful brunch experience on Houston Street.
- John’s Pizzeria: Enjoy classic New York-style pizza baked in a coal oven since 1929 on Bleecker Street.
- Blue Note Jazz Club: This renowned music venue has seen legendary artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan grace its stage since 1981, paired with a delightful dining experience on Third Street.
- Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl: Engage in this intriguing walking tour that combines history and literature while enjoying drinks at historic bars once frequented by famous authors.
- Washington Square Park: A vibrant 10-acre park located centrally in Greenwich Village, famous for the iconic marble Washington Square Arch—an ideal spot for people-watching.
- Murray’s Cheese: A beloved institution since 1940, this shop on Bleecker Street sources the finest cheeses globally, providing an enriching culinary experience.
- The Stonewall Inn: A historic gay bar that serves as a National Historic Landmark, notable for its role in sparking the modern gay rights movement in the 1960s.
- Village Vanguard: Established in 1935, this iconic jazz club has hosted a myriad of recordings by legends like John Coltrane and Barbra Streisand on Seventh Avenue South.
- One If By Land, Two If By Sea: An upscale restaurant set in a 1767 carriage house on Barrow Street, celebrated as one of New York’s most romantic dining venues.
