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Things to Do in Greenwich Village NYC: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Thither Staff

Greenwich Village in NYC is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. Walking around the neighborhood without a map is the way I’ve found some of my favorite streets, restaurants and facades for photographing.

If it’s your first time visiting the neighborhood, you might feel overwhelmed. There’s so much to see and do, so I’ve put together this self-guided walking tour of Greenwich Village as a starting point. Plus, I’ve included a load of other things to do in Greenwich Village that you can add to your walking tour or save for another time. 

Contents 

How to Get to Greenwich Village

Almost all subway lines will take you to Greenwich Village.

The B, D, F, M and A, C, D trains will get you to the heart of Greenwich Village at West 4 Street – Washington Square station.

The R and W train will take you to 8 St – NYU station and the 6 train will take you to Bleecker St station, both at the eastern border of the neighborhood.

Read More: The Ultimate NYC Subway Guide for Tourists by a Local  

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Where to Stay in Greenwich Village 

If you don’t want to commute into Greenwich Village and prefer to stay in the neighborhood, here are a few hotels:

For Maritime History: The Jane Hotel

Located right by the Hudson River, The Jane Hotel is a boutique style hotel with friendly staff stays true to its maritime history. It was originally built in 1908 (and designed by the same architect as Ellis Island’s immigrant station) for sailors with cabin-like rooms and was where 1912 survivors of the Titanic stayed during the American inquiry into the sinking of the Titanic. 100 years later in 2008, the hotel was restored with a similar sea vibe.

Closest to Washington Square Park: Washington Square Hotel 

Washington Square Hotel is located just steps away from Washington Square Park. The hotel was built in 1902 and has expanded since, while hosting several famous guests including author Ernest Hemingway, and performers like Albert King who performed at local Greenwich VIllage clubs, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.

Modern Luxury: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

For a luxury option, choose the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village. Located at the northern border of Greenwich Village, the hotel also has easy access to Union Square Park. It’s exterior is inspired by the 1920s Georgian revival towers found on Fifth Avenue and inside you’ll find Art Deco inspired decor.

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A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Greenwich Village NYC

A fun way to explore Greenwich Village is just walking around the neighborhood without a map. This is how I’ve found some of my favorite restaurants and streets in the neighborhood. But if it’s your first time visiting, use this as a guideline for your own self-guided walking tour of Greenwich Village. 

Walking to all of these spots is about 1.5 miles long and if you walk without stopping, it will take around 30 minutes. But plan on spending time taking photos, going inside the shops and restaurants and possibly taking some diversions if you see something interesting on another street or want to see one of the other nearby suggestions I’ve listed with each stop.

Let’s go! 

Start at Caffe Reggio

Caffe Reggio is known as the first cafe in the United States to serve cappuccino and has been open since 1927. Stop here for a cappuccino and have it topped with whipped cream. And if coffee isn’t your thing, Caffe Reggio also serves other beverages and is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner for soups, salads, sandwiches and other Italian dishes and desserts.

Address: 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012 

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is home to the iconic Washington Square Arch, an arch commemorating President George Washington’s inauguration. Note the resemblance of the arch. It was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. On a warm day, sit by the fountain in the middle of the park and watch as locals rush to their next appointments or performers lure in crowds with music and dance. In popular culture, this park was the setting of Henry James’ book Washington Square and has served as a filming location for movies like When Harry Met Sally.

Address: Washington Square N, New York, NY 10012 

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NYU and Washington Mews

You’ll see purple flags bearing the New York University’s logo on a few buildings around Washington Square Park. This is because you’re in NYU’s Greenwich Village campus. One part of the campus to note is Washington Mews. This is a picturesque row of houses on a cobblestone street that were originally used as horse stables for those who lived in nearby townhomes. It’s now used as NYU housing and offices.

Address: Washington Mews (between 5th Ave and University Pl)

Electric Lady Studios

Electric Lady Studios is a recording studio started by Jimi Hendrix. It was originally a nightclub that Hendrix performed at. Since opening in 1968, it’s the oldest working recording studio in New York City. You can’t go inside and tour as it is a working studio, which was where Taylor Swift’s Lover album was recorded in addition to some of the latest albums by Lana Del Rey, The Kills, Daft Punk and Adele. (You can also see where Taylor Swift rented a townhome in the West Village nearby on Cornelia Street, which she named one of her songs after.)

Address: 52 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011

Nearby: Mark Twain House at 14 W 10th St is where author Mark Twain lived for a year and is known to be haunted. 

Jefferson Market Library

Jefferson Market Library is a Victorian Gothic style building that’s part of the New York Public Library system. It was originally built in 1875 as a courthouse and designed by one of the architects that assisted in the design of Central Park, Calvert Vaux. Go inside and see the brick-arched basement, which was where prisoners were once held.

Address: 425 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011

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Gay Street 

Gay Street is a slightly angeled street that’s lined with colorful buildings and stoops, making it one of the most photogenic streets in the West Village. (Another slightly angled photogenic street is Minetta Street, near Caffe Reggio.)

Address: Gay Street (between Waverly Pl and Christopher St)

Nearby: After you’ve taken some photos at Gay Street, nearby places of interest are Three Lives and Co, a cozy neighborhood bookstore with a red facade, and across the street, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream known for their vegan ice cream. Also, one street over is Dominique Ansel Kitchen, by the maker of the Cronut pastry – part croissant, part doughnut (though to get that, note you’ll need to go to their other location in Soho.)

Read More: A Bibliophile’s Guide to the Best Bookstores in NYC 

Stonewall Inn 

Stonewall Inn isn’t just a gay bar. It’s a National Historic Landmark, as this was the site where the gay rights movement was launched in 1969. It’s open every day until 4 am with different entertainment themes every night. Come back and stop by during one of the events that starts at around 10 pm and try The Stonewall Inn IPA made especially for Stonewall Inn by Brooklyn Brewery.

Address: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

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Olio e Piu 

If you’re doing this self-guided walking tour around lunchtime, stop for a meal at Olio e Piu, serving authentic Italian cuisine. They offer an open patio area overlooking Jefferson Market Library, great for having a meal and people watching especially during warmer months. But if it’s cold, stay indoors in the rustic dining area with a traditional wood-fired oven. Other popular places to eat nearby are Rosemary’s (another Italian restaurant), Buvette (a French bistro) and Jeffrey’s Grocery (for seafood.)

Address: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

Grove Court and the Friends Apartment  

Grove Court
Friends Apartment

Are you a fan of the TV show Friends? Though the show was set in New York City, a lot of the show was actually filmed at a studio in California. However, you can see what was used as the exterior of the Friends apartment, which is actually in New York on Bedford Street. The red facade is actually a restaurant, Little Owl. And down the road on Grove Street, look for a gate which encloses a photogenic courtyard and million dollar townhomes called Grove Court.

Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014

Other notable filming locations in the West Village include 64 Perry Street, Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in Sex and the City and 10 Leroy Street, The Cosby Show house.

77 Bedford

See the oldest house in Greenwich Village at 77 Bedford Street with a wood frame. Built in 1799, it was a free standing residential home.

Address: 77 Bedford St New York, NY 10014

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Walk on Bleeker Street

Like the rest of Greenwich Village, Bleeker Street has lots of beautiful facades. Make your way towards Murray’s Cheese Bar, located on Bleeker Street. Murray’s was founded in 1940 and is known for its huge selection of cheeses, accoutrements, cheese classes and Murray’s Melts for a delicious Classic Melt.

Address: 254 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

End at Washington Square Park 

And now you’ve made it back to Washington Square Park. 

More Things to Do in Greenwich Village NYC

End your self-guided walking tour of Greenwich Village at Washington Square Park, or check out some more things to do in the neighborhood: 

Nightlife in Greenwich Village 

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Shopping in Greenwich Village

The Upper Rust
Pink Olive

More Cafes in Greenwich Village

You’ll easily get your caffeine fix at cafes all over Greenwich Village. Here are just a few:

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More Restaurants in Greenwich Village 

There are countless restaurants in Greenwich Village. Here are just a few:

More NYC Resources

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