{"id":14887,"date":"2014-09-29T07:19:52","date_gmt":"2014-09-29T11:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=14887"},"modified":"2019-06-07T15:56:34","modified_gmt":"2019-06-07T19:56:34","slug":"live-like-local-greenwich-west-village-manhattan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/29\/live-like-local-greenwich-west-village-manhattan\/","title":{"rendered":"Live Like a Local in Greenwich Village and the West Village, Manhattan"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14899\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-friends-building.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Greenwich Village street corner \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>This is the kind of charming street corner you\u2019ll often see in Greenwich Village<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jack Kerouac wrote here. Jackson Pollock painted here. Odetta sang here. Greenwich Village\u2013referred to by locals as simply \u201cthe Village\u201d\u2013and the West Village have traditionally been a refuge for New York\u2019s misfits like beatniks, bohemians, artists, and the LGBTQ community. For decades, these enclaves in Lower Manhattan stood at the forefront of the city\u2019s cultural heart as a place where folk music and avant-garde art could thrive. Today, you\u2019ll find designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and very few bohemians, but the historical impact of these artists lives on.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Welcome to Greenwich Village and the West Village<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/mapsengine.google.com\/map\/embed?mid=zHap3VP2vDcM.k74JqQOPn0S8\" width=\"585\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>In downtown Manhattan, the Greenwich and West Villages are north of Soho, south of Chelsea, west of the Hudson River, and east of the East Village (<a title=\"Live like a local in the East Village, Manhattan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/11\/25\/live-like-local-east-village-manhattan-new-york\/\">take a look at our guide to this neighborhood here<\/a>). The once-industrial neighborhood was claimed by New York\u2019s nonconformist crowd and fostered the talents of some of America\u2019s greatest artists. Due to the district\u2019s upscale makeover, most of the remaining artists have been priced out of the Village, but the neighborhood has never forgotten its roots. You\u2019ll find a mix of artsy businesses, concert venues, and designer fashion boutiques that sit between beautifully preserved brownstones. Upper-class residents\u2013think movie stars and Wall Street businessmen\u2013rub elbows with hip NYU students. As with anywhere in Manhattan, the area is served by multiple subway lines and bus routes, which means shuttling to other parts of New York will be a breeze. <a title=\"Video tour of Greenwich Village\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2009\/06\/29\/video-tour-greenwich-village\/\">Our video tour of Greenwich Village<\/a> will help you visualize the bustling neighborhood as well.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Go shopping in Greenwich Village and the West Village<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14901\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-market-store-shopping.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Market NYC storefront \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Market NYC is a top destination for one-of-a-kind pieces <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Like most of New York, the Greenwich and West Villages are shopping destinations. Whether you\u2019re in the market for mainstream trends or under-the-radar items, you\u2019ll discover a wide and exciting range of choices here.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Broadway,<\/strong> arguably New York City\u2019s most famous avenue, stretches into the neighborhood. And while you won\u2019t find dazzling musicals in this part of town, there\u2019s plenty of entertainment in the form of shopping and dining. The street\u2019s intersection around <strong>Union Square<\/strong> boasts familiar chains like <strong>Barnes &amp; Noble<\/strong> and <strong>Sephora<\/strong>. For something more melodious, trek over to <strong>Thompson Street<\/strong> (beginning south of Washington Square Park) and sample the music on <strong>Generation Records<\/strong>\u2019 punk rock and metal shelves.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bleecker Street<\/strong>, meanwhile, is a famed locale for concerts and live comedy. Bill Cosby, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan are a few of the performers who kick-started their careers along this street.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for the perfect pair of shoes at a perfectly reasonable price? <strong>DSW<\/strong> (Designer Shoe Warehouse) on East 14th Street has a diverse inventory with discounted rates for international and high-end brands. Head east on E. 14th Street and you\u2019ll encounter <strong>Nordstrom Rack<\/strong>, an outlet version of the upscale department store. Go ahead and snag that Burberry tote you\u2019ve always wanted for a wallet-friendlier price!<\/p>\n<p>Two notable spots in the Villages are ideal for healthy food shopping. <strong>Whole Foods Market<\/strong> on Union Square East specializes in fresh organic ingredients in line with the franchise\u2019s name. Ensconced within Union Square Park is the <strong>Abingdon Square Greenmarket<\/strong> with tents that house crisp produce, beautifully cultivated flowers, and delectable baked goods.<\/p>\n<p>Seeking a one-of-a-kind piece for your home or wardrobe? <strong>The Market NYC<\/strong> on Bleecker Street is the place to purchase unique jewelry, clothes, home d\u00e9cor and collectibles, and if you\u2019re lucky, you might see a live artisan at work within the giant store. <strong>Marc by Marc Jacobs<\/strong> in the West Village displays the latest fashions in the designer\u2019s collection. <strong>Flight Club<\/strong> along Broadway is an ideal place to hunt for rare sneakers at retail and consignment prices.<\/p>\n<p>A wide variety of bath and body products await at <strong>C.O. Bigelow<\/strong> on the Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue).<\/p>\n<p>A paradise for bibliophiles, <strong>The Strand<\/strong> is a four-story wonderland on Broadway with all kinds of books, from current bestsellers to rare volumes, in every genre imaginable. Less than a block away, <strong>Forbidden Planet<\/strong> is a flagship shop for pop culture nerds; think comic books, action figures, and sci-fi\/fantasy collectables. Why stop there? <a title=\"Top 5 shopping spots in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/09\/16\/top-5-shopping-spots-new-york\/\">Our top 5 shopping spots in New York<\/a> will ensure you get the most out of your retail adventures.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Coffee, restaurants, and nightlife in Greenwich Village and the West Village<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14902\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-restaurant-food.jpg\" alt=\"Image of a table with bread and seafood \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div> Indulge in bread, seafood, and other mouthwatering cuisine in the neighborhoods' many restaurants<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>After dark, the Greenwich and West Villages transform into city hotspots for dining, clubbing, and entertaining. With these top spots, you won\u2019t miss out on all the activity.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A warm and inviting atmosphere serving meat and seafood staples makes Jane (towards the southern boundary of the Village) a great dining experience.<\/li>\n<li>The West Village\u2019s <strong>Spice Market<\/strong> brings Southeast Asian street food to a new level with a gourmet sensibility and a shareable style.<\/li>\n<li>For cocktails and small plates\u2013and an equally cozy interior\u2013head to the candlelit Alta on West 10th Street.<\/li>\n<li>Come to <strong>Minetta Tavern<\/strong> on MacDougal Street for the history (Eugene O\u2019Neill and E.E. Cummings are just a couple of the writers who were regulars) and the many celebrity sightings, but stay for the French bistro\u2019s delicious menu.<\/li>\n<li>Speaking of tiny interiors, <strong>Perilla<\/strong> on Jones Street accommodates roughly 18 tables without sacrificing its elegant American dining.<\/li>\n<li>Have a mix of meat-lovers and vegans in your party? <strong>Red Bamboo<\/strong> on West 4th Street has a list of menu items catered to both tastes.<\/li>\n<li>Italian cuisine gets the epicurean treatment at <strong>Scarpetta<\/strong> on West 14th and <strong>Lupa<\/strong> on Thompson Street. Both are run by gourmet chefs.<\/li>\n<li>A three-course dinner awaits you at <strong>Gotham Bar<\/strong> <strong>and Grill<\/strong> on East 12th Street, which specializes in American cuisine with a chic twist.<\/li>\n<li>To finish your meal, save some room for <strong>Max Brenner<\/strong> on Broadway: their decadent chocolates are too good to miss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14898\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-fallafel-food-mamouns.jpg\" alt=\"Image of fallafel \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Expand your palate with a bite of falafel from Mamoun's<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>The Villages are not known for their inexpensive fare, but you can find cheap meals for less than $8 in this part of New York.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mamoun\u2019s Falafel<\/strong> on MacDougal Street and <strong>Taim<\/strong> on Waverly Place serve Middle Eastern specialties that are sure to satisfy.<\/li>\n<li>For mouthwatering Kati rolls (an Indian delicacy of meat and veggies rolled up in flat bread), look no further than <strong>The Kati Roll Company<\/strong> on MacDougal Street.<\/li>\n<li>Carmine Street\u2019s <strong>Dos Toros Taqueria<\/strong> tantalizes the taste buds with perfected Mexican recipes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.<\/li>\n<li>What would New York be without the best thin-crust pizza in the world? <strong>Joe\u2019s Pizza<\/strong> on Carmine and East 14th Streets brings the regional forte to delicious life.<\/li>\n<li>We also recommend <strong>The Corner Bistro, Saigon Shack, <\/strong>and<strong> Dojo Restaurant.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14897\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-coffee-shop-grey-dog.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Grey Dog \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Grey Dog is one of many cozy coffee shops in the area <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>In the mood for caffeine? You\u2019re in luck: both Greenwich Village and the West Village have plenty of coffee shops to start your day.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Intimate and dedicated to the best ingredients, <strong>The Grey Dog<\/strong>\u2013with two locations on University Place and a coffee-only shop on Carmine Street\u2013has over a dozen coffee varieties and an eat-in restaurant.<\/li>\n<li>For a socially-conscious approach, <strong>Think Coffee<\/strong> on Bleecker Street works directly with coffee farmers around the world to create a fair cooperation system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Joe the Art of Coffee<\/strong> on Waverly Place continues the sustainability theme by bringing in gourmet ingredients for its brews from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia. There are also coffee-making classes for aspiring baristas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bourbon Coffee<\/strong> on West 14th Street honors its Rwandan roots by using beans and art made in the African country.<\/li>\n<li>If you prefer tea, <strong>Bosie Tea Parlor<\/strong> on Morton Street offers over 100 types of tea cultivated by a resident tea sommelier, along with sweet pastries and macarons.<\/li>\n<li>Check out <strong>Grounded, Third Rail Coffee, Roasting Plant, Jack\u2019s Stir Brew Coffee, <\/strong>and<strong> Presstea<\/strong>, too! For more caf\u00e9 hotspots around the city, check out <a title=\"Top 10 coffee shops in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/24\/top-10-coffee-shops-new-york\/\">our list of the top 10 coffee shops in New York<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After-hours in the Greenwich and West Villages are just as exciting, with bars, clubs, and live performances that spring to life.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When it comes to taverns, it\u2019s often &#8220;go big or home,&#8221; and<strong> Off the Wagon<\/strong> is not one to disappoint. With two levels and two different bars, this hotspot offers live rock and roll every night and over a dozen beers on tap.<\/li>\n<li>The only rooftop beer garden in New York, the <strong>Brass Monkey<\/strong> on West 12th Street has two stories\u2019 worth of warm brick and wood interiors and a vast selection of beers, wines, and spirits. You can try something new from their rotating seasonal menu every time you visit.<\/li>\n<li>For a multimedia experience, visit <strong>Le Poisson Rouge<\/strong> on Bleecker Street for drinks, an art gallery, and live music from eclectic indie and alternative rock artists.<\/li>\n<li>Alternately, for something with a little more urban pizzazz, <strong>the Blue Note<\/strong> can\u2019t be beat for its lineup of jazz performers and wine samplings.<\/li>\n<li>Later at night, walk over to <strong>Art Bar<\/strong> on 8th Street for a taste of the old Greenwich Village. The bar is slightly rough around the edges and has impeccable wall art and a kitchen open past midnight.<\/li>\n<li>Other bars of notable interest are <strong>Little Branch, <\/strong>the<strong> Biergarten at the Standard, Down the Hatch, The Dove Parlour, Tortilla Flats, <\/strong>and<strong> Wicked Willy\u2019s<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you want to dance into the wee hours of the night, then the club scene in this neighborhood is bound to get you on your feet.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For world-class DJs weaving a mix of the best EDM tunes, look no further than <strong>Cielo<\/strong> on Little West 12th Street.<\/li>\n<li>For the club equivalent of a variety show, visit <strong>The Fat Black Pussycat<\/strong> on West 3rd Street: it hosts live musical performances, karaoke nights, comedy stand-up, and serves homemade infused vodkas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monster<\/strong> on Grove Street in the West Village celebrates its storied history. It was previously established for 1940s celebrities all the way to the disco days in the 1970s, but is now one of the most popular gay clubs in the area.<\/li>\n<li>Meanwhile, VIP clientele flock to Hudson Street\u2019s <strong>Provocateur<\/strong> for its lavish interiors and guest-list-only parties.<\/li>\n<li>Once you\u2019ve exhausted these options, why not try the following: <strong>Le Souk Harem, Le Bain, The Griffin, Soho House, <\/strong>and the<strong> Village Vanguard<\/strong>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Stay or live in Greenwich Village and the West Village\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Have we convinced you to stay or live in Greenwich Village or the West Village? If not, let our real estate do the talking! Our agents will work hard to ensure that you are paired with the perfect apartment or accommodation to suit your needs. If you\u2019re only in New York for a short time, <a title=\"Greenwich Village\/West Village, New York vacation rentals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/vacation\/manhattan\/greenwich-west-village\">our New York vacation rentals<\/a> or <a title=\"New York bed and breakfast search\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/bed-breakfast\">bed and breakfasts<\/a> across the two Villages are just the ticket.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re lucky enough to be moving to Manhattan, we suggest taking a look at <a title=\"Greenwich Village\/West Village furnished apartments\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/manhattan\/greenwich-west-village\">our New York furnished apartments in the Village neighborhoods<\/a> or a <a title=\"Greenwich Village\/West Village rooms for rent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/roommate-share\/manhattan\/greenwich-west-village\">roommate share accommodation<\/a>. No matter what you want in your future apartment, we can help.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Things to do and see in Greenwich Village and the West Village<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14896\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-art-center-architecture-culture.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Center for Architecture \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Center for Architecture honors the artistry of New York\u2019s and the world\u2019s infrastructures <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As two districts full of historical significance, it\u2019s no surprise that Greenwich Village and the West Village are great for sightseeing!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Gray Gallery of Ar<\/strong>t (partnered with NYU) prides itself on cultivating an ever-expanding discussion about art\u2019s relationship to greater historical and social contexts through rotating exhibits every few months. Its location at Washington Square East cannot be beaten, and its $3 entry fee is one of the cheapest you\u2019ll find in the entire city.<\/li>\n<li>On LaGuardia Place, the <strong>Center for Architecture<\/strong> (free entry) honors the pioneering spirit of architecture on a global scale while celebrating the unique \u201curban fabric\u201d of New York\u2019s buildings.<\/li>\n<li>To understand the strength of New Yorkers, visit the <strong>Ground Zero Museum Workshop<\/strong>, which displays pictures and relics of the 9\/11 tragedy. The museum is on West 14th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues and charges $25 for its tour (proceeds cover the gallery&#8217;s running costs and are also donated to charities devoted to those affected by the tragedy). Be aware that tickets must be purchased in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14903\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-washington-square-arch.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Washington Square Arch \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Street performers, families, tourists, and pigeons crowd around the famous Washington Square Arch <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>As an Episcopal church dating back to the 19th century, the <strong>Church of Saint Luke in the Fields<\/strong> on Hudson Street fosters community, activism, and faith. Feel free to take advantage of the church prayer if you\u2019d like.<\/li>\n<li>Likewise, <strong>Washington Square\u2019s Judson Memorial Church<\/strong> emphasizes the power of the community working together, but places a special emphasis on the arts.<\/li>\n<li>The beautiful Victorian Gothic architecture of the <strong>Jefferson Market Library<\/strong> leaves an impact on patrons as they pass through the doors to browse the bookshelves. It&#8217;s a quiet retreat from the hubbub of the Avenue of the Americas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Washington Square Arch<\/strong> may be the most famous landmark in Greenwich Village. Its marble design was modeled after Paris\u2019s Arc de Triomphe, and it certainly lives up to the inspiration. Stroll along the Washington Mews or reflect on the generosity and empathy of people across the globe at <strong>Tiles for America<\/strong>, an art installation in memoriam of the 9\/11 attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14900\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Greenwhich-west-village-manhattan-nyc-new-york-hudson-river-park-leisure.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Hudson River Park \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Lounge on the grass or get active in a pick-up sports game at Hudson River Park<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>One of Manhattan\u2019s most famous parklands, <strong>Washington Square Park,<\/strong> has certainly seen its share of changes from being the site of contentious riots in the 1960s to its current reinvention as a place for families, canines, chess enthusiasts, and avant-garde artists.<\/li>\n<li>For more activity, head over to <strong>Hudson River Park<\/strong>. The parks is great for sporty pursuits such as kayaking, biking, ice skating in the winter, and the most unusual one of all: trapeze!<\/li>\n<li>While it&#8217;s nowhere near as grand as Central Park, <strong>Jackson Square<\/strong> provides an inviting escape from the urban jungle with its greenery, elegant central fountain, and Victorian-style fences and streetlamps.<\/li>\n<li>For other parks in the area, walk through <strong>Jefferson Market Garden, Christopher Park, <\/strong>and<strong> Winston Churchill Square<\/strong>. Parks are some of the best ways to enjoy New York while on a budget. <a title=\"Top 10 free things to see &amp; do in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/10\/14\/top-10-free-things-see-do-new-york\/\">Here are some of our other favorite free things to do in the city<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What are your favorite spots in Greenwich Village and the West Village?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jack Kerouac wrote here. Jackson Pollock painted here. Odetta sang here. Greenwich Village\u2013referred to by locals as simply \u201cthe Village\u201d\u2013and the West Village have traditionally&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[54],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14887"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14887"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14887\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20096,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14887\/revisions\/20096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14887"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14887"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14887"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}