Greenwich Village
One of the best things to do in New York City is visit Greenwich Village. New Yorkers often affectionately shorten the name to just “The Village.” The Village has always marched to the beat of its own drum. It was the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ movement. It has been a haven to countless cherished writers, artists, and performers. Even the Broadway smash hit Hamilton technically got its start in The Village. So what is there to do in Greenwich Village? Let’s check it out!
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
The pulse of the Greenwich Village originates in Washington Square Park, NYC. These 10 acres are always brimming with colorful New Yorkers. On any given day you can see jazz quartets, stand-up comedians, opera singers, a Shakespeare performance, or even piano concerts. Yes, a man pushes a grand piano down the streets of New York, just so he can make merry music in Washington Square Park. Tour guides love to give this spooky fact about Washington Square Park: Underneath the jovial people passing through, there are thousands of dead bodies! That’s right. Washington Square Park (and indeed, many an NYC park) was once a potter’s field. Over time, the area had several uses, including a parade ground. Time washed away people’s memories of the potter’s field, but one day, as restoration was being done on the famous Washington Square Arch, they discovered bones! The bones still lay beneath the grass, and some say they have seen the ghosts of those buried beneath. Most notably a young mother who goes to buy milk for her child, and then disappears into the ground. (No word as to whether she manages to acquire any milk before returning to her grave…)
ARTS AND CULTURE
Surrounding the park, you will find the twisting, turning, streets of the Village. Navigating them, you will be walking in the footsteps of people such as: Edgar Allan Poe, Louisa May Alcott, Dylan Thomas, Jackson Pollock, Marcel DuChamps, William DeKooning, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, and even Lady Gaga. Imagine the stories that these streets could tell if they could talk! Of course, the best way to learn their secrets is to take a Greenwich Village Walking Tour. If self-exploration is more your speed, spend an evening at Café Wha or the Village Vanguard for a night of unforgettable music. Cafe Wha is, after all, the place where Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix got their starts.
GREENWICH VILLAGE PIZZA
If you’re hungry, There is an abundance of restaurants in Greenwich Village, each serving delicious food unique to the neighborhood. A New York favorite is John’s of Bleecker Street, which many consider to be the best pizza in New York City. John’s pizza is made in a wood burning oven, and they don’t sell slices. You have to get a whole pie, but trust us, you’ll want to eat that entire pie! New Yorkers take their pizza very seriously, so this local endorsement is a huge honor! Joe’s pizza serves up arguably the best slice in New York City, though some New Yorkers scoff and say Percy’s Pizza or Bleecker Street pizza is the way to go.
GREENWICH VILLAGE SHOPPING
Greenwich Village also has fabulous shopping. You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques, such as LoveShackFancy, to thrift stores, such as Beacon’s Closet. The neighborhood streets are lined with record stores, guitar stores, art galleries, and a wondrous book shop called The Strand, which is a must-see for any book lover! Oh, and if you love records, The Village has many record stores in which to get lost. Check out Bleecker Street Records for an especially extensive collection.
HOW TO GET TO GREENWICH VILLAGE
Greenwich Village is easily accessible via subway.
Take the ACE or BD train to West 4th Street, or the 1 train to Christopher St.
Make sure you bring an appetite for both food and dessert as you enjoy this eclectic neighborhood.
Greenwich Village is just a short subway ride away from Times Square. After you take photos and create memories in The Village, head up to Times Square and put your photos on our giant Welcome to Times Square billboard. Which Times Square billboard can you put your photo on? Welcome to Times Square and it costs as low as $150 a day! Check it out!