The East Village has long been a home for artists, from bohemians to punk rockers, and it still has the energy to match. Its streets are full of small theaters, galleries, dive bars, vintage shops, tattoo parlors and inexpensive places to eat, with Tompkins Square Park in the middle and the East River waterfront to the east. This guide covers what to see, where to go out and how to plan a visit.
Key Takeaway:
- Walk St. Mark's Place and the side streets for vintage shops, tattoo parlors and dive bars.
- Spend time in Tompkins Square Park, the neighborhood's main park.
- Run or walk the East River waterfront for views of Brooklyn and the bridges.
- Look for free shows, comedy and happy hours, which keep a night out affordable.
Getting to the East Village from the airport
BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK or Newark. Flights take about 5 minutes and start from $195 per seat. BLADE's Manhattan lounges are BLADE Lounge West at the West 30th Street Heliport, BLADE Lounge East at the East 34th Street Heliport and BLADE Downtown at the Wall St. Heliport. From BLADE Lounge East, the East Village is a short ride downtown.
BLADE's scheduled airport service covers JFK and Newark. LaGuardia is available by charter only. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
Overview of East Village
The East Village sits in Lower Manhattan, east of Greenwich Village and north of the Lower East Side. It is a neighborhood of street art and small businesses, and much of what makes it fun is on the side streets. The best way to see it is on foot, with no fixed plan.
Discover the Vibrant Arts Scene
The East Village's galleries and small theaters show contemporary and experimental work, and the neighborhood's walls carry murals and graffiti by local artists. Gallery openings, artist talks and workshops are common. For theater, look for the neighborhood's small stages, which often present new work.
Enjoy Free Shows and Deals
Bars, cafes and outdoor spaces in the East Village host free events, from open mic nights to live music and comedy. Many bars and restaurants run happy hour specials, and some theaters offer discounted tickets. Check local listings for what is on the week you visit.
Explore East River Park and its Stunning Views
East River Park runs along the water on the neighborhood's eastern edge. From its paths you can see the Williamsburg Bridge, the Brooklyn waterfront and the river traffic. It is a good place for a walk, a picnic or a sunrise. Check NYC Parks for current access before you go.
Recommended Running Route along the FDR
A popular running route follows the riverside path along the FDR between Jackson Street and East 12th Street. It gives you views of the East River and Williamsburg on one side and the city on the other. Early mornings are the quietest time to run here, and sunrise over Brooklyn is a highlight.
Quirky Spots and Entertainment Options
Dive bars and comedy
The East Village is known for its dive bars, some with jukeboxes, and for comedy shows and screenings of old B movies. A night here can be as simple as moving between two or three small bars on the same block.
Description of vintage clothing stores
Vintage clothing stores in the East Village sell clothing and accessories from past decades, including dresses, jackets, hats and belts. Some also offer alterations. Stock changes quickly, so it pays to look in several shops.
Description of killer tattoo shops
The East Village has many tattoo shops with artists working in a wide range of styles. If you plan to get tattooed, look at artists' portfolios first and book ahead, since popular artists fill their schedules early.
Dog-Friendly Activities
The neighborhood is a good place to visit with a dog. Parks in the area have dog runs, and many cafes and bars with outdoor seating welcome dogs. Bring water on warm days and check each park's rules before you let your dog off the leash.
Stay Updated on Events and Festivals
The East Village has something on most nights. To keep up:
- Look at flyers and posters in cafes, galleries and theaters.
- Check the neighborhood's community bulletin boards.
- Follow local venues and event listings online and on social media.
- Sign up for newsletters from the venues you like.
Plan a day in the East Village
- Morning: a run or walk along East River Park.
- Late morning: coffee and a walk through Tompkins Square Park.
- Afternoon: vintage shopping and galleries around St. Mark's Place.
- Evening: happy hour, then a small show or comedy night.
The East Village sits next to several other neighborhoods. See our guides to the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village and Gramercy.
FAQs about Fun Things To Do Near Nyc'S East Village
What are some fun things to do near NYC's East Village?
Explore the arts scene, visit dive bars with jukeboxes, take advantage of happy hours, browse tattoo shops and vintage clothing stores, catch a comedy show and spend time in Tompkins Square Park.
Where can I enjoy a morning run with stunning views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens near the East Village?
The path along the FDR between Jackson Street and East 12th Street is a popular route, with views of the East River and the Williamsburg neighborhood.
Are there free things to do in the East Village?
Yes. Open mic nights, street performances, gallery openings and many outdoor events are free. Check local listings for current events.
Is the East Village dog-friendly?
Yes. Parks in the area have dog runs, and many cafes with outdoor seating welcome dogs.