The West Village is the western part of Greenwich Village, running to the Hudson River. It is known for cobblestone and tree-lined streets, brick townhouses, small restaurants and independent shops, with the Hudson River waterfront at its edge. This guide covers its landmarks, where to eat and go out, and how to get there.
Key takeaway:
- Walk Christopher, Grove and Bedford Streets for the neighborhood's historic streets and townhouses.
- See the Jefferson Market Library, the Cherry Lane Theatre and the Stonewall Inn.
- Hudson River Park, along the waterfront, is the best place for a walk, run or bike ride.
- The Whitney Museum of American Art and the High Line are a short walk north in the Meatpacking District.
Getting to the West 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 West, the West Village is a short ride down the West Side.
BLADE's scheduled airport service covers JFK and Newark. LaGuardia is available by charter only. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
Explore the historic and cultural landmarks
Visit iconic buildings and museums
- Jefferson Market Library is a public library in a striking historic building and one of the neighborhood's best-known landmarks.
- Cherry Lane Theatre is a long-running Off-Broadway theater on a quiet side street.
- The Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street is where the 1969 Stonewall Riots began. It is a National Historic Landmark and a key site in the history of LGBTQ+ rights.
- The New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture is an art school with a long history in the neighborhood.
- The Whitney Museum of American Art, at 99 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, is a short walk north and shows American art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Discover the neighborhood's historic charm
Much of the West Village's appeal is simply walking it. Brownstones and brick townhouses line tree-shaded blocks, and Christopher Street and Grove Street are good places to start. The building used for the exterior of the apartment in the TV show Friends is at 90 Bedford Street, at the corner of Grove Street. It is a private residence, so take photos from the sidewalk.
Enjoy the diverse culinary scene
Indulge in a variety of dining options
The West Village has a dense mix of small restaurants, cafes and bakeries. You will find Italian trattorias, French bistros and Japanese, Mexican and Indian restaurants, along with farm-to-table menus, delis and specialty food shops. Magnolia Bakery, known for its cupcakes and banana pudding, is nearby on Bleecker Street.
Explore the neighborhood's food culture
Many restaurants are small, so reserve ahead for dinner, especially on weekends. For a relaxed start, have coffee and a pastry at a neighborhood cafe, then walk to the river.
Engage in outdoor activities
Explore the parks and green spaces
The West Village has small parks and gardens tucked between its streets, which make quiet places to sit. Washington Square Park, with its arch and fountain, is a short walk east in Greenwich Village. The High Line, an elevated park on an old rail line, starts a few blocks north.
Participate in recreational activities
- Walk or picnic in Hudson River Park, which runs along the waterfront.
- Run or cycle on the Hudson River path.
- Watch the sunset over the river from the piers.
Experience the vibrant nightlife
Discover the neighborhood's nightlife scene
Evenings in the West Village are more about cozy bars and live music than big clubs. You will find wine bars, cocktail bars, small jazz rooms and neighborhood pubs. The Stonewall Inn and other bars on Christopher Street are at the center of the neighborhood's LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Explore bars, clubs, and live music venues
For jazz and other live music, the West Village and the rest of Greenwich Village have several well-known small rooms. Check schedules ahead and arrive early, since seating is limited. See our guide to fun things to do near NYC's Greenwich Village for more music venues nearby.
Shopping and exploring the neighborhood
Browse through unique shops and boutiques
Shopping here is about small, independent stores. Look for boutiques with local designer labels, vintage clothing shops, gourmet food shops and cheese shops. Three Lives & Company is a well-loved independent bookstore.
Discover local markets and hidden gems
Take side streets rather than the main avenues and you will find small shops, courtyards and gardens. On a good day, it is easy to spend hours wandering with no fixed plan.
Plan a day in the West Village
- Morning: coffee and a walk on Christopher, Grove and Bedford Streets.
- Late morning: the Jefferson Market Library and a stop at the Stonewall Inn.
- Lunch at a neighborhood cafe or restaurant.
- Afternoon: shop, then walk to Hudson River Park.
- Evening: dinner and a drink, or a show at the Cherry Lane Theatre.
For more nearby ideas, see our guide to the Meatpacking District.
FAQs about Fun Things To Do Near Nyc'S West Village
What are some fun things to do near NYC's West Village?
Walk the leafy, cobblestone streets, see the Stonewall Inn and the Jefferson Market Library, shop the independent stores, eat at a neighborhood restaurant, and walk or cycle in Hudson River Park.
What are some must-have experiences in the West Village?
Take a photo outside the Friends building at 90 Bedford Street, have banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, visit the Whitney Museum of American Art and stroll the tree-lined streets of brick townhouses.
How do I get to the West Village from Jersey City or Hoboken?
Take the PATH train from Jersey City or Hoboken to the West Village, or drive through the Holland Tunnel.
Are there any famous landmarks or attractions near the West Village?
Yes. The Stonewall Inn, the Friends building at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets, and the Whitney Museum of American Art in the nearby Meatpacking District.
What are some recommended dining options in the West Village?
The neighborhood has many small Italian, French and other restaurants, plus cafes and bakeries such as Magnolia Bakery. Reserve ahead for dinner.