104 Best Things to Do in New York City: A Local’s Guide
Check out my ultimate local's guide to the best things to do in New York City. Including non-touristy things to do, it'll be a trip you won't soon forget.
After living in NYC for over a decade, I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time exploring Greenwich Village.
I’ve done everything from quiet afternoon strolls, to crazy private rooftop parties, to those obligatorily late night pizza or falafel runs after a late night out bar hopping with friends.
Greenwich Village really has something for everyone.
While you’re in the city, I highly suggest you get away from midtown and head downtown to the village for the day.
It’s ridiculously charming, offers tons of amazing food and history, plus there’s great fashion, and lots of adorable little streets to take photos.
Seriously, what more could you want in a destination?
Below you’ll find all my favorite things to do in Greenwich Village as a local, plus some answers to frequently asked questions about the village.
Best Things to Do in Greenwich Village
1. Take a Food Tour
When Devour Food Tours asked me to check out their brand new Greenwich Village Food Tour, I immediately said yes.
Besides being a major foodie, I was eager to see if I’d discover any new spots that I’d been missing out on all these years.
I ended up discovering a couple of Greenwich Village hidden gems during their tour, including a pasta place I’m dying to go back to!
Our guide, Cherie, was super knowledgeable and really made the experience a special one by including bits of NYC history within our food tour.
I can’t recommend this enough. Whether you’re local or just visiting, I can guarantee you’re going to have an amazing and mouth watering time!
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I was shocked by how many hidden gems I was introduced to while on Devour Tour's food tour. I can't recommend this enough for tourists and even locals!
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2. Hang Out in Washington Square Park
Grab either a slice from Joe’s or a falafel sandwich from Mamoun’s, then walk to Washington Square Park to people watch and eat.
Trust me, it’s the best afternoon, especially if you bring a good book to enjoy while eating and people watching.
The park has a ton of history, including its iconic giant marble archway was placed there to celebrate the centennial of Washington being the first President of the United States.
3. Go Bar Hopping
The village has no shortage of bars, and between being a 20-something New Yorker and later working a restaurant job in the West Village, I’m pretty sure I’ve checked out most of them.
These are the spots you need to swing by on a night out:
4. Check Out the Stunning Architecture
Greenwich Village has some of the most beautiful old architecture in the city, so don’t forget to occasionally look up.
These are some of my favorite places to admire in the village:
- The Washington Mews
- Washington Square Park Arch
- St. Luke’s Place
- 666 Greenwich Village
- Jefferson Market Library
- Milligan Place
5. Go on a Bike Ride
Since the village is all-around stunning, there’s nothing better than a low key bike ride through the streets, especially during the spring and fall.
Grab a Citibike and get exploring—just watch out for cars!
6. Wander Down Macdougal Street
I’ve spent so many nights wandering down Macdougal Street either looking for late night eats, or the next bar with my group of friends.
This street has the best of both.
Head to Mamoun’s for late night falafel sandwiches (cash only).
Then indulge in one more drink at Aire’s Champagne Parlor. It’s always my go-to when I want something chill.
7. Indulge in Some Dessert
There’s a ton of amazing dessert places in the village, and since I have a big sweet tooth, I’ve tried all of them.
These are the spots that I’ll swing by while I’m in the neighborhood:
8. Catch a Comedy Show
Everyone should catch at least one comedy show while in NYC.
We have some of the most talented performers in the U.S.—which shouldn’t be totally surprising since New York is home to SNL.
One of the most famous comedy clubs is The Comedy Cellar in the village.
My first time seeing a show here, I saw an up-and-coming Amy Schumer!
You truly don’t know who’s going to be on stage next. There’s always surprise celebrity performances at this place.
If you’re looking for something to do at night in Greenwich Village, I highly urge you to hit up this spot.
9. Take a Stroll Down Bleecker Street
Bleecker Street is about a mile long foodie paradise.
If you’re hungry in the village, just take a wander down this street and you’ll find something delicious.
Some of my go-to restaurants are:
10. Listen to Some Music
Greenwich Village was a big creative neighborhood back in the day, and still has tons of music venues running.
If you’re in the mood for some tunes, head to one of these clubs:
If you’re not sure where to hit up, join this tour and hit up a few spots!
11. Catch a Film at IFC
I love seeing indie films, but unfortunately it’s getting harder to find theaters that showcase them.
I love going to IFC in the village, because that’s all they show.
If you’re into independent films, I can’t suggest checking out this place enough.
It’s such a local gem!
12. Take Photos
Greenwich Village is easily one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Manhattan.
If you’re a photographer, Instagrammer, or just really love wandering around stunning areas, head to the village.
You’ll be in heaven with all the cute streets, shops, and restaurants.
Not to mention all the amazing street fashion you’ll likely spot.
13. See the Friends Apartment
Admit it, even if you aren’t into cheesy tourist photos, you still want to at least glimpse the iconic Friends apartment.
Just head to 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014.
Do a casual walk by. It’s fun just watching all the fans geek out over seeing the iconic building.
14. Check Out Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment
While you’re at it, you might as well cross seeing the most famous exterior from Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment stoop.
Stroll a few blocks to 66 Perry Street, and you’ll see at least a few people taking photos.
Fair warning though, they roped the stoop off because the owners don’t want tourists on the apartment steps.
Good thing is there’s no restriction on taking a photo standing on the sidewalk in front of the apartment.
Are you a mega fan? Check out this popular Sex and the City tour!
15. Go Shopping
Greenwich Village has a reputation for being one of the cooler neighborhoods in Manhattan, and the shopping definitely lives up to the hype.
Check out some of these spots while you’re exploring the village:
16. Get Tickets for an Off-Broadway Show
If you’ve never seen an Off-Broadway show, consider this the sign that you need to buy tickets.
There’s some really great theaters below 14th Street.
These are some of my favorite downtown theaters to check out:
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17. Sit at a Cafe and Watch the World Go By
Chilling at a cafe in the village with a book is always a good way to spend a lazy afternoon.
If you’re feeling like a relaxing day, head to one of these spots to hang out:
FAQ’s
Is Greenwich Village worth visiting?
Absolutely, it’s one of my favorite neighborhoods! It’s got something for everyone, offering beautiful streets, tons of shops and cafes, plus lots of nightlife.
What is Greenwich Village known for?
Many people know this as the neighborhood that they set the popular TV show Friends.
What are the best things to do in Greenwich Village at night?
Greenwich Village has plenty to do at night, including comedy shows, live music venues, and tons of restaurants and bars.
Wrapping It Up
I hope you’ve found the perfect activity on my list of things to do in Greenwich Village.
Writing it has certainly made me eager to be back in the city again after my time in Europe wraps up.
Let me know in the comments below if there’s something fun in the village you’ve discovered that should be on my list!
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