The bohemian West Village—which served as the backdrop for New York’s LGBTQ rights movement—manages to be both trendy and quaint, and the best way to explore it is on foot. Stop by the many boutiques and cafés; look for filming locations and historic town houses; or take a walk in lovely Hudson River Park, a waterfront expanse on Manhattan’s west side.
Most hop-on hop-off bus tours pass through the West Village. Foodies can opt for a culinary walking tour that hits neighborhood eateries, with tastings along the way. For something totally different, consider an exhilarating helicopter tour for panoramic views of the neighborhood.
West Village restaurants are popular, so make reservations in advance.
Dress warmly if you’ll be visiting in winter, as New York City can be cold and windy.
The West Village is bordered by 14th Street, 6th Avenue, West Houston Street, and the Hudson River, and is easy to get to by subway. Take the 1 train to Christopher Street, or the A, B, C, D, E, or F train to West 4th Street.
You’ll find plenty to do in the West Village at any time of year, day or night.
Spend a few minutes relaxing and people watching in nearby Washington Square Park, popular with locals, tourists, and New York University students. Stroll the leafy walkways, sip a coffee by the stone fountain, or take in a summer street performance.
