New York City is home to some of the most famous streets in the world, from Fifth Avenue to Broadway.
But not too far from the hustle and bustle of Midtown, you’ll find one of the city’s most historical neighborhoods: Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village is a neighborhood in NYC’s Manhattan borough, and it’s one of the best places to visit in the city; it’s full of history, culture, and fun things to do.
The term “village” is no accident; the area is full of community-oriented businesses, from bookstores to corner markets to coffee shops.
The streets are lined with architecture that’s been around for over a century, and there are countless museums, art galleries, and public parks throughout.
With its rich history, unique architecture, and quaint side streets, it’s no wonder that tourists flock to this part of the city.
If you’re planning a trip there soon, here are the 20 best things to do in Greenwich Village, New York:
Stroll around the Washington Square Park
The neighborhood of Greenwich Village contains one of the most visited and beloved parks in all of New York: Washington Square Park.
Washington Square Park is a great place to go if you want to enjoy some time outdoors while also learning a little bit of history.
It has everything you want in a public space: people playing instruments, chess players trying to hustle you out of your money before you even know how the pieces move, and enough free events to keep you busy for a full week.
Washington Square Park also features an arch dedicated to George Washington.
The arch has long served as a meeting place for students, artists, and political activists alike; today, it is one of New York’s most popular tourist destinations.
If you want to take some time away from the bustle of the city, head over to the park’s fountain and relax on a bench while taking in some sun.
There are plenty of great things to do in Washington Square Park, so don’t miss out!
Visit the Famous Friends Apartment Building
If you’re a die-hard Friends fan, the moment you set foot in this iconic apartment building is the moment you’ve been dreaming of your whole life.
The address of the apartment building that is used as Monica’s, Rachel’s, and Phoebe’s apartment building in the TV show Friends is a real address in Greenwich Village, and it is located on the corner of Grove Street, at 90 Bedford Street.
The Friends apartment building is featured on most episodes of Friends as well as other television shows during the 1990s and 2000s as background scenery.
Enthusiastic fans come from all over the world to visit this place, but if you’re not a diehard Friends fan, there are more than enough things to do in this neighborhood that won’t leave you feeling like an outsider.
Iconic locations from movies and TV shows are popular tourist destinations, so you’ll want to be sure to check out this one if you’re visiting New York.
Check Out the Exhibits in the Whitney Museum of American Art
A museum as good as the Whitney, located on the edge of the Village, is definitely worth a visit.
The Whitney Museum of American Art offers a wide variety of exhibits and programs throughout the year, from the high-brow to the low-brow.
Interested in learning about American art? There’s an exhibit for that.
Or are you the kind of person who enjoys looking at paintings, sculptures, and photographs from different perspectives?
In that case, the Whitney has a collection that spans from the 17th century all the way up to today.
This museum is a great place to visit if you want to get in touch with your creative side.
The Whitney Museum is also home to some amazing exhibits that are always changing; these exhibits usually have many interactive components that make them fun for the whole family.
Whether you want to take photos of the cool architecture or want to look at some paintings, this place has plenty for anyone who wants to be inspired by works of art.
Celebrate Pride in the Stonewall Inn
Greenwich Village is a neighborhood known for having a rich history of LGBT culture and events.
The Stonewall Inn is one of the landmarks and must-visit destination in the area; it was the location of a historic moment in the gay rights movement and has become a landmark for the fight for equality.
The bar is known for being a safe space for gays and lesbians to hang out, dance, and be themselves.
‘The Stonewall Riots’ are considered the catalyst for the gay rights movements of the 20th century and happened at The Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969.
Today, The Stonewall Inn is one of the only places where you’ll see drag queens taking over the dance floor rather than just performing on stage or hosting events.
Whether you’re planning to visit this bar or any other place in Greenwich Village, make sure you take some time to stop and enjoy the famous New York City nightlife that you’ve heard so much about!
Laugh Your Heart Out in the Comedy Cellar
Are you planning to go to New York while ensuring that your trip will be memorable and one of a kind?
Then Comedy Cellar is the place for you.
The Comedy Cellar was established by a stand-up comedian, Bill Grundfest, in 1982, and since then, it has been the pride and joy of Greenwich Village, NY.
The venue attracts some of the greatest comedians in the world because of its small size and intimate atmosphere.
In addition to being a comedic hotspot, Comedy Cellar also serves as a bar and restaurant; on any given night, you’ll find yourself elbow-to-elbow with fellow comedy enthusiasts and partakers of terrific food.
If you’re coming to see a specific comedian who’s headlining a show, get there early to make sure you don’t miss them.
Wander in the Lanes of Bleeker Street
Bleeker Street is a place for the young, hip, and artsy to congregate – it’s lined with bars, cafes, and other venues for enjoying oneself.
Bleeker Street is a one-mile-long street that starts from the West Village and runs through Greenwich Village, and is bounded on the east by the Bowery.
If you want to do some shopping on your trip, but you’re tired of going into large department stores and chain stores, then Bleeker Street is exactly what you need.
You’ll find many interesting little shops with all sorts of things that are much more unique than what you’d find at Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s.
If it’s the food you want to enjoy while you’re here, just keep going up and down the street, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, including some really delicious Italian restaurants and excellent pizza shops.
The area’s nightlife is most popular with college kids and young adults because it offers a great variety of places to go and things to do, especially if you’re into indie-rock music.
This is a fun place to visit—you can always find something new to do on Bleeker Street.
Watch Indie Films at IFC Center
IFC Center is a multiplex cinema located in the heart of Greenwich Village.
The movie theater has five screens and has more than just an IMAX theater and other regular theaters, and it offers many different types of films, from independent films to Hollywood blockbusters.
The IFC Center is great because it offers an eclectic mix of independent movies to choose from documentaries, foreign films, and art-house flicks.
It is a small theater that gives you an intimate experience with a big screen and an excellent sound system.
If you are looking for something unique to do in NYC, I recommend going to IFC Center for its diverse film lineup—you can also grab some food at their deli counter beforehand!
Learn the History of the Gay Liberation Monument
While some countries are still trying to hide their gay history, America is taking steps to preserve it.
Manhattan’s Greenwich Village has a few monuments dedicated to homosexual culture, including the Gay Liberation Monument on Christopher Street.
The monument was designed by George Segal in 1992 and was commissioned by Mildred Andrews Fund.
This 0.19-acre gated park features sculptures of two men, one with his hand on the other’s shoulder, which is meant as a symbol of gay love and acceptance.
Opposite them, on a bench, statues of two women sit, one with her hand on the other’s lap.
The Stonewall riots, which occurred on June 28, 1969, were honored by the Gay Liberation Monument when members of the gay community resisted raids from the police against the Stonewall Inn; the riot marked the start of the modern gay rights movement.
Even though this monument isn’t exactly the most conventional tourist attraction in New York, it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.
Enjoy a Nice Afternoon in Secret Garden at St. Luke in the Fields
Secret Garden at St. Luke in the Fields is one of New York City’s most treasured gardens.
Although the Secret Garden is located inside St. Luke in the Fields Episcopal Church, it’s not just a space for going to church.
Even more than that, it’s an opportunity for people to step back from their hectic lives and reflect on what matters most to them.
The garden is filled with inspiration—it’s the perfect place to enjoy a moment of peace with oneself.
In fact, it’s just secluded enough that you could easily spend a whole day there without even realizing that you haven’t left the secret garden once.
If you’re looking for a place to go to escape the craziness of New York or just get some quiet time alone, this is the perfect place.
Browse Unusual Exhibits in the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a small space with a big character – it has everything you’d expect from an eclectic New York attraction: kitschy but high-quality decor, an unapologetic sense of humor, gimmickry, and a fun-loving attitude.
There are many reasons someone might want to pay a visit to this unusual place.
If you’re into photography, the museum has some excellent photo opportunities.
If you’re into puzzles, there are plenty of fascinating ones to solve here—a museum employee will even be on hand to give you hints if you need them.
And if you’re into magic tricks or escape rooms or anything else that requires a little bit of cleverness and ingenuity, then this museum could definitely be worth a stop.
If you’re coming to New York City and want to enjoy a little bit of magic, you should visit the Museum of Illusions.
Source: travellens.co
