With its windy tree-lined streets and pretty red brick and brownstone houses, a leisurely West Village stroll feels as though you’ve just stepped into a New York postcard. From quaint coffee shops to picturesque parks, The West Village is a wonderful representation of New York City.
A West Village stroll, by day
The West Village is famous for its bohemian vibe and creative corners. It’s long been a hub for artists, writers, and musicians. And is also known for its cozy cafes, boutique shops, and some of the city’s most beloved restaurants.
Washington Square Park
There are lots of lovely parks in NYC but the West Village is home to one of the prettiest, Washington Square Park. Thanks to its impressive arch and fountain, this park is a favorite amongst New Yorkers and tourists alike. As you walk around you’ll also encounter off-beat street performers as well as some very intense chess players. There’s always something going here on here to keep you entertained!
Commerce Street
Just a few minutes’ walk from Washington Square Park is the beautiful Commerce Street. This is easily one of the most Instagram-worthy streets in NYC. Walking down it feels like stepping back in time to thanks to its gorgeous town-houses and tree-lined sidewalks.
Cherry Lane Theater
Every single building is a piece of history, with some dating back as far as the 18th century. The famous Cherry Lane Theatre is also located on Commerce Street. Fun Fact: It was here that Barbra Streisand worked as an understudy and assistant stage manager before she got her big Broadway break.
Taking a stroll in the West Village past some of NYC’s most famous spots will work up an appetite, so why not refuel at Molly’s Cupcakes. You can choose from flavors such as crème brulee, blueberry cheesecake and peanut-butter nutella then grab one the swing chairs and eat your treat in style!
A West Village Stroll, at night
As evening falls, the West Village remains vibrant, particularly with live music venues and game bars drawing a crowd.
Cellar Dog (formerly Fat Cat)
The famed jazz-and-games haunt originally known as Fat Cat was reborn as Cellar Dog in 2021. Still at the same 75 Christopher Street location, it maintains the friendly underground vibe that Fat Cat was known for. Offering pool, ping-pong, shuffleboard, and live music (Wednesday through Sunday), there´s entertainment for everyone.
Stonewall Inn
Another extremely popular West Village venue is The Stonewall Inn. Made famous as the site of the 1969 riots which launched the gay rights movement, it has been a well-loved hotspot ever since! The music at this bar is always incredible, and there are lots of fun weekly events including flip-cup karaoke and drag queen bingo. The bartenders are also super friendly and, most importantly, know how to make a mean cosmopolitan!
Despite its name, the West Village has the same amount to see and do as many cities. We highly recommend that you take the time to enjoy a West Village stroll on your next NYC trip. You could easily spend your entire New York vacation just exploring this one area. But, regardless of how long you’re in this neighborhood for, you’ll find it very hard to leave!
FAQ´s – The West Village
Where exactly is the West Village in New York City?
The West Village is a charming neighborhood located on the west side of Lower Manhattan. It’s bordered roughly by the Hudson River to the west, 14th Street to the north, Houston Street to the south, and Sixth Avenue to the east. It’s part of the larger Greenwich Village area but has its own distinctive, laid-back atmosphere.
Is the West Village a good place to explore on foot?
Absolutely! The West Village is one of the most walkable areas in New York City. Its irregular street grid makes it fun to wander. Every corner reveals something new, from hidden courtyards to independent bookstores and local bakeries.
How can I get to and from the West Village using public transport?
The West Village is extremely well-connected by New York’s public transit system. Several subway lines serve the area: the 1, 2, and 3 trains stop at Christopher Street–Sheridan Square, while the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M lines stop nearby at West 4th Street–Washington Square.
You can also take the PATH train to Christopher Street if you’re coming from New Jersey. Numerous MTA buses run along major streets like 7th Avenue and Hudson Street. This means it is easy to reach the Wset Village from Midtown, SoHo, or the Financial District. For a scenic route home, you can even walk or bike along the Hudson River Greenway, just west of the neighborhood.
Has this wet your appetite for NYC adventures off the beaten track? If you want more info on New York’s tastiest neighborhoods, then, after your West Village stroll, you could head over to the Lower East Side. Here you can enjoy a delicious deep dive into the city’s foodie heritage. From classic delis to old-world bakeries, it’s a neighborhood packed with flavor and history.
For expert knowledge and a well-researched list of the best places, join our Lower East Side Food Tour, and discover where generations of New Yorkers have come to eat, mingle, and make memories.
