West Village is a glamorous, historic neighborhood known for its off-grid layout and romantic atmosphere. Public squares, cobblestone streets, and stately Federal architecture give this neighborhood a vibe unlike anywhere else in NYC. West Village is part of the larger Greenwich Village neighborhood, covering the area from the Hudson River in the west to Hudson Street in the east.This beautiful and prestigious corner of Manhattan is relaxed and residential with no offices but plenty of favorite neighborhood restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and independent stores. Housing options include stately brownstones, co-ops and condos, and stylish apartments in gleaming new high-rises along the Hudson waterfront.
What to Love
- Romantic off-grid streets
- Hip boutiques and restaurants
- Relaxed residential vibe
- Theaters and nightlife venues
People & Lifestyle
Like the larger Greenwich Village surrounding it, West Village was long a haven of NYC’s bohemian counterculture scene. Writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Ezra Pound, and Dylan Thomas all either lived in West Village or frequented its pubs and taverns. The Stonewall Inn has been a symbol of the fight for gay rights since the 1960s. West Village is also home to one of NYC’s oldest off-Broadway theaters, excellent neighborhood restaurants, and destination fashion boutiques. West Village is a highly sought-after neighborhood with many affluent and A-list residents.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
West Village is a chic dining and shopping destination with excellent restaurants and stylish boutiques.
Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street is one of NYC’s most beloved bakeries. There are plenty of scrumptious pastries and desserts to choose from at Magnolia. Their legendary cupcakes have been featured in television shows and movies such as
Sex and the City, Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and
The Devil Wears Prada.
I Sodi on Christopher Street is a romantic Tuscan restaurant pairing sublime pasta and meat dishes with a curated wine list, must-try Negronis, and other cocktails. I Sodi has won many rave reviews, and the restaurant is featured in both Zagat and the Michelin Guide. All-day American bistro
Joseph Leonard is a cozy destination famed for their welcoming service and perfectly-executed entrées. Specialties at this West Village favorite on Waverley Place include lobster with aioli, boneless rib-eye steak, and pork shank.
The Little Owl is another Michelin Guide-recommended eatery with a menu of elevated homestyle favorites such as meatball sliders, seared halibut, and Italian wedding soup. West Village’s pubs and bars include famed literary drinking den
The White Horse Tavern and pioneering gay bar
The Stonewall Inn. West Village’s ultra-trendy boutiques include
Anine Bing,
Maison Margiela, and Donna Karan’s
Urban Zen.
Things to Do
The High Line is an elevated linear park following the path of the old New York Central Railroad. Millions visit the High Line every year to enjoy its beautiful greenery and fantastic skyline views.
Little Owl the Townhouse offers private events in an iconic 1910 West Village townhouse. Owned by the team behind the Little Owl restaurant, guests enjoy first-class catering during its upscale events.
The Duplex is a diverse nightlife venue where crowds enjoy piano singalongs, cabaret, drag revues, and comedy. Opened in 1924,
Cherry Lane Theatre is one of NYC’s oldest off-Broadway theaters. It has hosted innovative productions with contributions from writers and artists, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eugene O’Neill, W.H. Auden, Gertrude Stein, Samuel Beckett, T.S. Elliot, Pablo Picasso, Harold Pinter, Tennessee Williams, and David Mamet.
Abingdon Square is a charming and historic green space in the heart of West Village.
Schools
West Village is served by the New York City Public Schools District.
- PS 40 Augustus Saint-Gardens, Public, K-5
- Avenues: The World School, Private, PK-12
