Following on from my series on my time spent in New York City, I wanted to write a piece on one of my favourite areas in the city that isn’t as tourist heavy and obvious, it’s that little bit more discreet. As I spent more time in New York I grew tired of the constant lines at the tourist destinations and so I wanted to see the more intimate sites the city had to offer and where better to do that than in the famous “West Village” area.
Greenwich Village
If you’re a TV Series fanatic like myself you will undoubtedly want to visit Greenwich Village, home to the location of many of our favourite TV Stars fictional homes. It’s the most beautiful and picturesque little area that I could walk around all day in if I could. The most obvious locations of course are Carrie Bradshaw’s house from Sex and the City (located at 66 Perry Street) and the exterior location used for the “Friends” building (located at the corner of Bedford and Grove). These popular spots are not all the Village has to offer however. The area is filled with beautiful little townhouses and tons of cute little stores all in close proximity to one another. In particular I fell in love with the tiniest little MAC store I’ve ever been in which was located at 353 Bleecker Street in the West Village, just a 5 minute walk from the Friends building. A visit to this area is also not complete without stopping by the famous “Magnolia Bakery”, located at 401 Bleecker Street on the corner of West 11th. This place is very well known for it’s delicious desserts, especially their famous cupcakes that you can see me happily munching on in the pictures above. Even if you’re not feeling shopping or eating, the area in general is so beautiful to walk around in and is home to an abundance of other instagrammable opportunities!!!
Washington Square Park/NYU
While you’re there, I would also definitely recommend strolling around Washington Square Park and NYU. It’s especially beautiful in the summertime but throughout the year there’s such a great buzz in the area from all the students and it’s incredibly lively street performers that are there year-round. There’s also so many AMAAAZING bars and restaurants to choose from to finish off your day. Some of my favourites are....
- The Malt House (206 Thompson Street)
- Joe’s Pizza (for a quick slice of the best NY Pizza in the city, 7 Carmine Street)
- Jack’s Wife Freda (the best brunch food, 50 Carmine Street)
- Hudson Clearwater (for something a little fancier, 447 Hudson Street)
- Emily Pizza ( 35 Downing Street)
- Via Carota (Italian restaurant, 51 Grove Street)
- Carroll Place (inexpensive brunch spot with great food, 157 Bleecker Street)
And that’s just to name a few, there’s so much more!!!!!
If you’re planning on spending a night out on the town in the area, I’d definitely recommend going to see a comedy show, I went to one at “The Comedy Cellar” at 117 Macdougal Street and I swear I’ve never laughed so damn much I think I actually cried at one stage. For drinks and dancing you can always be guaranteed a crowd at “3 Sheets Saloon” at 134 West 3rd Street or “Off the Wagon” at 109 Macdougal Street.
Whatever the reason for your visit to the West Village area you’re guaranteed a good time between the beautiful sites, delicious food and unbeatable nightlife scene. What I wouldn't do to be back there again!!
