When people talk of
New York City as the artistic and intellectual epicenter of the US—or even of the entire world—they're usually referring to Greenwich Village. Home to the city's 1960s counterculture movement, which gave birth to the likes of the Women's Liberation and LGBTQ+ Pride movements, the area is the ultimate bohemian hub. Ideas are shared and debates are conducted amidst sips of coffee in trendy cafes, poetry readings are performed in vintage bookstores, and groundbreaking shows are presented in the Off-Broadway theaters. It's one of the most electric neighborhoods in New York City, the kind of place where the world changes one step at a time.
Where is Greenwich Village in New York City?
Located on the west side of Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village is a beloved
neighborhood of New York City. Not to mention one of the most famous. With Houston Street to its south, Sixth Avenue to its west, West 14th Street to its north, and both 4th Avenue and Mercer Street to its east, you can't get any more “central” than that. Many of Manhattan's other beloved districts even surround the area, including SoHo, the East Village, Gramercy Park, and the Flat Iron District, to name a few. It's no wonder Greenwich Village is such a popular neighborhood.
Is it Safe in Greenwich Village, New York City?
Since
New York City's crime rates tend to skew slightly higher than moderate, it's easy to assume that Greenwich Village is a dangerous place. Fortunately, it's not! Greenwich Village boasts some of the lowest crime rates within Manhattan. It's not exactly a crime-free utopia, but it's still a lot safer and more peaceful compared to many other districts. Part of it is because almost half of the area is made up of New York University campuses. With school buildings nearby and a majority of the local community made up of students, Greenwich Village is bound to be one of the safest parts of town.
What's The Vibe in Greenwich Village, New York City?
Greenwich Village is one of the most diverse and colorful neighborhoods in New York City. Both a university district and a residential area, it's also one of the Big Apple's many “gayborhoods” and an entertainment hub. You won't find any other single neighborhood that's all of that at the same time. Members of the LGBTQ+ community hang out in the many gay bars and clubs in the area, some of which are even historic spots. Those who
moved to New York City to study usually reside here too, taking advantage of the relatively quiet atmosphere, youthful vibes, and central location.
Is it Expensive in Greenwich Village, New York City?
Yes, it is. The
living costs in New York City are already generally high, but places like Greenwich Village are especially expensive. The rent here alone is already much higher compared to the city-wide average. You'll rarely find a studio apartment that costs less than $3,000.00 per month. What more if you need a bigger place? At the same time, eating out in Greenwich Village is far from cheap, either. The average price for a meal here is about $15.00 to $30.00 per person in mid-range restaurants, yet most of the places to eat in the area are pretty upscale.
What to See in Greenwich Village, New York City
Right off the bat, Greenwich Village has Washington Square Park and its iconic arch. Those who know about the Big Apple or have seen movies or TV series set in New York City would know that this famous arch is as much a symbol of the city as the Statue of Liberty. And yet, it's only one of the many notable sights to see in Greenwich Village. Another is The High Line, a man-made elevated walkway that's slowly but surely becoming one of the best parks in the city. You also shouldn't overlook the historic Stonewall Inn, the legendary gay bar where the Stonewall Riots transpired, eventually paving the way for the LGBTQ+ Pride movement.
What to Do in Greenwich Village, New York City
More than just a great district to hang out and eat out, Greenwich Village is the best place to stimulate yourself, both artistically and emotionally. While the area may not have any of the city's best museums, it still boasts a treasure trove of smaller and more modern art galleries. These are chic establishments where you can browse or even get your hands on some of the best pieces of contemporary art, especially in the likes of Lilac Gallery Ltd. and White Columns. Moreover, go to any of the village's coolest cafes and you witness or engage in riveting debates, get to know new ideas, challenge your politics, and more.
The Best Restaurants in Greenwich Village, New York City
From iconic decades-old diners to some of
New York City's best Michelin-starred restaurants, Greenwich Village has some of the best places to eat in the Big Apple. Diversity is the name of the game here, offering up a treasure trove of eateries that offer foreign cuisines, various vibes, and most importantly, different price points. Greenwich Avenue alone has the airy brunch spot Rosemary's, Italian-American diner Don Angie, and classic trattoria OLIO E PIÙ, to name a few. The Mary Lane, on the other hand, is a beloved corner farm-to-table restaurant between Bank Street and Greenwich Avenue that highlights organic American and Mediterranean dishes.
Greenwich Village’s restaurants are all a must-try, especially these popular hotspots:
- Rosemary's on Greenwich Avenue
- Don Angie on Greenwich Avenue
- OLIO E PIÙ on Greenwich Avenue
- The Mary Lane on Bank Street
- Boucherie West Village on 7th Avenue South
- Little Charli on Bleecker Street
- Petite Boucherie on Christopher Street
- La Lanterna di Vittorio on MacDougal Street
- Minetta Tavern on MacDougal Street
- Carbone New York on Thompson Street
What to Know About Renting in Greenwich Village, New York City
As already mentioned, rent in Greenwich Village is extremely expensive. It's not your typical pricey New York neighborhood—the area has some of the most expensive
luxury apartments to rent in New York City. A studio alone can already cost as high as $3,000.00 per month, and you're not even guaranteed that it'll be bigger than 30 square meters. Need a two-bedroom rental instead? Expect to pay about $5,800.00 to $9,500.00 per month for it! How's that for expensive? You're better off sharing it with a roommate to help with the expenses, too.
Home to counterculture movements and a hub for intellectuals, Greenwich Village is one of the most influential neighborhoods in New York City. With its trendy restaurants and cool haunts, it's also one of the best places to stay, too!
