What to Do in West Village – A Local’s Guide

No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to West Village!

It’s one of New York’s most desirable areas and if you spend any time there, you’ll quickly see why. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of midtown streets, West Village boasts quiet, tree-lined streets with perfect rows of brownstones. It’s charming and full of life and where locals love to spend their time. 

Neighboring the flashy SoHo streets, West Village delivers some of the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in all of the city. I’ve lived in West Village for 3 years and have taken it upon myself to explore every nook and cranny of what to do in West Village – from the well-known spots to the hidden gems. 

What to Do in West Village

I’ve rounded everything up in this list of the best things to do in West Village and organized it into a list from morning to night. These are the spots I go to with friends and family when they visit to show them the best parts of West Village.

So keep reading for the exact list of what to do in West Village (according to a local). 

Start With Breakfast

If you’re somebody who needs a cup of coffee the second you open your eyes, check out this post for all of the best coffee shops in West Village.

Now, let’s dive into breakfast spots!

Jack’s Wife Freda is the restaurant that made me fall in love with New York City when I was still a tourist. There is often a long wait at the Chelsea, SoHo, and Williamsburg locations but it seems their West Village location always has an open table. My favorite breakfast picks are the grapefruit & yogurt or the rosewater waffle. And the fried zucchini chips are to die for if you’re up for it.

I could dedicate an entire post to the magic of Jack’s Wife Freda. I’ve eaten at 100+ restaurants in New York and the staff is the kindest and friendliest. Eating here feels like you’re having breakfast with a bunch of friends. I tell everyone to go here just to experience the feeling. Also, they have great merch and sell a cookbook with every recipe from their menu!

I lovingly refer to Tartine as the “Luke’s Diner” of West Village (Gilmore Girls fans will know!!). It’s simple and laid back but has been a staple in the neighborhood for 20+ years and locals flock here for a good breakfast. The glass windows make this spot extra cozy and fun for people watching.

And if you’re looking for bagels, Murray’s Bagels is your spot. They’ve got any topping or schmear you’re looking for. Be warned, it’s a popular spot for a classic New York bagel so the wait can get long during weekends.

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 9 Best Bagels In New York City

Walk Through West Village

Every street is charming but some of the most photographed streets in West Village are Bedford Street, Grove Street, St. Lukes Place, and Jane Street. 

Don’t miss the Friends Apartment or Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment which are both in the neighborhood!

While Friends was filmed at Warner Studios in California, the iconic Friends apartment exterior shown in almost every episode is located on 90 Bedford St. You won’t find Central Perk below but instead the Little Owl restaurant which is equally delightful. 

Just a couple of streets over is Sex and the City star Carrie Bradshaw’s, apartment (64 Perry St). Unfortunately, the home isn’t open to visitors but you can see photos of the inside when Warner Bros. and Airbnb recreated the apartment and opened it up to guests in honor of the reboot.

What you can visit is Magnolia Bakery, where Carrie and Miranda enjoyed cupcakes. 

Stroll Through Washington Square Park

Let’s head to the park! Washington Square Park is the heartbeat of West Village and is always bustling. If you can only do one thing in West Village – this is it! You’ll always find jazz bands, skateboarders, kids, artists, and lots of dogs here. 

The park is always worth a visit but if you have a chance to see it in the spring or summer it’s extra special. Be on the lookout for chalk art by Felix Morelo (known for his famous “Good Luck Spot” and “Bad Luck Spot”). 

Hit the Shops

A walk along Bleecker Street will take you to some bigger name shops (Something Navy, NAADAM, LoveShackFancy, Anine Bing, Diptyque, Buck Mason, Reiss, ba&sh, and Maje to name a few). Just a walk to check out the storefronts is well worth it!

Book lovers must visit Three Lives and Company.

Goods for the Study has beautiful stationery.

Rosecrans is a darling cafe/plant store.

Lahn is a boutique with a cool selection of women’s clothes.

Whalebone is an indie magazine and their storefront is in West Village.

Dauphinette is a one-of-a-kind designer known for her pressed flower creations.

And if you love a good vintage find, Housing Works is a classic New York consignment store. 

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: SoHo NYC Shopping Guide: 50+ Stores You Need To Visit

Enjoy a Quick Lunch

By this point, you might be ready for some lunch. 

For a quick bite, check out the sandwiches at Daily Provisions. The broccoli cheddar melt is a must-try! It sounds funky but tastes so delicious (and Molly Baz loves it). 

For a slice of pizza, try Joe’s Pizza (cash only!) or Bleecker Street Pizza. 

If you’re looking for coffee and a pastry, Cafe Kitsune and Partners are the places to go.

Relax on the Water

West Village is situated right along the Hudson River and has close access to the West Side Highway (recently renamed Hudson River Parkway) which is not at all a highway but 5+ miles of waterfront park.

Stretching from the southern tip of Manhattan all the way up to 72nd St., this is the perfect spot for a long scenic walk but has plenty of grassy areas to spread out and relax. It’s where you’ll find locals running, walking, and picnicking.

One of my favorite stops is Little Island which was newly opened in 2021 and designed by the same designer behind The Vessel at Hudson Yards. Little Island is a floating park with a unique design featuring large concrete funnel-shaped columns.

Within the park, there are various levels. Follow the twists and turns to the top for a view of the lower Manhattan skyline. During the summer there are concerts and events in their amphitheater. Most events are free, be sure to check them out!

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: Family Friendly Activities In New York City

Dinner to End the Day

You may be winding down by this point, but West Village is just waking up. There is no shortage of incredible restaurants, and you’ll be surrounded by diners any night of the week. 

You can’t go wrong with Boucherie, a quintessential French brasserie that will make you feel like you’re in Paris. There are multiple locations in the city and two in West Village. Petit Boucherie is my favorite as it’s smaller and tucked away on a quiet street but Boucherie, a couple of streets over on 7th Ave is just as good. The beef bourguignon is out of this world and I love the creme brulee too.

For a less mainstream French restaurant, check out Buvette (but be warned, the wait is always long). 

I love 232 Bleecker because they source all of their ingredients locally at the Union Square Greenmarket. Their menu is always changing but the chefs never fail to come up with fresh and delicious new flavors. 

If you’re feeling groovy, head to Nat’s on Bank. The interior is bold and colorful and the music is always fab. Don’t miss the disco ball in the bathroom! 

Check out Via Carota for some of the best Italian food in New York City. And Anton’s is a neighborhood favorite for when you’re looking for simple/plain food prepared well (that’s a thing right?)

Drinks + A Show

Hit the town for some after-dinner drinks or a show!

West Village has some amazing bars. If you’re looking for a speakeasy, check out Employees Only or The Garret, which is on the second level of the neighborhood Five Guys.

One of my favorite summer spots is Bar Pisellino, opened by the same team behind Via Carota.  The menu includes Italian wines, cocktails, coffees, and snacks. As you sit at your table, most of which are outside, you’ll be watching the action of West Village while feeling like you’re in Rome or Florence.

Finally, West Village is known for its jazz scene, so catching a jazz show is a must!

Head to Arthur’s Tavern for some jazz and blues. This club has been open since the 1930s and has been a favorite in the neighborhood. If you’re around on a Monday, you have to listen to The Grove Street Stompers, who have played every Monday night at Arthur’s Tavern since 1962!

Smalls Jazz Club is the place to go to hear up-and-coming jazz stars and headline names as well. The venue is small and always busy, but you won’t be disappointed, no matter who you see.

If you go to Village Vanguard, you’ll be paying a visit to the oldest operating jazz club in New York City. It’s a world-renowned jazz club sharing its stage with some of the biggest names in jazz, like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Cecil Taylor, and Bill Evans.

As you can see, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad day visiting West Village. I hope this list of what to do in West Village has given you some ideas and that you love this neighborhood as much as I do! 

Looking for another neighborhood to explore? Check out my guides to East Village, Tribeca, and Dumbo!