What to See & Do in the West Village in New York City

My early memories of exploring New York City are immortalized by easier times.

I grew up visiting New York City every other holiday season with my family. My dad—who commuted daily to the city from Connecticut—shepherded the family from Grand Central Terminal to Rockefeller Center and Midtown before heading downtown to John’s on Bleecker Street for a few hot pizzas.

Then, I began exploring New York City while I was in college during winter and summer breaks. I would take an early peak-hour train on MetroNorth with my dad, and then we would part ways at Grand Central while he headed to work and I met up with friends waiting in the main concourse by the clock. For the most part, my friends and I passed the time window shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues and walking through Central Park.

Over the past few years, I’ve leaned into the commute on MetroNorth to Greenwich or Grand Central.

There are certainly some moments that aren’t picture-perfect—the unexpected delays on the train and the occasional questionable character on the subway—but dealing with traffic and humanity are parts of living in any city.

Exploring New York City is a privilege that I will always be thankful for, no matter where I end up.

There are many must-see destinations in New York City—the lights at Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street, and an endless number of museums and historical monuments throughout Manhattan and the other five boroughs.

My hope is to share some of my favorite spots throughout New York City by neighborhood. The goal is not to provide comprehensive lists, but to share places that I’ve actually gone to and enjoyed. The blog post series will start with the West Village since I’ve been spending plenty of time there for work.

Where is the West Village?

Located inside Greenwich Village, the West Village’s borders are drawn by W 14th Street, 6th Avenue, West Street, and W Houston. While there are some slight variations along the borders, it’s enough of a guideline to give character to the neighborhood.

The West Village is south of Chelsea, northwest of SoHo, and north of Hudson Square.

West Village Restaurants

As a Francophile, I will fully acknowledge that my list leans French-inspired.

La Ripaille

The oldest French bistro in the West Village, feels like a classic transplant from the Left Bank
Warm, romantic, chaleureuse
Address: 605 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

L’Accolade

Natural wine bar with a fresh palate, feels like a contemporary transplant from Pigalle
Playful, creative, refreshing
Address: 302 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

Buvette

Quintessential “New Yorkaise,” Paris Meets New York
Smart casual, quiet sophistication
Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

Via Carota

“New York’s most perfect restaurant” – The New Yorker
Clean rustic, heart-warming, come una famiglia
Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

Boucherie

A sizeable Parisian brasserie in the West Village (multiple locations throughout NYC)
Fun, lively, reliable
Address: 99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014

Bar Pisellino

Double-duty Italian café serving espresso in the morning and cocktails in the evening
Sweet, charming, “meet cute”
Address: 52 Grove Street, 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014

John’s of Bleecker Street

A West Village institution for brick oven-style pizza
Casual, local, New York
Address: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

Sullaluna

Venetian bookstore and bistro brightly shines childlike wonder
Cheerful, airy, dreamy
Address: 41 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

West Village Activities and Shopping

Walk along The High Line

Take in the views of New York City by walking along the converted monorail-turned-urban park. Although the The High Line mostly winds through Chelsea and Meatpacking, it ends at the most northern point of the West Village and is a great introduction to the neighborhood.

Shopping at Bleecker and Gansevoort Streets

The West Village is home to plenty of independent stores—clothing and accessories; books and magazines; and other novelties—so it’s worth wandering to explore what you may find. Some quick suggestions include Olfactory NYC to make your own custom fragrance; Air Mail Newsstand to browse and buy an array of niche print publications; and Clever Alice, a women’s sample clothing store. Many major clothing and jewelry brands also have locations within the West Village.

Laugh out loud at The Comedy Cellar

The brick wall background and the stained glass window of The Comedy Cellar are easily recognized by lovers of stand-up around the world. After shopping and dining, it’s great to switch up an evening in New York City to watch the rising and established comedic talent.