Greenwich Village: bohemian neighborhood in New York

What to Know About Greenwich Village

• Greenwich Village is a neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan. New Yorkers often call it “West Village” or simply “The Village.”
• When New York was still a small Dutch colony in the 17th century, Greenwich Village was an independent village about 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Manhattan. Today, this quintessential New York neighborhood sits halfway between the glass towers of the Financial District and the buildings of Midtown.
• The atmosphere here is completely different from the rest of the city. You won’t see any large skyscrapers—only small townhouses and low-rise buildings clustered together.
• Greenwich Village also stands out for its narrow, short streets lined with tall trees that provide welcome shade in summer. As you walk through the neighborhood, you might suddenly feel like you’re in the countryside—even though you’re in the heart of Manhattan, one of the world’s largest cities.

What to See in Greenwich Village

• Greenwich Village is central to New York’s gay community. This is where the gay liberation movement in the United States began, sparked by riots in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, located at 53 Christopher Street. Across the street in the small park, you’ll find a monument marking the gay liberation movement.
• At the corner of Sixth Avenue and 10th Street stands an unusual brick building with a slender tower topped by a clock. This is Jefferson Market Library, a former courthouse built in 1833 that was later converted into a library.
• Don’t miss Washington Square Park, the largest park in Greenwich Village. It’s an ideal spot to rest while soaking in the neighborhood’s bohemian, peaceful atmosphere. In one corner of the park, you can even play chess with locals. You’ll also see the imposing Washington Arch, a marble arch built in 1892 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s presidency. The arch marks the southern end of Fifth Avenue.
• South of Washington Square Park, you’ll find the campus of the prestigious New York University (NYU). Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public.
• Greenwich Village has been the setting for many films and TV shows. Here are the most iconic locations:
  • The firehouse from Ghostbusters is located at the corner of Varick Street and N Moore Street.
  • Will Smith’s house from I Am Legend is at 11 Washington Square Park North.
  • The apartment from the TV series Friends is located at 90 Bedford Street. Keep in mind that the interior scenes were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles.
  • If you’re a fan of Sex and the City, you can visit Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment at 64 Perry Street and the famous Magnolia Bakery at 401 Bleecker Street.

• The neighborhood is also a major jazz destination, home to many renowned clubs including The Blue Note. For more, explore our guide to Jazz in New York.

Greenwich Village Map