Greenwich Village Neighborhood Guide

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Greenwich Village, including the West Village and the Meatpacking District, is home to over 67,000 New Yorkers. According to NYC census data, when combined with SoHo and Battery Park City, this area ranks as the 6^th largest neighborhood in Manhattan. The Village has a rich history and contemporary cultural relevance. Initially settled by the Dutch, Greenwich Village has since been home to artists’ movements, folk-rock bands, and anti-war demonstrations.

As its name suggests, the Meatpacking District was formerly a center for meatpacking and butcher shops. After supermarkets changed meat distribution, the Meatpacking District entered a decline in the 1960s. In the 1980s, however, the neighborhood saw revitalization as developers repurposed its buildings as nightclubs and it transformed into a mecca for nightlife. Today, the Meatpacking District has a unique urban cool factor that builds on its rich history.

Despite rising home costs, the Village works hard to maintain the Bohemian flare for which it’s known. About 65% of people rent, and numerous historic preservation groups work to preserve the area’s historical sites. Real estate professionals, artists, finance types, and NYU students all give the area distinct character.

Greenwich Village Location and Getting Around

Located on the southwestern edge of Manhattan, Greenwich Village extends from the Hudson River to Bowery St. on one side and W. 14th St. and W. Houston St. on the other. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or taking public transit, it’s easy to get around the neighborhood and to the rest of the city. Greenwich Village receives a 100/100 score for walking and public transportation. In addition to bus service, over six subway lines run through the neighborhood, including the Broadway-7th Ave. Local, the 6th Ave. Express, and the 14th St.-Canarsie Local.

The Village Neighborhood Landmarks

Greenwich Village has several historical and culturally relevant landmarks. Washington Square Park is immediately recognizable for the Washington Square Arch, as well as the number of street performers and entertainers that perform here. In the summer, both residents and tourists enjoy playing chess at the park’s free chess tables. Located nearby, New York University, one of Manhattan’s leading research universities, has several academic buildings and dorms that overlook the park. At the far reaches of the neighborhood, the Whitney Museum of American Art boasts an extensive collection of contemporary and modern American art. At the Hudson River Park, located on the North River, residents come to walk their dogs, catch a free movie, or learn how to fish.

Locals Love

Best Greenwich Village Restaurants

When they’re not lounging in Washington Square Park or taking in a gallery show at the Whitney Museum, you’ll spot locals getting a bite to eat at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants.

Residents descend on L’Artusi for special occasions. Since portions are tapas-size, this Italian eatery recommends getting 2-3 dishes per person. Pair favorites like the Roasted Mushroom and the famed Spaghetti, with garlic, chilies, and parmesan, with a selection from the restaurant’s extensive and exquisite wine list.

Less than half a mile away, Taïm serves what locals say is “on point” falafel. Chef Einant, who hails from Tel Aviv, knows a thing or two about transforming chickpeas into a delectable entree. The lunch lines out the door serve as a testament to just how tasty this neighborhood gem is.

Locals say you can’t go to Minetta Tavern, a French bistro on Macdougal Street, without trying their black label burger. It’s “juicy” and “flavorful,” with an ample helping of French fries on the side.

For milestone events, like a significant wedding anniversary or birthday, residents trust Gotham Bar and Grill, a Greenwich village “institution.” This restaurant opened in 1984 and has since scooped up several prestigious designations, including a one-star Michelin rating, three James Beard Awards, and five 3-star reviews from the New York Times.

If it’s brunch you’re craving, residents trust Extra Virgin to deliver classics like banana French toast in a warm, friendly setting. For lunch and dinner, Extra Virgin serves up a variety of Mediterranean-style dishes, like the lemon crusted Chilean sea bass and butternut squash ravioli.

Best Greenwich Village Gyms

To maintain appearances, Greenwich Village locals turn to the area’s plethora of excellent gyms to stay in shape. Founded by Radan Sturm, a veteran fitness instructor, Liftonic features group weight- and strength-training classes. 305 Fitness, named after Miami’s area code, is known for its signature cardio class, in which a live DJ mixes beats while you sweat through an hour of high-intensity dance moves. Locals head to CLAY Health Club + Spa to unwind with one of their many Pilates classes or get serious with a personal trainer; after classes, they grab a bite to eat at the in-house cafe. Work Train Fight is a boxing club with a supportive atmosphere and dedicated coaches. Locals come here to give their workouts variety and get inspired. CityRow is much more than rowing: each class combines work on a rowing machine with interval training for a low-impact, full-body workout.

Local Greenwich Village Coffee Shops

Greenwich Village is known for its coffee as much as it is for fantastic food. Whether as a morning wakeup call or midafternoon caffeine boost, there are plenty of choices. Stumptown Coffee Roasters emphasizes quality, taste, and bean sourcing for a full-bodied cup of joe. True to its name, Bosie Tea Parlor offers over 100 loose-leaf varieties of tea in a sweet little storefront. Kobrick Coffee, in the heart of the Meatpacking District, serves artisan coffee by day and cocktails by night. Bluestone Lane has gluten-free food options to go with its selection of coffees; locals recommend trying the avocado toast or quinoa breakfast bowl. For serious doughnut cravings, locals descend on The Doughnut Project, which offers unconventional doughnut flavors to suit every taste.

Night-Life in the Village

When the sun sets, and the night begins, locals head to Greenwich Village’s top bars to mingle with friends, have a beer with coworkers, or meet up for a date. Amélie is a neighborhood pick for date night; it has a cozy, romantic atmosphere – think candlelight and French-speaking waiters – and a good wine list. If the evening calls for cocktails, Little Branch answers the call, with handcrafted drinks and dedicated bartenders. Employees Only boasts a real working fireplace in the back, a knowledgeable and friendly bar staff, and a psychic that greets you at the door. Locals come to Upright Brew House to have a beer with colleagues in a relaxed setting; there is a rotating list of craft beers, many of them seasonal, and three pinball machines. Arts and Crafts Beer is both “distinguished” and “cozy,” and has a community feeling that keeps many locals coming back.

What These Businesses Love About Greenwich Village

We love the energy of the neighborhood which is filled with fun locals and tourists from all over the world.”
– Leslie Polizzotto, Co-Founder – The Doughnut Project

What we love: The diversity of the neighborhood and the rich history of art and music.”
– Don Borelli, Owner – Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor

Some of the friendliest people in New York live in Greenwich Village. We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know all the locals and share our love of unique craft beers with them.”
– Daniel Neumann, Owner/GM – Upright Brew House

Greenwich Village Movers

Limited street parking, narrow entryways, and a shortage of elevators can make moving to Manhattan challenging. Trust a reliable, professional moving company like Imperial Moving & Storage (imperialmovers.com) to help make the process a smooth one. We’ve been named one of NYC’s best moving companies and have been providing our services to Manhattan for over a decade. We are a full-service Manhattan mover that assists with apartment relocations and office moves, and we also offer VIP moving services for specialized moving needs. We’ll make sure that your relocation to Greenwich Village is a smooth one, from the moment you request a quote to when the last box is unpacked. Give us a call today to get started!

Greenwich Village Neighborhood Infographic