New York City West Village

The Basics

The bohemian West Village—which served as the backdrop for New York’s LGBTQ rights movement—manages to be both trendy and quaint, and the best way to explore it is on foot. Stop by the many boutiques and cafés; look for filming locations and historic town houses; or take a walk in lovely Hudson River Park, a waterfront expanse on Manhattan’s west side.

Most hop-on hop-off bus tours pass through the West Village. Foodies can opt for a culinary walking tour that hits neighborhood eateries, with tastings along the way. For something totally different, consider an exhilarating helicopter tour for panoramic views of the neighborhood.

Things to Know Before You Go

• West Village restaurants are popular, so make reservations in advance.

• Dress warmly if you’ll be visiting in winter, as New York City can be cold and windy.

How to Get There

The West Village is bordered by 14th Street, 6th Avenue, West Houston Street, and the Hudson River, and is easy to get to by subway. Take the 1 train to Christopher Street, or the A, B, C, D, E, or F train to West 4th Street.

When to Get There

You’ll find plenty to do in the West Village at any time of year, day or night.

Visiting Washington Square Park

Spend a few minutes relaxing and people watching in nearby Washington Square Park, popular with locals, tourists, and New York University students. Stroll the leafy walkways, sip a coffee by the stone fountain, or take in a summer street performance.

Ways to explore

There’s a lot to see in the West Village, and walking tours help you make sense of the neighborhood’s many historic homes, music venues, and filming locations. Most hop-on hop-off bus tours pass through the West Village, while bike tours allow you to explore surrounding attractions, such as the lovely Hudson River Park, a waterfront expanse on Manhattan’s west side. Foodies can opt for a culinary walking tour that visits neighborhood eateries, with lots of tastings along the way. For something different, consider a New York City helicopter tour for panoramic views of the neighborhood.

Accessibility

The West Village is generally wheelchair accessible; however, call ahead to specific locations to confirm.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, MetroCard

What to wear

Weather-appropriate dress and comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

While rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, non-service animals, or alcohol.

Address

It’s easy to reach the West Village, located on the west side of Lower Manhattan, from any of the five boroughs. You can walk there from nearby attractions, including the High Line, Chelsea Market, and Washington Square Park, or ride the subway if you’re coming from farther away.

Driving

Driving yourself around bustling Manhattan isn’t recommended, but the West Village is conveniently within a 20-minute taxi ride from major Midtown attractions.

Public transportation

Christopher Street-Stonewall is the West Village’s most central subway station—get there on the 1 train. Or, take the A, C, E, B, D, F, or M trains to W 4 St Washington Sq.

Best times to visit

If you’d like to see the neighborhood’s many sidewalk cafés at their buzziest, go around 5pm.

Best days to visit

Weekends are the liveliest days in the West Village, though they also mean longer wait times at the area’s best restaurants—go on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere.

Best months to visit

Spring is a particularly good time to explore the West Village, when the weather is ideal for strolling the cobblestone streets, dining outdoors, and lounging at the Hudson River Park.

Special events

The West Village is a fixture of NYC Pride events in June, including street fairs, parades, and parties at the Stonewall Inn.