Greenwich Village is one of the most famous downtown districts of Manhattan. The district features an eclectic collection of funky shops, tiny bakeries and restaurants ranging from Mom and Pops to tourist traps. Greenwich Village is a lovely and quiet district that is a sharp contrast from the loud honking horns of Midtown Manhattan. It is a great place for idle wandering and people-watching from sidewalk cafés. Although this tranquil district is different from the rest of Midtown Manhattan, it is still close enough to all the action.
The Village
Greenwich Village is a lovely place to wander around and discover. Some of the places to eat are charming, and there are some lovely and unusual shops in the area. The pace of life is much slower in Greenwich Village compared to other parts of the city, adding to the charm of this district. It is generally considered as being bounded by Broadway on the east, the Hudson River on the west, Houston Street on the south, and 14th Street on the north, though this varies slightly according to the source you consult – some for instance regard the West Village (west of Seventh Avenue) as a separate district. Some of NYC’s highest priced real-estate is located in the Village along lower Fifth Avenue.
The Charm of Greenwich Village
Thanks to its numerous restaurants and charming cafes, Greenwich Village is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. Known to NYC locals as “The Village”, this district features many charming residential streets and a laid back atmosphere. The area of Washington Square Park is home to the New York University. Washington Square Park is a popular public park where families, dogs and street artists try to find a free space. Eight Street is a long procession of funky boutiques, shoe shops and piercing stores. Greenwich Village also has a bustling nightlife, which features a dozen of blues and jazz venues, various Off Broadway theatres and stand-up comedy spots.
History of Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village started out as a small, slightly remote village back at the beginning of the 19th century. The Village first became fashionable in the 1830s, when elegant townhouses were built around Washington Square. It has remained a bohemian haven that has been home to many artists and writers. In the 1960s and 70s, “The Village” was the place for American folk music. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Simon and Garfunkel, Jackson Browne, Tom Paxton and many others lived and played in The Village. More recently the area played a key role in the gay liberation movement. Today, many of the NYC’s media power elite live here — they fill the bistros and bars that line Bleecker and Hudson Streets, Greenwich Village’s main roads.
Greenwich Village’s Layout
Unlike other districts in Manhattan, its historic streets are laid out in a more European fashion rather than a geometric grid, with diagonals and even bends quite commonplace. This makes exploring the Village more of a challenge but also more fun, as getting lost is the best way to encounter unexpected sights and events.
Pride Awareness
During the month of June, ‘The Gay, Lesbian & People Of Transgender Persuasion’ celebrate their cultural identities and sexual preferences in ‘Pride Awareness.’ The Pride Awareness celebrations culminate in a parade ending on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. The parade, which is attended by thousands of participants and onlookers, takes place on the last Sunday of the month of June.
