Greenwich Village Tours and Activities

Greenwich Village, known for its cobblestone streets and historical brownstones, is home to Bleecker Street, Washington Square Park, the Whitney Museum, and New York University. Once a hub for 1960s counterculture, the area has since transformed into a residential neighborhood dotted with cozy eateries, upscale shops, and Hudson River walkways.

The Basics
As one of Manhattan’s top destinations, Greenwich Village is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, which allow visitors to explore at their own pace without the hassle of navigating.
Private tours provide a more intimate experience, allowing guests to tack a stroll through Greenwich Village onto the day’s customized itinerary.

Greenwich Village food tours showcase the area’s array of hidden gems and independent eateries and typically include a selection of food and drink tastings. While daytime tours provide the best views of the High Line, Washington Square Park, and the Hudson River, evening walking tours and ghost tours offer a fresh perspective on the city illuminated under the night sky.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Greenwich Village is a must for history buffs and foodies.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Greenwich Village and its surrounding neighborhoods are best explored on foot.
• When possible, book reservations in advance to avoid the notoriously long wait times at neighborhood restaurants.
• Street parking is limited; reserve space for a parking garage online in advance for an easier visit.
• Note that the L train has four stops along 14th Street: Eighth Avenue, Sixth Avenue, Third Avenue, and First Avenue.
• Visit the MTA’s website for updates on subway detours and weekend schedule changes.

 
How to Get There
As one of Manhattan’s most popular neighborhoods, the Village is easily accessible using New York City’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest subway stops are 14th Street on the A, C, E, 1, 2, and L trains and West 4th Street on the A, B, C, D, and E trains. Alternatively, a Citi Bike bike-share dock is located on the northwest corner of Washington Square Park.

When to Get There
There’s no bad time of year to experience Greenwich Village. Washington Square Park is busiest May to September, when street performances, impromptu concerts, and art installations are on full display. Annual events include the Greenwich Village Film Festival and Taste of the Village food festival in October, the Washington Square Music Festival and New York City Pride Parade in June, and the popular Village Halloween Parade.

Bob Dylan’s Village
Greenwich Village was not always an upscale neighborhood dotted with celebrity condos and boutiques. Steeped in 1960s counterculture, the Village was once a hub for artists, musicians, writers, and creatives, including Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg, Annie Leibovitz, and Joan Baez. Walking tours often highlight historic landmarks and these iconic figures’ former haunts, which visitors often miss if exploring on their own.