What's West Village like in NYC?

I'm planning on a trip to NYC at the end of Nov thru the first week of Dec of this year. I'm staying in the Far West Village. This is my first trip to NYC, I've read a lot about "must see" places and things to do, but I guess I just want any ideas, tips on first time visitors, also I'm on my own (so maybe places or restaurants where they welcome single diners). Maybe I'm just overly excited and I know, I could read all this up but I'm just really interested in what REAL people have to say about the city.What's West Village like in NYC?
It's alright, some streets are really beautiful and old looking. Bleecker Street is definitely the most famous street here... it's got shopping, good eats, and overall great vibes. John's Pizza on Bleecker St has the best pizza ever (although NY pizza in general is just way better than all the other states'). West Fourth Street is also a beautiful place to walk. Since you mentioned single diners, you should check out a place called La Bonbonniere - it sounds fancy but it's just a cheap diner... GREAT food. That off of 8th Ave btw. No. 66 is a nice area, very old school, visually it kinda makes you feel like you're in some fancy European town. Lastly Magnolia Bakery always has a long line. It's just a cupcake place but people, often tourists, go there just to say they've had a cupcake from there. Yes, the cupcakes are yummy!!

In conclusion, it's one of my favorite parts of the city. That has more to do with the shops and scenery than it does the people. People can be snobs, especially in those wealthy residencial areas. Like any city, it has it's not so glamorous spots so don't expect it to be all posh, all clean, all sterile... such a place doesn't exist. It's got a lot of history, and the vibe is way more "throwback" or old school than it is modern (Times Square is obviously super modern and new age).

You'll have fun here. If you want, you can bring your nicer clothing items on your trip because I'd say people do like to dress up here. I rarely see tourists dressed in sweats; maybe it's just a natural thing for them to want to dress up. You'll be walking a lot so bring comfortable shoes.

*By the way, I always see people going out alone and eating alone in diners/restaurants. It's nothing to be self conscious about. My boyfriend lives closer to Times Square and he always goes to this one diner by himself when I'm at school. He takes his work with him, or the newspaper or a small book to read and just eats/reads. It's fine. lol.
Watch a play in the theater district, go to the empire state building (costs $40 I believe), go shopping in SoHo, eat in little italy, take an entire afternoon to walk through central park, theirs so many famous restaurants to eat in, visit where the world trade center once was, go to some museums like the bodies museum, the MET, the museum of natural history, visit seaport, look at everything in Times Square. Enjoy yourself! Try to go site seeing as much as possible because NYC is expensive and everything is overpriced. Invest in a metro card. :)What's West Village like in NYC?
I love that part of the Village. It's quiet and without all the teens from New Jersey who come to parts of the Village to be annoying.



There are many nice small restaurants near there. Just look at the posted menus and see what sounds good.



I sometimes go out without my husband. Dining alone is not that unusual around here. You shouldn't have any problems.
yo, it's awful man. you dont wanna go there!What's West Village like in NYC?
I live in the city so I guess I could help a bit! :) The village is one of my favorite places, honestly. The west village (christopher street, houston st, 14th st, union square park) is truly a great place to walk around, eat and stop in and out of cute, interesting shops. There are small, pleasant parks all over and definitely go to Washington Square Park which is right near NYU. It's a great park. The east village is also really fun (st marks square area). They're pretty similar but the east village is a little more 'psychadellic' maybe- with lots of tattoo shops and things like that, but don't get me wrong, the village as a whole is great and there is tons to see. Soho, which isn't far, is awesome for some trendy, cool shopping. My Aunt lives in Battery Park which is just a few stops downtown on the 1 train from Christopher street (pretty close to where you'll be staying). There are beautiful parks on the water there looking out at jersey (rockafellar park). i've spent days there and it's just absolutely beautiful- i love it more than central park. there are a bunch of restaurants there too which is really nice since you can see the sunset over the water with all the ships %26amp; stuff. From there I believe you can actually take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Hoboken, NJ where you get an amazing view of the NYC skyline, if you're interested in that at all. (The 'Cake Boss' bakery is in Hoboken! haha i've been there!) The area is really nice, and of course, you can see the new building they're building at Ground Zero. It's amazing. Of course there is The Empire State Building/Time Square/Broadway show/Central Park.. those are all must-do's in my opinion. The South Street Seaport is also a great little place to go for a few hours with tons of shops and cobblestone areas on the water. Chinatown and Little Italy are always fun. Ahh, i love the city and have so much to say about it, but those are my favorite places and my advice. if you have ANY questions feel free to contact me!



have fun!, jess.