Things To Do In Greenwich

Grab A Late Night Meal At Corner Bistro

Remember that thing I mentioned about flashy neon lights? Well, heres another one for you. The Corner Bistro is a classic West Village burger joint has been a staple to many New Yorkers.

For 50 years theyve been serving what many New Yorkers call the best burger in Manhattan. Unlike Minetta Tavern, this place feels more casual and you quickly find comfort from the easy-going staff and tasty food.

This is one of the best places to visit in the West Village and its open as late as 4:00 AM from Thursday to Saturday. Corner Bistro gives you the lax environment required to rest your legs and fill your belly.

This burger joint is one of our go-to places in the West Village whenever were hosting out-of-town guests. I mean, who doesnt enjoy a juicy burger at midnight?

Sing Your Heart Out At Maries Crisis Cabaret Bar

If youre a fan of Broadway music, having fun, and looking for an authentic Village experience, then this is the place for you. Its almost impossible to not have fun here!

A piano sits at the center of the room where a pianist churns out Broadway favorites and everyone in the room sings their hearts out! Have I mentioned how fun this place is??

Like many other iconic locations in the Village, the building where Maries Crisis is today has an alluring history. Revolutionary War activist and author Thomas Paine died in this location. And, in the mid-1800s, the building was used as a lair for the worlds oldest profession .

ProTip: Want to plan a fun night out in Greenwich Village? Maries Crisis is less than 5 minutes away from Fat Cats on foot. So after a meal on Bleecker or MacDougal, head over to Fat Cats & Maries Crisis for an unforgettable night of good times!

Cutty Sark British Tea Clipper

Behold the ship that dominates the Greenwich skyline and stands majestically close to the Thames Riverside. The Cutty Sark is the only surviving tea clipper in the world and was the fastest of its time when these mega vessels would compete in shipping tea back from China.

Constructed in 1869, the Cutty Sark re-opened to the public in May 2012 after a £50 million restoration. Browse the two lower museum floors before making your way to the main deck with its mighty masts . Finish your tour in the café and walk under the colossal copper hull.

Visit the restored Cutty Sark Tea Clipper that re-opened to the public in May 2012.

Cutty Sark Main Deck with views over the Thames.

Cutty Sark Lower Deck and exhibition on the history of shipping tea.

Stand underneath the Cutty Sarks gleaming copper hull.

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Tour The Greenwich Historic Districts

Greenwich has a rich history, and architecture fans can experience much of it through the areas built environment. Many of Greenwichs historic communities are noted for their significant structures, residents, events, and landmarks. From Putnam Hills grand buildings to the working-class Historic Fourth Ward District, Greenwichs historic districts include significant preservation efforts. Be sure to stop by Christ Church, featuring Tiffany stained glass windows, and Knapps Tavern, which once hosted George Washington.

And Explore Greenwich Park Whilst Youre At It

In the summer youll find students, locals and tourists alike sunbathing on the green slopes but my favourite time to explore has to be crisp Autumn mornings when the park is empty except for joggers and dog walkers ! You can look out over the big city but still hear yourself think, making it a great place for solo travellers to reflect or families visiting London to relax. Of all the things to do in Greenwich, this is my personal favourite.

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Take A Look At The Exhibits Featured In Bush

Bush-Holley House is another great place to visit for art enthusiasts.

This National Historic Landmark was once used as a boarding house for writers and artists during the 19th century, but now houses exhibits that can be enjoyed by the public.

Take a walk in its beautiful gardens for some fresh air and participate in events that are available all year round.

Do not forget to check out the exhibits while you are here, as they feature different displays that tackle various issues that continue to be relevant until today.

Make sure to check their website to see the exact dates for the exhibitions.

Fill Your Belly At Fab Local Eateries

No trip to Greenwich would be complete without sampling the delicious food on offer. In addition to the upscale Thomas Hekelman and L’Escale , you’ll find mid-priced fare at the tasty, no-frills Thai Basil and the uber healthy and chic Granola Bar.

While you’re scrounging for food, don’t miss the small but amazing . Located on West Putnam Avenue , this gluten-and dairy-free phenomenon offers the most delicious cakes, cookies, and muffins you’ll ever eat. Seriously! You won’t even realize they’re gluten-free. Plus, they’re all made lovingly the old-fashioned way, by hand in small batches. No wonder the treats taste so fresh!

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Old Royal Navy College

Including the Painted Hall , the Old Royal Naval College is totally stunning and right in the heart of historic Greenwich.

Be sure to spend some time walking the grounds, taking in the beautiful buildings and seeing the magnificent chapel thats centuries old.

Its totally beautiful and you really cant miss it.

You might even recognise it from scenes used in the film, Les Misérables, Thor: The Dark World and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Have the best time!

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Relax In Greenwich Park

If you want to have some quiet time then a walk in the beautiful Greenwich Park is a must. Its a huge open space, often with a lot of dog owners and families enjoying it, and its perfect for picnics on a dry day.

Youll wander through the park if youre on your way up to the Observatory and you can get some wonderful views over Canary Wharf and the skyline of the business district there. Even on a bit of an overcast day on the last day of the year, like you can see in the photo above, it was quite spectacular!

The history of the park goes way back and it was used as a hunting ground for Henry VIII when Greenwich Palace was next to it.

If you love history then you might be interested in checking out old castles near London

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Meantime Brewery Tourmeantime Brewery Tours And Beer Tastings

For a reasonable fee, you can take a tour of the Meantime Brewery in Greenwich.

The tour gives you a look at the brewers at work and their processes and, to top it all off you can enjoy a beer tasting afterwards. The tour takes around 1.5 hours and is a great way to end a day in Greenwich, or begin a night out!

Catch A Flick At The Ifc Center

Of all the cinemas in Greenwich Village, the IFC Center is an art-house staple and where to go to watch independent and foreign films, as well as documentaries.

This now 5-screen theater was where the midnight Rocky Horror Picture Show showings first became popular. The audience actively participated alongside the parody of horror and comedy by wearing costumes and yelling at the screen all in good fun!

Today, the theater hosts a documentary festival, midnight showings of cult favorites, short films, and a weekend classics series. If youre from out-of-town and youve been hoping to see a movie other than the latest blockbusters, check out the IFC Center schedule.

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Admire The Greenwich Village Architecture

If your time in New York City has been spent in midtown in and around main tourist attractions, youre in for an architectural surprise in Greenwich Village. Its one of the best things to see in Greenwich Village if you ask me.

The further south you go on the island of Manhattan, the older the neighborhoods get. On top of this, the islands bedrock is much further down and harder to reach in Greenwich Village so tall skyscrapers are harder if not impossible to build here.

This adds up to brick-style homes and townhouses on narrow tree-lined streets, smaller apartment buildings, and historic buildings dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s.

You can still see Federalist-style architecture as you stroll the Village streets. One of the best examples can be seen in Grove Court just off Grove Street .

The secluded court is set back from the street behind a wrought iron gate. But look through to admire the 6 red townhouses dating back to the mid-1800s. Theyre exactly the type of buildings that give the Village its charm!

Before you leave Grove and Bedford Streets, take a look at 17 Grove Street, the oldest wooden house in Manhattan dating back to 1822. Or check out 75 1/2 Bedford Street, the narrowest house in the Village lived in by many notable figures like Cary Grant!

These are just snippets of noteworthy architecture in Greenwich Village. You can wander the neighborhood to discover more or join a guided walking tour of Greenwich Village.

Best Guided Tours In Greenwich Village

The Village offers plenty of excellent restaurants. The bests chefs from all over the world come here to create their best dishes for the locals. We have tried the Food Tour of Greenwich Village that takes you through various eras of dining and shopping in Greenwich Village and is worth trying.

These are our TOP Greenwich Village Walking Tours that we can highly recommend:

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Have A Dinner By The Beach At Greenwich Point Park

Have a blast with the whole family at Greenwich Point Park.

Relax by the sandy shores and enjoy the views of clear open waters.

Savor the cool sea breeze while you munch on some tasty snacks and read your favorite book.

Let your dog play with the young ones as you enjoy the calming sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

With plenty of space to run around, kids will definitely enjoy playing here.

Do not worry, as there are lifeguards here during summer to ensure that guests are safe all the time.

For a comfortable visit, there are changing rooms and restrooms available here as well.

This is also a good place to try out some water activities, such as windsurfing, kite-surfing, and salt-water fishing.

Before heading home, spend some quality time with the whole family at the picnic area for a lovely dinner by the beach.

Things To Do In Greenwich Village Nyc

Trying to figure out which things to do in Greenwich Village NYC but wishing you could get some local advice first?

Youre in the right place!

Using what I know as a life-long New Yorker, Ive put together this guide to help you know what to do in Greenwich Village and how to make the most of your visit to this beloved New York City neighborhood.

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Browse Unusual Exhibits In The Museum Of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is a small space with a big character it has everything you’d expect from an eclectic New York attraction: kitschy but high-quality decor, an unapologetic sense of humor, gimmickry, and a fun-loving attitude.

There are many reasons someone might want to pay a visit to this unusual place.

If you’re into photography, the museum has some excellent photo opportunities.

If you’re into puzzles, there are plenty of fascinating ones to solve herea museum employee will even be on hand to give you hints if you need them.

And if you’re into magic tricks or escape rooms or anything else that requires a little bit of cleverness and ingenuity, then this museum could definitely be worth a stop.

If you’re coming to New York City and want to enjoy a little bit of magic, you should visit the Museum of Illusions.

Nibble At Murrays Cheese

I need all my cheese lovers front and center. Looking for the best things to do in the West Village and not stopping at Murrays Cheese is like visiting NYC and not visiting Central Park! Were you even here at all?

Murrays Cheese has been around more than seven decades. Even those who dont care for cheese find themselves awestruck by the tantalizing smells wafting from this shop. Considering that Greenwich Village is home to the flagship store, its a required stop for any visitor.

The best part about Murrays Cheese is you dont need to know much about cheese to enjoy the experience. The store has a spot upstairs that hosts many tastings and pairing courses for anyone looking to expand their palette. For the less adventurous folk, you can meander downstairs and marvel at the extensive selection of cheeses and sample any one youd like .

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Celebrate Pride In The Stonewall Inn

Greenwich Village is a neighborhood known for having a rich history of LGBT culture and events.

The Stonewall Inn is one of the landmarks and must-visit destination in the area it was the location of a historic moment in the gay rights movement and has become a landmark for the fight for equality.

The bar is known for being a safe space for gays and lesbians to hang out, dance, and be themselves.

‘The Stonewall Riots’ are considered the catalyst for the gay rights movements of the 20th century and happened at The Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969.

Today, The Stonewall Inn is one of the only places where you’ll see drag queens taking over the dance floor rather than just performing on stage or hosting events.

Whether you’re planning to visit this bar or any other place in Greenwich Village, make sure you take some time to stop and enjoy the famous New York City nightlife that you’ve heard so much about!

Walk The Greenwich Peninsula

Since Greenwich is a riverside location, theres no shortage of scenic views as you walk between the town and North Greenwich, connected by the Thames Path. Pass riverside pubs and old jetties, see the 1903 Edwardian-built Greenwich power station up close and get some of the best panoramas of historic Greenwich, The O2 and modern peninsula developments. Follow the signs and enjoy a nature walk that takes around one hour.

Views of Maritime Greenwich from the Thames Path.

Looking towards the Greenwich Peninsula.

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The O2 Arena And Up At The O2

Built under the old Millenium Dome, the O2 Arena is one of the main landmarks of North Greenwich. Its one of the biggest indoor venues in the UK and hosts a variety of events, from concerts to competitive sports. Still referred to as The Dome by some, the arena is named after the O2 telecommunications company that sponsors it.

In addition to the arena itself, the O2 contains a cinema, bowling alley, and trampoline park, plus a variety of restaurants, pubs, and bars. Its also home to Sky Studios, where you can use the interactive sets to read the news, be a sports commentator and more.

But one of the main reasons for tourists to include the O2 arena in their Greenwich itinerary is the Up at The O2 experience climbing the roof of the arena. Its a very unique experience in London and definitely one of the best things to do in Greenwich!

The 90-minute climb uses a fabric walkway that is suspended 2m above the surface of The O2 roof. The breathtaking views from the platform at the top allow you to see landmarks up to 15 miles away. Although its somewhat steep in places and certainly gives your legs a good workout, the climb itself is quite manageable and the reward of the views at the end makes it worthwhile!

Montgomery Pinetum & Pomerance Park

These two parks interlock and are nestled a short distance from the Post Road in Cos Cob. Both parks, former estates, feature interesting history between them.

Montgomery Pinetum

Montgomery Pinetum, as the name implies, is most famous for the rare conifers scattered throughout the site. Colonel Robert Montgomery, a successful businessman and horticulturist, planted the trees on his estate. His most famous contributions to society were:

• A donation of 200 specimen trees to the New York Botanical Garden in 1947
• The Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, Florida
• The Pinetum named in his honor here in Greenwich

The grounds are lovely, and connect to 102 acres of forest full of trails to explore.

This is also the home of the Greenwich Botanical Center.

Pomerance Park

Walk through the trails to reach Pomerance Park. A more recent acquisition for the town of Greenwich, Pomerance Park includes a beautiful pond in the middle of more rugged woods.

This park was the seminal site of the Boy Scouts of America. To stop local boys from drawing lewd images and obscenities on his gate, Ernest Thompson Seton started a group the League of Woodcraft Indians that eventually grew into the more famous organization.

The town tore-down the mansion to avoid dealing with partying teenagers, but the stone foundation and walls still stand.

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