History of this famous district
Previously, the East Village welcomed many immigrants, but in the 50s, the arrival of the Beatniks (member of the literary movement Beat Generation), marked a turning point and the district built itself a new identity. Subsequently, artists and hippies followed and East Village became the cradle of certain movements like punk rock.
It used to be that East Village was also a district with a bad reputation, but over the years it has grown into a bohemian neighborhood before changing and becoming a chic place. This change took place from the 1990s.
Today, this district has therefore taken a bourgeois turn with chic restaurants, artist shops and other trendy places.
Due to its geographic location, East Village is also an ideal area to stay outside of midtown Manhattan.
Alphabet City
In the past, part of East Village was known as Alphabet City (the alphabet city) because of the four avenues crisscrossing it: A, B, C and D; the latter being the only ones in Manhattan to bear such a name composed of a single letter.
The Alphabet City is a cube bounded on the north by 14th Street and on the south by Houston Street. Formerly, it was nicknamed "Little Germany" because of the German and Austrian populations who had settled there. But in the twentieth century, the latter migrated to the current district of Yorkville.
What to do in East Village?
When you discover East Village, you will not be disappointed! This district has a lot to offer you: between activities, bars and restaurants, you can enjoy many leisure activities! Here's everything you can do in this neighborhood.
Spend time in Tompkins Square Park
Located east of East Village, the Tompkins Square Park is a 4 hectare park pleasant in all seasons. Here you can picnic on the lush green lawn, go jogging or just take a stroll. But this park is also famous for:
- Its tall, magnificent beech trees.
- Its activities organized on weekends: shows, concerts ...
- The organic market organized every Saturday along Avenue A.
- The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival which takes place every summer.
This park therefore reserves you to multiple activities and you will enjoy discovering it at any time of the year!
Discover the neighborhood gardens
East Village concentrates more than 60 community gardens. Among them, there is the Toyota Children's Learning Garden, the Miracle Garden, the 6BC Botanical Garden, the Albert's Garden and the First Street Garden. So don't forget to make a small passage through one or more of them!
Walk on St. Mark's Place
Located in the heart of the district, St. Marks Place is a famous cultural street where you can enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere. On this street, many shops are established, but also multiple record stores.
St. Marks Place stretches between Third and Sixth Avenue.
Stroll in atypical shops
Unlike the other districts of New York (see all the districts of the city here) which concentrate large chain stores, East Village is home to very original small shops. Among them, I advise you to discover Toy Tokyo, a small store where you will find Asian items and toys. Once inside, you will feel in Japan! Its address is: 91 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003.
If you forgot your sunglasses or want to buy a new pair, go to the boutique Fabulous Fanny’s (335 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003) where you can choose from a very wide range of glasses: models, colors… you will be spoiled for choice. And if you want the same glasses as your favorite star, look around, you will surely find them!
And for people who are fans of cosmetics, go to Kielh's (109 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003), the famous store where you will find all kinds of care products!
In the East Village district, you can therefore plan a shopping trip and find some very interesting and atypical items!
Getting to the Old Merchant's House
If you like architecture, take a trip to the Old Merchant’s House, one of the oldest mansions on the island of Manhattan, transformed into a museum open to the public and dedicated to the 29th century way of life. If you want to visit, here is its address: 4 E 10003th St, New York, NY XNUMX.
Relax at The Russian and Turkish Baths
The Russian and Turkish Baths or The Tenth street Baths (268 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009) is the latest Turkish and Russian bathhouse in Manhattan. This place is conducive to relaxation: between baths or massages, everything is there to relax! At the end, you will be revitalized!
Visit the Ukrainian Museum
This museum offers you interesting exhibits and it is an ideal place to discover the influences of this people of the East in the USA. TheUkrainian Museum is located: 222 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003.
The best restaurants in the area
East Village is a trendy district where you will find many bars, pubs, bistros and restaurants where you can have a drink or eat.
If you are hungry, I recommend the establishment Tree Bistro, a friendly restaurant offering affordable main courses in a friendly atmosphere. Its address is: 4004, 190 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009.
If you want to eat Japanese, choose the Ikinari Steak restaurant (90 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003) which serves tasty steaks and delicious sauces.
For a drink, I'll meet you at Mc Sorley’s Old Ale House, a pub that opened in the middle of the 15th century and whose authentic decoration will not fail to amaze you! It is located: 7 E 10003th St, New York, NY XNUMX.
Location of this district
Located in Manhattan, East Village is bounded by Houston Street to the south, 14th Street to the north, the East River to the east, and 3rd Avenue to the west. It is also east of Greenwich Village:
East Village is a charming neighborhood and is interesting if you want to experience New York in all its facets. Its atmosphere and atmosphere are conducive to rest with these gardens and green spaces ideal for family moments. But between bars and pubs, this district is also an interesting place to party and have a good evening!
