Facts first: We love the East Village! Formerly part of the Lower East side, the area is widely considered to be the birthplace of punk. Today, this thriving urban hub presents great opportunity for exploration: from interesting cultural amenities and historical landmarks to trendy bars and restaurants, this place has it all. No matter what you choose to do here, it’s impossible to be bored. But where should you start? Well, if you’re planning to make the visit, read through our list so that you can experience the best of everything in the East Village.
Get Cultured
One of the most exciting to do in New York is going to see a show. Though the area presents a wealth of great playhouses to choose from, our first choice is always the Orpheum Theater. Established in 1904, this place is known for popularizing The Little Shop of Horrors and Stomp. Today, you can catch everything from side-splitting comedies to evocative dramas all under one roof. With its unique history and understated elegance, there’s no better place to be for lovers of the performed arts.
Famed for its history of social activism and creative thought, the nightlife of the East Village is second to none. Those heading to the area looking for first-class artistry will not leave disappointed! An emblematic cultural gem and mainstay of the East Village arts scene, the Nuyorican Poets Café is known for giving slam poetry its legs. For decades, the institution has served as a home for seminal works of poetry, music, theater, and more. With its outstanding performers and laid-back atmosphere, this place is perfect for grabbing a few drinks and soaking up vibe of the East Village in all its glory.
There’s nothing better than catching a movie with some friends. If you’re looking for the perfect spot, then don't worry – we've got you covered! For the most passionate cinephiles and casual viewers alike, the Anthology Film Archives screens a wonderfully diverse range of arthouse movies. From old favorites and total classics to indies and silent comedies, there’s a little something for everybody here. After a long day of touring, this is a great place to just kick back and relax.
Explore the Area
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, you might want to check out the Museum of the American Gangster. Once known as one of the city’s most notorious speakeasies, the institution now works to examine the history of organized crime in the United States. Amongst its unusual and fascinating collection, you’ll find John Dillinger’s death masks, bullets from the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre investigation, and shell casings from Bonnie and Clyde’s final shoot out. Though the museum is small, we’d argue that its holdings make it well worth the visit.
New York City presents no shortage of great cultural institutions, with the East Village minding some of the city’s more interesting specialty encounters. Designed by Ukrainian-American architect George Sawicki, the Ukranian Museum is recognized as the largest institution in the United States committed solely to the cultural heritage of the community. In its unusual collection, you’ll find everything from fine art and intricately embroidered traditional dress to historic photographs and documents. The museum also offers gallery talks, concerts, and creative workshops for those who are interested.
After some diehard exploration, you may well be looking to rest your weary feet. Luckily, the East Village presents many beautiful green spaces, perfect for unwinding and soaking up some rays. Once the nave of criminal activity in the area, Tompkins Square Park is now a great place to hit up for a spot of recreation. Go for a stroll, have a picnic, or watch live musical performances. If you’re travelling during Halloween, we also recommend checking out the Halloween Dog Parade, where you can watch the neighborhood pooches strutting their stuff in their finest holiday attire for a grand prize of thousands of dollars. What could be better than that?
See Some Cool Landmarks
Steeped in living history and culture, the East Village has much to offer the curious traveler with its beautiful landmarks. If you’re a history buff, there’s no better place to spot these structures than in the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District. Situated at 59 East 2nd Street, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of our favorites for its incredibly striking exterior. The cathedral was designed by esteemed architect Josiah Cleveland Cady, who would later go on to build such emblematic landmarks as the first Metropolitan Opera House and the auditorium for the American Museum of Natural History. Visitors can take tours to view its high ceilings, beautiful decorative paintings, and intricate carvings. Whether you’re interested in the background of the area or looking to uncover your spiritual side, this place is well worth the visit.
Whilst Midtown is known for its towering skyscrapers, the East Village is home to many venerable structures telling the neighborhood’s rich history. Built in 1910, Meserich Synagogue is reflective of the area’s strong ties with the Jewish community around the turn of the century. The building stands out for its striking Neo-Classical stone façade, and its inside features a commanding ark and stained-glass windows. Though the building has seen renovation, this hidden gem still speaks to both the greater immigrant experience in the city and a crucial time in Jewish history.
Vibrant and packed with culture, the East Village is easily one of the trendiest areas in NYC. The neighborhood is cheaper to explore than other parts of The Village, though no less interesting. It would be easy to spend an entire day just admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an artsy type, the area has so much to offer. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
