Virtually every neighborhood in New York has its niche, from the gilded pre-war luxury on the Upper East Side to the hustle and bustle of the Financial District. However, when you’re eager to enjoy the best art, entertainment, outdoor spaces, food, and real estate the city has to offer, no area comes close to the East Village. Long heralded as haven for creative types, this downtown enclave is one of New York’s most desirable neighborhoods, and with good reason. If you find yourself in the East Village this weekend, here’s how to make the most of this unique and vibrant neighborhood:
Get in a workout at Body Evolutions | 266 East 10th Street
If you’re not lucky enough to have a great workout space available to you right inside your own building, like the residents of luxury condos like Steiner East Village, you can still start your weekend off on the right foot by hitting up one of the many gyms that call the East Village home, like Body Evolutions. Unlike traditional workout spaces, this Pilates and gyrotonic gym is all about improving your mind as well as your physical form. Focused on helping you relax and get in touch with your body, Body Evolutions’ classes are as fun as they are effective — don’t be surprised if you see greater muscle definition and improved flexibility in just a few sessions.
Check out the art at the New Museum |235 Bowery
Not all of the city’s best art is uptown these days. The New Museum has turned the East Village into one of the city’s best destination for visual art, with a never-ending array of celebrated artists, from Raymond Pettibon to Carsten Holler, showing their work here. Drop in on a weekend and you can enjoy programming like film series, lectures, or the occasional party in this unique space.
Take a stroll through Tompkins Square Park | 7th Street and Avenue A
Stretch your legs by taking a walk through Tompkins Square park when you’re finished at the museum. A stunning oasis in the center of the city, Tompkins Square Park has long been a haven for the humans of New York and their furry friends alike. Bring your kids to check out the park’s two playgrounds, drop in for a game of chess, or catch a performance at one of the annual events hosted here, like the Charlie Parker jazz festival.
Enjoy a meal at Prune | 54 East 1st Street
If you can get a table, make sure to check out Prune when you’re in the East Village. Helmed by owner and chef Gabrielle Hamilton, who has won countless accolades for this intimate eatery, Prune has become one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants during its 18 years in business. While you’re here, make sure to try the grilled pigeon with parsley vinaigrette, the fried baby artichokes, and the apricot tart with almond cream, as well as one of Prune’s perfectly-prepared cocktails, like the cayenne-infused Hot Toddy.
Grab some drinks at Alphabet City Beer Co. | 96 Avenue C
End your night on a high note by heading to Avenue C for a few drinks at Alphabet City Beer Company. A paradise for craft beer connoisseurs, this quirky bar has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, thanks to the 350 bottled and canned craft beers and 12 taps they have here. Cozy up with a drink in one of ABC’s comfy leather chairs or at the bar’s long communal table and you’ll feel at home in no time.
Whether your passion is great art or the great outdoors, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in the East Village. Home to some of the city’s premier talent and most engaging social scenes, there’s no neighborhood quite like it anywhere in the world.
Note: This is a guest post by Candace Schaffer; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author. Candice Schaffer works at Knightsbridge Park, a leading digital marketing firm for luxury real estate brands such as Steiner East Village.
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Kate - Travel for Difference
April 13, 2017 at 10:25 pmLove the sound of the New Museum! I’ve never been to New York, but it looks so diverse X
Carmen Edelson
April 15, 2017 at 6:43 amIt’s extremely diverse! I absolutely love it.
Jennifer
April 29, 2017 at 11:57 amThe next time I am in New York, this is what I want to do. Sounds like a perfect day full of cool things. Museums, parks, and craft beer! What more could a person want? New York is great:)
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:34 amI’m glad to hear that! I hope you make it there soon 🙂
Rob
April 29, 2017 at 7:55 pmNYC…no place like it! Great insight and tips.
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:35 amThanks, Rob! It’s an incredible city.
Kaylene
April 29, 2017 at 10:06 pmEast Village looks lovely! I haven’t explore much in that area, but need to whenever I get back to NYC! Alphabet City Beer Co. will be at the top of my list!
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:35 amSmart choice 🙂 I just love the East Village.
Elena Nemets
April 30, 2017 at 3:53 amThis New Museum look amazing! It was not built yet when I was in NY last time!! Totally one of the reasons to visit it again.
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:36 amThere’s always something new and exciting to see in the Big Apple!
Elisa
April 30, 2017 at 2:40 pmIf you had to live in NYC, this is the neighborhood you would choose to live? I have never been to NYC but from what you tell I would not mind to live in the East Village for some time and enjoy all what it has to offer.
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:37 amThe East Village would certainly be a great place to live!
Kerri
April 30, 2017 at 6:41 pmLOVE NYC ! We stayed in a really cool apartment (sort of like an Air BNB arrangement, that pre-dated Air BNB) and loved it. The New Museum (love the original name) wasn’t there when we visited last either so grea to see some love being shown down this end of the city. Prune sounds like a winner, especially the apricot and almond tart !
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:37 amI’m sure every time you return to New York… there’s something new to see! I love the original name too 😉
Jing
May 1, 2017 at 6:20 amI love art museums and would definitely check out the East Village if I had the chance to go back to NYC.
Carmen Edelson
May 1, 2017 at 8:37 amYou’ll love it, Jing!
Castaway with Crystal
May 1, 2017 at 9:22 amLove the look for new museum. What a cool building! Great tips – thank you 🙂
Carmen Edelson
May 2, 2017 at 9:10 amIt’s a very cool building! And you’re so welcome, Crystal 🙂