greenwich village italian food tour

NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

The New York City Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour explores Greenwich Village’s 160-plus year-old Italian neighborhood. Your tummy will sample these yummy tastes: Pino’s prosciutto di Parma, Pepe Rosso To Go onion focaccia, a sweet Brazilian Brigadeiro, Raffetto’s ravioli, a steamy Faicco’s arancino rice ball, a Joe’s New York Style Pizza slice or a Ben’s Pizza Sicilian Grandma slice, fresh Porto Rico espresso, and a decadent Rocco’s fruit-a-misu pastry.

We start at the magnificent Romanesque  St. Anthony of Padua Church, built in 1888. It is the first Italian and Italian-speaking Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Then we move on to Raffetto’s Pasta (founded in 1907) and the Tira a Segno Italian Rifle Club and the famed cafes of MacDougal Street, where beatniks, folkies, and hippies alike gathered in cigarette-filled coffee houses.  You’ll also see the 1907 Porto Rico Importing Company, with its over 100 tea and coffee varieties, including its $125/lb Ting Tong Oolong Tea and $100/lb Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.  M arvel at the stunning baroque interior of Our Lady Pompeii Church, which is the only Manhattan church offering Sunday Mass in Italian.  Finally, relax in the Italianate Father Demo Square, as you are surrounded in this Italian piazza by pizza lovers devouring stringy slices of Joe’s Pizza.

Greg’s great-great Italian-American grandparents, Giuseppe Mare and Maria nee Radice, settled here in 1884, before Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty’s construction. Greg bursts into song at any moment for maximum fun.  This neighborhood comes alive with food, stories, music, and fun peppered with Greg’s personal Italian American family stories.   Eat, Tour, and Explore on Greg Walks NYC’s New York City Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour. See why this tour earned the Viator Badge of Excellence, Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.  You’re gonna eat nice and your tummy will thank you! 

• Prosciutto di Parma
• Brasilian Italian cheese bread
• A sweet Brasilian Brigadeiro
• A Raffetto’s ravioli
• Rafetto’s arborio rice pudding
• A Pane Pasta Potato Foccaia
• A steamy Faicco’s arancino rice ball
• A decadent Rocco’s fruit-a-misu
• Faicco’s Meatball Slider
• The Magnificent Romanesque 1886 St. Anthony of Padua Church
• The 114 year old Raffetto’s Pasta 
• The 1888 Italian Tira a Segno Italian Rifle Club
• The 114 year old Porto Rico Importing Company
• Father Demo Square 
• Our Lady Of Pompeii Church 

Samples and sites are subject to availability. All tours require three people to operate and if not will, be rescheduled.   

Monday to Fridays Meet outside of St. Anthony of Padua Church,  155 Sullivan  St.

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• Greenwich Village
• Address Tue-Sat @ St. Anthony of Padua Church, 155 Sullivan St. |   Sun @ Faicco's, 260 Bleecker St.
• Phone 1-929-244-0587
• Email [email protected]

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Ultimate Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour

Why take this tour?

• Indulge in nine food tastings across seven family-run restaurants and eateries in the heart of Greenwich Village (including enough food for breakfast and lunch)
• Gain an insight into NYC’s thriving culinary scene in one comprehensively curated experience covering the classic to the international and everything in between
• Learn the art of Greenwich Village pasta making at one of the neighborhood’s best-loved pasta shops and see the pasta machine that’s been in use here for over a century
• Discover one of West Village’s most popular donut stores and sample flavors you never knew existed
• Step inside authentic, family-run spots most visitors never discover on their own
• Sites Visited
• Greenwich Village
• Washington Square Park
• MacDougal Street
• Modern bodega
• Family-run pasta shop
• 2 Local bakeries
• Historic cafe
• NYC pizza place
• Local restaurant
• Tour Includes
• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour
• 9 food tastings in 7 family-run or local businesses

Discover the history of Greenwich Village through its dynamic cuisine

Total customer reviews: 27, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

We'll meet at Washington Arch in Washington Square Park. Your guide will be holding a red Devour Tours sign.

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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Greenwich Village Food Tour

Come explore Greenwich Village, one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in New York City!

• Tag Tour Type: Public tour

Duration: 3 Hours

Tour Includes: Licensed tour guide (she’s a theater director and comedienne) and enough food for lunch! Drinks not included.

Walking Distance: One mile or 1.6 km.

Meeting location: Under the Arch in Washington Square Park

Tour Capacity: 14 people maximum

Come explore one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in New York City. This tour will take you on a journey through the streets of Greenwich Village, where you’ll explore the culture, history, and food of this iconic neighborhood.

Embark on a meaningful culinary journey through Greenwich Village, a neighborhood renowned for its historical activism and rich cultural tapestry. This tour not only offers a taste of diverse gastronomy but also celebrates and supports small businesses operated by women, immigrants, and people of color, reflecting the area’s commitment to social change and community empowerment.

Tour Highlights:

Washington Square Park: Begin your adventure at Washington Square Park, the historical epicenter of activism in New York City. As you marvel at the iconic arch and fountain, our guides will share stories of the park’s role in numerous protests and rallies, setting the stage for a tour rooted in social awareness and historical significance.

Historic Greenwich Village: Wander through the charming streets of Greenwich Village, lined with historic brownstones and sites of profound cultural impact. We’ll visit landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, the cradle of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and the former residences of literary icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain, highlighting the neighborhood’s long-standing role as a haven for free thinkers and change makers.

Food Stops: As we explore, you’ll savor an array of delicious foods from establishments that embody the spirit of diversity and entrepreneurial spirit:

• Pommes Frites: Enjoy Belgian-style frites with a variety of unique dipping sauces, celebrating a business that thrives on cultural fusion and culinary excellence.
• Tacombi: Taste authentic Mexican tacos accompanied by refreshing watermelon agua fresca, a testament to the vibrant flavors and community-focused ethos of this minority-owned business.
• Faicco’s Italian Specialties: Indulge in exquisite Italian delicacies from a storied Greenwich Village shop that has been serving the community for generations.
• Culture NY: Try a cup of locally sourced frozen yogurt at this celebrity-endorsed spot, highlighting sustainable practices and community engagement.
• Nadas Empanadas: Experience innovative twists on classic Colombian empanadas, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions brought by immigrant entrepreneurs.
• Molly’s Cupcakes: Conclude your tour with a sweet treat from Molly’s Cupcakes, a local favorite that supports various educational initiatives.

Supporting Local Businesses: By joining this tour, you not only experience the unique flavors of Greenwich Village but also contribute directly to the sustainability of minority and women-owned businesses. Each stop is carefully selected to ensure that your visit makes a positive impact on the community, promoting diversity and inclusion in the vibrant NYC food scene.

Join us on this Greenwich Village Foodie Adventure to enjoy delicious foods, learn about the neighborhood’s revolutionary history, and support impactful businesses. Our knowledgeable guides bring the rich stories of this iconic neighborhood to life, ensuring an experience that is as enlightening as it is delightful.

• Chevron down What does social impact mean to us?

On your tour you will hear the term “social impact”, but what does that really mean? For us, social impact is making sure that we have a positive impact on the communities we live and work in, as well as the amazing places we explore with our tours. We believe that truly experiencing a place “like a local” means having meaningful engagement that supports local, community-based organizations and learning about their causes and the people making them happen. Just as we carefully select the places you’ll visit and the food you’ll try, we have also carefully selected our social impact partners to showcase the amazing work being done in our communities. Your patronage on our tours is a small act to help these initiatives flourish. We want to help our visitors explore NYC on an authentic level and make sure that we are all having a positive impact while doing it.

• Chevron down About the Neighborhood

Historically, Greenwich Village has always been a mecca for artists, a bohemian capital, and the center for the LGBTQ movement. The Village at the turn of the 20th century was quaintly picturesque and ethnically diverse. By the start of World War I it was widely known as a bohemian enclave with secluded side streets, low rents, and a tolerance for radicalism and nonconformity. Due to its low rent prices, diverse, tolerant community, and relative seclusion of its winding side streets, the neighborhood became attractive to those on the fringes of society. Artists and writers flooded into the neighborhood, while art galleries and small presses displayed and published their work. Experimental theaters put on plays too shocking and cutting-edge to play on Broadway.

The development and buying up of property in Greenwich Village continues to this day, as older buildings are bought up to be converted into luxury condos, with many selling for, according to a local business owner, roughly $20 million dollars. Many buildings have also been bought by NYU, as they continue to attempt to expand their campus to attract more students. Yet NYU also contributes to the Village’s eclectic, multi-cultural feel, as students come from across the country and even across the world to attend the university. Those students often remain in the area, opening businesses after graduation. Thus, NYU also contributes to the Village’s present day immigration story.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

Plans sometimes change. We get it; it happens to us too. So we’re happy to provide a hassle-free, 100% refund if you give us 24 hours’ notice. Inside of 24 hours, we’ve already started preparing for your visit, and can’t easily fill your slot, so we sadly can’t provide you a refund in that case.

NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

About this activity.

Smartphone tickets accepted

• Your booking is confirmed instantly
• This activity is in your language
• This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!

Experience Highlights

Tour the best Italian restaurants in Manhattan's upscale Greenwich Village neighbourhood with this foodie tour. Explore MacDougal Street , home to an extensive list of bars, cafes and eateries, including Caffe Reggio, Pepe Rosso To Go and Raffeto's famous meatballs.

You'll visit pastry shops, piazzas, churches and food and drink shops that connect Greenwich Village to its Italian immigrant roots in New York.

• Walk through the best Italian restaurants in Greenwich Village .
• Visit iconic bakeries, cafes, shops, squares and churches in the area
• Learn about the history of Italian immigrants in Manhattan with this guided tour.

What’s included

• Guided tour of Italian restaurants in Greenwich Village
• Professionally guided tour of iconic Italian sites in Greenwich Village
• Food tasting

Select participants and date

Step by step.

Join this three-hour food tour that will take you to taste the most exquisite Italian food in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighbourhood. Indulge your passion for the country's cuisine and get to know the most emblematic places in the area:

• Unico Taste of Sicily : discover flavours of Sicily and a gelato you can't miss.
• Raffeto's: known for its delicious classic Northern Italian meatballs.
• Faicco's Italian Specialities : discover their speciality Neapolitan recipes
• Porto Rico Importing Co : shop offering over 100 types of coffee and teas
• Pepe Rosso To Go : Delight in authentic sweet onion Italian focaccia
• San Antonio de Padua Church : spectacular traditional church founded by Italian immigrants
• Our Lady of Pompeii Church : Roman Catholic church founded in 1892.

The tour includes a visit to Pasticceria Rocco , a classic Greenwich Village spot offering everything from paninis, sandwiches and salads to snacks and traditional sweets.

At Father Demo Square , the calmness of its fountain will allow you to relax from the walking tour while you decide to try a slice of real Italian pizza and take a few pictures to remember this beautiful New York City landmark.

• E Exequiel 5 (0 Reviews) I went for the food and came back knowing a lot about Italy and its customs. I would definitely recommend it.
• J Jane 5 (0 Reviews) Everything was excellently organized. One of the best tours I have ever taken. You eat well, you learn, and you walk through historical places, what more could you ask for?
• R Rafael 5 (0 Reviews) We became fans of Italian food with this tour!!! Before it was just pizza, now we explore the flavors of other cultures that offer wonders to the palate!!!
• R Ricardo 4 (0 Reviews) Good proposal, I liked it.

Departure and Return

Other things you should know.

• Accessible for wheelchair and pram users
• Protective measures against covid are in place
• A minimum number of travellers is required for the tour. If the minimum is not reached, you can choose another experience or ask for a full refund.
• Maximum 12 people per tour

Cancellation Policy

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Greenwich Village Food Tour

The best food tour in greenwich village, about the greenwich village food tour.

Discover the diverse history and food scene on the Greenwich Village Food Tour. This walking food tour will tantalize your taste buds with six mouthwatering food tastings where we will sample foods from around the globe including Italian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Jewish delights, and scrumptious baked goods.

As we explore the charming streets of Greenwich Village, we'll also visit iconic historic sites including Washington Square Park, Taylor Swift's apartment and the legendary Stonewall Inn. Have a look at the tour highlights below to see everywhere we'll stop along the way!

Authentic Food Tastings

Indulge in six authentic food tastings from local businesses in the neighborhood.

Landmarks & Historic Sights

Discover historic architecture, celebrity homes and cultural sights around Greenwich Village.

2.5 Hour Guided Tour

Your experienced guide will share knowledge of the food and the history of Greenwich Village.

Book Now and Pay Later

Reserve your food tour today and pay on the day.

Slide title

Six Authentic Food Tastings

The Greenwich Village Food Tour includes six authentic food tastings. On this tour you will get to try:

New York-Style Bagels | Bagel Bob's

Falafel | Mamoun's Falafel

Street Tacos | The Little Taco House

Arancini Balls | Faicco’s Italian Specialties

NYC Pizza | Bleecker Street Pizza

Cupcakes | Molly's Cupcakes

Tour Highlights

Greenwich Village is known for having some of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Between our food stops we'll get a chance to learn about the neighborhood and visit some popular historic landmarks, film and tv locations as well as some celebrity homes.

The Friends Apartment

Visit the apartment building where Monica, Rachel, Chandler and Joey lived in the beloved TV show 'FRIENDS'. Grab your lobster and take a happy snap!

Taylor Swift's Apartment

For all you Swifties, our tour will include a visit to 23 Cornelia Street, the location where the world famous pop-star Taylor Swift lived.

Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment

Our tour wouldn't be complete without a quick visit to Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment made famous in the TV series Sex & the City.

Washington Square Park

Explore the renowned Washington Square Park, and grab a picture of the  Washington Square Monument. We'll learn about the park's fascinating history, which began as a public graveyard before being developed into one of New York City's most popular destinations.

The Stonewall Inn

This historic bar is recognized as a State Historic Site, this iconic venue served as a landmark in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, where the 1969 Stonewall riots took place.

The Comedy Cellar

We'll stroll past the iconic Comedy Cellar, New York City's most popular comedy club that has been graced by the performances of legendary comedians like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Jerry Seinfeld.

Book your Greenwich Village Food Tour

Can't find a time that works for you? No worries! Contact us , or check out our the Upper East Side Food Tour or Upper West Side Food Tour .

Extra Information

Here's some extra information you might want to know about the Greenwich Village Food Tour.

$79 for adults and $39 for children

Tour Length

This tour will typically take 2.5 hours (depending on the group size).

Start & End Location

Start Point: Bagel Bob's (51 University Pl, New York, NY 10003)

End Point: Molly's Cupcakes (228 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014)

Tour Availability

We offer this tour at 11:00am and 2.30pm. View our upcoming availability .

Dietary Requirements

This tour may not be suitable for some dietary restrictions. Please contact us to confirm before booking.

This tour has 1.8 miles of walking in total.

Meeting Location

The Greenwich Village Food Tour starts at Bagel Bob's (51 University Place, New York, NY 10003).

If you're planning to take the subway, disembark at 8 Street-NYU Station or 14 Street–Union Square Station.

Greenwich Village Food Tours Reviews

Greenwich village food tour faqs, where do we meet.

The Greenwich Village Food Tour starts at Bagel Bob's  (51 University Pl, New York, NY 10003). Your tour guide will be outside the store to greet you and the rest of the group.

Where does the tour finish?

The food tour will end at Molly's Cupcakes (228 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014). Your tour guide will assist you with directions to ensure a safe journey to your next destination.

Is this tour suitable if I have a dietary restriction?

We strive to accomodate as many dietary restrictions as possible. This tour is suitable if you have the following dietary restrictions:

• Pescetarian
• Nut allergy

At this time we are unable to accommodate the following dietary restrictions:

• Gluten Free

If you're unsure if the food tour is suitable for your dietary restriction, feel free to contact us below and we'll be happy to assist and provide further information.

What if it rains or I change my plans?

Our tours operate in rain, hail, or shine but we understand if you would prefer to cancel or reschedule due to unpleasant weather. Please notify us at least 24 hours before the tour starts to reschedule or cancel your food tour. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided if you notify us less than 24 hours before the start time.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes! Children and infants are more than welcome to join our Greenwich Village food tour. We also offer discounted pricing for children under 12 years of age with tickets only costing $39pp and infants under the age of 3 are free.

Is there enough food during your tour?

Our advice is to come hungry to the tour! We've created our Greenwich Village Food Tours to ensure that everyone leaves the tour feeling full. We have 6 different food stops along the way ranging from small bites to larger samples. Whether you're a big eater or small eater we have plenty of food available to make sure you leave satisfied.

Is there a lot of walking?

This tour has around 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) of walking in total. On the Greenwich Village food tour, we stop every 5-10 minutes with plenty of opportunities to sit down and take a break.

How many people per tour?

We like to keep our food tour groups small to ensure that you get as much face time with your tour guide as possible and they can answer all your questions. The maximum amount of people on the tour will be 15 guests but most of the time our tours have between 2-10 guests. If you would prefer to do a private food tour  we also offer those as well.

Can I choose my own food?

Our tours feature pre-organized food selections to ensure a curated experience. However, we can accommodate certain dietary restrictions with suitable substitutes when notified in advance. For a customized tour experience, we offer private food tours  that can be tailored to your preferences.

Need extra information?

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Useful Links

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[email protected]

New York City, New York

Greenwich Village Food Tour In NYC

By Author Mindi Hirsch

Taking a Greenwich Village food tour is a great way to experience NYC’s thriving Greenwich Village with good food and interesting stories.

As I bit into the crispy arancini, I was transported back to Naples , the Italian city where Daryl and I recently visited and ate so very well.

But, no, I was in New York City, at the beginning of a Greenwich Village Food Tour, a fascinating walking tour that delves into the history of the bustling NYC neighborhood.

Whether or not you’re on this tour, it’s hard to miss the Italian flavor in Greenwich Village. The rich immigrant history is intertwined in the soul of this busy Manhattan neighborhood.

Italian family names are on signs next to trendy shops, and some old-timers still live and shop amongst the yuppie hipsters. What a perfect backdrop for a walking food tour.

Antipasto Course

Appropriately, we ate the first course of our tour on the sidewalk outside of Faicco’s Italian Specialities, an old-school Italian deli that’s been in the Village for over 100 years.

When we were in Naples, Daryl and I ate fantastically fried arancini on Via dei Tribunali . Faicco’s version of the fried Sicilian rice ball (pictured above) is made from a family recipe that dates back to the 19th century. The creamy risotto center of the golden fried ball was different from the red centered arancini in Naples, but eating it was a great start to the tour.

Faicco’s Deli is located at 260 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10014, USA.

Primo Course

Our first primos were at Pagani, a charming restaurant formerly located on Bleeker Street just steps away from Faicco’s. Upon entering, I noticed musical elements like an accordion in the rafters. It turns out that the restaurant was a music store back in the early 1900s.

Fast forward a hundred years, and Mark Barrett was the executive chef at Pagani. Chef Barrett was a sous chef at Babbo years ago before he ran Pagani and cooked all of the pasta from scratch.

As the sun streamed through the big windows by our table, we ate two different dishes at Pagani. First up was cured meat, specifically bresola and speck. I especially liked the smokey speck, its flavors enhanced by local herbs and juniper. We also enjoyed a fresh, tart lemon pasta after enjoying a brief olive oil tasting.

We continued the primo course at Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria, nibbling on cheese and charcuterie while we listened to charming stories of eating these same foods in Italy . We feasted on salad, bruschetta, Tuscan lentils and apricots with chili.

Although my favorite dish was the bruschetta made with loads of crunchy, fresh green vegetables, my favorite story involved lentils being lucky for New Years Day in Italy. Hey, we can all use a little luck in our lives.

Both Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria and Pagani have permanently closed.

Secondo Course

Just when I thought I was full, it was time for the best bite of the tour at Lupa Osteria Romana, a popular restaurant that was buzzing on this Saturday afternoon.

I absolutely loved the gnocchi – little fluffy pillows in a savory sauce of ricotta, sausage and fennel.

I also enjoyed the herbaceous squares of focaccia. Apparently, people in Italy kiss bread on the rare occasions when they have to throw bread away. Thankfully nobody had to kiss this focaccia.

Lupa Osteria Romana is located at 170 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012, USA.

Dolce Course

No meal is complete without dessert, so I was pleased to finish the walking tour with a sweet treat at Dolce Gelateria. This tiny ice cream shop, owned by Sicily-born Salvatore Potestio, serves artisan gelato made with local, seasonal ingredients.

Narrowing down the varied flavors to just two was challenging, but pistachio and olive oil were the flavors that I couldn’t pass up. I normally like pistachio gelato best, but the freshly pressed olive oil gelato was the winner of the two mini cones.

Pro Tip Ending a meal with a taste of a good balsamic vinegar can have the same impact as ending a meal with a digestif. This is how tour guide Simona concluded our tour, and I liked it. In fact, I liked it a lot.

Dolce Gelateria has permanently closed.

Final Thoughts – Greenwich Village Food Tour

The food tour ended three hours and many delicious bites after it started. Thanks to the tour, I was full of some of the best food in NYC , brimming with interesting trivia and ready for the rest of the day.

NYC Planning Checklist

• Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
• Find a great New York City hotel via Booking.com , Expedia or Hotels. com ..
• Find an apartment in New York with a kitchen .
• Buy a New York City travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sties.
• Buy a  universal travel adaptor  from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in the USA.
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a fun New York City tour with GetYourGuide , Viator or Walks .
• Book a New York City food experience

Hungry For More In NYC?

About the Author

Mindi Hirsch

Mindi Hirsch left corporate America to embark on a never-ending quest for the next great meal. The award-winning Food & Travel writer lives in Lisbon with her partner Daryl.

Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Sponsorship I was a guest of Walks of New York to facilitate this article.

Original Publication Date: December 19, 2014

Saturday 27th of February 2021

Otto is closed. When was this written?

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Thanks for letting us know. We have updated the article accordingly.

Saturday 17th of January 2015

We were in New York last April...although we hit a ton of amazing restaurants, I wish I would have know about this!!!! I posted about my mini foodie- getaway too ;-)

Friday 16th of January 2015

Oh my goodness this all looks so delicious! I am a fan of Mario Batali and I love Greenwich Village AND I love Italy and Italian food. Fun!

Monday 29th of December 2014

Oh gosh drooool. I'm definitely going to check out this tour when I'm in NYC in a couple months. Looks so good.

melody pittman

Friday 26th of December 2014

shared. i just simply love your site. you guys have so much fun. whenever i head to nyc next, i'm gonna look you up and have you give me your own private food tour. i bet we could sell tickets!

We're actually based in Philadelphia, another great food city, not so far from New York. Definitely get in touch if your plans bring you up this way!

Get our free guide to eating like a local when you travel.

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NYC Food Tour in Greenwich Village

• Secret Food Tours: NYC - Greenwich Village

With countless glowing reviews that definitely speak for themselves, our culinary journey through the heart of New York City is sure to be the highlight of your trip.

Our NYC-Greenwich Secret Food Tour is not only one of our best selling tours worldwide, but it is also a widely awarded gastronomical experience. Join our expert local guides as they take you on an unforgettable exploration of the Village's most iconic and delicious foods.

We'll start with a New York classic: an everything bagel with a "schmear". Then it's on to the paradigm of New York sandwiches, Falafel. Of course, it wouldn't be a New York food tour without the pizza. As we stroll through the charming streets of the Village, we will excite your senses with sweet surprises and our exclusive Secret Dish.

If you find yourself in NYC on any given day, make sure to seize the opportunity and book our 5-star tour.

Ready to join us? Book now from the calendar on the right — and let the feast begin!

• Your guide will teach you what to look for when choosing a classic New York-style bagel, then you'll eat it.
• We'll walk to a local alehouse and indulge in a Falafel.
• You'll stop at a local cupcake bakery for a sweet little treat.
• Next up is a slice of NYC style pizza.
• We'll check out one of the hottest gourmet doughnut & cookie shops in the city and taste why.
• As with all our tours, there's our delicious Secret Dish.

* Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.

*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.

Our Top Recommendations For You

Book Now to Save on These Amazing Tours

• New York-style bagel with a "schmear"
• Classic Falafel
• The best New York pizza
• Gourmet Cookie.
• Mouth-watering Cupcake
• Our delicious Secret Dish

Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.

We chose the Greenwich Village district for our New York City food tour because of the district's diverse restaurant scene, deep-rooted history, architecture, and its timeless charisma. While the rest of the city was subject to the 1811 grid system, the Village was able to escape this fate because of its charming, meandering streets.

The powers that be could not be bothered to try to reroute the winding streets found here. But their loss was our gain! This was a big win, both for those residents and for us because we get to take a step back into time and stroll outside of city life without actually leaving the city!

Secret Food Tours New York

Everyday 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

IFC Center - 323 6th Ave

Secret Food Tours: NYC - Brooklyn

Secret Food Tours: NYC - Little Italy & Chinatown

That is very easy! Go to our "Book Now" page, where we detail our tours. Select your tour and the time of your tour and book it! Are you looking for something special or are you organizing an event? Just email us at Group & Private Tours and we will do our best to arrange something that suits you. After your booking is made, we will send you an automatic e-mail confirmation. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact us via email .

*Please note if you are using a special promo code then enter it in the "Voucher Code" section before you select the amount of tickets you would like to purchase*

You can find the meeting spot here and if it's not clear you can always contact us.

IFC Center - 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014 Take the 6th Avenue/Carmine Street exit at the West 4th Street A/B/C/D/E/F/M subway station. The IFC Center is located directly behind the subway exit. Your guide will be waiting for you underneath the IFC Center marquee, holding an orange umbrella. Please call +1 (929) 529-6388 if you need further assistance. »»CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS««

7th Avenue near Bleecker Street, closest to the Christopher Street-Sheridan Square #1 train subway station.

We have had many vegetarian guests join our tours, and they have all thoroughly enjoyed their time with us. For any other dietary restrictions feel free to email us at [email protected] before booking. In addition, please inform your guide of any food allergies or special dietary requirements. We want every guest to truly enjoy the tour!

Children are more than welcome to our tour and it's free for any child 2 years or under, but their presence MUST BE NOTIFIED UPON BOOKING OF THE TOUR at [email protected] ! We have had many families attend from all over the world and everyone enjoyed the tour.

You will leave our tour with a full stomach, a full mind, and a full heart. We advise that you DO NOT eat a large meal before this tour. Come hungry and wear stretchy pants!

Our tours are often sold out very quickly. If the date you requested is not available, please do not hesitate to email us and we can see if there is anything we can do. We cannot promise but we will try our best to sort something out for you.

We strongly advise wearing comfortable walking shoes. Our tour runs a little over 3 hours. Although we have several seated food stops, we cover a good deal of ground around Greenwich Village as well. Our pace is moderate, but if you need a slower pace, let us know.

We take 12 people max. If you are more than 12 people, please do not hesitate to email us and will try to see if we can accommodate.

You do not have to print your voucher. A confirmation on your phone will be fine!

All of our vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase.

Your guide will take care of everything. However, if you have a food allergy or special request, please let your guide know. Substitutions may be made based on special dietary needs.

Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable in New York. We do not issue refunds as per our terms and conditions. We also inform you that we never cancel a booking even if we have only 2 people! However we do reserve the right to cancel the tour if we feel the weather is extreme, and we cannot run the tour due to this for more info see our Terms and Conditions: https://www.secretfoodtours.com/terms-and-conditions/

You must book directly on our website. We do not accept cash payments. Our online payment is safe, secured and SSL protected.

The booking fee that you have to pay is up to our ticket provider and we can't change it. All our clients need to pay for it upon booking. The booking fee charged contributes to the cost of the ticketing system to provide an excellent service to our customers.

A few banks have charged their customer an extra fee while booking with us (this isn't the booking fee but another fee added by the bank). We think this is unfair, if this happens let us know by showing us in your bank statement and we will refund this fee as a gesture of good will.

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13 top-rated nyc food tours of 2024.

Take a bite out of the Big Apple on these foodie-focused NYC excursions.

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

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As one of the best foodie cities in America , New York City has no shortage of delicious eats spread across its five boroughs. But the enormous volume of food carts, award-winning restaurants and long-standing favorites can be overwhelming for visitors searching for the Big Apple's most delicious dishes. A food tour can be a great way to narrow your search, thanks to the guidance of an in-the-know local. Considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected the top food tours in NYC. Whether you're craving the best bagel or the tastiest slice of pizza, you'll walk away with a full belly and a better understanding of the local food scene after one of these tours.

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 4.5 hours

Calling all pizza lovers – this tour was made for you. During the nearly five-hour outing, you'll board a bus from Manhattan to Brooklyn where you'll enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza at Grimaldi's and Sicilian-style pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also visit filming locations of famous movies like "Saturday Night Fever," "Goodfellas" and "The French Connection." In between stops for pizza, you'll have to time to enjoy a stroll on the Coney Island boardwalk (a particular highlight for reviewers) and pass by the million-dollar homes along Shore Road in Bay Ridge. Travelers heap praise on the guides for their knowledge and humor, and appreciate the many stops for photos. Others appreciated the comfortable bus.

The tour is typically available Wednesday and Friday through Monday at 11 a.m. If you didn't get your fill of the borough, you can also join in on the company's other Brooklyn-themed tours.

Check prices & availability on:

Nice Guy Tours – Greenwich Village Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3 hours

For a food tour that mixes in a healthy dose of New York City history, consider the Greenwich Village Tour from Nice Guy Tours. On this foodie excursion, you'll make at least six stops for samples of the neighborhood's best falafel, pizza, fries and cupcakes, among other tasty treats. Along the way, you'll see neighborhood landmarks, such as the longest-running off-Broadway theater, the narrowest house, the oldest house and Washington Irving's former home, not to mention the exterior of the famous "Friends" apartment. Participants commend Nice Guy Tours, saying the guides are funny and knowledgeable, and the food is incredible.

The tour is offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; additional tour times may be available depending on the month. Food-focused tours of the Lower East Side are also available.

New York Fun Tours – The Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food & Culture Tour

Price: From $149 Duration: 4.5 hours

For a crash course in the food and neighborhoods that make Brooklyn so unique, consider this nearly five-hour outing led by New York Fun Tours. You'll start the tour in Greenwich Village and then board a coach bus to Brooklyn where you may visit neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Carroll Gardens. As you learn about the history of each neighborhood, you'll sample some of the area's most famous dishes, including traditional Polish pierogis and kielbasa, New York-style brick oven pizza and cannolis, among other tasty bites. At the end of the tour, you have the option of boarding the bus back to Greenwich Village or walking across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Tourgoers offer high praise for the variety of food featured and applaud the guide and driver for their expert knowledge of the area.

Tours are usually offered Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m. Private tours of Manhattan are also available.

Check prices & availability:

Ahoy New York Tours & Tasting – Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Price: From $105 Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the history, culture and food of two of New York City's distinct immigrant neighborhoods on this tour. You'll meet your guide in Chinatown, where you'll enjoy a Chinese pastry paired with jasmine green tea followed by authentic Chinese dumplings, roasted duck or egg rolls, as well as a tour of the neighborhood's historic Chinese landmarks. From there, you'll make your way to Little Italy for a brief history lesson before heading to mom and pop shops to sample prosciutto, olives, cheeses, fresh pasta and more. In all, you'll enjoy up to three seated tastings and up to six on-the-go tastings – a great value, travelers say. According to reviewers, this is a fun, filling combo tour with engaging guides who are very knowledgeable about the two neighborhoods.

Tours are typically offered multiple times a day beginning at 10:30 a.m. Private dinners in Little Italy and public tours of Mulberry Street (in Nolita) are also available.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Tenements, Tales, and Tastes

Price: From $79 Duration: 3 hours

This tour celebrates the impact of immigrants and the cuisine they brought to New York that locals and visitors still enjoy today. The tour starts at the African Burial Ground National Monument and weaves around the Lower East Side, Little Italy and Chinatown, among other ethnic enclaves. As your guide provides historical context of the various neighborhoods and the immigrants who shaped them, you'll sample dumplings, knishes, pretzels and cheese, among other delicious bites. Reviewers say the tour provides an outstanding overview of the immigrant experience and deftly introduces participants to some hidden gems.

Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. Intrepid Urban Adventures also offers a Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo food tour, among others.

Free Tours by Foot – Greenwich Village Food Tour

Price: Free (excludes cost of food) Duration: 2 hours

If you're on a budget, this may be the excursion for you. Instead of paying one upfront fee for the tour and the food, you'll pay as you go. During the approximately mile-long tour, you'll stop at several different shops and restaurants in the village where you can choose whether you'd like to pay for a sample or not. You'll generally spend between $8.50 and $15 on your bites, according to the company. Possible dishes featured along the tour include falafel, pizza, bagels, cupcakes and arancini (fried rice balls). As with other trips from Free Tours by Foot, you'll pay your guide what you think the trip was worth at the conclusion of the tour. Past travelers said they loved sampling the different food and appreciated the flexible pricing.

Tours are offered at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday and reservations are required. The company also offers food tours in a variety of other neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Williamsburg, as well as seasonal tours.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Foods of NY Tours

Foods of NY Tours – Chelsea Market & The High Line

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $50 Duration: 3 hours

Sample one of the city's best hot dogs, Brooklyn-made ice cream and more on this tour of Chelsea Market and the High Line . The tour includes six on-the-go tastings and two seated tastings, along with commentary from your expert guide about the market's history and its vendors, as well as the history of the High Line and how the elevated rail line was once used to transport millions of tons of meat, dairy and produce. Reviewers laud the tour guides for their engaging, passionate commentary, their ability to navigate the crowds and their recommendations.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. Thursday through Monday. When you're ready to explore beyond Chelsea, consider signing up for the company's tours of other famous foodie neighborhoods, including Brooklyn, Chinatown and Nolita.

Manhattan Walking Tour – Hell's Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Walking Tour

Price: From $134 Duration: 4.5 hours

According to reviewers, this tour combines just the right mix of food, history and sightseeing. During the half-day stroll, you'll make stops at five different spots in Hell's Kitchen for tasty eats like empanadas, hush puppies, baba ghanoush and doughnuts. You'll also enjoy a walking tour of Central Park – a particular highlight for travelers. Tourgoers are complimentary of the passionate guides and the interesting and delicious food. What's more, tours are capped at eight participants – another plus for reviewers.

Tours are offered daily at noon. If you've gotten your fill of Central park, you can also book an abbreviated version of this tour that does not stop at the park.

Secret Food Tours New York – NYC Food Tour in Greenwich Village

Price: Adults from $79; teens from $74; kids from $69 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

This traveler-approved food tour takes up to 12 participants through Greenwich Village to sample a classic New York bagel, falafel, a cupcake, a slice of pizza and a gourmet doughnut for a total of six stops. Part of the fun on this tour is the "secret dish," which is revealed the day of your tour. Participants say the tour is educational, with many praising the secret stop and the personable guides.

Tours are offered daily beginning at 11 a.m. Still hungry? The company also offers tours of Chinatown, Little Italy and Brooklyn.

Like a Local Tours – Flatiron Food, History & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $78; kids from $68 Duration: 3 hours

Appeasing both history buffs and foodies, this tour explores the food, architecture and history of two of New York's most iconic neighborhoods: the Flatiron District and Union Square. During the mile-long stroll, you can enjoy Italian fare at Eataly and a Reuben at Zucker's Bagels, plus snap pictures at the famous Flatiron Building and more. Tourgoers rave about the substantial food portions and the knowledgeable guides, who win praise for sharing plenty of historical context in a fun, engaging way. However, a few reviewers warn the tour may not be entertaining for young children since it focuses heavily on history.

Tours are offered Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Kids younger than 4 can tour for free. The company also offers food and walking tours of other NYC neighborhoods and boroughs, including Brooklyn.

Sidewalks of New York Tours – West Village Food Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $75 Duration: 3 hours

Indulge in classic New York City dishes while exploring the tree-lined streets of the West Village on this tour. With a local as your guide, you'll make six stops for samples including bagels, pizza, falafel and cupcakes. Along with the histories and traditions of the eateries, you'll also learn about the hangouts of the Beat Generation and Bob Dylan and view the exterior of Monica's apartment from "Friends," among other West Village hot spots. Reviewers applaud the variety of food offered and the generous portions. Others gush about the friendly, knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. Prices include all food. After you've sampled the West Village food scene, consider the company's other food tours of midtown, downtown and the Lower East Side, among others.

Underground Donut Tour – New York City: Downtown Donut Tour

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $65 Duration: 2 hours

Doughnuts have an extensive history in New York City. Dutch settler Anna Joralemon opened the United States' first doughnut shop in NYC in 1673, and Harlem bakery owner Adolph Levitt created the first automatic doughnut machine, dubbed "The Wonderful Almost-Human Automatic Doughnut Machine," in 1920. Travelers can learn more about this deep-fried, ring-shaped pastry with the Underground Donut Tour. The 2-mile walking tour takes participants on a journey through downtown New York, with stops along the way to try treats like a brioche-style doughnut and an everything doughnut. Reviewers say the tour guides are knowledgeable and the outing is an overall delicious experience. Travelers were also surprised and delighted by the variety of doughnuts featured.

Tours are offered daily between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Underground Donut Tour also offers outings in Times Square and Union Square, along with private tours, tours for students and bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Greg Walks NYC – NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

The New York City Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour aims to teach travelers about the area's Italian history through food. During the walking tour, foodies will have a chance to visit famous Greenwich Village shops and eateries like Raffetto's Pasta and the Tiro A Segno Italian Rifle Club – one of the oldest private Italian heritage clubs in the U.S. As Greg shares stories of the neighborhood's past, you'll also sample Italian delicacies, such as prosciutto di parma, Italian cheese bread and fruit-a-misu, a berry tiramisu. Reviewers say this tour is fun and filled with interesting information. Many called it the highlight of their NYC trip.

Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The company also offers other walking tours, including the East Village Pierogi Food Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York City is famous for several foods thanks to its diverse residents, who represent an array of cultures. Some of the most famous foods that you may encounter on a food tour or when dining throughout the city include falafel, bagels, pizza, pastrami sandwiches, soft pretzels, hot dogs, cheesecake, pierogis and dim sum.

Tips for tour guides are not mandatory, but gratefully accepted. In New York City, it's standard to tip 18% to 25% of the tour price.

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: Tours , New York City , Travel , Vacations , food and drink

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Home / Destination / United States / New York City / Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour

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Greenwich Village Map and Self-Guided Tour

As a graduate of New York University, I spent my college years frolicking in Greenwich Village. I loved it then and I still love it now.

The neighborhood has always had an 'anything goes' vibe about it. You can be whoever you want to be -- especially in the freewheelin' Washington Square Park.

As a broke student, I loved the cheap food, the used clothing stores, and the free music one could hear on the sidewalks and in the park.

As an adult, I came to appreciate its centuries-old history and its peaceful charming streets. And the food is still amazing!

Many of our local tour guides hang out here during their free time. Their enthusiasm about the Village is apparent when they lead guests on our pay-what-you-wish Greenwich Village guided walking tour .

Writing this self-guided tour for you to use was easy. There is no shortage of places we love, including the many historic buildings, famous cultural sites, and absolutely lovely streets.

This self-guided tour by no means covers everything there is to do in the Village. But it's a start!

For a more in-depth exploration of the area, we recommend taking either GPS audio tour .

• How to Get Here
• Self-Guided Map + Tour
• Guided Tours
• Things to Do
• Other Self-Guided Tours
• Free Tours By Foot

HOW TO GET HERE

Greenwich Village is located within the greater Lower Manhattan District. It is easily reached by public transportation.

You can use this Google Maps link for directions, but how you get here depends on where you are going, as there are several subway stations throughout Greenwich Village.

Multiple subway lines take you to different parts of Greenwich Village. 

• A,B,C,D,E, and F trains to West 4th Street Station
• 6 train to Bleecker Street Station or Astor Place Station
• N or R trains to 8th Street - NYU Station

We have 2 posts on the NYC subway that are very handy:

• Navigating the Subway System
• Which MetroCard to Buy

M3, M8, M20, M55

TIP: Most hop-on-hop-off buses will have a stop near Washington Square Park. To see if a bus tour is right for you, read our post,  Which New York Bus Tour is Best?

Let Us Take You Here

We run our Greenwich Village Tour several times a week. We also offer a  Greenwich Village Food Tour

See our full schedule to see when they run. Also, both tours can be taken anytime you wish as a GPS -led audio tour .

Searching Availability...

SELF-GUIDED TOUR 

This tour begins at Waverly Place and continues throughout the Village ending near Washington Square Park.

The duration is between 90-120 minutes to complete. The distance covered is approximately 1.5 miles (2.2 km). 

Should you have more time to wander - we've included some optional stops.

Check out our GPS-led audio tour for a professional tour guide's take on the neighborhood.

Click the map to enlarge.

1. The Stonewall Inn    

53 Christopher St.

In the 1960s, at a time when it was still dangerous to be openly gay, the Stonewall Inn was one of the very few bars that were ‘safe’ for gay patrons.

On June 28, 1969, tensions between the police and the gay community resulted in a riot that went on for three nights.

This was a breakthrough moment in the Gay Civil Rights Movement and one year later, on June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride Parade in New York was held.

Learn more in our post on  The Stonewall Inn Riots .

2. Marie’s Crisis Cafe

59 Grove St. bet. 7th Ave. and Bleecker St.

For a fun evening out, check out Marie’s Crisis Cafe, named for The Crisis Papers written by American Founding Father Thomas Paine who died at that location in 1809.

Across the Street is Arthur’s Tavern, where you can see rhythm & blues, Dixieland jazz & more inside a circa-1937 tavern.

For other music venues in the Village, see our post on nightlife in Greenwich Village .

3. Grove   Court 

The gated entry between #10 and #12 Grove Street bet. Bedford and Hudson Sts.

Peek in the gates at this narrow entryway to one of the Village’s best-kept secrets.

The brick row houses at the back of the courtyard were originally built in 1854 to house workers at a nearby factory.

They weren’t so pretty back then. Now, houses in this quiet enclave cost over $2 million.

4. The  Friends   Apartment 

90 Bedford St at the corner of Grove St.

You won’t find Central Perk on the ground level of this six-story apartment building.

Here, you’ll find The Little Owl restaurant instead. Read our full post on the Friends apartment building .

It’s impossible to believe that an oft-unemployed actor, a barista, a masseuse, and a graduate student all lived in this impossibly expensive part of town, but that’s Hollywood for you.  

Find out some interesting nuggets of information on our  free Greenwich Village Walking Tour .

5. Chumley’s  

86 Bedford St. (58 Barrow St.)

This now-closed restaurant and bar has never had a sign at its address on Bedford Street indicating the entrance.

Instead, you'd have to go around the corner to Barrow Street and look for the arched gated entryway that leads into a courtyard.

Why the mystery? Well, while drinking here was perfectly legal in modern times, back in the 1920s, it was an illegal speakeasy.

Who wants to advertise that?!

Back in the day, a slew of famous authors drank here, like William Faulkner, Eugene O’Neill, and John Steinbeck to name a few.

Chumley's is allegedly the birthplace of the professional kitchen term “86” (which means to cancel an order).

Find out the whacky story behind this on our tour.

6.  Edna St. Vincent Millay House  

75 1/2 Bedford St.

This sliver of a building is just 10 feet (9m) wide. It was built on what used to be a carriageway of the home next door.

Many notable people have lived there over the years including Pulitzer Prize winner Edna St. Vincent Millay. (See the plaque on the house).

If you aren’t already shocked that people would live in such a small home, you will be surprised when you learn how much it cost: its most recent owner in July 2023 paid $3.4 million.

7. Former site of C.I.A. covert LSD experiments  

81 Bedford St.

In the Cold War era, the CIA attempted to create a “truth serum” to use on captured spies. C.I.A. scientists began experimenting in CIA labs with the hallucinogenic LSD.

As the program, called MK-Ultra, grew and so an apartment at this building was leased and used to observe experiment participants under the influence of LSD.

This program and any similar programs were stopped in 1966. A Netflix docu-drama series  Wormwood  chronicles the MK-ULTRA experiments.

8. Cherry Lane Theatre  

38 Commerce St.

This 180-seat Off-Broadway theater was started in 1924 by Edna St. Vincent Millay and gained its fame for putting on ‘ahead-of-its-time’ plays.

It is the city’s oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater.  Not sure what off-Broadway is?

See  our post  explaining the difference between Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

9.  The Cosby Show  House

10 Leroy St./10 St. Luke’s Place

This house was used for the exterior shots of the Huxtables’ brownstone which was, on the show, located at 10 Stigwood Place in Brooklyn Heights.

No such street exists in Brooklyn Heights!

So you won’t see it on our  Brooklyn Heights Tour  but you will see many other homes of famous real people!

10. Rocco’s Pastry Shop

243 Bleecker St.

Several generations of Italian families have created delightful pastries and are well known for their  cannoli , tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling.

Rocco's is a site on our  pay-what-you-wish  Food Tour of Greenwich Village .

11. Our Lady of Pompeii  

25 Carmine St. corner of Bleecker St.

Offering mass in both Italian and English, this beautifully appointed church was built in the early 1900s to serve the large Italian immigrant community that lived in the southern part of Greenwich Village.

The other area in NYC where Italian immigrants settled is, of course, the famous Little Italy .

12. Cafe Wha ?

115 Macdougal St. bet. Bleecker & West 3rd Sts.

Having fueled the careers of many individuals in the Beat, Folk, and Rock ‘n‘ Roll generations, Café Wha? is a “must-see” for anyone interested in the Greenwich Village scene of the 1950s, and ’60s.

Read more about  Cafe Wha? here. 

For Bob Dylan fans, you can take our  Bob Dylan’s Greenwich Village Walking Tour .

13. New York University Campus

Most of the buildings surrounding Washington Square Park belong to the university.

In 1831, NYU was founded as the first public university in New York City.

It is now a private university with one of the highest tuitions of any university in the country at $41,000 per year!

The School of Law building on the corner of MacDougal Street and Washington Square South is especially lovely. Look for the NYU purple flags everywhere.

14. Washington Square Park and Washington Square Arch 

Between 10,000 and 20,000 bodies were unearthed to create this park, which became one of the City’s archetypical monuments, and the site of many TV and movie scenes over the years.

From the character who designed the arch, Stanford White, to the characters who frequent the park, like  the Pigeon Man , Washington Square Park is not to be missed.

This park is the ultimate place to people-watch. For more details on the Park and what to see there, check out our post, Washington Square Park .

15. The site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (Brown Building)

23-29 Washington Pl. bet. Washington Square East & Greene St.

In 1911, in the sweatshop factory on the top floors of this building, a fire broke out.

It rapidly spread and within the hour 146 low-paid workers, mostly young immigrant women, were dead.

Some leaped to their deaths from the windows to escape the blaze.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire was a turning point in workers’ rights. Laws were enacted and unions were formed to protect workers’ safety.

16. Washington Mews 

Small lane just north of Washington Square North, between 5th Ave. and University Place.

These quaint row houses on a cobblestoned lane were built as horse stables in the rear of the exclusive row houses that face Washington Square North.

They are now used by New York University. The Mews are public so walk through and enjoy the historic charm.

17. Electric Lady Studios 

52 W. 8th St. bet. 5th & 6th Aves. 

This world-class recording studio was commissioned by Jimi Hendrix and his desire to have a studio with both a mellow atmosphere and state-of-the-art equipment.

Tragically, Hendrix spent only two and a half months recording at the Electric Lady Studios in the summer of 1970.

On September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills.

Among the musicians who have recorded here are the Rolling Stones, The Clash, and David Bowie, whose final album before his death,  Black Star , was made here.

OPTIONAL STOPS

If you have time to spare and would like to wander the Village, we recommend these sites, marked in purple on the map.

1. Mark Twain House   

14 West 10th St bet. 5th and 6th Aves.

This circa-1850s brownstone house is one of the spookiest houses in New York City.

It may look pretty on the outside but legend has it that some of the spirits of the 22 deaths that have occurred here have not left the premises.

The most famous resident was author Mark Twain, who lived there for a year in 1900 (see the plaque on the building).

Even though he died in Connecticut, one resident reported seeing a specter resembling Twain.

Find out where more New York ghosts live on one of our  pay-what-you-like  Ghost Tours .

2. Jefferson Market Library  

Corner of 6th Ave. and West 10th St.

The garden was once the site of a bustling outdoor market and the Victorian Gothic style building was constructed in 1877 as a courthouse.

By 1927, the court heard only women’s cases.

The women prisoners were held in the basement, and for one night, it housed actress Mae West when her stage act became too bawdy and she was arrested.

By 1945 the building was out of use, but it was brought back to life in 1967 and reopened as a New York Public Library branch.

3. Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment

64 Perry St.

This is where Carrie lived in the TV series  Sex and the City .

Well, fans of  SATC  know that Carrie lived on the Upper West Side! So what exactly is going on here?

Read more in our post  Where Did Carrie Bradshaw Live?  

Also, be sure to grab a cupcake from  Magnolia Bakery  while you are nearby.

4. White Horse Tavern

567 Hudson St.

You won’t want to drink 18 straight whiskeys as poet Dylan Thomas did, but stop in for an afternoon repast and visit the tavern’s historical past dating back to the 1880s. 

If you like the White Horse Tavern, then you will definitely enjoy the bars on our self-guided  Historic New York City Bar Tour . 

RELATED POSTS:

• Greenwich Village Tours
• Things to Do in Greenwich Village
• Free Greenwich Village Food Tour

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Courtney Shapiro

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Join us for a laid back, ‘yes we have plenty of time to grab a beer’, pizza nerd-out of a walking tour!

This tour begins in Italian Village, the origin of some of the most well known names in pizza in Columbus today. We’ll take a pleasant stroll through the neighborhood and the adjacent Short North to enjoy four local independent pizza joints with some of the best pies, best stories, or both in the city. Pizza styles you’ll enjoy include Neapolitan, Detroit, and NYC.

The Italian Village Pizza Tour is priced at $58, includes pizza at 4 stops, and is led by an experienced guide with a wealth of local culinary and historic knowledge. And, since nothing goes better with pizza than beer, restaurant recommended beer pairings can be added – look for the option at checkout.

We will walk approximately 1 mile during the tour. We are able to accommodate vegetarians with advance notice but are unable to accommodate other dietary restrictions. While it happens infrequently, specific stops are subject to change. As with all of our walking tours, it runs rain or shine.

This tour is offered twice a month and currently scheduled through the end of July. If you would like to be wait listed for a tour date that is sold out please email waitlist@columbusfoodadventures.

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• Spring Tour News - https://t.co/E4ZRkS14CP https://t.co/rCBPCUiQFY , Mar 16
• Turkish bake sale today! 11am- 3pm to raise money for earthquake victims. At @tasocbus 2885 W. Dublin Granville Rd.… https://t.co/4SrEcb4oHo , Feb 12
• Just posted a photo @ Speck Italian Eatery https://t.co/K1NyqbPo8I , Feb 2

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