5 Ways to Spend a Weekend in NYC’s East Village
New York City’s East Village is one of Manhattan’s most exciting and energetic neighborhoods. It’s also where I call home! One of my favorite parts about living here is having so many things to do within just a few blocks of the city. See below for my favorite ways to spend a weekend in the East Village!
1. Relax in Tompkins Square Park
Tompkins Square Park is an essential part of the East Village experience. It’s like our backyard — locals come to relax, meet up with friends, and surround themselves with nature. Snag a bench, spread a blanket across the grass, or walk through Tompkins on a weekend and I promise the people-watching will keep you entertained for hours. Just ask me about the 30-minute private magic show I witnessed once.
Tompkins Square Park in East Village, New York City
2. Go Vintage Shopping
The East Village is a hotspot for vintage shops — you could spend an entire day digging through the racks for hidden gems. One of my personal favorites is East Village Thrift Shop. This classic thrift shop has tons of secondhand clothing, shoes, books, and other miscellaneous items. This is also priced like a thrift store, meaning it’s cheaper than most of the vintage stores in the city.
Buffalo Exchange is another go-to vintage store. They have plenty of thoughtfully curated pieces and accessories to match. There are a few locations around the city and we’re lucky enough to have one in the heart of EV.
Buffalo Exchange in the East Village
3. Walk Along the East River
The East River is a great place to get some fresh air in NYC. It’s also easily accessible from the East Village. Locals take walks, exercise, and relax here, enjoying time away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan. Many of my best Saturdays have started with an iced latte and a slow walk along the river.
Sunset over the East River, New York City
4. Grab Drinks at a Local Bar
The East Village has some of the best bars in Manhattan. There’s something for everyone depending on the vibe you’re after. For a laid-back wine bar experience, try The Immigrant or Ruffian. For something a little livelier, 11th Street Bar is a local favorite. It’s the perfect blend of Irish pub and NYC bar — great for a casual night out with friends.
Wine at Ruffian, East Village, New York City
5. Enjoy Local Coffee and Pastries
Independent coffee shops are popping up on every corner in the East Village, and locals have an easy time keeping them in business. Le Phin is a Vietnamese-inspired cafe and is my favorite spot for coffee and specialty drinks. The iced pandan latte with oat milk is my go-to. Librae is one of the best bakeries in New York City and serves the best pastries I’ve ever had (the pistachio croissant and espresso pain au chocolat are to DIE for). They also serve coffee and specialty drinks. Warning — there’s almost always a line on the weekend, so come early.
