When people visit NYC, they want to experience "the real deal"—not just the Empire State Building. So here's a pretty specific, localized list of underrated attractions in the East Village of Manhattan. Skip the hop-on, hop-off bus and do you own weird walking tour!
- Get some of the best coffee in the city at Abraco on 7th street and if you're hungry, sample their olive oil cakes. Then walk down 7th and pop your head into thrift stores like punk-themed Trash and Vaudeville, or AuH20.
- Keep heading east on 7th, and walk around Tompkins Square Park. There's a lot of history here, including riots in both the 1870s and 1980s. But now visitors stroll through and people watch, listen to music, or check out the dog park on the far side of Tompkins.
- If you're hungry, I would recommend Tompkins Square Bagels for the real hand-rolled, water-boiled experience. Or, stop in to Crif Dogs for a tasty hotdog with all the fixings. Note: There's a telephone both at the front of this restaurant, and a speakeasy rests on the other side of the wall. Please don't tell...
- Head back west on St. Marks. The Museum of the American Gangster is usually open from 1-6pm, and is a fun little tour.
Other Things to See in the East Village
- Nuyorican Poets Cafe
- Community Gardens (my favorite is on 6th between Avenue B and C)
- The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space
- Sidewalk Cafe, a hub for the Antifolk music scene
- STOMP's Off-Broadway show
Places to Eat and Drink
- McSorley's (the oldest "Irish" tavern in New York City)
- Ace bar (with arcade games)
- The Wayland (best garden margarita, tasty brunch)
- International Bar (total dive with outdoor space)
- ABC Beer (outdoor space, craft beer)
- Lois Wine Bar (good snacks, wine on tap)
- Ten Degrees (good happy hour)
- Mudspot on 9th (yummy brunch)
- The Smith (brunch spot that takes reservations)
- Death and Co. ("speakeasy" that's easier to get into before 8pm)
- The Mermaid Inn (more expensive, but amazing seafood)
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- Big Gay Ice Cream
Walkable Attractions + Neighborhoods
- Union Square
- The Strand Book Store
- Soho and Lower East Side
- Washington Square Park
Have a question about other underrated attractions? Leave a note in the comments section below!