23 Best & Fun Things to Do in East Village (NYC)

East Village is a charming neighborhood in the eastern part of Lower Manhattan in New York City. The original inhabitants of today’s East Village were the Lenape Native Americans. Later it was divided by the Dutch settlers into plantations. 

If you plan to have a vacation, this beautiful neighborhood is an idyllic place to visit as there are quite some fun things to do in East Village, NYC, to keep you active and entertained throughout your stay.

East Village proudly boasts numerous beautiful cafes, restaurants, bars, unique shops, green spaces, and other fascinating attractions for your pleasure.

Here are the best things to do in East Village, NYC

Things to Do in East Village, NYC

1. Visit the Tompkins Square Park

Your vacation to the East Village is incomplete without visiting Tompkins Square Park, as it is one of the best places to visit in East Village, NYC. Regardless of the small size of this park, which measures 10.5 acres, rest assured you will enjoy every bit of your stay when you visit.

Tompkins Square Park is simply stunning throughout spring when the trees encircling it are all colorful. This park is the ideal option for a perfect escape from your daily routine.

If you are in the East Village by the end of October, you are in for a treat since this park holds a yearly dog costume competition. People from diverse regions come to the East River Park Amphitheater alongside their dogs clothed in ludicrous lovely costumes.

Recreational facilities in this park include a playground, rock climbing elements, jungle gyms, a vast sandbox, swings sets, skate benches, etc.

Address: E 10th St, New York, NY 10009, United States

2. Union Square Park

In 1839, Union Square Park was initially designed to serve as a town square. Being a pedestrian plaza and park, it is a home for street artists, enthusiastic tourists, students, and working individuals on lunch breaks.

Hence, if you seek activities to engage in when you visit the East Village, you can stop by the park and enjoy the environment while observing the people around the area.

There are numerous cafes and pocket-friendly restaurants near the park. You can stop by Whole Foods, which is just nearby, to get some food.

Another fascinating feature of Union Square Park is its vibrant yearly green market. You can buy any of their goods, from freshly baked bread to local honey and authentic artwork.

Address: 201 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003, United States

3. Visit Veselka to eat pierogies

Since 1954, this Ukrainian Restaurant has been a favorite restaurant in the East Village. Many generations of New Yorkers have become acquainted with Eastern European dishes through this restaurant.

You can visit in the company of your friends to eat a meal or even with your family to enjoy their tasty food menu.

One exciting thing about this restaurant is that their meals are offered at affordable prices. You can get their homemade soups for each cup or a big bowl of soup for 11$.

If you would like to have their traditional meal, you can order their Ukrainian borscht, a beet soup considered the most renowned Slavic dish.

The pierogies is another unique and famous dish on their menu. It is a Ukrainian-style dumpling that can be made by boiling or frying and served with either sour cream or sautéed onions.

Address: 144 Second Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

4. Ray’s Candy Store

If you would like to experience late-night activities in East Village, then Ray’s Candy Store is an ideal place to visit. This privately owned store was founded by Ray Alvarez in 1974. It is open all around the clock, offering late-night treats to the public.

Ray’s Candy Store is a mini shop to buy delicious treats. However, the candy store’s assertion to popularity is from its fried Oreos, tasty egg cream, fries, shakes, beignets, etc.

Over the past years, people from around the country and beyond have visited Ray’s counters, including celebrities like Kardashians and Anthony Bourdain. Their services are top-notch and unique,

This candy store has been showcased in various books, TV shows, and films. In addition, it is famous for its Birthday Burlesque Extravaganza, held every year in honor of its owner.

Address: 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, United States

5. Strand Bookstore

Strand Bookstore is a favorite destination for residents and visitors on vacation. The bookstore is among the popular bookstores in New York City. So if you are interested in reading a good book, be sure to visit.

The bookstore was established in 1927 and remains the sole bookstore from “Book Row,” which is still standing. Forty-eight stores made up Book Row and were all located on Fourth Avenue. All the other bookstores stopped operating during the Great Depression except for the Strand Bookstore.

Currently, this extensive bookstore contains 2.5 million books. It serves as a home for book enthusiasts from within and outside the country. The bookstore is open to everyone and welcomes book donations. It also has several branches.

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States

6. Borris & Horton

Borris and Horton is the first furry-friendly cafe in New York City. At this cafe, your dogs can have fun without their leashes while you enjoy your cup of coffee.

Aside from coffee, other offerings include beer, wine, cafe foods in hip digs, and baked foods. For pet owners visiting Borton and Hirton is a must-do due to the different meet-ups and dog-friendly events it holds.

To add to the excitement, Borris and Harton feature a picture booth (with different costumes) installed in the corner of the cafe for you to take memorable photos with your dog.

The atmosphere to meet Borris and Horton is welcoming, and their services are top-notch. Their staff is always in their best mood and friendly as well.

Address: 195 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, United States

7. Tompkins Square Bagel

The Tompkins Square Bagel takes after the name of a park near it. The tasty bagels produced at the charming shop are rolled by hand and kettle boiled.

Their bagels are always freshly baked. Therefore, stop by during lunchtime to have a super bite of one of the best bagels in NYC.

Their bagel comes in sizable portions. However, the many air pockets give them this lightness and crunchiness that is hard to resist. They also offer numerous flavorful spreads that will be perfect with these bagels.

Besides bagels, they serve breakfast sandwiches, coffee, teas, beverages, baked goods, specialty sandwiches, salads, and others.

Address: 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, United States (b/t 10th St & 11th St) in Alphabet City

8. Share a meal at Au Za’atar

Au Za’taar is a Lebanese restaurant in the East Village that offers traditional Lebanese and Middle Eastern food to the public in a cozy and open setting with a primary focus on the freshness and quality of their dishes.

Throughout the pandemic, this restaurant converted its outdoor space into a comfortable and warm sanctuary, an idyllic venue to eat with friends or loved ones.

For a better restaurant experience, it is better to visit in large groups as it is an excellent venue to share meals. However, you can always come alone. Their meals are simply the best, particularly their table-side Shawarma, served either pita or fries.

This delectable fare is put in an electric skewer to ensure it retains its warmth and is sizable enough to share amongst 4 to 5 individuals.

Address: 188 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, United States

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9. Shop at L Train Vintage

The L Train Vintage is among the most renowned thrift stores in New York, and visiting the store to shop for thrift items is part of the best things to do in the East Village, NYC.

This thrift store is a family-owned establishment. Since its inception in 1999, it has been a favorite venue for people who enjoy shopping for exceptional pieces.

Over the past years, L Train Vintage has witnessed tremendous growth, and as of today, it proudly has eight branch stores spread throughout New York City.

One little secret about these other locations is that they bear different names from L Train. Some of them bear names like Urban Jungle and No Relation Vintage Clothing Store, but they are all part of L. Train.

Address: 204 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009, United States

10. Webster Hall

As an 1886 article in The New York Times mentioned, Webster Hall was meant to cater for events like balls, receptions, sociables, and Hebrew weddings.

Throughout the Prohibition era, Webster Hall was widely known for hosting wild parties where alcohol intake was expected, and surprisingly the police overlooked their activities.

Famous writers and artists like Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Joseph Stella, Langston Hughes, and F Scott Fitzgerald were known to be attendees at Webster Hall.

A renovation was carried out on Webster Hall recently, which cost approximately $10 million. It still serves as a music location and nightclub, boasting a 1,400 seating capacity for various night events.

Address: 125 E 11th Street, New York, NY 10003, United States

11. Visit the Book Club

Book Club is an autonomous book store with a fully stocked bar, coffee, and snacks. This welcoming community space caters to the needs of numerous people, all in one venue.

The Book Club is one exciting place to visit if you wish to meet with a friend for a glass of wine or seek a pick-me-up at noon.

This bookstore is ideal for getting some of your work done in the daytime and relaxing during the evening hours. Immediately it is 7 pm the cozy bookstore transforms into a laptop-free zone. There are numerous books available to browse through.

Address: 197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009, United States

12. Grab a beer at McSorley’s Old Ale House

One of the ideal ways to explore the East Village is to visit McSorely’s Old Ale House, commonly called the McSorely’s. It is the longest surviving Irish Salon in New York City and was opened in the mid-nineteenth century.

The pub welcomes tourists from different parts of the country and beyond for a feel of its history and to enjoy its offerings. The historic Ale House offers a cozy environment for patrons to eat and drink.

Famous names to have graced this historic pub are Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, E.E. Cummings, John Lennon, Houdini, and John F. Kennedy.

The McSorely’s Old Ale House retained most of its memorabilia hanging on its walls since 1910. It is a fantastic place to be and should make your bucket list of the best places to visit in East Village, NYC.

Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

13. Barcade

Relive the past by visiting Barcade, an arcade bar in the East Village where you can play various games even as you enjoy their selection of quality beer. Exploring this destination is one of the fun things to do in East Village, NYC.

Barcade is the inventor behind arcade bars and the nation’s biggest operator. Its various locations in the country have 40 to 75 video games, including pinball machines mainly from the 1980s classic era, and American beers on draft for you to enjoy.

Its different location features a fully stocked bar offering cocktails and craft spirits, including innovative classic pub fare. Barcade presently has nine Barcade locations in New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and other cities.

Visitors can play arcade games like Donkey Kong, Tetris, and Pac-man. Arcade plus beer is a perfect combo to have a great time while on vacation in the city.

Address: 6 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States

14. Bowery Meat Company

Bowery Meat Company is a restaurant that specializes in everything meat. Not only has this meat-centric business earned an outstanding reputation, but it has also raised the standards for meat quality to a higher level.

You can order their American Wagyu burger, garnished with old Vermont cheddar cheese, tomato aioli, and caramelized onions that all blend perfectly to make a delicious sauce.

If you are on vacation in the East Village with your partner, you can plan a dinner date at this restaurant. Their services are top-notch, and their foods are delicious.

Address: 9 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, United States

15. Ukrainian Museum

History enthusiasts on vacation in East Village will find visiting the Ukrainian Museum fascinating. This Museum collects, protects, and displays the artistic and rich cultural legacy of Ukrainian Americans. 

The Museum’s collection contains numerous items, from fine art to folk and archives records. In 1976, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America established the Ukrainian in New York.

Upon visiting the Museum, you should take some time to explore its architecture. A Ukrainian American architect named George Sawicki designed the building, and the Ukrainian American people funded its construction.

Annually, the Ukrainian Museum holds exhibitions, prints English and Ukrainian books, and showcases many community and informational programs, such as films, concerts, courses, workshops, lectures, and other unique events.

 Address: 222 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

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16. Albert’s Garden

Albert’s Garden is a small, stunning garden at East Village’s center. This destination is highly recommended if you are looking for a place to escape the bustling city.

Over the past fifty years, Albert’s Garden has transformed into a mature, shaded oasis and a favorite landmark in the community.

The Garden is adorned with diverse plants, flowers, ferns, a redbud tree, and a little pond that contains numerous goldfish, including a ferocious crow painted by a renowned artist from Belgium who goes by the name ROA.

Numerous tourists from different countries, including birds, butterflies, animals, and various life forms, have visited this Garden.

Albert’s Garden is open for visitations at noon with light refreshments to enjoy, including music, displays, a quiet auction, raffles, and various entertainment options all day.

Address: 16 E 2nd St, New York City, NY 10003-8906, United States

17. East River Park

Experience the beauty of East River Park, a 57-acre riverside park that extends from the East Village to the Lower East Side. With its walking paths, picturesque views, and bike lanes, taking a walk in the park is relaxing.

East River Park is truly an incredible place to visit as it possesses all the grandeur you seek from a New York City Park with less crowd. It is an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of the city.

Residents of this area visit the park to seek solace and tranquility while enjoying the magnificent views of Brooklyn and the peaceful waters. If you want to experience some of the spectacular sunrises in New York City, this park is highly recommended. 

Address: FDR Dr, New York, NY 10009, United States

18. Anthology Film Archives

For movie fanatics, one of the top things to do in East Village, NYC, is to visit the Anthropology Film Archives. This film venue features independent films that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Anthology Film Archives is a global film center dedicated to preserving, educating, and showcasing videos and films with peculiar attention on Independent and innovative cinema.

This archive and movie theater displays over 900 programs yearly. It maintains an average of 25 movies each year (having 900 works conserved to this day), prints books and DVDs, and hosts many researchers and scholars. 

Anthology Film Archives is a perfect place to see a movie and is among the best movie theaters in NYC, so make sure to stop by.

Address: 32 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

19. The New York Comedy Club on 4th Street

For many years, stand-up comedy has been a favorite entertainment option for nightlife in East Village. All shows are filled with comics that you are familiar with, your beloved podcast stars, TV stars, Late Night celebrities, SiriusXM celebrities, and fresh talents ready to achieve recognition in the comedy scene. 

Not only is the New York Comedy Club considered among the premier clubs in New York City, but it is also recognized as one of the best comedy clubs in the nation. Seeing a show in this venue is one of the fun things to do in East Village, NYC.

The East Village location for NYCC was opened in 2018, making it the second venue for this comedy club. Both venues bear the same name. If you are a comedy enthusiast, visiting this comedy club should make your list of what to do in East Village, New York City.

The New York Comedy Club is also an idyllic venue to host your special events, including birthday parties, fundraisers, office parties, etc.

Address: 85 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

20. Buy a souvenir at Casey’s Rubber Stamps

If you are interested in shopping for memorable souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones or friends, then visiting Casey’s Rubber Stamps should make your list of top things to do in East Village, New York City.

Casey’s Rubber Stamps is a small establishment that has been operating for over forty years. Its shelves are stacked with customized handcrafted stamps of various kinds.

These simple and miniature items are sold reasonably and can be carried about easily. It is not much of a regularly used gift, but it brings many exciting memories when in use. This Rubber stamp store also produces made-to-order stamps.

Address: 322 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

21. Soak in the views at Ready Rooftop

Another fascinating way to explore East Village is to make reservations to visit the Ready Rooftop to enjoy its spectacular city views. It should not escape your itinerary of what to do in East Village, NYC.

Ready Rooftop is situated at the top of the Moxy Hotel in the East Village, providing beautiful downtown views. If you are seeking a way to explore the city that will not cost you much, this venue is a perfect choice.

You can enjoy their tacos which sell for $1, or their $9 margaritas on Wednesdays to Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Finding a vacant seat at Ready Rooftop throughout the summer can prove very challenging. Despite having a large turnout of younger patrons, it does not stop anyone from having a great time. You can also check this Rooftop bar in winter to use its stunning decoration.

Address: 112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

22. John’s of 12th St.

John’s of 12th St. is an Italian restaurant that has been dedicated to providing quality services to the East Village since its establishment in 1908.

This restaurant is exceptional because they provide a unique vegan menu stocked with old-school Italian dishes.

Their meals are simply the best thing that can happen to anyone. The atmosphere in the restaurant is comfortable and welcoming, and their staff are friendly and always cheerful.

When you visit, you can try out their chicken parm and veal meatballs with a side of garlic bread. Besides its incredible food menu, this restaurant has a lot of mafia history. John’s of 12th St. was also used as a scene for the famous film series “Sopranos.”

Address: 302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

23. St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery

If you want to explore this Episcopal Church alongside its fascinating history, you might like to opt for the self-guided walking tour offered by St. Mark’s Historic Landmark Fund.

St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery is an Episcopal Church situated at the corner of Stuyvesant Street and Second Avenue in a neighborhood setting of East Village in New York City.

For centuries, the church has been a place of uninterrupted Christian worship, making it the city’s oldest site for undisturbed religious practice. The church building stands as the second oldest church structure in Manhattan.

Before entering the church building, take some time to observe its outstanding architecture. The building was designed by architect Harold Edelman and then constructed in 1975, featuring Georgian-style architecture.

Address: 131 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

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Plan Your Trip to East Village

East Village is a beautiful place to visit. Its nightlife, packed with diverse clubs, music venues, and comedy clubs, is not to be missed. There are plenty of exciting things to do in this neighborhood.

Ensure to refer to this article whenever you visit for a one-of-a-kind experience.