A Perfect Day: West Village

I really hope you’re loving these city guides – because we all get so caught up in our daily routines and forget how we can be explorers of our own city. This is why I created these guides because I truly love to spend time learning about the different things we can do.

We can all agree that most of New York City is very grand. The city is filled with skyscrapers and large avenues but the West Village is different. It’s one of the charming areas of NYC that makes you feel like you’re in Europe and not in the states. In the West Village, you will find tree-lined streets, fashionable people, and trendy restaurants – I mean this is where Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment was filmed and for those who didn’t know – Sarah Jessica Parker actually lives in this area as well! If you’re visiting the city for the first time, this area is not to be missed! The restaurants alone are a reason to head downtown – hope you enjoy the itinerary I’ve planned for you all however, I should probably do a post on eateries because there are so many more restaurants I want to suggest! Please let me know if you have any quesitons or need more suggestions – would love to help!

xo,

8:00 AM

Start your morning with a workout at Pure Barre and it will set the tone for the day. Anytime I workout in the morning, which is not as often as I would like, I start my day in the best mood. If you’re not from NYC and are here on vacation I  insist you try a class – I know, I know, why workout when you’re on vacation? Well, trying a class in a new city or different country gives you a sneak peek to the locals. I recently tried a class in Milan and I loved it!
Pure Barre West Village Location:  554 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

10:00 AM

After your workout, head over to the cute (super instagrammable) Australian cafe, Bluestone Lane for a turmeric latte and avocado toast! This spot is a favorite in the West Village and always packed! So get there early – if you’re visiting during the summer months, grab a seat outside for the best people watching! Bluestone Lane, 55 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

12:00 PM

In need of a facial? Head over to Caudalie on Bleecker Street and book their Vinoperfect Radiance facial to brighten your skin! Caudalie was created with wine-inspired products for the skin – the same antioxidants found in wine grapes are basically now used for your face….so cool, right?!
Caudalie, 315 Bleecker St

2:00 PM

After your facial grab a bite at Cafe Cluny, a chic French bistro serving delicious food. Make sure to make reservations because it’s always bustling with locals – especially on the weekends. Cafe Cluny, 284 West 12th Street 

5:00 PM

Shopping in the west village is great – you have some of the great brands of Madison Avenue without the crowds. One of my favorite skincare shops is in this neighborhood – CAP Beauty is beautiful clean/organic wellness shop that has everything you need to be healthy from within and out. I’m obsessed and can easily spend hours shopping for coconut oils, wellness potions, and skincare.  If you still love books then head over to the bookstore Three Lives & Company for fiction and non-fiction favorites. The West Village is actually known for bookstores since the area was a favorite for many well-known writers. CAP Beauty, 238 W 10th St / Three Lives Company, 154 West 10th Street

8:00 PM

Dinner at the Spotted Pig or Jeffrey’s Grocery. Okay, so you can go wrong with either of these options. It all depends what you’re in the mood for. So basically, if you want a juicy burger with shoestring fries then The Spotted Pig is the one but, if you’re in the mood for delicious Oysters then hit up Jeffrey’s Grocery. Both are old-time favorites and tucked away in the charming area of the West Village.  Spotted Pig, 314 West 11th Street / Jeffery’s Grocery, 

10:00 PM

You MUST try this spot. This spot has drawn in celebrities, writers, and community members. It’s been around since 1915 – and is now officially a historical landmark.  Dante has a cozy vibe and the ideal spot to get drinks on a cold night – so, grab your favorite person and sit on a booth – it’s the perfect place to sit for hours and tell stories.

Photography by: Paige Campbell Linden