VIBE

The leafy cobbled lanes and handsome brownstones of this picturesque neighborhood have housed everyone from wealthy 19th century merchants to stoned ‘50s beatniks to the out-and-proud ‘80s gay community. These days, as gentrifying forces gather steam, most of the radical coffeehouses and offbeat arts venues have made way for swanky boutiques, cafés, and wine bars. Nonetheless, there’s still a charmingly bohemian lilt to the character of the West Village, helped along by plucky independent boutiques (like glass emporium The End of History, cupcake merchants Magnolia Bakery, and cult perfumer Bond No. 9), and the creative-type student population of nearby NYU, although the most recent residents tend to be of the straighter-laced, moneyed variety.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a lovely area for boutique and café hopping. If we’re in the mood for shopping, we like to stroll down Bleecker Street (where there’s a cluster of luxe shops), but otherwise we’re happy to let the winding streets lead us where they will, stopping to refuel at cute cafés and bistros along our way.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The original edgy feel is fading as gentrification takes hold.

GOOD TO KNOW

The official boundaries of the Village are 14th Street in the north, Houston Street in the south, the Hudson River in the west, and Broadway in the east. Although this neighborhood is often referred to as both Greenwich Village and the West Village, unofficially Greenwich Village is considered to be the area east of Sixth Avenue. If you want help getting your bearings, check out the free Saturday tours run by the Village Alliance (www.villagealliance.org) or join the (not free) Greenwich Village Food Tasting and Cultural Tour (www.foodsofny.com/greenwichvillage).

CLOSEST COMPS

Marylebone (London)