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The Best of New York · By neighborhood · East Village

The best things to do in the East Village

Updated September 2026. 15 places.

The East Village is one of my favorite areas to explore in New York City. Known for colorful storefronts, vintage shopping, vibrant nightlife, and great restaurants, there are a ton of fun things to do in the East Village.

Despite the neighborhood’s popularity, it maintains an authenticity few NYC neighborhoods can match, which means the people-watching opportunities are endless. With that said, let’s cover everything you need to know about visiting the East Village!

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best things to do in the East Village, 2026

  1. Book Club BarBar · East VillagePart bookstore, part wine bar, all fun.
  2. L Train VintageStore · East VillageSince opening their doors in 1999, this family-owned business has become the go-to spot for New Yorkers in search of vintage apparel.
  3. McSorley's Old Ale HouseBar · East VillageOpened sometime between 1854 and 1862 (the exact year is debated), McSorley’s Old Ale House is one of the most historic bars in New York City.
  4. Porto Rico Importing Co.Store · East VillageServing New Yorkers since 1907, stepping into Porto Rico Importing Company is nothing short of intoxicating (the smell!).
  5. Ray's Candy StoreStore · East VillageThe shop is tiny and sells a little bit of everything but Ray’s claim to fame comes from the delicious homemade egg cream (similar to an ice cream float) and fried Oreos.
  6. Setsugekka East VillageCafe · East VillageOffering high quality matcha, tea and traditional sweets, this charming Japanese tea house is the perfect was to slow down time while visiting the East Village.
  7. St. Mark's PlaceStreet · East VillageThe street is perfectly colorful and gritty, which makes it feel so authentic (for lack of better words).
  8. Strand BookstoreStore · East VillageBeloved by locals and visitors alike, the Strand Bookstore is one of the most famous bookstores in New York City.
  9. Tompkins Square ParkPark · East VillageThe 10.5 acre park is small in size but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.
  10. Union Square ParkPark · East VillageUnion Square Park was originally designed as a town square in 1839.
  11. VeselkaRestaurant · East VillageThis Ukranian Diner has been a staple of the East Village since 1954.
  12. Yellow RoseRestaurant · East VillageIt’s a Tex-Mex restaurant (meaning they serve more American-styled Mexican food) that serves delicious breakfast tacos and a mean margarita (hair of the dog, anyone?).
  13. ChikaLicious Dessert BarBakery · East VillageCombining three classic treats; churros, s’mores & ice cream, we get the masterpiece that is the S’mores churro cone.
  14. John's of 12th St.Restaurant · East VillageJohn’s of 12th St. is a classic Italian restaurant that’s been serving the East Village since 1908.
  15. Please Don't TellBar · East VillageIt’s another speakeasy that has a hidden pathway to some of the tastiest cocktails I’ve ever had.

On the map

Where they are

All in East Village.

East Village

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 17 Iconic East Village Activities (Local’s Bucket List).