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Greenwich Village like a Hipster

Experience people-watching in perhaps the youngest, most hip neighborhood of New York City. Greenwich Village is home to New York City's students, fashionistas, artists, musicians, and intellectuals alike. Explore the cobble stone roads that lead to Washington Square Park, where crowds of tourists, New York University academics, and artists spend time. Next, tour the NYU campus buildings and see what top lawyers, businessmen, and performing artists do day-to-day. Need some energy? Walk across the park and enjoy a scone and coffee by Third Rail Coffee, a small, intimately set coffee shop appealing to the local crowds. Lastly, walk down Thompson Street headed downtown and observe the people, the bars, the art galleries, and the view of One World Trade in the background. Think you've gone too far? Now you're in Soho.

Nicholas M.

Nicholas is a writer with a love for cycling, billiards and table tennis. He is passionate about jazz and piano and both creative and technical writing, education, sociology and economics.

Washington Square Park

Public Park

Free

(212) 639-9675 website

Entrance on Washington Square and 5th Ave

Acting as the hearth of Greenwich Village, this downtown public park is one where people-watching, eating, drinking, and public performance occur every day. Marked by the tall Archway, you can't miss this destination as you venture downtown into the artsy neighborhoods of New York's downtown. Sit by the fountain, enjoy the live music played by street performers and soak in the energy. Observe NYU students passing through the park on their way to class. On your way out, make sure to throw a coin into the center fountain, wishing you'll make your way back to this lively and relaxing place once again.

New York University

Greenwich Village-based private university

Free to enter

(212) 998-1212 website

50 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10012

New York University is a lovely place to spend time around. With campuses scattered around Washington Square Park, you can visit the Stern Business School, Tisch School of Performing Arts, and NYU School of Law within minutes. Don't worry about losing your bearing. Just look up and you'll see all the buildings adorned with purple NYU campus flags. Feel like an intellectual and maybe inspire yourself to also study at NYU one day by visiting the University's various locations. Talk with students -- they're open, interested, and most importantly really cultured on New York City and the life of Greenwich Village resident.

Third Rail Coffee

Small, cash-only spot for serious caffeine lovers

(646) 580-1240 website

240 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

Getting tired from all the people-watching and intellectual observation? In viewing sight from Washington Square Park is Third Rail Coffee, a small and beautiful designed coffee shop for NYU students and local Greenwich Village residents. Try their freshly baked scones.

Thompson Street

Public street

Free

website

One street to left of Third Rail Coffee is Thompson Street. Walk downtown on Thompson and keep your eyes peeled for all the beautiful people. This 10-15 minute walk towards Soho will open your eyes to the culture of Greenwich Village and lower Manhattan. Artists, designers, photographers, skaters, students, professors, and beer drinkers swarm the streets with their creativity, innovation, and energy. Notice all of the pubs, high-end restaurants, and art galleries that appeal to the local crowds. If you have some time, stop in one of the pubs for a drink and also check out the local art galleries that feature incredible abstract art. This experience will humble and inspire you to take on some creative endeavors of your own.