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Experiencing New York in December — like I did last winter — can feel like a movie. I’m not a fan of cold temperatures, so I won’t say it’s the most magical experience ever. Under layers of clothes and a gloomy sky, I still make sure to get out of the house and explore what the city has to offer.
From current viral spots with long lines, to Taylor Swift songs and places that have been landmarks for decades, come explore the West Village with me, an iconic neighborhood full of history.
I tried getting bagels at Apollo, the super popular place. They were already sold out. Oh well.

Sofia’s Bagels
The day officially starts with a bagel at Sofia’s Bagels instead. I sit down and unintentionally hear some hot gossip from another table, while watching people walk on the sidewalk and yellow taxi cabs pass by. When I’m done, I take my latte cup with me hoping it will keep me warm.


Air Mail
I explore the shops along the way. Air Mail has a variety of interesting decorations, souvenirs and books. If I were looking to buy someone a fun sophisticated gift, I surely would find one here.



Mure Grand
A pink, flower-covered storefront called Mure Grand caught my eye. I went in and found all kinds of New York-themed t-shirts, hair clips, stickers and knickknacks. There’s also sunglasses, accessories and cute non-New York clothes but with colorful designs full of bows and girl aesthetics.




Stonewall Inn
I reach the Stonewall Inn, arguably the most significant site in LGBTQ+ history in the country. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, a police raid here sparked what became known as the Stonewall riots — a turning point widely credited with igniting the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.


Cornelia Street
As a Taylor Swift fan, I did a quick stop to photograph the iconic Cornelia Street.

As I keep walking around the neighborhood, I see all kinds of fun Christmas decorations like this Grinch hanging from the fire escape.

Three Lives & Co
My final destination is Three Lives & Co, a super interesting bookstore with a great selection. As it was getting late — and colder — I went back home wishing to explore more of this area next time.


Waverly Inn
If you’re looking for a nice place for dinner in the area, go to The Waverly Inn. I’m a burger and truffle fries kind of girl! — Click here to their reservations page
Where to stay in the West Village:
Thinking about staying in the West Village while you explore? Here are a few places nearby:
If you liked this one, check out our A Day in Williamsburg post for another NYC neighborhood walk.
Frequently Asked Questions about winter in the West Village
A winter day here is easy to fill with cozy bagel spots, unique shops like Air Mail and Mure Grand, and historic landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, all within a short walk of each other.
The Stonewall Inn was the site of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a turning point widely credited with sparking the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and it later became the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history.
Three Lives & Co is a beloved independent bookstore in the West Village, known for its carefully curated selection.
Air Mail is a great pick, with a fun variety of decorations, souvenirs, and books — an easy place to find a sophisticated, unique gift.
Cornelia Street is a short, charming street in the West Village, made famous by Taylor Swift’s song of the same name from her album Lover. The West Village is also mentioned in her song “False God” from the same album.
Sofia’s Bagels is a great spot for bagels in the West Village, and a nice, low-key way to start a morning in the neighborhood. The place was cozy and there were no lines.
My top pick for dinner in the West Village is The Waverly Inn — a cozy, classic New York spot with a killer burger and truffle fries (my personal go-to order). Book a table here.

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