A winter day in the West Village — Sofia's Bagels storefront in New York

A Winter Day in the West Village

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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.

Sold out sign at Apollo Bagels in the West Village

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.

View from inside Sofia's Bagels, decorated for Christmas, in the West Village
Bagel sandwich with cream cheese and tomato from Sofia's Bagels in the West Village

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.

Air Mail storefront in the West Village, New York
Enamel pin display for sale at Air Mail in the West Village
Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss on display at Air Mail in the West Village

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.

Mure Grand storefront covered in pink flowers, West Village
New York-themed keychains and bag charms at Mure Grand
Sunglasses display at Mure Grand in the West Village
New York-themed t-shirt and floral cardigan for sale at Mure Grand in the West Village

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.

The Stonewall Inn storefront with pride flags in the West Village
The Gay Liberation Monument by George Segal near the Stonewall Inn in the West Village
The Gay Liberation Monument by George Segal, installed near the Stonewall Inn to commemorate the 1969 riots.

Cornelia Street

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

Cornelia Street in the West Village, made famous by Taylor Swift

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

A Grinch holiday decoration hanging from a fire escape in the West Village

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.

Three Lives & Co bookstore storefront in the West Village, New York
Bookstore window Three Lives and Co in the West Village

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

What is there to do in the West Village in winter?

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.

What is the historical significance of the Stonewall Inn?

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.

What is a good bookstore to visit in the West Village?

Three Lives & Co is a beloved independent bookstore in the West Village, known for its carefully curated selection.

Where can I find a good gift shop in the West Village?

Air Mail is a great pick, with a fun variety of decorations, souvenirs, and books — an easy place to find a sophisticated, unique gift.

Where is Cornelia Street, made famous by Taylor Swift?

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.

Where can I get a good bagel in the West Village?

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.

Where should I eat dinner in the West Village?

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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