East Village Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the East Village. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour Led by NYPD Guides

• True Crime NYC: Mafia Walk w/Ret. NYPD Detective and Local Food

• Private New York City Vintage + Secondhand Shopping Day

• New York Sandwich Tour

• East Village Haunted Manhattan Tour

Visiting the East Village is free. Explore the walkable neighborhood without spending a cent, or come here to shop, eat, or see a show. Guided tours are a popular way to discover the area’s counterculture roots and historic nightlife joints: prices start at US$30 for group tours or US$100 for private experiences.

Yes, the East Village is well worth visiting. Whether you're interested in punk music, vintage shopping, or international food, the neighborhood has something for everyone. Far from the tourist rush in Times Square, the East Village is also a great place to see where New Yorkers hang out, from Tompkins Square Park to St. Mark's Place. It's best experienced on a guided tour that focuses on everything from mafia history to local-approved food spots—insights you can only get from an experienced guide.

Per one customer who booked the New York City Mafia and Local Food Tour Led by NYPD Guides, "This was an amazing look back into the history of NYC. Our guide, retired NYPD officer O'Leary, led us into the past of a time Little Italy and the East Village were in turmoil. Along the way, there were three food stops that included traditional Italian fare...all were super delicious! This is a must when in NYC...so much detail and intrigue from an insider's viewpoint. Thanks so much!"

The East Village is renowned for being the heart of New York's counterculture movement, which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s. It was the birthplace of many artistic, musical, and literary movements, including punk rock and the Nuyorican literary movement. This neighborhood also boasts an eclectic mix of bars, eateries, and shopping spots.

Known for its celebrity sightings, the East Village has been the home of many famous faces over the years. Movie stars who have called it home include Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Similarly, the East Village has also had famous musician residents like Cher and Britney Spears.

Yes, the East Village is a gorgeous neighborhood to live in. It has one of the country's largest concentrations of community gardens and is frequently listed as one of New York’s best places to live. It’s also got above-average schools and many superb bars, coffee shops, and restaurants.

The East Village has a reputation for being an eclectic, artistic, and bohemian neighborhood that draws in artists and professionals alike. Known for its diverse nightlife—from dive bars to cocktail lounges—it offers something for all tastes. It’s also a superb place to shop by day, with indie bookshops and vintage stores aplenty.

The East Village, which was initially part of Greenwich Village, was rebranded in the 1960s to disassociate itself from the Lower East Side's less favorable image. Real estate brokers promoted this new identity, reinforced by media, until a weekly newspaper was released in 1966 called The East Village Other.

The East Village borders 14th Street, Houston Street, Third Avenue, and the East River. Some of its most famous roads include the eclectic bar and dining hot spot of St. Mark’s Place and First Avenue, which also hosts a diverse mix of shops and cafes.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the East Village. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Ellis Island

• Central Park

• The Dakota Apartments

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York City.