Tour Info
Duration: 3 Hours
Tour Includes: Licensed tour guide (she’s a theater director and comedienne) and enough food for lunch! Drinks not included.
Walking Distance: One mile or 1.6 km.
Meeting location: Under the Arch in Washington Square Park
Tour Capacity: 14 people maximum
Come explore one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in New York City. This tour will take you on a journey through the streets of Greenwich Village, where you’ll explore the culture, history, and food of this iconic neighborhood.
Embark on a meaningful culinary journey through Greenwich Village, a neighborhood renowned for its historical activism and rich cultural tapestry. This tour not only offers a taste of diverse gastronomy but also celebrates and supports small businesses operated by women, immigrants, and people of color, reflecting the area’s commitment to social change and community empowerment.
Tour Highlights:
Washington Square Park: Begin your adventure at Washington Square Park, the historical epicenter of activism in New York City. As you marvel at the iconic arch and fountain, our guides will share stories of the park’s role in numerous protests and rallies, setting the stage for a tour rooted in social awareness and historical significance.
Historic Greenwich Village: Wander through the charming streets of Greenwich Village, lined with historic brownstones and sites of profound cultural impact. We’ll visit landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, the cradle of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and the former residences of literary icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain, highlighting the neighborhood’s long-standing role as a haven for free thinkers and change makers.
Food Stops: As we explore, you’ll savor an array of delicious foods from establishments that embody the spirit of diversity and entrepreneurial spirit:
- Pommes Frites: Enjoy Belgian-style frites with a variety of unique dipping sauces, celebrating a business that thrives on cultural fusion and culinary excellence.
- Tacombi: Taste authentic Mexican tacos accompanied by refreshing watermelon agua fresca, a testament to the vibrant flavors and community-focused ethos of this minority-owned business.
- Faicco’s Italian Specialties: Indulge in exquisite Italian delicacies from a storied Greenwich Village shop that has been serving the community for generations.
- Culture NY: Try a cup of locally sourced frozen yogurt at this celebrity-endorsed spot, highlighting sustainable practices and community engagement.
- Nadas Empanadas: Experience innovative twists on classic Colombian empanadas, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions brought by immigrant entrepreneurs.
- Molly’s Cupcakes: Conclude your tour with a sweet treat from Molly’s Cupcakes, a local favorite that supports various educational initiatives.
Supporting Local Businesses: By joining this tour, you not only experience the unique flavors of Greenwich Village but also contribute directly to the sustainability of minority and women-owned businesses. Each stop is carefully selected to ensure that your visit makes a positive impact on the community, promoting diversity and inclusion in the vibrant NYC food scene.
Join us on this Greenwich Village Foodie Adventure to enjoy delicious foods, learn about the neighborhood’s revolutionary history, and support impactful businesses. Our knowledgeable guides bring the rich stories of this iconic neighborhood to life, ensuring an experience that is as enlightening as it is delightful.
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On your tour you will hear the term “social impact”, but what does that really mean? For us, social impact is making sure that we have a positive impact on the communities we live and work in, as well as the amazing places we explore with our tours. We believe that truly experiencing a place “like a local” means having meaningful engagement that supports local, community-based organizations and learning about their causes and the people making them happen. Just as we carefully select the places you’ll visit and the food you’ll try, we have also carefully selected our social impact partners to showcase the amazing work being done in our communities. Your patronage on our tours is a small act to help these initiatives flourish. We want to help our visitors explore NYC on an authentic level and make sure that we are all having a positive impact while doing it.
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Historically, Greenwich Village has always been a mecca for artists, a bohemian capital, and the center for the LGBTQ movement. The Village at the turn of the 20th century was quaintly picturesque and ethnically diverse. By the start of World War I it was widely known as a bohemian enclave with secluded side streets, low rents, and a tolerance for radicalism and nonconformity. Due to its low rent prices, diverse, tolerant community, and relative seclusion of its winding side streets, the neighborhood became attractive to those on the fringes of society. Artists and writers flooded into the neighborhood, while art galleries and small presses displayed and published their work. Experimental theaters put on plays too shocking and cutting-edge to play on Broadway.
The development and buying up of property in Greenwich Village continues to this day, as older buildings are bought up to be converted into luxury condos, with many selling for, according to a local business owner, roughly $20 million dollars. Many buildings have also been bought by NYU, as they continue to attempt to expand their campus to attract more students. Yet NYU also contributes to the Village’s eclectic, multi-cultural feel, as students come from across the country and even across the world to attend the university. Those students often remain in the area, opening businesses after graduation. Thus, NYU also contributes to the Village’s present day immigration story.
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Plans sometimes change. We get it; it happens to us too. So we’re happy to provide a hassle-free, 100% refund if you give us 24 hours’ notice.
Inside of 24 hours, we’ve already started preparing for your visit, and can’t easily fill your slot, so we sadly can’t provide you a refund in that case.