We’ve all heard of the Upper East Side, “like something from Fitzgerald or Thackeray” as Dan Humphrey says on “Gossip Girl,” the wealthiest and most glamorous side of Manhattan where the wealthiest and most glamorous live.
In recent years however, it is the lower end of Manhattan that has emerged as the scene for the younger generation of New Yorkers. Perhaps it’s because it’s the neighborhood surrounding NYU or perhaps due to its proximity to Brooklyn Heights, but all the cool young people want to live in the Lower West Side, an umbrella term that spans neighborhoods such as the West Village and Tribeca. Downtown Manhattan includes Soho and Greenwich, where the cool girls drink coffee, go shopping and end the evening with an aperitif during happy hour.
If you’re planning to spend any time in Manhattan then you’re definitely going to want to spend good time here, but what you’re definitely not going to want to do is have to scroll through endless online content to find trending spots that aren’t actually good despite long and arduous lines. That is why, on my most recent trip to Manhattan, I’ve already done all that for you.
Here’s the cool girl’s guide to spending the perfect day in Lower Manhattan; to eat good, explore different neighborhoods, get 10k steps in, see hot people and go hot girl shopping — no line-waiting necessary.
Morning:
If you can’t start your day without a proper cup of coffee, like myself, then you must start the day right at Fellini Coffee in SoHo, “a refined coffee and wine bar inspired by Italian charm and timeless elegance.” Fellini Coffee offers a wide range of caffeinated drinks; you can keep it simple with a delicious warm cappuccino on a gloomy morning or have fun with lattes such as the Pistaccio Paradiso or the Fior di Pollen, exquisite drinks with sweet cream, sea salt and curated flavors. Fellini Coffee in Soho offers a charming and Parisian-inspired interior seating area and an efficient storefront coffee window for to-go orders. Their brunch and sweet-treat offerings are tempting so if you’re inclined to end the guide here and feast yourself I would hold no judgement, but if not then follow along to your savory meal.
120 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012
Hot girl steps start now. Feillini Coffee is on Thompson Street, and you’re going to traverse Thompson Street towards West Houston Street for a short four-minute walk to get to Manhattan’s hottest bagel au courant — Leon’s Bagels. Additionally, passing West Houston Street crosses you directly to the area known as the West Village. “Bagels, schmears, coffee & breakfast sandwiches from a no-nonsense take-out window” is how they describe themselves, and if you get here relatively early (especially on a weekday) then you should not encounter any ridiculous manner of line. To be honest, I can’t promise this on weekends but that’s everywhere in Manhattan for you.
Although their motto is literally “nothing fancy,” the bagels are so delicious that they feel fancy, with a build your own menu allowing you to choose between different bagels, proteins and toppings. There is no seating at Leon’s but it is very conveniently a block away from Washington Square Park; and since Thompson Street is basically a best friend at this point just continue your trek for another four minutes before finding a lovely and idyllic park bench to enjoy. You’ve definitely earned the bagel.
169 Thompson St., Suite B, New York, NY 10012
Noon:
As in any new city, it is imperative that one gets a period of free wandering. After breakfast in Washington Square Park, you are in the prime location for walking and exploration.
If you’re looking for the cool shopping scene, you need only walk back down Thompson Street and wander around Soho. This neighborhood is known for its iconic cast-iron architecture — rows of colorful 19th century buildings with storefronts on the first floor and gorgeous lofts with cool balconies above. These storefronts are definitely where all the hot-girl shopping happens; with familiar favorites such as Aritzia, ZARA, alo and H&M as well as the exclusive physical locations of popular retail stores like With Jéan, Danielle Guizio and The RealReal. There’s also tons of little boutiques, fragrance shops and matcha spots. It is not at all difficult to spend hours wandering the streets and shopping to your heart’s desire.
Now, if hot girl shopping is not on your agenda for the day and you’ve had your fill of the architectural sights; then I’d encourage you instead to wander the West Village and Tribeca. Here you’ll find more curated shops, like vintage spots, stationary stores and those cool girl French inspired pharmacies, such as the Bigelow Apothecaries which carries luxury hair accessories, cosmetics and even Marvin Toothpaste which is harder to find in the United States. Furthermore, wandering the Lower West Side is great for stumbling upon cool wine bars for later, as well as simply experiencing the urban sprawl. This is where you’ll enjoy hot people watching, so bring your sunglasses.
Afternoon:
If you’re anything like me and need to stay nourished throughout the day, you’ll probably need another bite before dinner — unless you’re planning to happy hour early. While these neighborhoods have much to offer in street food and delicious quick bites, I do need to sit and rest after walking for hours.
The Commerce Inn is the coziest neighborhood spot for recuperation, an American inspired tavern honoring the 1900’s West Village architecture. “The menu is prepared simply and served casually, with a spirit of care and warmth” they say, also adding praise to their cocktails. Their lunch menu is divine — roasted chicken and ribeye paired with artichoke salads and mashed potatoes — but if you’re also looking for something sweet, their pancakes (even diviner) are still served until 3 p.m. If your wandering has not taken you farther than the surrounding area, it shouldn’t be a long walk.
50 Commerce St., New York, NY 10014
Evening:
I know it’s hard to justify a day full of spending, shopping and eating — so if you need a mental refresher before you continue down this gluttonous guide, a stop at the museum is the perfect self-justification as an activity for mental enrichment and general knowledge expansion. While the MET is a trek up town and requires a full day’s attention, the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art is the prime location for this next spot.
The Leslie Lohman Museum of Art, open from Wednesday to Sunday between 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., is a visual art museum that exhibits and fosters art about the queer experience, exhibiting over 30,000 items and featuring artists such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Take the Houston Street station, which is only a few minutes walk from The Commerce Inn and exit on the second stop — Canal Street. The museum is located on Wooster Street, about a block down from Canal station.
26 Wooster St., New York, NY 10013
Happy hour:
If you’ve taken up the evening activity you may need to rush a bit to make it to happy hour, the essential Lower West Side activity — usually from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone here happy hours, seven-dollar cocktails, delicious bites and lots of attractive people. Some of the best happy hour spots in the LWS include, Roey’s West Village, St. Jardim and Jac’s on Bond. There are also just tons of spots you’ll see throughout the day that look like a vibe, including the breakfast spots I’ve mentioned. Every cafe turns into a wine bar.
So if you’re looking to go out afterwards or want to call an earlier night, a crisp happy hour is the place for you. Come with your friends, ready after your day of walking to sip on a sexy martini and enjoy some truffle fries with all the young good-looking people of the Lower West Side.
Dinner:
Sometimes, a happy hour just isn’t it and a good old dinner is what one needs. If this is you (as it is me) then you’re definitely going to want to use this guide. Dinner in the Lower West Side without a reservation is a nightmare.
As a born and raised LA-er where hosts will always try to accommodate you without a reservation, I was shocked to learn about the “resy” scene in Manhattan before my trip, and thus booked all my dinner plans weeks beforehand. I urge you to do the same, and apps such as Resy and OpenTable will be your best friend.
Two iconic and vibey dinner spots in Lower Manhattan, with reservation slots always open 14 days prior, are Cipriani Downtown and The Waverly Inn.
Cipriani Downtown is one of the many iconic Cipriani locations around the world and the best (in my humble opinion) of New York. Located in Soho, the decor is defined by Italian inspired patio seating and a very chic indoor bar and restaurant. The restaurant is very cool, very hot and very elegant; one of those if you know you know places, the scene for the upscale international student crowd. The food is Italian; you can’t go wrong with a spicy vodka fusilli and their renowned peach bellinis — the killer combo. End the night perfectly right with a heavenly slice of the vanilla meringue cake; chances are you’ll see a celebrity here too.
376 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
The Waverly Inn is equally as delicious, an American inspired menu with a very scrumptious burger. The Waverly Inn is fancy in a very effortlessly casual way, with a distinguished following and a candle-light ambiance. It’s genuinely fantastic, with high-quality services as one of NYC’s finest dining spots. It’s perfect for a peaceful dinner and dessert.
16 Bank St., New York, NY 10014
These dinner spots are truly the best way to end a cool day in Lower Manhattan. If you’ve followed this guide, I know I’ve delivered on my promise for 10k steps, the best bites you’ve ever had, shopping until your arms drop and hot people watching — the best urban travel experience.
