Hey there, fellow city explorers and armchair travelers! It’s Flor here, back with another New York City adventure to share with you all. Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods: the West Village. Follow along as I take you through my perfect summer day in this iconic part of Manhattan—from mouthwatering avocado toast to hidden literary gems!
The West Village Calling
There’s something magical about the West Village in summer. The tree-lined streets offer much-needed shade, the historic brownstones seem to glow in the golden light, and there’s an energy in the air that feels both exciting and somehow more relaxed than the rest of the city.
Maybe you remember this exact spot from my vlogmas series? Well, I’m back, and this time with the summer sun high in the sky and a day of West Village exploration ahead of me.
My mission for the day: find the best lunch spot, meet a friend for ice cream, and explore some of the neighborhood’s most charming bookstores—all while soaking in the quintessential New York summer vibe that makes this area so special.
Watch the Full West Village Adventure!
Lunch at Elk: Avocado Toast Heaven
Let me tell you about what might just be the best avocado toast in all of New York City. I’m not exaggerating when I say the avocado toast at Elk has ruined me for all other versions of this millennial classic!
Usually when I order avocado toast anywhere else, I find myself asking for extras—a squeeze of lemon, some salt, maybe some red pepper flakes—anything to give it more flavor. But at Elk? Perfection right out of the gate. It had the ideal balance of saltiness, a hint of spice, and the avocado was perfectly ripe.
The only minor challenge was the container size—it was packed with both avocado and scrambled eggs on top, making it slightly precarious to eat (and yes, I may have gotten a tiny stain on my dress… fingers crossed it comes out!). Pro tip: ask for a plate if you’re dining in!
But here’s the real shocker—the prices. In a city where avocado toast can easily set you back $18-25 (I wish I was kidding), Elk’s version was around $12. That, my friends, is what we call a New York City miracle.
A Literary Tour of the West Village
One of my favorite things to do in any neighborhood—whether I’m at home in New York or traveling abroad—is to explore local bookstores. There’s something so intimate about seeing which books a store chooses to highlight, which authors they champion, and what kind of literary personality shines through their curation.
Three Lives & Company: The Classic Neighborhood Spot
First stop was Three Lives & Company, a bookstore I’d never visited before but had heard wonderful things about. If you’ve seen «You’ve Got Mail» and dreamed of that cozy neighborhood bookshop experience, this is it in real life. It’s the kind of place where the staff likely remember regular customers’ reading preferences and can recommend your next favorite book in seconds.
While I was looking for a specific author and didn’t end up purchasing anything this time around, my friend Trisha found a fascinating book about art in New York that I might have to go back for!
Left Bank Books: For the Rare Book Collector
Next up was a store I literally stumbled upon while walking—Left Bank Books. This isn’t your average bookshop; it’s a treasure trove for collectors and those seeking something truly unique. We’re talking first editions, some priced at $500-600, with a few rare gems going for up to $11,000!
Is it expensive? Absolutely. But if you’re looking for a truly special gift (either for someone else or as a treat to yourself), this is where you might find that one-of-a-kind literary keepsake. They also had an amazing collection of vintage magazines in pristine condition.
Bookmarc: Where Fashion Meets Literature
My final bookstore stop was at Bookmarc—yes, that’s Marc as in Marc Jacobs, whose store is just across the street from where I filmed part of this vlog. This store is the perfect destination for anyone who loves fashion, design, photography, or film.
While some of their offerings can be found elsewhere, they specialize in those hard-to-find art and fashion tomes that make perfect coffee table books or gifts for your stylish friends. I was particularly impressed by their collection of books on fashion designers and film directors.
Why the West Village Keeps Calling Me Back
As I found a bench in the park to rest and reflect on my day, I couldn’t help but think about what makes the West Village so special. It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in New York (seriously, one street here holds the title for most expensive real estate in the entire city), but there’s good reason for that.
The charm is undeniable. Even chain stores look somehow more enchanting when they’re housed in these historic buildings. The streets are quieter, shadier, and more peaceful than much of Manhattan. And there’s a rich history here, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, whose roots in the area run deep.
I love how the West Village feels like its own little world within the bigger city—somewhere that moves at its own pace and follows its own rules. Even as a local, I discover something new every time I visit.
Final Thoughts: Your Turn to Explore
Whether you’re planning a trip to New York City this summer or just want to live vicariously through my adventures, I hope this glimpse into West Village life has inspired you. From that incredible avocado toast at Elk to the unique literary offerings at Left Bank Books and Bookmarc, there’s so much to discover in this historic neighborhood.
What neighborhood should I explore next? Any specific stores or spots you’d like me to check out in future vlogs? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram @flopereira for more New York City adventures!
Until next time,
Flor xo
P.S. If you enjoyed this West Village tour and want to see more neighborhood explorations, be sure to hit that subscribe button on YouTube and the notification bell so you never miss a new video!
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