The Heart & Soul Of Greenwich Village Food & Culture Tour

New York City , United States of America

The Heart & Soul Of Greenwich Village Food & Culture Tour

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About this experience

2 INDOOR restaurant tastings are included on this tour! At Foods of New York Tours we are the pioneers of NYC food tours since 1999!

Join us on a delicious “multi–ethnic” food tasting and cultural/historical journey through the Heart & Soul of Greenwich Village (The Central Village – the area surrounding Washington Square Park and New York University). Find out why this area of the Village is so popular for its diverse food scene, rich history, culture, counter culture, distinct architecture, and vibrant Greenwich Village nightlife.

We will also visit Washington Square Park and learn about its radical protesters, infamous hanging tree, the Washington Square Arch, and walk the same streets that Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Amy Schumer did while learning about the music and comedy scene, and why this section of NYC can only be described as The Village!

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The Heart & Soul Of Greenwich Village Food & Culture Tour

What's included

Licensed NYC Tour Guide

All food tastings are included in your ticket price and is enough food that you won't be hungry after!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We start at Cuba Restaurant with a sit down restaurant "cuban feast" of two different flavors of their house made empanadas, plantains and rice & beans.

Stop 2

We will visit Washington Square Park (the town square of Greenwich Village) and learn about its radical protesters, infamous hanging tree, the Washington Square Arch, and how the “live and let live” beatniks, writers and poets of the 50s and 60s made Greenwich Village their home.

Stop 3

You can't take a NYC food tour without a pizza tasting! and we try TWO! Taste their signature artichoke pizza AND their classic margarita pizza.

Stop 4

Learn all about the Greenwich Village music scene where Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendricks both got their careers started!

Stop 5

Learn the history of this unique areas land and how it developed from swampland to the Gold Coast of real estate and the fishing creek that still runs underground!

Stop 6

Peek inside one of the oldest coffee shops in NYC, overflowing with bags of coffee beans that you can smell all down Bleecker Street, and take a special treat to go!

Stop 7

Walk the same streets that Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Amy Schumer did while learning about the music and comedy scene, and why this section of NYC can only be described as The Village!

Stop 8

Have a SEATED RESTAURANT DOUBLE TASTING at this 100 year old Italian restaurant, where the owner still cooks for you his house made pasta with bolognese sauce and for dessert their famous family recipe Tiramisu, in a classic NYC restaurant setting where celebrities, politicians, and even Joey Tribbiani (From Friends) would eat! Grab a glass of wine to pair with your tastings as well!

Stop 9

Visit one of Greenwich VIllage's best keep secrets...and tea & spice shop where you can find rare spices and teas from around the world, all inside of what used to be an old mafia hangout, where it's classic look has been restored and maintained. Try some freshly brewed tea with local "Blueberry Honey".

Stop 10

Finish your tour with a sweet tastings from Li-Lac Chocolates, NYC's oldest chocolate company famous for making chocolate EVERYTHING, from chocolate champagne bottles to a chocolate woman's heel shoe! Try their signature items for a sweet ending to your tour!

What's not included

Tour Guide Gratuity

Alcoholic non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at some establishments. Must be 21+ years old to purchase alcohol.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

54 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We are only able to provide vegetarian and nut-free substitutions. We cannot accommodate vegan, gluten free, or other specific food allergies.

Please mention in the booking notes any dietary restrictions, including specific meat restrictions or nut allergies.

Please contact our office directly for any other questions related to dietary restrictions.

Meeting point

Madam JI Restaurant is located at 154 Bleecker Street, between Laguardia Pl and Thompson Street.

Important notes

Looks for the tour guide in front of Cuba restaurant with our logo starting 15 min. before the tour start time. Call our office if you are running late or need directions.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information