Why go?

The neighborhood's long-standing pull on artists, musicians, and bohemians has been markedly weakened over the last few years by the tides of gentrification and the closing of venerable institutions like CBGB, 8BC, and almost anything mentioned in Rent. Still, finding a little of the hood’s signature grime is not impossible along St. Marks and in Tompkins Square. There's a dive bar on (almost) every corner; the real difference is that there's probably a gastropub next door.

Tips

The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade only happens once a year, but the dog run is open all year-round and can be a fun diversion while you're wandering around the park.

How to Get There

6 at Bleecker St., Astor Pl., and 14th St.-Union Square

L at First Ave. and Third Ave.

F, V at Second Ave.

Boundaries

From Houston St. north to 14th St.

From Broadway east to the East River

Useful Links

• About.com Guide to the East Village
• Curbed: East Village
• East Village Radio
• Wikipedia: Alphabet City
• Wikipedia: East Village