New York Spice

Character

Story

Jump off the subway at Washington Square in the West Village, head east on 3rd street past the Blue Note Jazz Bar - probably the most well-known jazz bar in New York if not the world, turn south onto MacDougal, stop and take a photo at Cafe Wha most famous for being the first place Bob Dylan played at when he arrived in New York in January 1961, grab a slice of the artichoke pizza from Artichoke Basille's (trust us!). Now head east on Minetta towards Bleeker St, a quick stop at the 'Unoppressive Non-imperialist Bargain Books' shop to browse the selection of rare and obscure books then North on Bedford Street and North onto 7th Avenue. A little way up you'll come across a tiny locksmith that is ornately decorated with keys which makes a beautiful piece of unexpected artwork in the middle of the city. Now turn left onto Bleeker to enjoy a little window shopping before stopping at the Magnolia Bakery on the corner of 11th Street for a little baked something (if you can't decide try the Red Velvet). By now you're probably feeling a little thirsty, head one block west on 11th Street to 'The White Horse Tavern' a cornerstone of the New York 60's music and art scene for some refreshments. Keep heading west on 11th then north onto Washington, six blocks up you'll reach the start of the Highline next to the Whitney Museum. The Highline is the decommissioned remnants of a raised train line that has been turned into an amazing park that wouldn't work anywhere else in the world but here it's a perfect way to spend a few hours wandering, watching and whiling away the time.