At the end of Fifth Avenue sits a 77-foot high monument known as the Arch in Washington Square Park. This monument marks the centennial of inauguration of President George Washington. The park is surrounded by New York University and has a carnival atmosphere all year long. Crossing the southwest corner of the park, you will find yourself on MacDougal where much of the Beatnik-era fads once existed. Of course, you will still find coffee houses like Caffe Reggio and Café Figaro, which inspired writers such as Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.

Bleecker Bob’s Records is another Greenwich Village icon, and though you can buy the latest CD’s, vinyl still rules in this shop. Though Bleecker Bob’s Records is no longer on Bleecker Street, there are some curious places to explore there during the day. At night Bleecker Street is alive with nightlife and folk clubs which once featured musicians such as Bob Dylan. Crossing 6th Avenue puts you into the heart of Greenwich Village’s oldest part. This is a place where one can easily get lost, so be certain to have your map handy now if you haven’t already. Secondhand stores, cafes and restaurants, and townhouses dominate this area with many homes boasting historical significance in the literary field.

Greenwich Village has a history of its own, as baby boomers will attest, and though much of that era’s history has disappeared from the area, there is still much to see in Greenwich Village. Don’t worry about the walk; with several parks nearby, there are plenty of benches where you can sit and rest your weary feet for a bit.