Greenwich Village

Its bohemian days may have faded today, but its romantic allure still remains. New York University students keep the idealistic spirit of the neighborhood alive today, but polished professionals have also moved into the high-rent town houses.

One of the neighborhood's top sites is Washington Square Park, where the grand Washington Memorial Arch looks north to two blocks of lovingly preserved Greek Revival and Federal-style town houses known as the Row.

Walking the stretch of Bleecker Street between 5th and 7th avenues provides a smattering of everything Village: NYU buildings, used-record stores, Italian cafes and food shops, shabby-chic eateries and takeout joints, and funky boutiques. Grab an espresso, check out century-old butcher shops, and sample some of the city's best pizza. Foodies love the blocks between 6th and 7th avenues for the specialty purveyors like Murray's Cheese (at 254 Bleecker Street).