West Village

West Village is one of my favourite areas of NYC. Although mostly residential, the quiet streets are filled with many cozy bakeries, boutiques, and restaurants that provide the perfect escape from the busier areas of Manhattan. For the best falafel or sabich sandwich that I've ever tasted outside of the Middle East, try Taïm, but try to avoid peak lunch/after work hours if you want to grab a seat at their tiny shop. If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street afterwards for a fresh cupcake or, for an extra indulgence, one of their mini cheesecakes.