StayAreasGreenwich Village or Lower East Side: where should you stay in New York?
- Lower East Side is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $260 a night, against $330 in Greenwich Village.
- Greenwich Village is closer to 8 of the 8 big sights we timed.
- Lower East Side has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Greenwich Village.
- From JFK, Lower East Side is quicker: 60 min against 65 min.
Greenwich VillageBrownstones, jazz & Washington SquarePick Greenwich Village if
- Food lovers
- Couples
- Repeat visitors who want a neighbourhood feel
Lower East SideDelis, bars & tenement historyPick Lower East Side if
- Night owls
- Food lovers
- Younger travellers on a mid-range budget
Greenwich Village vs Lower East Side, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Greenwich Village | Lower East Side |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $200 | $160 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $330 | $260 (better) |
| Luxury double | $600 | $450 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Times Square | 15 min (better) | 20 min |
| One World Trade Center | 16 min (better) | 25 min |
| Empire State Building | 17 min (better) | 27 min |
| Times Square | 18 min (better) | 29 min |
| Grand Central | 18 min (better) | 29 min |
| Rockefeller Center | 21 min (better) | 31 min |
| Brooklyn Bridge | 31 min (better) | 37 min walk |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From JFK | 65 min | 60 min (better) |
| What it's like · crime: NYC Open Data (NYPD); ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Above the city average | Around the city average (better) |
| Sights on foot | Good (better) | Limited |
| Nightlife | Excellent | Excellent |
| Quiet at night | Good (better) | Limited |
| Food | Excellent | Excellent |
| Families | Good (better) | Limited |
| Transport | Very good | Very good |
Hotels in Greenwich Village and Lower East Side
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Greenwich Village or Lower East Side: questions
Is Greenwich Village or Lower East Side better to stay in?
Lower East Side is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $260 a night, against $330 in Greenwich Village. Greenwich Village is closer to 8 of the 8 big sights we timed. Lower East Side has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Greenwich Village. From JFK, Lower East Side is quicker: 60 min against 65 min. Greenwich Village suits food lovers and couples; Lower East Side suits night owls and food lovers.
Which is cheaper, Greenwich Village or Lower East Side?
Typical doubles in Greenwich Village: $200 budget, $330 mid-range, $600 luxury. In Lower East Side: $160, $260 and $450. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Is Greenwich Village or Lower East Side safer?
Street crime in Greenwich Village is above the city average; in Lower East Side it is around the city average. Based on NYC Open Data (NYPD).
Which is closer to the sights, Greenwich Village or Lower East Side?
Door to door: One World Trade Center is 16 min from Greenwich Village and 25 min from Lower East Side; Empire State Building is 17 min from Greenwich Village and 27 min from Lower East Side; Times Square is 18 min from Greenwich Village and 29 min from Lower East Side; Grand Central is 18 min from Greenwich Village and 29 min from Lower East Side.
How far is JFK from Greenwich Village and Lower East Side?
65 min to Greenwich Village and 60 min to Lower East Side, door to door by public transport.