There's a lot to see in the West Village! But one of the things that you cannot miss is the HIGHLINE.
It is a public park built on old train tracks. It's beautiful, full of plants, chilling places and several temporary art exhibitions. In addition, it is another way to tour the city. It goes through the buildings, you have stairs to go up and down (which we recommend doing to better explore its surroundings), and since it is elevated above the street, it allows you to see other views of NYC.
It has more than 2km long, it goes from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, and between 10th and 12th avenues.
-The stairs are at Gansevoort St, 14th St, 16th St, 18th St, 20th St, 23rd St, 26th St, 28th St, 30th St and 34th St.
-Elevators are at Gansevoort St, 14th St, 16th St, 23rd St and 30th St, and it has a ramp at 34th St.
-If you have to go to the bathroom, you will find them on Gansevoort St, 16th St and 30th St.
If you go down 14th you will find the Standard Hotel, that includes one of the best rooftops in NY: Le Bain at the Standard Highline. Don't forget your ID, they usually ask for it! And don't go too casual (they don't ask you to dress elegant but won't let you in if you are on shorts and flip flops either).
When you arrive at the Standard you are already in the MEATPACKING area.
From the Meatpacking District, the best is to go along 9 Av. and Little West 12th St. Here you will find Pastis Restaurant, and several abandoned warehouses that today host most of the best restaurants in NY, such as Florent and Buddha Bar.
You'll also find other renowned restaurants such as Santina and Cafe Gitane.
For a good ice cream: Sant Ambroeus (you can find it in other neighbourhoods as well).
Near the 18th, you can spot a building designed by Frank Gehry (IAC) with a very cool design all made of tinted glass.
If you go down near 15th Street, you have the well-known CHELSEA MARKET (specifically at 9th Avenue and 15th St). In 1890 the building was a cookie factory, and then they remodeled everything and made several places to eat and other groceries stores.
If you are a bagel lover, stop by: Barney Greengrass on Amsterdam Av. and 86th St.
For shopping: There is an Anthropologie at the entrance. And nearby you have the largest Apple Store in Manhattan. Also, for All Saints fans, there's a huge store over there!
If you like jazz you need to go to the Smoke bar!
There is not much more to say than: walk, walk, go up, go down and enjoy it.