Welcome to
The 8th Street Experience
A little bit of history
Welcome to The 8th Street Experience, a celebration of one of New York City’s most iconic thoroughfares that spans from Sixth to Fourth Avenue in Greenwich Village. 8th Street is home to unique shops, artisanal food and exclusive services designed for people who know that smaller is better than big, and one-of-a-kind is more important than one just like the other.
8th Street is an experience for all—whether you’re visiting to shop the luxurious boutiques, enjoying fine dining restaurants, simply grabbing a coffee or touring the street’s architectural history.
First developed in the 1820s, 8th Street was New York’s cultural main street in the 1840s and 50s; during the late Victorian era, it was part of the Ladies Mile high class shopping district. In the early 20th century, it was Bohemia’s main street; and from the 1930’s to the 1960’s it was New York’s downtown nightclub district and the place where American painters gained world fame as leaders in their field.
8th Street today
Although 8th Street continues to evolve and welcome new merchants and residents alike, the street is true to its historic roots and still comprised of quintessential Village residential, commercial and institutional properties that are linked together in an authentic neighborhood fashion.
The historic commercial corridor that is Eighth Street is maintained by the Village Alliance a Business Improvement District covering 44 blocks in Central Greenwich Village. The Village Alliance has proved itself to be a leading advocate for the Village community for nearly thirty years. As a 501(c)3 community-based nonprofit, the BID works with businesses, residents, and cultural and academic institutions to drive economic growth.
