For a slice of New York that’s not all bright lights and tall buildings, get off the grid and spend a day in the West Village. The neighborhood’s former moniker, “Little Bohemia,” no longer applies (multimillion-dollar townhouses aren’t exactly anti-establishment), but relics of its former self still exist alongside stylish restaurants and boutiques. Bring a map; with an entire day to spare, we suggest getting purposefully lost.

Stay: A quaint neighborhood calls for an equally quaint hotel. Abingdon Guest House has the vibe of a small-town bed and breakfast -- it’s not for everyone, but its location is ideal for the atypical visitor.

New York

PetalBelle: The team behind Lombardi’s opens a charming Soho shop specializing in Belgian Liege waffles.

Botanica: New Red Hook bar serves up classic cocktails and, for beer snobs, a 25-ounce brew for $35.

Once a neighborhood for synagogues and immigrants, today’s Lower East Side is rife with racy American Apparel billboards and smug young hipsters. The G(entrification)-word is the subject of much debate, but don’t expect the influx of restaurants, bars, and clubs to cease anytime soon. For a first-time visitor, there's plenty to make you feel cool, no matter what the dudes in skinny jeans mumble under their breath.

Stay. Hands down the hippest hotel in a 10-block radius, the Hotel on Rivington stretches like a 21-storied, one-fingered salute into the Manhattan skyline. With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing unobstructed views of the city, the rooms are cozy (read: tiny) but outfitted with clean, modern furniture and luxurious Frette linens. More importantly, the location offers no shortage of nearby shops, restaurants and nightlife.