Car Rental New York and East Village

From Alphabet Soup to passionate punk rock, Manhattan's East Village is the ultimate mix of big city culture and confusion. Located between 14th Street and the East River, the East Village connects NoHo and Greenwich Village to Stuyvesant Town and the Lower East Side. Known as the birthplace of punk music and the Beat Generation, the East Village is now one of Manhattan's most popular upscale real estate neighborhoods. The East village still flaunts a rebellious edge though, thanks to the area's history of organized activism, experimental theater and innovative music. No other neighborhood in the nation has had the same impact on American arts and culture like the East Village, so what are you waiting for?! Make a stand during your upcoming car rental New York City vacation - visit Manhattan's most prolific neighborhood today!

The Changing Face of the East Side

The East Village Neighborhood has always been an important part of New York City's cultural landscape. From the eclectic mix of elderly Ukrainian, Polish, Dominican and Puerto Rican families of the 1970's to the legions of pierced, tattooed teenagers of the 1980's, the Village has quite the colorful reputation. Assorted artists, bohemians and punks have also called the village home, not to mention thousands of New York University students. Recent gentrification efforts in the neighborhood have helped restore the Village to its original splendor, highlighting landmarks like the Joseph Papp Public Theater, Tompkins Square Park, and Cooper Union. The Village is also home to some of NYC's best known bars, including Joe's Pub. From the famous watering holes to the expensive new establishments, the East Village definitely has an attitude all its own, so don't miss your chance to check it out!

From Punk to Posh Real Estate

The changing face of New York City real estate has had quite an effect on the East Village. From closing the legendary punk club CBGB & OMFUG on Bowery, to the skyrocketing rental rates, the East Village is smack-dab in the middle of a metamorphosis. Punk rock car rental New York City fans can still find plenty of places to flaunt their rebellious attitude in the Village though, thanks to a handful of exclusive establishments. The neighborhood is also home to a thriving vintage clothing and music industry. Important bands that got their start in the East Village include the New York Dolls, Patti Smith, the Ramones, Blondie, the Beastie Boys and the Strokes. Madonna even rocked out in the Village during her early years, performing at local clubs like A7, the Mercer Arts Center and the Mudd Club. Business suits and concert t-shirts intermingle along the streets of the East Village thanks to the neighborhoods growing luxury apartment market. New restaurants also dot the streets of Alphabet City (Avenues A-D), providing car rental New York City customers with an international menu mix. Must-visit establishments in the area include the Polish butcher shops of First Avenue, the neighboring Italian pastry shops and the Ukrainian Strip of Second Avenue. Japanese restaurants can also be found on East Ninth Street. Car rental New York City vacationers are also encouraged to take a walk along St. Marks Place, home to one of New York City's most diverse cultural communities.

No trip to NYC would be complete without a stop in this landmark community, so don't delay! Exciting landmarks in the area include Colonnade Row, the Ottendorfer Library, Astor Place and the East River Park. East Village movements have included "The Melting Pot", the American Gangster, alternative media, contemporary urban art, hip hop music and much, much more! If you would like to learn more about the East Village before embarking on your upcoming car rental New York City vacation please log onto the East Village Neighborhood Directory and Free Press at www.east-village.com. More information can also be found on the official New York City government website, www.nyc.gov.