With its quaint shops, 19th century houses and tree-lined blocks, the West Village is one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods. Take a stroll through the winding streets and discover this area’s classic old-world charm.

The West 4th Subway stop is a great place to start. Exit on the north side of the subway station near Waverly Place and walk north up 6th Avenue. Straight ahead you’ll see the Jefferson Market Courthouse, a West Village landmark.

One of the few High Victorian Gothic style buildings left in Manhattan, Jefferson Market served as a courthouse, branch library and women’s detention center in the early 1900s. The legendary Mae West spent time behind bars here after she was arrested for lewd behavior onstage during one of her scandalous shows.