A city getaway is a chance to experience new cultural events, exciting nightlife, popular restaurants, and new people. Next time you’re in a new city, hit the streets to get a feel for what the area truly has to offer. The uniqueness of each city lies within its neighborhoods. Here are four favorite vibrant city neighborhoods to explore.
1. Greenwich Village, New York City
New York is a magical city that’s so much fun to visit. There’s always so much going on and one of the best neighborhoods to hang out in is Greenwich Village. The Village was known as a neighborhood for creative thinkers, artists, and musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, this area of New York is home to live music clubs, great restaurants, and beautiful brownstones. Here’s where you’ll see Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment and the Friend’s Building.
The Village is known for its outstanding nightlife, so head over to Bleecker Street for some of the best clubbing in the city. Comedy Cellar Club is a super popular comedy venue known far and wide as one of the best clubs in the country. Marie’s Crisis Cafe is a well-known piano bar that gets rave reviews. We had a blast on our Greenwich Village Food Tour where our fabulous tour guide took us to hot spots like Murray’s Cheese Shop, the original Joe’s Pizza, and a lot more. Delish!
2. French Quarter, New Orleans
Everyone should visit fabulous New Orleans at least once. With an incredible food scene and more parades than practically anywhere else, it is a city teeming with activity. And much of that fun happens in the French Quarter. You could visit New Orleans and never leave “The Quarter” — as locals call the downtown neighborhood — there’s that much to see and do in this vibrant area.
The St. Louis Cathedral is a must-see. This gorgeous cathedral is the oldest in the United States and is a hallmark of Jackson Square. Next door is the Presbytere, a museum that shines a light on the history of Hurricane Katrina on the first floor, and upstairs, you’ll jump into the history of Mardi Gras. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the important events that have shaped this classic southern city. Outside along Jackson Square, you’ll usually find plenty of vendors and live music performers. Grab a spot at Cafe Du Monde for the best beignets in town and go to Arnaud’s for a lovely fine-dining experience. This is the restaurant to enjoy celebrating a special event in the heart of the French Quarter.
3. Pearl District, San Antonio
The Pearl District in San Antonio is a vibrant neighborhood where you can have a good time in several different ways. The entire area, originally home to the largest brewery in San Antonio, has been revitalized into a cool entertainment district with award-winning local restaurants and bars, along with lots of different entertainment options for the family.
Watch a movie on a giant inflatable screen at Pearl Park. Enjoy a gourmet meal at the incredible Culinary Institute of America. Get pampered in a fabulous day spa. Or, experience the fabulous Weekend Market at Pearl.
You’ll find two different markets each weekend. Saturday mornings are all about food, with a selection of spectacular fresh produce grown nearby, as well as artisan meats from area ranchers. This is freshness at its best. Sunday’s market lasts from late morning to early afternoon and focuses on local makers offering their handmade wares. You’re likely to score some new favorites at this premier market, which USA Today recently named one of the top ten farmers markets in the country.
4. Power And Light District, Kansas City
Kansas City is a vibrant Midwestern city located in central Missouri. Home to a professional baseball, football, and soccer team, along with many artistic venues and fantastic food, Kansas City is a cultural hub in the center of the country. One of the best neighborhoods for good times is the KC Power and Light District. The P&L District is an indoor-outdoor entertainment district home to plenty of bars, restaurants, and jazz clubs. For juicy burgers and cold beers, it’s hard to beat Johnny’s Tavern. Other food options include sushi, tacos, seafood, and more.
You can also see live music on the huge outdoor stage. Sports fans will enjoy the seemingly hundreds of televisions scattered throughout the area. Nearby are more venue options for live entertainment. Enjoy concerts and live performances at the T-Mobile Center, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the Crossroads Arts District. If you’re a jazz lover, be sure to check out the jazz scene at the Green Lady Lounge, one of the most well-known clubs in the area. Of course, you can’t go to Kansas City without eating barbecue, and the P&L District has you covered. Check out Country Road Ice House for authentic KC-style barbecue. It’s the real deal.