I’m always looking for new things to do in Union Square. It’s one of Manhattan’s busiest crossroads, where historic statues, open-air markets, and nonstop city energy collide.
Here’s your quick guide to the best places to eat, shop, and explore around this iconic NYC neighborhood.
Top Things to Do in Union Square: Food, Shopping, Events, & More
- Union Square Park: Home to statues, protests, street chess, and the Greenmarket (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat).
- Landmarks: Metronome clock, Daryl Roth Theatre, and Decker Building.
- Food & Drink: Union Square Café, Gramercy Tavern, Laut, Kanyakumari, Casa Mono, Breads Bakery, Old Town Bar, and more.
- Coffee & Brunch: Tarallucci e Vino, Birch Coffee, Think Coffee, and Joe Coffee.
- Cultural Spots: Tibet House, Yeshiva University Museum, Talwar Gallery.
- Shopping: Holiday Market (Nov–Dec), Greenmarket, Fishs Eddy, Academy Records, and Strand.
- Events & Nightlife: The Stand (comedy), Irving Plaza (music), seasonal theater, and cocktail bars.
- Nearby: Walk to Flatiron, East Village, or Greenwich Village for more dining and nightlife.
- Bonus – Legal Cannabis: Stoops NYC in Flatiron (7-minute walk)
Union Square Park
Union Square Park has been a meeting place for New Yorkers for over a century.
You’ll see chess players, protest rallies, street musicians, and kids running through the open spaces.
The statues of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Mahatma Gandhi give it historic weight, while the Union Square Greenmarket keeps it alive and fresh four days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat).
Local farmers, bakers, and artisans bring in everything from just-picked apples to handmade breads. It’s also home to the Union Square Holiday Market every winter.
Landmarks Around Union Square
Metronome / Climate Clock — A large public art installation on the south side of Union Square (installed in 1999) by Kristin Jones & Andrew Ginzel. It displays time in 24-hour format on one side and shows the time remaining in the day on the other; since 2020 it’s been adapted to include a climate countdown component.
Daryl Roth Theatre — Located at 101 East 15th Street (on the northeast corner of Union Square East). Housed in the former Union Square Savings Bank, it includes a 300-seat main theatre, the smaller DR2 space, and a cabaret lounge. Hosts Off-Broadway shows, cabaret, and occasional special performances.
Decker Building (33 Union Square West) — Built in 1892 for the Decker Brothers piano company, designed by John H. Edelmann. Notably narrow, with ornate terra cotta and Moorish/Venetian influences; later it housed Andy Warhol’s Factory in the late 1960s. Now a landmark and mixed-use building.
Food & Drink Picks
Union Square Café
New American classics with strong ties to the Greenmarket. Warm, welcoming service and a relaxed atmosphere.Gramercy Tavern
Upscale, seasonal American fare in an elegant yet cozy setting (One of Danny Meyer’s signature spots).Laut
Vibrant Southeast Asian flavors: think bold curries, aromatic spices, and a social, lively dining mood. More casual but packed with flavor.Kanyakumari
Coastal South Indian cuisine with standout dishes like Mussels Koliwada and slow-cooked “Black Gold Beef.” Stylish, buzzy, and flavorful; strong choice if you want something bold.Casa Mono
Spanish tapas, small plates for sharing. Great for groups or when you want a lively dinner without being too formal.Breads Bakery
For something lighter or sweet: freshly baked goods, pastries, bread — ideal for breakfast, snack, or after your cannabis dispensary visit.Old Town Bar
Classic NYC bar food in a historic, more laid-back setting. Good spot for winding down, maybe a drink or something simple.
Coffee & Brunch Spots
Tarallucci e Vino (15 East 18th St, Union Square) — Rustic Italian all-day bistro with house-made pastries, breads, and pastas; nice patio, good for brunch or a mellow meal after exploring.
Birch Coffee — Specialty-coffee chain with strong brews and cozy atmosphere; good for grabbing espresso or lingering with a book. Locations nearby include one between 13th & 14th / 7th & 8th.
Think Coffee — Known for ethically sourced coffee and relaxed café vibe; solid spot if you want sustainable sourcing plus a calm place to sip.
Joe Coffee Company (29 Union Square W + 9 E 13th St) — Local specialty chain with friendly staff, quality espresso & seasonal drinks; Union Square West location opens early — nice pick when you want reliably good coffee near your dispensary stop.
Cultural Spots
- Tibet House US — Located at 22 West 15th Street, Tibet House US is a cultural nonprofit founded in 1987 at the Dalai Lama’s request. It features gallery exhibits of Tibetan art (both contemporary and traditional), a meditation shrine, photographic archives, and public programs including lectures and performances.
Yeshiva University Museum (Center for Jewish History) — Part of the Center for Jewish History at 15 West 16th Street, this museum holds over 8,000 artifacts—archaeological finds, ritual Judaica, illuminated manuscripts, artworks, and documents highlighting Jewish life across centuries. The museum also runs changing exhibitions, lectures, and family programs.
Talwar Gallery (108 East 16th Street) — showcases contemporary artists from the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora, with artists like Nasreen Mohamedi, Arpita Singh, and Alwar Balasubramaniam. The gallery offers rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, and mixed media in an intimate setting a few blocks from Union Square.
Shops Around the Square
- Union Square Greenmarket: Open four days a week, this outdoor market features local produce, baked goods, flowers, and seasonal treats. Great for a quick snack or grocery haul.
- Strand Bookstore — At 828 Broadway & East 12th Street, just two blocks south of Union Square. Founded in 1927, it’s famous for “18 Miles of Books,” covering new, used, and rare volumes over multiple floors. Still family-run.
- Fishs Eddy: A quirky home-goods store with fun, NYC-themed dishware and kitchen essentials. Perfect for gifts or adding character to your kitchen.
- Academy Records: A crate-digger’s paradise, especially strong in jazz, classical, and rock vinyl. Affordable bins and collectible finds make it a music lover’s stop.
Music, Comedy & Nightlife
- Irving Plaza: A legendary venue with a long list of rock and hip-hop shows.
- The Stand: A comedy club bringing top comedians and rising acts.
- Legendary Cyphers: Hip-hop freestyle sessions that pop up in the square on summer nights.
Things to Do in Surrounding Neighborhoods
A short walk takes you to Madison Square Park in Flatiron, indie theaters in the East Village, or bars and music clubs in Greenwich Village.
Union Square is the launch point for exploring downtown Manhattan.
Stop by Stoops NYC for Legal Cannabis Near Union Square
Less than a 10-minute walk from Union Square, Stoops NYC is Flatiron’s first licensed cannabis dispensary. The shop is inspired by New York’s street art and creative culture, providing a space that feels modern, welcoming, and uniquely New York.
Inside, you’ll find top NYC cannabis brands. Grab flower, pre-rolls, edibles, CBD, concentrates, and vapes. It’s a natural extension of the Union Square — creative, lively, and community-driven.
Explore Union Square
Union Square has history, food, culture, and a constant buzz that makes it one of the most live neighborhoods in Manhattan.
It’s worth taking time to explore. Grab a quick coffee, take a market stroll, or have a night out.
Here are answers to a few common questions visitors ask:
FAQ About Union Square NYC
Where is Union Square in New York?
Union Square sits at 14th Street, bordered by Broadway and Park Avenue South — west of Gramercy and just south of the Flatiron District. It’s also one of the city’s biggest subway hubs.
Is Union Square worth visiting?
Yes. It’s a lively mix of history, food, shopping, and people-watching.
The farmers’ market and holiday market are highlights, and the energy is pure New York.
Is Union Square safe?
Union Square is considered safe and is usually busy day and night.
Like anywhere in NYC, stay aware of your surroundings, especially late.
Where is Union Square Park in NYC?
Union Square Park stretches from 14th to 17th Streets, between Union Square East and Union Square West. It’s the centerpiece of the neighborhood.
When does the Union Square Holiday Market open?
It typically runs from mid-November through December 24, with 150+ vendors offering food, gifts, and seasonal goods.
Is Union Square a nice area in NYC?
Yes. It’s one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods, with parks, restaurants, shopping, and easy access to nearby districts like Greenwich Village and Flatiron.
Whose statue is in Union Square?
Several statues stand in Union Square Park, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Marquis de Lafayette.
What’s the best time to visit Union Square?
Fall and spring are ideal for enjoying the markets and outdoor spaces, but the area is active year-round.
The Holiday Market in winter and Greenmarket in summer are especially popular.
Are there free events in Union Square?
Yes. Protests, rallies, art installations, music performances, and community gatherings happen regularly, many of them free.