On any given day, you’ll find iced latte-sipping NYU students at one of the East Village’s many cafes — and at night, you’ll find them on St. Marks Place, getting drinks at a bar, watching free comedy shows and snagging a late-night sweet treat. But besides its trendy appeal, this buzzing, slightly grungy neighborhood is also one of New York City’s most longstanding hubs of music, art and poetry, preserving the legacy of iconic residents like Keith Haring and Jack Kerouac — making every day in the East Village an exciting one.
Immaculate Conception Church Flea Market | $$
414 E. 14th St.
A sunny day will never fail to bring NYU students outside en masse. As the city slowly but surely gets warmer in anticipation of spring, make your first stop in the East Village an outdoor flea market in the backyard of the Church of Immaculate Conception. This unnamed market is open year-round but only on the weekends from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., hosting an abundance of vendors. Some offer an affordable selection of funky jewelry and colored pendants, while others boast a colorful range of leather bags and jackets that are perfect for the in-between weather of March. You can also bargain for unique antiques, music records and even paintings to decorate your dorm or apartment with. Prepare to devote most of your morning to securing a find — but you’ll definitely leave with something by the end. Most booths do not accept card, so make sure to bring cash or download Zelle before exploring this casual yet quality market…