What can you do in two square blocks of Nolita? Here is an itinerary complete with where to shop, where to eat, what else to see, how to get there and where to find the best restrooms (always important!).
First, get some style inspiration from the Cartier-Bresson and Elliott Erwitt exhibits at International Center for Photography Museum. From Grand Central, take the Downtown 6 train for 5 stops to Bleecker Street. Make a left onto Bleecker, walk a few blocks and then turn right on Bowery. Great cafe and restrooms here! Closed Mondays. After visiting the museum, walk right on Bowery, turning right at Prince Street and then right again on Elizabeth Street to fuel up at Tacombi--don't miss the watermelon juice and pork tacos (or fish or beef or chicken--you get the idea!). Another great restroom--even just to say a little prayer (see photo below).
Time to shop! Head across the street to Marine Layer, Ministry of Supply or Gorjana. Make your way back towards Prince Street, stopping into the small shops on either side of Elizabeth Street (Sézane or In Support Of or Clare V or the pop-up shop full of pretty dresses made in L.A.) on your way to Vince or Maje or Sandro (on Prince). Also on Prince, you can hunt for treasure at Ina Designer Consignment or pick up a new pair of espadrilles at Soludos. Stock up on essentials across the street at Everlane. There are at least another dozen options on these two blocks alone--explore and enjoy!
Rest and recuperate with a coffee and snack at McNally Jackson Books--one of my all-time favorite places. Find a great book or hard-to-find magazine (use their restroom!). Peek through the iron gate at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral and start strolling back towards the subway.
Most images above are linked to a destination. Just click on them!