More pleasant than the chaotic St Marks Place one block south, East 9th between Second Ave and Avenue A is a good intro to the vintage stores and curio shops of the East Village.
Electronica rules at more Design District and Downtown clubs, lovely jazz spots are not hard to find, and a cosy but strong indie-rock scene centres around Sweat Records (5505 NE Second Ave) and Churchill's (5501 NE Second Avenue).