The Upper West Side is a primarily residential neighborhood offering a fantastic home base for visitors to New York City. This area is definitely worth exploring if you have time, as it often provides a better value than many other areas. Moreover, it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Midtown and other tourist-heavy zones.

This convenient location not only allows easy access to Central Park but also the American Museum of Natural History. The numerous subway and bus routes make it easy to explore the various attractions of the city. The neighborhood is particularly great for shopping, especially at gourmet stores like Zabar’s and Fairway. The charming brownstone-lined streets, combined with luxury apartment buildings, make it a pleasure to stroll around. Notable past residents have included Babe Ruth, Humphrey Bogart, and Dorothy Parker, while today, many celebrities reside in the apartments lining Central Park West.

Neighborhood Boundaries

The Upper West Side is a large neighborhood in Manhattan, bordered by the Hudson River (Riverside Park) to the west and Central Park to the east. The area extends from 59th Street in the south to 125th Street in the north.

How to Get There

Utilizing the subway is one of the easiest methods for both locals and tourists to reach Central Park West. Notably, the subway is usually faster and more cost-effective than taking a taxi. The A, B, C, and D trains operate along Central Park West, stopping at several stations including 59th Street/Columbus Circle, 72nd Street, and the Museum of Natural History. Moreover, the 1 local train runs along Broadway, with stops at key locations such as 66th Street/Lincoln Center and 79th Street.

Architecture

Elegant pre-war buildings grace Broadway, Central Park West, Riverside Drive, and West End Avenue. Among the most famous is The Dakota, where John Lennon was tragically murdered, and where Yoko Ono still resides. Additionally, many residential streets are lined with brownstones, with several designated as landmark buildings.

Restaurants

There is an abundance of dining options in the Upper West Side. Here are several noteworthy establishments:

• Alice’s Tea Cup – A kid-friendly spot serving tea and light lunches
• Bar Boulud – A French bistro and wine bar from acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud
• Barney Greengrass – Famous for breakfast and lunch, an iconic NYC restaurant
• Boulud Sud – Offers refined Mediterranean cuisine from Daniel Boulud
• Calle Ocho – Features creative Latin dishes
• Carmine’s – Known for family-style Italian dining
• Rosa Mexicano – A modern take on Mexican cuisine
• Shake Shack – Quick-service burgers and shakes, yet high-quality
• Shun Lee West – Upscale Chinese dining experience

Attractions

When it comes to attractions, the Upper West Side offers some of the best museums, cathedrals, and performing arts centers in the city. Here are some must-visit sites:

• American Museum of Natural History
• Cathedral of St. John the Divine
• Central Park – Don’t miss the Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields
• Children’s Museum of Manhattan
• Cloisters – A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Dakota Apartments – A historic residential building
• Lincoln Center – Home to the Metropolitan Opera and other arts organizations
• New York Historical Society
• Sailors & Soldiers Monument