Next up in our neighborhood guide series is the Upper West Side! See our previous guides here: Upper East Side, Soho, Flatiron, and Chelsea. The Upper West Side spans from 59th Street all the way to 110th Street and is bordered by Central Park on one side and the Hudson River on the other.
The Upper West Side is a sprawling artistic neighborhood with easy access to greenspace. The tree-lined streets of the Upper West Side are peaceful, with high stoops leading up to beautiful brownstones.
On the Upper West Side, many blocks feel like quiet, small-town neighborhoods. Residents love the low-key, but culturally aware atmosphere. If you’ve ever seen a leafy, residential Manhattan neighborhood depicted on TV or in the movies, there’s a decent chance it was the Upper West Side. It’s where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks lived in You’ve Got Mail, where Liz Lemon lived on 30 Rock and even where Chuck Bass owned a hotel on Gossip Girl.
Sitting in the Southeast corner of the Upper West Side is Columbus Circle. You’ll find the city’s only indoor shopping mall inside the Time Warner Center. Some of our favorite restaurants in the city are located here (more on that later). Head up to the third floor for pretty views of Central Park.
Directly below Columbus Circle (underground) is the recently opened TurnStyle, a subway passage turned food and shopping hall. The concept is cool, but I must admit, I’m not sure it’s somewhere I would head to as a destination, but if you happen to be passing through the 59th St subway station, it’s worth a stroll. Pick up a juice from Pressed Juicery or some donuts from Doughnuttery (they are Shelby’s favorite!).
The Upper West Side is home to some of the best arts and culture destinations the city has to offer. Lincoln Center is home to the New York City Ballet and The Metropolitan Opera. Further north and directly across from Central Park sits the American Museum of Natural History. The dinosaur wing and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life are popular exhibitions, but there is so much more to see! Hayden Planetarium and the seasonal Butterfly Conservatory are highlights for me. The New York Historical Society and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are also great ways to spend a Saturday.
Similar to the Upper West Side, Central Park is a main attraction in this neighborhood. Although, Riverside Park alongside the Hudson River is where you’ll see all the locals.
In a neighborhood as large as the Upper West Side, there is no shortage of fabulous restaurants to indulge in. One of our very favorite brunch spots in the entire city is Jacob’s Pickles. The pancakes from Landmarc are some of the best I’ve ever had, and their dinner menu is just as good. I’ve heard really good things about The Smith, but we haven’t been there yet. Per Se is the cities’ go to fine dining destination. For a snack or dessert grab some macrons at Bouchon Bakery or snag cookie from Levain Bakery (they are 6oz each!). There’s a constant line outside, but don’t let that sway you. The line moves fast and trust me, the end result is worth it. Other great dining options are Sarabeth’s, Alice’s Tea Cup, and Shake Shack. Stop into Zabar’s to grab some cheese, crackers, and fruit for a picnic in the park.
If you’re looking to stay on the Upper West Side, you can’t beat the Empire Hotel. It’s right across the street from Lincoln Center, a perfect location to catch the ballet or people watch during Fashion Week. It’s proximity to Midtown, Central Park, and great shopping makes it an ideal place to stay. Other great options are Hotel Beacon or The Excelsior Hotel.
One thing is for sure, the Upper West Side deserves a visit. If you’re local, what is your favorite thing to do on the Upper West Side? Tweet us and let us know!
-Ash xx
P.S. Kendall over at Buttons and Blossoms was sweet to mention us in her 5 amazing blogs to help you plan your next big city trip post. Be sure to head over there and check it out!
