Updated: August 25, 2024
ByCourtney Shapiro
For visitors to New York City, the Upper West Side (UWS) is known for Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and Central Park.
For locals, it's a neighborhood with lovely side streets and colorful avenues, a place to eat some of the city's classic foods, shop, stroll, and simply enjoy life.
And as a group of local tour guides, some of whom live here, and all of whom guide here, we know a thing or two about the area.
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- Overview
- How to Get Here
- Things to Do
- Where to Stay
- Is Visiting the Upper West Side Worth It?
- Other Things To Do in NYC
OVERVIEW
The Upper West Side (UWS) is located between Central Park to the east and the Hudson River to the west.
On its southern end, it is bound by West 59th Street and Columbus Circle.
On its northern end, it is bound by W. 110th Street, where Harlem begins.
The Upper West Side is part of the larger area of NYC known as Upper Manhattan.
The UWS neighborhood is a fairly affluent neighborhood that is more of a residential area than a commercial one.

Whereas its counterpart, the Upper East Side, tends to attract residents working in the financial sector, the Upper West Side leans toward those in the arts and culture as well as families with young children.
Its side streets are leafy and lined with brownstones and private townhouses, and relatively few high rises.
Its avenues are home to great restaurants, coffee shops, chain stores, boutiques, and entertainment venues.
HOW TO GET HERE
By subway
The neighborhood is easily reached by public transportation. Several subway lines access the Upper West Side.
- B and Ctrains make local stops along Central Park West.
- 1, 2, and 3 trains run along Broadway. The 1 makes local stops while the 2 and 3 run express.
To learn about the difference between express and local lines, read our post onusing the subway system.
By bus
- Uptown/Downtown: M5, M7, M10, M11, M12, M104
- Crosstown: M57, M66, M72, M79, M86, M96, M106 (numbers correlate to the street the buses travel on)
THINGS TO DO ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE
Below are the top things to do in this neighborhood.
We have a separate section for museums below as well as a section on the best restaurants, coffee shops and bars on the Upper West Side.
Explore Central Park
For some, the Upper West Side is synonymous with Central Park.
The entire western border of the park (Central Park West between W. 59th Street and W. 110th Street) is the eastern border of the Upper West Side.
It's as if the two are inseparable!
Several sites in Central Park are close to Central Park West including the Sheep Meadow, Strawberry Fields, the Imagine Memorial to John Lennon, and Belvedere Castle.
Also near Central Park West is the Delacorte Theatre, known for Shakespeare in The Park, and Bow Bridge, one of the most photogenic sites in Central Park.
Read more about things to do in Central Park.
Get a Bagel and Lox at Zabar's
Grab a Bite at this New York City institution. Zabar’s Delicatessen has been a cornerstone of the Upper West Side since 1934.
This family-owned shop sells delicious fare, the best being their Smoked fish, cheeses, baked goods, and homemade roasted coffee.

Given its proximity to Central Park, Zabars should be on your list of places to grab food for a picnic in Central Park.
Zabars is at 2245 Broadway at W. 80th Street.
See our post on the best bagels near Central Park which lists several on the UWS.
Delve into Arts and Culture at Lincoln Center
You can do a bit of everything at Lincoln Center. This world-renowned arts venue offers the chance to see many performing arts.
It's the home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic.
During the winter holidays, Lincoln Center has great Christmas performances like The Nutcracker ballet and the Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis playing jazz renditions of holiday favorites.

In the summer, Lincoln Center's plaza is home to their Midsummer Night Swing outdoor dance series where people come to swing dance!
For a behind-the-scenes look at this magnificent arts complex, you can take aLincoln Center tour.
Admire The Architecture
Unlike any other neighborhood in NYC, the Upper West Side is known for its several massive, ornate residential buildings, many of which are known from TV and film!
The stunning Dakota Building is located at the corner of Central Park West and West 72nd Street. Constructed in 1884, it is considered to be NYC’s first luxury apartment building.
The Dakota is best known for being the apartment building where John Lennon lived for many years, until he died in 1980.
It was also where the 1968 horror film Rosemary’s Baby was filmed.
Read more about the Dakota here.

The Ansonia, located on Broadway between W. 73rd and W. 74th Streets, was built in 1904. The ornate exterior is decorated in the Beaux-Art style.
The Ansonia was the backdrop in the psychological thriller, Single White Female, starring Bridget Fonda.
The Apthorp is so large that it occupies a full city block, from Broadway to West End Avenue,between W. 78th and W. 79th Streets.
It was constructed in 1908 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
Its ornamented limestone façade and gigantic iron entry gates that open into a courtyard make the Apthorp a gem of the UWS.
The San Remo was built in 1930 and its twin towers make it one of the most famous buildings along the Central Park silhouette.
Take a Stroll in Riverside Park
Riverside Park is an incredible and huge green space that runs along the Hudson River from West 72nd Street to West 156th Street.
In the spring, you’ll see flowering trees and in the fall, the rich changing colors of the trees are beautiful.

Locals come here to take casual strolls or jogs along the Hudson River Path.
One of the best places to visit in the park is the Grant National Memorial at W. 122nd St. and Riverside Drive, where former president Ulysses S. Grant is buried.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Levain Bakery
For those who love cookies, a stop at Levain Bakery is a must.
The Chocolate Chip Walnut and Dark Chocolate Chocolate cookies are divine.
Ask for your cookie to be heated up for an extra gooey experience.

Warning: Levain’s cookies are $5 each. But they are worth it!
Levain Bakery is at 351 Amsterdam Avenue and W. 77th Street.
Skip the Cookie - Get Ice Cream Instead!
If ice cream is your thing, head to Emack and Bolio’s. This is by far one of the best ice cream shops on the Upper West Side if not the whole city!
Pick from ice cream flavors like Bananas Foster, Cake Batter, Chocolate Addiction, and Cookie Monster.

They also have frozen yogurt and sorbet. For vegans, you’ve got Chocolate Pudding, Goa Mango, Mint Chocolate Freckles, and more.
Emack and Bolio’s is at 389 Amsterdam Avenue at W. 79th Street.
Go Shopping Underground
Turnstyle Underground is a market located beneath 8th Avenue between 57th and 58th Street.
Though this is not technically the Upper West Side it is pretty darn close and worth a visit!
The market is accessible from the 59th Street-Columbus Avenue subway station, one of the stations you may pass through on your trip to the UWS.
Even if you are not taking the subway, you don't need to swipe a MetroCard to gain access to the market.

There are shops and kiosks with niche items.
For example, one shop sells unique versions of sneakers by Nike, Jordans, Adidas, and Puma. Another shop has handmade cosmetics and bath products.
There are 19 food vendors, serving international foods like Bolivian saltenas, Taiwanese dumplings, blintzes, hot dogs, paella, fresh juices, and more.
Be sure to stop at Doughnuttery, known for its mini doughnuts, some with exotic flavors like Chai and Pumpkin Pie Brulee.
Take in the Splendor of St. John the Divine
At the corner of W. 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue is the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
At 601 feet, it is the world's largest Gothic-style cathedral.
You’ll find beautiful vaulted ceilings, carved limestone and granite columns, and lots of stained glass.
The Great Rose Window is 40’ in diameter making it the third-largest rose window in the world.

Construction was started in 1892, and oddly enough, it is still under construction!
According to the cathedral’s website, St. John’s is no different than many cathedrals around the world that are built over centuries.
Don’t worry, there’s no construction going on that will prevent you from taking a tour of this fully active church and cathedral.
See the cathedral's website for information on visiting.
Eat at Seinfeld's Tom's Restaurant
Located at the corner of Broadway and W. 112th Street is Tom’s Restaurant, where Jerry Seinfeld and the gang met often.

Tom’s was used only for exterior shots, though the studio set where interior scenes were filmed was modeled after the inside of this restaurant.
If you are a Seinfeld fan, take a look at our self-guided tour of Seinfeld's New York.
Shop at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market
If you are in town during the holidays, you are in luck.
Shop at the Columbus Circle holiday market where you can pick up some unique arts and crafts and other holiday gifts.
In December, you can see one of many Christmas light displays in NYC at the Shops at Columbus Circle next to the holiday market.
The holiday market is located at Columbus Circle at W. 59th Street and Broadway (the southwest corner of Central Park).
See the Ghostbusters Building
In the 1984 movie Ghostbusters, Dana Barrett (played by Sigourney Weaver) and Louis Tully (played by Rick Moranis) live on the 22nd floor of a building known as "Spook Central".
You can find Spook Central at 55 Central Park West at 66th Street.
There are a few more Ghostbusters sights on the UWS like Columbia University and Tavern on the Green restaurant.
See our post on Ghostbusters Movie Locations in NYC.
Take a Central Park Movie Tour
Our pay-what-you-like Central Park Movie and TV Tour takes you to the most famous filming sights in and around the park.
Stop at the Plaza Hotel, the main setting for the film Eloise at the Plaza.
Visit The Mall in Central Park, where scenes were filmed from the 1979 Academy Award-winning filmKramer vs. Kramer and the popular rom-com When Harry Met Sally.
Discover Columbus Circle
Located atthe intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Eighth Avenue, and 59th Street, Columbus Circle is more than just a traffic circle!
There are some great things to do in Columbus Circle and its nearby streets. Here are just a few:
- See a live musical performance at Carnegie Hall at W. 57th Street and 7th Avenue.
- Browse the stores at The Shops at Columbus Circle at W. 59th Street and Broadway.
- Visit the Museum of Arts and Design at 2 Columbus Circle/928 8th Avenue.
- Enjoy the incredible photo op at Umpire Rock just inside Central Park.
MUSEUMS
The UWS has some interesting museums you might enjoy and they are all quite different from each other!
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is one of the great museums of the world.
It's located in the heart of the Upper West Side, right across from Central Park at W. 81st Street.
Since 1871, this museum has awed New York City's children and grown-ups alike with its exhibits of fossils, mammals, sea life, minerals, gems, meteorites, and of course the Dinosaur wing.
The Hayden Planetarium is part of the AMNH which offers space shows in its theater.
For those traveling with children, visiting the American Museum of Natural History is one of the very best things to do with kids in NYC.
American Folk Art Museum
The museum showcases pieces of art made by individuals without formal artistic training. This is essentially the definition of folk art.
It's always free to visit! Find out about other free museums in NYC.

The museum's collection has more than 8,000 artworks that span four centuries and come from almost every continent.
American Folk Art Museum is at Columbus Avenue at W. 66th Street.
New York Historical Society
As its name implies, this museum's mission is to educate the public about NYC’s history.
The society was founded in 1804 as New York's oldest museum.

The society reaches its goal through its impressive collections of artifacts and objects from four centuries, immersive movies, and lectures from historians and public figures.
Admission is free on Fridays from 6-8 pm.
The museum is located at 170 Central Park West and 77th Street.
Nicholas Roerich Museum
This small but worthy museum is dedicated to the works of Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947), a Russian poet, philosopher and painter.
The most stunning works are his paintings of the wondrous Himalayan landscapes.
The setting for the more than 100 paintings is a splendid three-story townhouse built in 1898.

Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Free concerts take place between September and May.
Nicholas Roerich Museum is at 319 W. 107th St. btwn Riverside Dr & Broadway.
The Gallery at the Bard Graduate Center
This gallery is affiliated with the graduate department of the prestigious Bard College in upstate New York.
The gallery showcases decorative arts and design materials. Its excellent exhibitions are the fruits of collaboration between Bard and other institutions from around the world.
Past exhibitions include Interface Experience: Forty Years of Personal Computing; Jan Tschichold and the New Typography: Graphic Design Between the World Wars.
Admission is $15. Students pay $6 and Seniors pay $12. On the first Friday of every month, entry is free.
The Gallery at the Bard Graduate Center is at 18 West 86th St.
BEST RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS AND BARS ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE
The Upper West Side is considered by many to have the best restaurant scene in the city with diverse cuisines at all price ranges.
Here is a small sampling of what you can eat in the area.
Best Restaurants
UNDER $20
Gray’s Papaya
A New York institution serving cheap, delicious hot dogs for decades. Read more about Gray’s from our post on Famous Foods of New York City.
Vanessa’s
Started as a hole-in-the-wall in Chinatown serving huge Chinese dumplings for a few bucks and is now known citywide with six locations.
Sido Falafel & More
Middle-Eastern food, like falafel sandwiches, and shawarma. Tasty and affordable
Joe’s Steam Rice Roll
Hong Kong-style large rice noodles rolled with succulent fillings like pork, shrimp, beef, and vegetables. One of NYC’s best cheap foods with multiple locations around the city.

$20 - $40
Jacob's Pickles
A popular southern eatery. House favorites are the fried chicken biscuit sandwich and of course, the homemade pickles.
Yasaka
A hidden gem on the Upper West Side with a fantastic lunch deal: Chirashi Bowl with 14 pieces of sashimi over rice for just $20.
Bellini
A classic Italian restaurant in a rustic setting. Lots of pasta dishes, and large individual-size pizzas with a thin, crispy crust.
$40 AND UP
Maison Pickle
It’s all about their French Dip sandwich here. Huge portions of American food like Mac n’ Cheese, Steak with fries and the tallest chocolate layer cake you’ve ever seen. Reservations recommended.
Cafe Luxembourg
A staple of NYC’s French bistros serving classics like Croque Monsieur and French Onion since 1983. Attracts celebs so keep your eyes open. A scene from When Harry Met Sally was filmed here, though not the iconic scene filmed at Katz’s Delicatessen.
Best Coffee Shops on the Upper West Side

Black Press Coffee
Bold and flavorful coffees, a variety of croissants and pastries, friendly baristas and a block from Central Park.
Artisan Cafe
Cozy - but small - cafe much loved by locals. Serves drip coffee with beans from El Salvador only. Fresh baked goods and wonderful lattes.
Daily Provisions
Popular (and crowded) shop for coffees, lattes, matcha and iced drinks like iced salted caramel mocha. Grab a breakfast sandwich or cinnamon cruller. One block from the American Museum of Natural History.
Best Bars on the Upper West Side

George Keeley
Irish pub/sports bar serving 22 on-tap craft beers, stouts, ales and cider. More than 20 whiskeys and ryes. Classic pub fare. Can get crowded especially on game nights. But if you love beer, it’s for you.
Vanguard Wine Bar
Wine bar focused on French wines, but interesting choices from the West Coast and even New York State. Small plates and charcuterie boards. Warm atmosphere.
Nobody Told Me
Cocktail bar with a speakeasy feel. Creative artisanal drinks like You Didn’t Say Goodbye (gin, lemongrass syrup, lemon juice, mint, cucumber, and cava). Happy Hour every day from 3 pm to 6 pm.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE
Staying at a hotel on the UWS has pros and cons.
You will be relatively close to Central Park, but not that close to other popular attractions.
While the neighborhood is charming and it is very family-friendly, the hotel options are limited
Still, it is worth looking into staying here as many people love their stay in the neighborhood.

Here are some of the best places to stay on the UWS recommended by members of our Facebook Group on NYC Travel Tips.
There are also some very good NYC hostels on the Upper West Side.
Find out about other hotels and accommodations from our post, Where to Stay in New York City.
IS VISITING THE UPPER WEST SIDE WORTH IT?
The quick answer is ”It depends”. It depends on how many days you’re here for and what your interests are.
If you are here for a whirlwind weekend, then no. But if you are here for 4 or more days, then you might like to explore this charming part of the city.
Generally, we combine an outing to Central Park with some time on the UWS as the park is right there.
We love to stroll the leafy side streets, and then do some shopping on Columbus, Amsterdam and Broadway.
When we are ready to grab a bite, we can just walk down Columbus between W. 82nd and W. 86th streets and find any kind of cuisine we want. (See some of our favorites above).
The vibe is a nice change from some of the less residential areas of NYC.
UPPER WEST SIDE (UWS) COMPARED TO UPPER EAST SIDE (UES)
Before you read our comparison, take a look at our Guide to the Upper East Side then read on.
Let’s start with what these two neighborhoods have in common.
Both have easy access to Central Park. Both have tree-lined residential side streets and busy avenues.
Both have an abundance of restaurants, bars and coffee shops of all price ranges. Unfortunately, both are expensive to live in.
What the Upper West Side has that the Upper East Side doesn’t is a laid-back feel.
The sidewalks are wider, there are fewer towering buildings and the side streets are lined with brownstones.

Conversely, many side streets of the UES have exquisite townhomes that have been home to multi-millionaires for more than a century.
This gives the UES a slightly stuffy feel, heightened by the upscale shopping scene of Madison Avenue.
The Upper East Side has some of the best museums in NYC, if not the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.
But the UWS has Lincoln Center, one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the world.
We hope this guide encourages you to visit this non-touristy part of NYC!
RELATED POSTS
- NYC Neighborhoods Explained
- Pay-what-you-like Walking Tours of Central Park
- Carriage Rides in Central Park
About The Author
Courtney Shapiro
Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker in love with the city’s history, culture and food. She's a world traveler as well and enjoys sharing her travel expertise with others. She joined Tours by Foot in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She still leads tours on a part-time basis. READ MORE...
Updated: August 25th, 2024