Upper West Side
Upper West Side
4.5
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Trendy area with cafes, restaurants and fashionable shops.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
Nestled between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side offers iconic architecture and a quiet, residential respite from the buzzing energy of downtown. Along Central Park West are many of the city’s most iconic apartment buildings, as well as the American Museum of Natural History, which has been welcoming visitors to its historic exhibit halls for over 140 years. Culture fans will love Lincoln Center, home to some of the world’s best opera, dance, film, and theatre performances, all centrally located around a beautiful fountain. Spanning the entire length of the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is ideal for a long, leisurely stroll in a quiet green space.
How to get there
- 86th St • 2 min walk
- 79th St • 7 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
7 155 within 5 kms
Attractions
2 688 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
884 reviews
Excellent
500
Very good
328
Average
47
Poor
7
Terrible
3
psudino
Weehawken, NJ4 436 contributions
Dec 2021
When I think of this section of the city I think of the Arts. Lincoln Center, Beacon Theater, Strawberry Fields, the art of classic NYC architecture that will juxtapose the all-glass eventuality of midtown. You can also tour a beautiful cathedral, stroll the park and eat with the locals in some of the most non-touristy restaurants the city. Once you are done with the chaos of midtown head up here for a completely different, quieter and less crowded NYC experience.
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA8 986 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I finally made my film pilgrimage to Riverside Drive and W 105th to see the hil Madonna ran up (barefoot!) in the film Who's That Girl?. And I was lucky enough to meet some local residents who remembered the filming, so had stories to tell.
The architecture here is a feast for the eyes, I almost got a sore neck from constantly looking up. The Marion Davies mansion, which featured in the novel The Blue Butterfly, still stands. And water towers aplenty, one of my favorite parts of NYC architecture.
There are eateries, art centers, and stores, of course, but that's another topic for a different review. Suffice it to say, I really had a wonderful and interesting morning's walk in the neighborhood.
The architecture here is a feast for the eyes, I almost got a sore neck from constantly looking up. The Marion Davies mansion, which featured in the novel The Blue Butterfly, still stands. And water towers aplenty, one of my favorite parts of NYC architecture.
There are eateries, art centers, and stores, of course, but that's another topic for a different review. Suffice it to say, I really had a wonderful and interesting morning's walk in the neighborhood.
Written 27 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Five Road Trippers 🚙🎡🎢🧳
Long Island, NY16 124 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Just walking a couple of blocks, you can see the unique architecture on the Upper West Side. It does not compare to the Upper East Side, where you have old architecture but many modern apartment buildings.
Central Park West has many older apartment buildings with doormen. It has a very luxurious feel. The stoops aka steps in front of the brownstones were grand as they were wide with ornate railings. There are plenty of restaurants and the American Museum of Natural History. Central Park is on the very eastern edge along Central Park West.
Central Park West has many older apartment buildings with doormen. It has a very luxurious feel. The stoops aka steps in front of the brownstones were grand as they were wide with ornate railings. There are plenty of restaurants and the American Museum of Natural History. Central Park is on the very eastern edge along Central Park West.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18 436 contributions
May 2023
We came here several times on our New York trip, to meet friends for dinner, to visit the west side of the Park, and to go to a museum. There is so much here, and it is a great residential neighborhood. Lots and lots of food. Lots of culture.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18 436 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
You can come here for the museums along the Park, for entrances to the Park, for Lincoln Center and the fine arts, for Columbia University and some great architecture, and for Seinfeld country, the part of town where the sitcom was staged. It's a great place to live, lots of good apartments. Also lots of food.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret R
Naples, FL284 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Outdoor seating consists of about 6 tables Owner and employees are friendly and are happy to give you a taste of anything on tap. Flights are available. Had a delicious and refreshing cider on our recent visit which was complimented with an order of fried pickles. Good selection of draft IPAS
Menu has appetizers and entrees. Pork sliders, fish and chips, awesome burger. If you’re looking for a place to relax this is it. Indoor seating is also available.
Menu has appetizers and entrees. Pork sliders, fish and chips, awesome burger. If you’re looking for a place to relax this is it. Indoor seating is also available.
Written 26 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13 657 contributions
Dec 2020
Our son, who works on Wall Street, lives on the Upper West Side. It's a family-friendly neighborhood. It's said that when you have children, you leave Manhattan Island for the suburbs, but the Upper West Side is a good option for families. Apart from Central Park West, there are a host of community facilities, including shops and museums. Many well-known people have lived on the Upper West Side, including the late Beatle John Lennon. We walked everywhere and never felt threatened.
Written 5 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark G
Catonsville, MD3 445 contributions
Mar 2023
The Upper West Side seems to have it all, including expensive real estate. It is just far enough away from the hustle of lower Manhattan and Midtown but still having all the amenities at a slower and quieter pace. You have the Beacon Hotel and Theatre, the Lincoln Center, museums, incredible architecture like the Ansonia and the Dorilton, restaurants, shops as well as quirky little side streets and quiet neighborhoods just off the main thoroughfares. Much to see and appreciate in this historic area.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Five Road Trippers 🚙🎡🎢🧳
Long Island, NY16 124 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
The upper West Side has always been beautiful. We drove thru on the way to the Museum of Natural History. Plenty of upscale, exclusive apartment buildings near Central Park. Great Shopping and restaurants on the Avenues.
Written 15 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13 657 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
NYC's Upper West Side is a desirable address on Manhattan Island. The pace of life is less frenetic than the Downtown area. There are good community facilities, including traditional delicatessens. Although many families do not find Manhattan conducive to family life and flee to the suburbs, the Upper West Side has a welcoming family environment. We stayed several weeks here with our son, who was working on Wall St, and enjoyed the experience.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are flying in to NY for two things. One to see The Chew - live and also to take my daughter to see Spongebob the musical at The palace Theatre. Ant suggestions on the best place to stay?
Written 28 May 2018
I like the YMCA upper west side. No frills. Great location.
Written 5 July 2018
Hi the travellingman. Did you stay at the Lucerne Hotel? We are travelling from England at the week end and I'm concerned about the huge amount of scaffolding on the building. The hotel has assured me it will not "spoil our enjoyment of the hotel", but I'm not so sure. Thanks very much
Written 24 April 2018
Scaffolding is very common in NYC. I actually come from England and now reside in nyc. I looked at the address of the hotel. The area is not very scenic so you are not missing much. This part of NYC is better known for its shops, restaurants and you are within 15 mins walk from Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. The waather here is a bit awful like England, right now, so dress in layers. The underground(subway lines) are reliable and you should take the opportunity to see the city for its cultural heritage. So not to worry. Let me know if you have any other questions. I have lived her over 30 years now!!
Written 25 April 2018
Planing on spending a day in Central Park and the Upper West Side. Looking for you top 5 things to do. This will be over last day in New York. Thank you for your input Dave and Cindy.
Written 2 March 2018
We did the papperdella picnic for 2 in Central Park.was very good..enough food for 3 people.they even supplied the tablecloth and cutlery,purchased it on Groupon
Written 3 March 2018
I plan to be taking the subway to 66nd st-Lincoln park. From there what streets is best to walk to get the best upper west side experience and brownstones.
Written 8 October 2017
Columbus is my favorite avenue, walk uptown to 107 Street and visit the Roerich Museum at 319 W 107th St, which is in a 19th century townhouse so you can see from inside what you see in your walk from outside, specially in the side streets
Written 9 October 2017
We are arriving at LGA and staying at Hotel Beacon. What's the recommended way to get there with 2 adults and a toddler (and luggage). I was hoping Subway because I thought that would be cheap, but want to make sure that's recommended. Thanks!
Written 12 September 2017
by far the easiest way is by taxi. Their fares are flat rate for the ride. Taking public transportation with children, luggage and exhaustion will be a test of your emotions. Public transportation will involve a bus/taxi ride from LGA to the subway, down and up stairs to and from the subway, a change of lines, up on station arrival and back up plus a walk to your lodging. it will add hours.
Written 22 September 2017
Hola, quería saber qué tan seguro es la zona de 101st y Broadway para caminar de noche. Gracias
Written 30 August 2017
Yo la considero segura, hay mucha policía por todas partes, y hablando con policías, yo trabajo en ello, me comentaron que Manhattan es muy seguro , de 5 años para aqui.
Written 30 August 2017
Hello we are staying at the Hotel Beacon in June and I'm trying to find the closest public swimming pool. Can anyone help
Written 2 January 2017
These are the closest public pools. They are not very close. Only one is on the Upper West Side. The other two are on the Upper East Side. You may be able to find a pay for play pool in the area. Frederick Douglass Mini Pool,John Jay Swimming Pool and Thomas Jefferson Pool
Written 3 January 2017
Hi What is the best way to get to the Upper West side from JFK by bus or train?
Written 9 March 2016
A Tripadvisor member
New York City, New York
Hello,
The best and easy way is by train. The air train cost $ 7.75 per person. Make the connection to Penn Station then take the red line going up town. Number 1 is local
Stop at 34, 42, 50 59, 66, 72, 79, 86, 96 and more.
Number 2 and 3 red express line stop at 34, 42, 72, 96 and more.
Enjoy the Upper West Side!!!
Written 11 March 2016
jibaritaenelmundo
Boston, Massachusetts
What happens with your car, when parked in the hotel parking lot, when you check out at 12pm? Can you leave it there until you leave NY later that day or do you have to move it to the street?
Written 6 April 2015
It's ok but just getting gentrified so there are still some marginal people walking around
Not the best for a tourist NY is a city you want to walk around and that area you need to taxi. Also it's just not pretty. Very few shops and restaurants.
I have friends who live there but honestly I would not want to vacation in that area
Written 8 February 2015
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