Decision Box
Upper West Side, In Short
Walkable, genuinely residential, culturally rich without being touristy — the neighborhood most people picture when they imagine living in Manhattan. World-class museums, legendary food, parks on both sides.
The Upper West Side is one of Manhattan’s most livable and visited neighborhoods — bordered by Central Park to the east and Riverside Park to the west, with world-class museums, legendary food, and some of the best architecture in the city.
Where It Is
The Upper West Side runs from 59th Street to 110th Street, bordered by Central Park to the east and Riverside Park to the west along the Hudson River. Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue are the main commercial corridors.
Getting Here by Car
Street parking exists but is competitive, and metered spots on the avenues run $5/hour below 96th St. Garages on the side streets off Broadway are your best walk-in option.
Reserve Parking Near Central ParkFull parking guide: Parking Near Central Park
What Makes the UWS the UWS
- It’s actually residential. Fewer chain stores and tourist traps than most of Manhattan south of 96th St. — the people walking past you on Broadway live there.
- The food is exceptional — not in a Michelin-star way, in a “this is where serious New Yorkers eat regularly” way. Bakeries, fish markets, delis, and restaurants that have been there for decades.
- Both parks. Central Park to the east, Riverside Park to the west — the only Manhattan neighborhood with world-class parks on both sides.
What to Do on the Upper West Side
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West and 79th St. One of the best museums in the country — the fossil halls, the Ocean Hall, the Rose Center planetarium. Plan 2–3 hours minimum.
Lincoln Center
Broadway between 62nd and 66th St. Home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, and the Film Society. Even without a performance, the plaza is worth seeing — particularly the fountain at night.
Riverside Park
Runs the length of the UWS along the Hudson. Less famous than Central Park but beloved by residents — the 79th Street Boat Basin is a summer institution, and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at 89th St. is worth a detour.
Zabar’s
2245 Broadway at 80th St. A New York institution since 1934 — smoked fish, cheese, prepared foods, coffee, and a sprawling kitchen supply mezzanine. More than a grocery store.
Levain Bakery
167 W 74th St. Famous for the chocolate chip walnut cookie — dense, enormous, worth every bite. The line moves quickly.
The Beacon Theatre
2124 Broadway at 74th St. One of the best mid-size music venues in the country, inside an ornate 1929 building.
Shakespeare in the Park
Delacorte Theater in Central Park, at 81st St. Free outdoor Shakespeare every summer — tickets are free but require lining up early or a lottery.
Eating on the Upper West Side
- Barney Greengrass (541 Amsterdam Ave) — “The Sturgeon King,” since 1908. Smoked fish, bagels, eggs. Breakfast/brunch only, cash preferred.
- Amsterdam Ave between 72nd and 86th — consistently good neighborhood restaurants, including Ouest.
- The Milling Room (446 Columbus Ave) — well-regarded for brunch and dinner.
- Hungarian Pastry Shop (1030 Amsterdam Ave) — a Columbia neighborhood institution near 110th St. Coffee, pastries, no WiFi intentionally.
If You’re Thinking of Moving to the UWS
The Upper West Side skews toward families, academics, and long-term New Yorkers. Rents run $3,000–$5,000+ for a one-bedroom depending on block and building. Pre-war co-ops dominate the housing stock. Public schools here are excellent relative to Manhattan averages.
Staying the Night
The Excelsior at 81st St. is a reliable mid-range option near the Museum of Natural History.
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