New York City is full of incredible places to visit. If you’re basing yourself out of Manhattan, you’ll find that there are a lot of neighbourhoods to explore, from Midtown all the way down to Greenwich Village and Chinatown. One neighbourhood that’s often overlooked by visitors is the Upper West Side, as it’s known more for being a high-end residential area than one with lots of attractions. However, there are some very interesting things to do in the Upper West Side, so it’s certainly worth adding to your itinerary.
As you make your way through this upscale neighbourhood in Manhattan, you’ll come across beautiful pre-war era buildings, historic sites, and theatres. The Upper West Side has long been a hub for intellectuals, cultural institutions, and artists, and it’s played a very important role in the development of the city over the centuries. The Upper West Side is one area of New York City that you shouldn’t miss if you’re interested in exploring less busy neighbourhoods in Manhattan.
What is the Upper West Side known for?
There are numerous things to do in the Upper West Side, but what is it most well known for? This part of Manhattan is known for its elegance and rich cultural heritage. It sits between the Hudson River and Central Park, and it’s home to institutions such as the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History. It also features quite a few iconic buildings, such as The Dakota, which has ties to the shooting of John Lennon.
The Upper West Side is quickly becoming known for its food scene as well. It has a few famous spots to eat at, including Zabar’s which doubles as a shop. This part of Manhattan is a beautiful neighbourhood that seems more relaxed than much of city, and it offers a unique mixture of culture, history, and the arts.
10 things to do in the Upper West Side
1. Upper West Side Food Tour
One of the best things to do in the Upper West Side is to join a guided tour to learn more about the neighbourhood. If you’re short on time, you may want to take a food tour instead. I’d recommend joining the Upper West Side Food Tour by Tasty Tours NYC which lasts just under 3 hours and takes you to some iconic culinary sports in the area.
This food tour in Manhattan includes several tastings, from hand-rolled bagels to New York-style pizza and iconic grilled hotdogs. Let’s not forget a stop at Magnolia Bakery too, which is famous for its cupcakes and banana pudding. In between eating sessions, you’ll walk by some of the Upper West Side’s most notable landmarks and learn about the history and culture of this part of New York City.
Tasty Tours NYC is the best option for food tours if you’re looking for an intimate experience that combines the flavours of the city with its vibrant history.
2. Find Banksy’s “Hammer Boy”
If you’re an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss “Hammer Boy” by Banksy. This mural is located on the wall of a building at 233 West 79th Street. It’s very accessible to the public and has been well preserved by the owners of the building. The street art depicts a boy swinging a sledgehammer at a water sprinkler, which is in keeping with Banksy’s other artworks that blend art with the urban surroundings. Snapping a photo here is one of the more unusual things to do in the Upper West Side, and unfortunately most people miss out on it.
3. Try a hotdog at the iconic Gray’s Papaya
There may be a lot of hotdog stands located around New York City, but any hotdog fan will instantly recognize the name Gray’s Papaya. This iconic hotdog spot opened its doors in 1973, at the hands of a former stockbroker. It’s well known for its “Recession Special” which includes two hotdogs and a tropical drink for a very budget-friendly price.
Their grilled hotdogs have become a beloved staple in Manhattan, and they’ve even been featured in films like Sex and the City. Visiting the original Gray’s Papaya is one of the top things to do in the Upper West Side for food lovers.
4. Visit the Arconia from Only Murders in the Building
The Upper West Side may not be as overrun by tourists as other parts of Manhattan, but it’s still a popular neighbourhood for filming TV shows and movies. Anyone whose seen Only Murders in the Building will want to head over to The Belnord, which was used to film the exterior of the show’s apartment building, the Arconia.
This building was constructed in 1908 in the Italian Renaissance-style, and it features one of the city’s largest private courtyards. Although you can’t go inside, you can still get a great photo outside of the gates.
5. Strawberry Fields
The Upper West Side sits along the west end of Central Park, and it includes the famous Strawberry Fields memorial. This memorial was dedicated to John Lennon in 1985, who was tragically shot outside The Dakota, where he resided. The spot was named after the famous Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever” with the word “Imagine” in the centre of the mosaic. This space is designed to be a quiet area, but you’ll almost always find an artist here singing tunes from The Beatles.
6. Admire the Parisian-style architecture
The architecture found in the Upper West Side adds a unique European-esque appearance to the neighbourhood. Many of the buildings here were built in the Parisian-style, with ornate details like wrought-iron balconies and intricate stonework. This style of architecture was very popular in the early 20th century when the wealthier members of New York City’s society wanted to replicate the sophistication of Paris. Admiring the architecture is one of the best things to do in the Upper West Side, especially if you’re visiting Manhattan on a budget or you’re taking part in a walking tour.
7. Shop at Zabar’s
Zabar’s is one of New York City’s most beloved institutions. It was founded in 1934, and what started out as a small, family-run shop quickly grew into a culinary landmark. Inside Zabar’s you can find all sorts of foods from cheeses and smoked salmon to gourmet cooking products. Upstairs is where you’ll come across a wide selection of household goods and kitchenware, making it a must-visit for food and shopping enthusiasts. Despite Zabar’s having Jewish roots, it’s not a kosher establishment, but it’s one place where you can have an authentic Upper West Side experience.
8. Grab a dessert at Magnolia Bakery
If you have a sweet tooth, one of the best things to do in the Upper West Side is to grab a dessert from Magnolia Bakery. This iconic bakery opened in 2008 and it quickly became a go-to spot for all types of classic American desserts. Their most famous dessert is the banana pudding, which is available in different sizes, and it’s known for being the best in the city. Alternatively, they have a nice selection of cupcakes, but you may find the icing to be a bit too sweet which is a shame because they look amazing in the display case.
9. Take a photo outside of The Dakota
Sitting just across the road from Central Park is The Dakota. This historic apartment building in New York City was completed in 1884, and it’s known for being the first luxury apartment building in the city. It’s been home to numerous celebrities including Judy Garland and John Lennon, who was tragically shot outside the entrance to the building in 1980. Although the interior is private, visiting The Dakota is still one of the most popular things to do in the Upper West Side, especially for people wanting to pay tribute to The Beatles legend.
10. Catch a show at the Beacon Theatre
The Upper West Side is a great neighbourhood to visit for those wanting to catch a theatre performance. The Beacon Theatre is a legendary venue that’s witnessed many notable performances from a wide range of celebrities. It was opened in 1929 and its interior blends Greek, Roman, Rococo, and Renaissance styles, which has led it to be named a designated New York City interior landmark. Even if you can’t catch a performance at the Beacon Theatre, it’s still worth walking past while exploring the neighbourhood.
Is the Upper West Side worth visiting?
Despite being somewhat overlooked by visitors, the Upper West Side offers a lot in terms of history, culture, and arts. It’s home to many famous landmarks as well as art venues and famous food spots. You’ll come across a lot of things to do in the Upper West Side, so it may be a good idea to book either a food tour or a guided walking tour of this iconic Manhattan neighbourhood in order to see the main highlights. It’s certainly worth visiting for at least a few hours, regardless of how many times you’ve been to New York City in the past.
If you have any questions about things to do in the Upper West Side, or if you have some more suggestions to add to this list, please feel free to reach out using the contact form on the website or by email. You can also get in touch through Instagram or TikTok where you may come across more helpful travel tips.
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