The Upper West Side is an idyllic Manhattan neighborhood covering the area between Central Park and the Hudson River. This neighborhood has a relaxed residential vibe with a local feel to its shops and restaurants. The Upper West Side is home to world-class cultural attractions, including Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The American Museum of Natural History. It’s also a sporty neighborhood with access to the sprawling green spaces of Central Park and Riverside Park to the east and west.Real estate in this historic neighborhood includes stately brownstones and rowhouses on leafy streets featured in countless movies and television shows. Central Park is fronted by several grand apartment buildings that offer stylish living spaces and stunning views over the park and Manhattan skyline.
What to Love
- Relaxed residential atmosphere
- World-class cultural attractions
- Stately brownstones and rowhouses
- Central Park
People & Lifestyle
The Upper West Side offers a peaceful and homey atmosphere alongside many cultural venues and attractions. The historic Dakota residences opposite Central Park are synonymous with celebrity, with past residents including Lauren Bacall, John Lennon, and many other influential figures. Other streets on the Upper West Side provide a restful residential haven for professionals working in the more bustling areas of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Upper West Side offers an eclectic mix of homely neighborhood eateries and sophisticated fine dining hotspots.
Community Food & Juice is a favorite for brunch on Broadway near the Columbia University campus. Blueberry pancakes are a highlight on their brunch menu, and they serve many other fine choices throughout the rest of the day. Their lunch menu balances taste and nutrition with flavorful salads while dinner options include artfully-prepared fish and steak daily specials. Across the street from Central Park,
The Ribbon serves refined American dishes and seafood in a stylish space with elegant Old World décor. Meals at The Ribbon are paired with a great selection of wines and cocktails.
Robert on the rooftop of The Museum of Arts and Design combines exceptional cooking with incredible views over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Things to Do
Central Park is one of New York City’s most beloved attractions. This expansive public park extends alongside most of the Upper West Side. A beautiful space during every season, enjoy a picnic by the lake during the summer, see the leaves change in the fall, or visit the Wollman Rink for ice skating during the winter. Central Park is surrounded by many renowned museums, including
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The huge collection at The Met traces the evolution of art from Ancient Egypt and classical antiquity onward. Work from almost every European master is displayed here alongside thousands of works of African, Asian, Byzantine, Oceanian, and Islamic art. Located at Central Park’s southwest corner,
Lincoln Center is a 16.3-acre performing arts complex containing numerous theaters and concert halls.
Jazz at Lincoln Center brings world-class jazz performances to Lincoln Center’s main hall. Other events at Lincoln Center include ballet, opera, dance performances, lectures and discussions, off-Broadway productions, and a diverse array of concerts. Also on the west side of Central Park,
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s largest natural history museums.
Schools
The Upper West Side is served by the New York City Public Schools District.
- The Anderson School, Public, K-8
- Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Public, Magnet, 9-12
- Bank Street School for Children, Private, PK-8
