Attractions in New York - Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a primarily residential neighborhood, but it can serve as a great home base for visitors to New York City, and is certainly worth exploring if you have time. Hotels on the Upper West Side often offer a better value than in many other areas and also provide visitors an escape from the chaos of Midtown and other heavily touristed areas. It is a convenient location for exploring Central Park, as well as the American Museum of Natural History, and the many subways and buses make it easy to explore other areas of the city. It is a great neighborhood for shopping (especially at gourmet stores, like Zabar's and Fairway), and the brownstone lined blocks and luxury apartment buildings make the Upper West Side well worth strolling around.

The Upper West Side is bordered by Central Park to the east, the Hudson River to the west, Columbus Circle at 59th Street to the south, and 110th Street (the northernmost point of Central Park) to the north. The main artery is Broadway and, generally speaking, the further you stray east or west the wealthier things become, until you reach the pinnacle of prosperity, the historic apartment buildings of Central Park West and Riverside Drive. Lincoln Center, New York's most prestigious palace of performing arts, lies in the region's southern streets, and along with the superlative American Museum of Natural History , forms the Upper West Side's greatest draw. North of 110th Street finds you in Morningside Heights, home to the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine and Columbia University .

Broadway
Going to the theater is one of the most popular events for visitors to New York City. Tickets should be purchased in advance of any show. While many Broadway shows are presented with adult audiences in mind, there are dozens of shows that teens and even younger children can enjoy and appreciate.

American Museum of Natural History
79th St. and Central Park West
The Museum's exhibition halls house a stunning array of artifacts and specimens from all corners of the world and all historical periods. These illuminate the natural history of our planet and its myriad species, and bring the world's cultures to life. A major ($45 million) renovation has restored and enhanced each building and exhibit. Highlights are the Hayden Planetarium (Rose Center) which now features a thrill ride through the universe; partially interactive gigantic dinosaurs; a 94 foot blue whale in the two story Hall of Ocean Life; the Hall of Meteorites, Minerals, and Gems; and Nature Max theater featuring a four story high screen and Friday night jazz and tapas. There is far too much of significance than can be seen in one day!