New York’s Upper West Side offers a rich tapestry of museums, parks, cultural activities, entertainment, dining, and more. Of course, taking advantage of all the UWS has to offer is nearly impossible when you have a limited amount of time. But, no worries. We’ve narrowed it down to our top seven attractions to experience on the UWS while you’re here.
One of the best ways to get to know an area is simply taking a stroll. Fortunately, the Upper West Side has plenty of areas to stroll around the sites. Grab an iced cafe latte or your beverage of choice and begin your day with a stroll through beautiful and iconic Riverside Park where the explosion of colors burst forth like a botanical crayon box.
Mother Nature adorns the trees and pathways in spring and summer with a bouquet of pinks, purples, whites, reds, and yellows. Autumn brings a different sort of splendor as the trees ignite in red, orange, yellow, and gold colors.
Sit along the river and watch the activity as you enjoy this peaceful slice of Manhattan placed there just for you on the Upper West Side. You can begin your stroll from The Wallace. Riverside Park is an easy 6-minute walk.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the seat of the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. More than that, it is a center for community outreach and support and has served the UWS since the early 1900s. Construction on the cathedral began in 1892 but was repeatedly halted for various reasons. The completion dates are listed as 1911 (the crossing and the apse), and 1941 (the nave), and some construction is ongoing. This led to the church’s nickname “St John the Unfinished.”
This gorgeous cathedral has so much to see inside and out. The unique construction combines elements of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture. The interior chapels are filled with much religious and even social justice imagery. The self-tour is well worth it and allows you to take as long as you like to see this phenomenal UWS attraction. Situated at the corner of 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, St. John the Divine is a 10-minute car ride from your stay at The Wallace.
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the top museum destinations in the city, and it’s right here on NYC’s Upper West Side. Located across from Central Park on West 81st Street, the museum is a 10-minute walk or 6-minute car ride.
The museum is across from Central Park, so you may want to spend some time in New York’s world-famous green space.
Central to New York’s performing arts, Lincoln Center is a virtual campus of entertainment spread over 16 acres. Amazing and recognizable hubs of theater, music, and dance, such as the New York City Ballet, The Juilliard School of Music, The Metropolitan Opera, and The New York Philharmonic, call Lincoln Center “home.”
If possible, please see a show at the pride of the UWS. If you can’t work in a show, Lincoln Center is still a top attraction to visit. The outdoor square and stairs glow with lights as evening draws near, and the central fountain makes for an iconic background for a picture. Lincoln Center is a mere 6-minute car ride or 15-minute stroll from The Wallace.
At the entry point to the Upper West Side, Columbus Circle in the huge Deutsche Bank Center. Known for its massive size as well as its shopping and dining venues, the Shops at Columbus Circle the center is a must-see attraction for those who enjoy checking out the latest in NYC fashion, world-class epicurean delights, and entertaining endeavors for body and soul. And who knows? You may just get a glimpse of the glitterati of NYC.
For history buffs, there’s no better destination than the New York Historical Society. The museum has a historical distinction of its own. Founded in 1804 it is New York’s very first museum. The Historical Society is located right next door to The American Museum of Natural History (10 minutes from The Wallace by car) and chock full of documents, photographs, books, maps, periodicals, and more that detail the story of these United States and how New York played a prominent role.
While Zabar’s is certainly THE Upper West Side destination for any self-described “foodie” it’s also a local landmark of sorts. For the last nine decades, Zabar’s has remained a family-owned business for four generations. The small market that stood at the corner of 80th and Broadway is now a 20,000-square-foot tabernacle of food and all things related. Their own roasted coffee, artisanal cheeses, homemade baked goods, bagels, and so many flavors of made-in-house cream cheese are just a few of the reasons Zabar’s is an Upper West Side icon and attraction. Zabar’s is a 6-minute walk from The Wallace.
Our focus at The Wallace is making sure your time in New York’s Upper West Side is spent enjoying every moment. Visit the parks and museums, dine on some of the best food in the world, and dance away your worries knowing you can come “home” to all the creature comforts you long for when you book your stay at The Wallace.