Welcome to Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is a study in casual class, with plenty of esteemed restaurants and activities alongside casual cafes and dive bars.
The quintessential NYC home, brownstones abound in the Upper West Side, offering upgraded and modern interiors housed in an older and classic exterior. Located on the west side of Central Park, the neighborhood is family-friendly, with parks and playgrounds, the Children’s Museum, and some amazing schools.
Columbia University is located in the area, so there’s an underlying college town vibe to the area, although without the raucous nights signature near other universities. It’s easy to find slam poetry events, live acoustic music, and other events in the area, and every cafe seems to be full of professors and students alike, writing or studying.
What to Love
- Relaxed luxury
- Close to Central and Riverside Parks
- Museums and intellectual activities
Local Lifestyle
Like the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side is elegant and luxurious, but still somewhat laidback and relaxed. It’s a popular neighborhood for families, due to plenty of green space for kids to play, excellent schools, and both Central and Riverside Parks. There are a number of intellectual activities as well, and considering it’s home to Columbia University, it’s no surprise that students, professors, and writers can be found in every cafe.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Dig into the excellent dishes found in the Upper West Side’s assortment of high-end restaurants. The classic Jean-Georges offers luxurious prix-fixe menus — choose between six courses, ten courses, or the six-course vegetarian option to spoil your tastebuds or opt for a steak at Asset. French restaurant Per Se offers frequently changing menus based on fresh and seasonal ingredients and a variety of flavor. Finish a lovely dinner with a stop at one of the various dessert shops in the area — the Sugar Factory offers over-the-top milkshakes, like their Tie-Dye shake garnished with cotton candy and Poprocks.
Every evening out should include drinks at one of the plush bars west of Central Park. The Hamilton has an array of top-shelf whiskeys on the menu to sip against a background of dark wood and vintage vibes. In contrast, Nobody Told Me is more casual in atmosphere but dressed up with artisan cocktails. Hidden gem The Dead Poet is another stellar option, featuring drinks named over literary heroes and classic literature.
Home chefs will love the assortment of gourmet grocery stores, from Zabars to Citarella Gourmet Market. Not only can you easily find fresh and unique ingredients, but you can even pick up some ready-to-go food for the nights you don’t want to cook.
Things to Do
Those with a creative streak will love spending a couple of hours at The Paint Place or the Little Shop of Plaster and Pottery. Both establishments let you try your hand at painting, guided or on your own, and even offer wine nights and special events.
Ensure that your family is eating healthy and getting some fresh air by participating in the upkeep of the community gardens dotted across the neighborhood. The West 104th Garden is open to all and has an excellent composting program The West Side Community Garden also hosts special events, like the Annual Tulip Festival or the Family Shakespeare Festival. For more fresh air, take advantage of Central Park, full of fun family-friendly activities, including the Central Park Zoo, and the site of numerous events throughout the year.
There are two key museums to know about on the Upper West Side. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan features a number of educational and fun exhibits and their special classes are designed to stimulate youthful interest in a variety of STEM topics. On the west side of Central Park, the American Museum Of Natural History educates visitors on the fauna, flora, and history of the country, and has a number of revolving special exhibits.
Schools
The Upper West Side is home to several District 3 public schools, some of the best private college prep schools, and one of the most elite universities in the world.
