14 of the best things to do in Upper West Side New York City
"Upper West Side" - a charming neighborhood in New York City, is teeming with diverse activities for all tastes and ages. Things to do in Upper West Side range from culture-rich arts and museums, including the Lincoln Center and American Museum of Natural History, to scenic parks and delightful eateries. Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or nature lover, there's always something enchanting to discover in Upper West Side.
- 1. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
- 2. The Ramble
- 3. Shakespeare Garden
- 4. American Folk Art Museum
- 5. Riverside Park
- 6. American Museum of Natural History
- 7. New-York Historical Society
- 8. Beacon Theatre
- 9. West Side Community Garden
- 10. Jacob's Pickles
- 11. Children's Museum Of Manhattan
- 12. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- 13. Grand Bazaar NYC
- 14. Hayden Planetarium
1. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
World's largest Gothic cathedral

Summary:
Sunday services at the specified location are held three times at 10:30 AM, 2 PM, and 7 PM. The location offers tours to visitors throughout the week, including self-guided and guided Highlights Tour and Vertical Tour options.
A total of 92 tips and reviews have been gathered, which can be filtered by various categories such as architecture, concerts, gardens, and quiet settings. The availability of tours and the location's various features make it a suitable destination for various interests and preferences.
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2. The Ramble
Popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography, with a variety of wildlife and plant species to discover.

The Ramble is a superb location for bird watching and taking nature walks in the heart of New York City. Spread over 36 acres, the Ramble features winding paths, wooden bridges, and a serene surrounding lake, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely and peaceful stroll. The area's meandering trails link popular sites such as the Loeb Boathouse, Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields, providing a nature escape amidst the urban jungle.
As visitors traverse the Ramble's winding paths, they are treated to an immersive nature experience, with the opportunity to spot various bird species and enjoy the area's lush greenery and tranquility. The wooden bridges offer a unique perspective of the Ramble's marshy areas, which teem with wildlife and are particularly enchanting during the fall and spring bird migrations. The Ramble's vast expanse and interconnected trails provide a true wilderness experience, making it easy to forget that you are in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities.
3. Shakespeare Garden
Inspired by Shakespeare's descriptions of gardens in his plays

Shakespeare Garden is a small but stunning retreat, located in the shade of Belvedere Castle. The garden features a variety of flowers, including climbing roses, daffodils, violets, and tulips. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden by sitting on rustic benches or resting beneath the mulberry tree.
Belvedere Castle's shade provides a serene backdrop to Shakespeare Garden, a peaceful spot for a relaxing stroll or a quiet read. The garden is home to a diverse array of flowers, making it a charming and picturesque destination for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
4. American Folk Art Museum
Unique focus on American folk art and self-taught artists, with a commitment to accessibility and education.

The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a celebration of creativity, talent, and hidden history. It is a welcoming and warm space that is open to all and does not charge admission. The museum features a variety of handmade books, paintings, quilts, and historic Shaker furniture, among other things. The exhibits are presented in an accessible and enjoyable way for children, making it a great place for families and school groups to visit.
The Museum of International Folk Art is an ideal destination for families and school groups, with exhibits that are both fun and educational for children. The museum is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and it is common to see school groups and families with small children during a visit. The museum's focus on creativity and talent, as well as its commitment to sharing untold stories, make it a unique and interesting place to explore.
5. Riverside Park
Sprawling waterfront park along the Hudson River with stunning city skyline views.

Riverside Park is a scenic four-mile waterfront park located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, running from 72nd to 158th Streets along the Hudson River. The park offers a variety of facilities including sport courts, a skate park, bike paths on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, and a public marina at 79th Street. It is one of the best parks in New York City, providing a large greenspace for visitors to enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson River.
The park is four miles long and offers a range of activities for visitors. In addition to the sports courts and skate park, there are bike paths along the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a public marina at 79th Street, and beautiful gardens. With its location along the Hudson River, Riverside Park offers stunning views and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
6. American Museum of Natural History
Home to the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which features a stunning planetarium and interactive exhibits about the universe

The American Museum of Natural History, located off Central Park West in New York City, is a vast and popular destination that offers something for everyone. With exhibits covering the land, sea, and outer space, visitors can easily spend an entire weekend exploring all that the museum has to offer. Adults and children alike are sure to be impressed by the interactive and engaging exhibits.
According to reviews, the American Museum of Natural History is an incredible place that goes above and beyond in terms of entertainment and education. Even the cafeteria and gift shop receive high praise from visitors. Regardless of your interests, this museum is sure to be a highlight of your trip to the big apple. Its massive size and wide variety of exhibits make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting New York City.
7. New-York Historical Society
Offers a unique insight into American history and culture, from colonial times to the present day

The New York Historical Society Museum and Library offers a wide range of educational and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. History enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this Upper West Side museum, which features various historical characters, immersive and digital displays, and games. Notable exhibits include the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps and the DiMenna Children's History Museum.
The Gallery of Tiffany Lamps showcases a collection of stunning Tiffany lamps from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while the DiMenna Children's History Museum offers interactive exhibits specifically designed for children, allowing them to engage with history through hands-on activities and games. With so much to see and do, the New York Historical Society Museum and Library is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore and learn about history in a fun and engaging way.
8. Beacon Theatre
Host to a variety of events including concerts, Broadway shows, and comedy acts.

The Iconic Beacon Theatre is a memorable venue that has hosted a range of acts and productions. What makes this theater so special is its ability to make every attendee feel close to the performance, no matter where they are seated. The sound quality is exceptional, and the view of the stage is clear from all areas of the venue.
As for the staff, they are exceptional and contribute to the overall positive experience of the theater. Their helpfulness and attentiveness ensure that every visitor feels welcomed and well taken care of. Overall, the Beacon Theatre is an ideal location for concerts and other performances, with its excellent sound and sightlines, as well as its top-notch staff.
9. West Side Community Garden
A peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city

Nestled between residential brownstones, there is a charming community garden that is a delight to visit. The garden features raised beds near the front, where local schoolchildren plant vegetables. The adult gardeners' plots are located at the back of the garden. This little oasis is particularly stunning during the spring when the tulips are in full bloom. The garden is a beautiful sight to behold and should not be missed, especially this week when the tulips are at their peak.
Visitors to this garden can enjoy a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. After the tulips have faded, the garden continues to bloom with an array of summer flowers. This community garden is an excellent example of the beauty that can be found in urban areas, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the Upper Westside neighborhood.
10. Jacob's Pickles
Features a unique selection of craft beers and cocktails

Jacob's Pickles is more than just a restaurant; it's a community-oriented establishment that serves Southern-inspired cuisine with large portions of meat and carb-heavy dishes. Their iconic fried chicken sandwiches are a hit for both brunch and dinner. The restaurant is committed to providing high-quality food while fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its patrons.
The emphasis at Jacob's Pickles is on creating a sense of community through food. From the beginning, the restaurant has been focused on providing great food to great people, all while prioritizing warmth and inclusivity.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. Children's Museum Of Manhattan
Dedicated to fostering learning and creativity in children

The museum was a hit for our family, and our 2-year-old granddaughter had a particularly great time. There were numerous engaging activities that kept her entertained throughout our visit. As she grows and develops, many of these exhibits will be enjoyable at an even greater level. Overall, it was a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
The museum featured interactive exhibits that were perfect for children up to the age of 6. Our 2-year-old had a blast exploring and playing. One exhibit that stood out to us was the big fire truck on the 4th floor, which our little one loved. We would definitely consider visiting again in the future.
12. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The only museum in the country dedicated to the aesthetic possibilities of pure color

The museum's unique building design and architecture attracted many visitors, who expressed their enjoyment of walking up the ramp and exploring different exhibition rooms. However, some visitors noted a sparse number of pieces while ascending or descending the ramp. Overall, the museum experience was enjoyable, and most visitors expressed a desire to return.
Opinions regarding the museum's art on display were mixed. Some visitors praised the permanent collection and special exhibitions, while others criticized the cost of entrance tickets as too high for the amount of art displayed. Despite the differing opinions on the art, most visitors appreciated the museum's unique design and architecture, making for an enjoyable experience.
13. Grand Bazaar NYC
One of the oldest and largest markets in the US

Visiting Grand Bazaar NYC is an excellent way to spend a Sunday in New York. This market offers a wide range of unique gifts, providing the opportunity to find special items not available elsewhere. Moreover, it is a great place to sample delicious treats while supporting local artists and businesses.
For those seeking activities in NYC, Grand Bazaar is an ideal destination. This vibrant market boasts a diverse array of vendors, selling an extensive variety of goods from antiques to handcrafted items. The market offers an enjoyable and engaging experience for visitors looking to discover new treasures and support local talent.
14. Hayden Planetarium
Home to the famous Big Bang Theatre and the Dark Universe space show

The Hayden Planetarium in New York City offers visitors a virtual tour of the universe. As a part of the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the planetarium provides a variety of courses and public presentations, including the Frontiers of Astrophysics and Distinguished Authors lecture series. The planetarium first opened in 1935 and has since undergone several renovations, with the most recent one in 2