For those seeking high-brow pleasures, the Upper West Side is a paradise. Here, some of Manhattan’s richest sources of culture reside in an abundance of lush green space. Lincoln Center houses some of the world’s best jazz, opera, and dance. For the bookish, there’s Columbia University, an ivy league gem in the sub-section of Morningside Heights. And lower-key amenities like used bookshops add even more opportunities to wake up the mind.
While the Upper West Side can skew intellectual, it’s far from pretentious. Friendly, family-oriented, and natural, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cozier neighborhood in the city. Bike rides through Central Park and quiet strolls to laid-back restaurants are the norm. On the Upper West Side, one finds what’s often a scarcity in Manhattan: a sense of balance.
View all Upper West Side spacesThere's good (and cheap) dive bars in Hell's Kitchen, and sometimes there are free concerts in Central Park.Lorie, Development Manager
I work locally and Amber Lounge is my favorite place to go out in the Upper West Side.Christopher, Personal Trainer
It's a family orientated neighborhood. Architecturally the area's cafes and shops have a European vibe.Anne, Researcher