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The Best of New York · By neighborhood · Upper West Side

The best things to do on the Upper West Side

Updated September 2026. 19 places.

I currently live in the Upper West Side (UWS) and thought it might be fun to roundup the best things to do on the Upper West Side for anyone planning to visit my stomping grounds.

Sandwiched between Central Park to the east and the Hudson River to the west, the Upper West Side provides a very welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. This largely thanks to the residential feel of the neighborhood.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best things to do on the Upper West Side, 2026

  1. American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West Side
  2. Barney GreengrassRestaurant · Upper West SideThey churn out some of the best bagels and lox in NYC and the UWS is lucky to have them.
  3. Beacon TheatreTheater · Upper West SideThe acoustics are top-notch and the roster of famous performers is mind boggling.
  4. Cathedral of Saint John the DivineLandmark · Upper West Side
  5. Central ParkPark · Upper West SideCentral park is the most beautiful park in New York City.
  6. Columbia UniversityLandmark · Upper West SideTouring the impressive Ivy League university is one of the best things to do on the Upper West Side.
  7. Columbus CircleLandmark · Upper West SideNamed after Christopher Columbus, this famous traffic circle acts as a gateway for the Upper West Side.
  8. General Grant's TombLandmark · Upper West SideSeeing Grant's Tomb in person is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Upper West Side, especially for history buffs.
  9. Jacob's PicklesRestaurant · Upper West SideI love taking out of town guests here.
  10. Levain BakeryBakery · Upper West SideI can confidently tell you that Levain makes some of the the best cookies in NYC.
  11. New-York Historical SocietyMuseum · Upper West SideThe New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC.
  12. Tucker Square Greenmarket & 77th/79th Street GreenmarketMarket · Upper West SideHead over for fresh seasonal veggies and other delights, like cider donuts, fresh goat cheese, wild-caught fish, pickles and delicious honey.
  13. Vin sur VingtBar · Upper West SideEverything about this authentic Parisian wine bar oozes charm.
  14. West Side Comedy ClubTheater · Upper West Side
  15. West Side Community GardenPark · Upper West SideLocals often consider lounging here one of the most relaxing things to do in the Upper West Side.
  16. Zabar'sMarket · Upper West SideZabar's is quite possibly the most beloved grocery store in New York City.
  17. Banksy's Hammer BoyLandmark · Upper West Side
  18. Lincoln CenterTheater · Upper West SideThis the place to go to see world-class opera, theater, ballet and jazz.
  19. Riverside ParkPark · Upper West SideRiverside Park is often considered Manhattan's most scenic waterfront park and I can't say I disagree.

On the map

Where they are

All in Upper West Side.

Upper West Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 25 Fun Things to Do on the Upper West Side (Local’s List).