The Upper West Side of Manhattan (UWS) is located from Central Park to Riverside Park along the Hudson River (West to East) and 59th Street to 110th Street (South to North). This affluent section of Manhattan with its tree-lined residential neighborhoods—and centuries-old historic residential landmark buildings such as The San Remo, The Dakota, The Apthorp, The Ansonia, and The Eldorado—make it a great place to live in style and peace in Manhattan.
This is especially true for its many celebrity residents, including Amy Schumer, Denzel Washington, Yoko Ono, Kevin Bacon, Anne Hathaway, Bono, Tina Fey, Jerry Seinfeld, and more. When staying at The Marmara Park Avenue, you can get to the Upper West Side in about 30 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on public transit.
Its picturesque streets, stately brownstones, and distinctive architecture have made it a perfect backdrop for many movies such as When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Ghostbusters, Rosemary’s Baby, and more. An area around 68th Street (which was subsequently demolished and rebuilt as the Lincoln Towers) was one of the shooting locations for the iconic opening scene of West Side Story in 1961.
The Upper West Side is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Columbia University, The Juilliard School, Barnard College, and Fordham University. UWS is also known for its fine restaurants, specialty food stores, upscale boutiques, museums, world-renowned performing arts venues, and more. Here is just a sample of all there is to do and see in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a collection of world-class venues featuring the best in performing arts, including the Metropolitan Opera House, the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center Theater, the Juilliard School, and more.
Every year, thousands of events and hundreds of live performances occur on the vibrant, 16-acre site, comprising 30 indoor and outdoor facilities and is also home to Fordham University and the Juilliard School. The Josie Robertson Plaza welcomes guests with a spectacular fountain featuring choreographed water shows spurting 40 feet high. It is a sight to behold, especially in the evening when the fountain is illuminated.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, immortalized in the film A Night at The Museum, is one of the largest museums in the world. Its buildings, exhibits, library, and planetarium cover 2 million square feet.
Hundreds of displays, exhibits, and millions of species are on display. Some of its permanent exhibitions include Mammal Halls, Human Origins and Cultural Halls, Earth and Planetary Halls, Birds and Reptiles and Amphibians Halls, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Temporary exhibitions such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Unseen Oceans, Inside You, and countless others bring an exciting program of scientific and natural wonders to millions of visitors every year.
Zabar’s
At 80th Street and Broadway lies a New York City institution of a different kind: Zabar’s. Four generations of the Zabar family have lovingly carried on the quality and culinary expertise established by Louis and Lillian Zabar in 1934. To call it simply a delicatessen is only part of the story. This historic grocery store sells over 4,000 pounds of fish per week.
To be sure, you can get the finest deli meats, foie gras, pates, salads, and a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world at Zabar’s. But it does not end there. Sample their meticulously smoked and cured fish, caviar, legendary Kosher bagels and schmears, and fresh baked goods (including a family recipe for rugelach). Do not leave without picking up a bag of freshly roasted coffee blends. They even have an entire floor devoted to kitchen goods and housewares.
Central Park West
There are so many great things to do and see in Central Park. And, even outside Central Park! The benches and landscaping along the park’s West Side make it perfect for relaxing, walking the dog, or enjoying some coffee or lunch. It is also considered a prime people-watching location.
Once you are inside Central Park’s West Side, check out these popular spots:
● Strawberry Field’s Imagine Mosaic (a tribune to the late John Lennon, who lived and died across the street at The Dakota)
● The Lake & Bow Bridge (a picturesque and widely photographed spot)
● The Loch (great for bird-watching)
● Shakespeare Garden, Swedish Cottage, and Delacorte Theatre (gardens and performance venues)
● The Cherry Hill Fountain (a favorite stop for horse-drawn carriage rides)
● Heckscher Ballfields, Playground, Carousel, and The Dairy (an excellent spot for children)
The New York Historical Society
Explore over 400 years of history at The New York Historical Society. You will explore groundbreaking exhibitions that feature impressive collections of artifacts. Immersive films transport you to another time while inspiring thought provoking conversations. As New York’s first museum, it has been the premier destination for historical exploration since 1804. It has amassed a collection of artifacts totaling over 1.6 million items. The research library has over three million pieces:
● Books
● Pamphlets
● Maps
● Atlases
● Newspapers
● Broadsides
● Music sheets
● Manuscripts
● Prints
● Photographs
● Architectural drawings.
The museum also has the largest collection of Tiffany lamps and glasswork in the world. Its game room has over 550 19th-century American board games.
American Folk Art Museum
Take a moment to appreciate this museum, which is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the folk art and self-taught artists of New York. The museum is free to visit, which is unusual. The exhibits regularly rotate, helping to showcase as many artists as possible. The museum was founded in 1961 and has amassed a collection of over 7,000 pieces that span four centuries.
Riverside Park
Stretching for four miles along the Hudson River is the Riverside Park. It is located between 72nd to 158th Street. It is famous for being one of Manhattan’s most breathtaking waterfront parks. You can have a picnic, enjoy the view, or use one of the sports courts or fields. There is also a skate park and bicycle greenway. For those who want to go boating, there is a 110-slip marina.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
You do not have to be religious to appreciate the largest Cathedral in the world. When measuring its length or internal volume, it is also one of the five largest church buildings in the world. Construction began on the cathedral in 1892. At over 125 years old, it is a true testament to the quality of work practiced by early New York tradesmen. When built, the cathedral held services in the crypt. It was furnished with glass and marble designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany acquired the chapel in 1916 and removed the Tiffany glass. It is now displayed at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Florida.
Columbus Circle
If you are traveling through the Upper West Side, keep an eye out for Columbus Circle. It is a roundabout intersection in Manhattan near the southwest corner of Central Park. The circle gets its name from the Christopher Columbus monument in the center. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Turnstyle Underground Market
This revolutionary market made waves when it was first presented as a concept. However, it has proven to be one of the most successful examples of private and government sectors working together to bring positive change to the local community. This unique market transformed the dark and depressing passageway in the Columbus Circle subway stations into a bustling marketplace. There are over 35 retailers and micro-restaurants. The entire market is underground and spans 30,000 square feet.
Grand Bazaar Flea Market
On Sundays, visit the Grand Bazaar Flea Market to see over 200 local independent designers, antique dealers, artists, craft-makers, and food vendors. This is the perfect place to find limited edition, rare, and one-of-a-kind handmade items. The bazaar arranges for special pop-up events and themed days throughout the summer. Past events and themes include Easter, Earth Day, Upcycle Day, Vintage Treasures Day, Denim Day, Handmade Global Day, Home Decor, and Eat Around the World.
Tom’s
If you are a fan of the show Seinfeld, then a must-see stop is Tom’s. This coffee shop and restaurant is not anything fancy, but it is much loved by fans. You can enjoy classic American diner food that feels nostalgic. This iconic diner will transport you back in time to when diners were king. Tom’s has been serving hungry patrons since the 1940s.
Your Home in New York
With just a short cab ride downtown, you’ll arrive at the centrally located Marmara Park Avenue. Stepping through our glass-and-steel, jewel case-style vestibule, you will immediately be struck by our unmistakable NYC style and the warmth of our hospitality.
From our soaring ceilings to contemporary art/sculpture/furniture designed by NYC artists to our chic lobby bar, to what Forbes called one of New York City’s “best hotel fireplaces,” to our welcoming 24/7 concierge staff, you will know you have “arrived.” (And just wait ‘til you see your room!).
We look forward to making the Marmara Park Avenue your “Home in New York.”
