Upper West Side Tours
964 Reviews
Nestled between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side is a quiet, residential respite from the buzzing energy of downtown Manhattan. Highlights include Lincoln Center, home to the Metropolitan Opera, and kid-friendly museums such as the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
The Basics
Whether you’re visiting the Upper West Side to enjoy its museums, for a stroll in Central Park, or to shop on Amsterdam Avenue, there are several options for exploring the area. Neighborhood walking tours provide historical context and single out hidden spots, while broader city sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours typically highlight top Upper West Side attractions and are a good option if you’re pressed for time. Walking and pedicab tours of Central Park can help you navigate the 843-acre (341-hectare) green space, and themed tours—such as gospel tours and entertainment industry tours—offer a deep dive into NYC culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Upper West Side covers a large swath of Manhattan, from West 59th to West 110th streets, bounded by Central Park and the Hudson River. The neighborhood is easiest to access by subway. To explore Amsterdam Avenue and the Museum of Natural History, take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 72nd or 86th Streets. You also can ride the A, B, or C train and hop out on Central Park West (8th Avenue).
When to Get There
With so much to do on the Upper West Side, how you plan to spend your time is the best way to determine when to arrive. To visit the museums and shop, plan to arrive during the day, on a weekday, to avoid Saturday crowds. Visiting at night is a great choice for dinner and an evening stroll in Central Park.
Visiting the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a standout New York museum. Its numerous family-friendly exhibits celebrate biodiversity and the natural world. Find historic dioramas, taxidermied animals, and world-famous dinosaur exhibits. Aspiring astronauts should stop by the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The museum is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5:45pm.
The Basics
Whether you’re visiting the Upper West Side to enjoy its museums, for a stroll in Central Park, or to shop on Amsterdam Avenue, there are several options for exploring the area. Neighborhood walking tours provide historical context and single out hidden spots, while broader city sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours typically highlight top Upper West Side attractions and are a good option if you’re pressed for time. Walking and pedicab tours of Central Park can help you navigate the 843-acre (341-hectare) green space, and themed tours—such as gospel tours and entertainment industry tours—offer a deep dive into NYC culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Opera, theater, and ballet lovers shouldn’t miss a show at Lincoln Center, New York’s premier performing arts space.
- Central Park’s five visitor centers are a good place to ask directions or learn about general park information.
- Music fans gather by Central Park’s Strawberry Fields mosaic, honoring famed Beatles’ musician John Lennon.
How to Get There
The Upper West Side covers a large swath of Manhattan, from West 59th to West 110th streets, bounded by Central Park and the Hudson River. The neighborhood is easiest to access by subway. To explore Amsterdam Avenue and the Museum of Natural History, take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 72nd or 86th Streets. You also can ride the A, B, or C train and hop out on Central Park West (8th Avenue).
When to Get There
With so much to do on the Upper West Side, how you plan to spend your time is the best way to determine when to arrive. To visit the museums and shop, plan to arrive during the day, on a weekday, to avoid Saturday crowds. Visiting at night is a great choice for dinner and an evening stroll in Central Park.
Visiting the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a standout New York museum. Its numerous family-friendly exhibits celebrate biodiversity and the natural world. Find historic dioramas, taxidermied animals, and world-famous dinosaur exhibits. Aspiring astronauts should stop by the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The museum is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5:45pm.
Address: New York, USA
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Upper West Side
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Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
Avoid the mobs of people sightseeing on land, and opt for this Manhattan architecture yacht cruise instead. From the teak deck of the boat, learn about New York City's architectural landmarks as you circumnavigate the island and listen to the 'Around Manhattan' narration provided by members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). One beer or glass of wine is provided, as well as soda.
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From
$86.00
Price varies by group size
From
$86.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Harlem Gospel Sunday Tour
Experience the rich cultural legacy of Harlem and the soul-stilling rhythms of gospel on an immersive Sunday morning tour. Travel through the northern Manhattan neighborhood with a guide while learning about the history of the area and its landmarks like the Apollo Theater, Sugar Hill and Columbia University. Then, join a local Baptist congregation for a Sunday service featuring the exuberant vocals of a live gospel choir.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00
NYC: When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour
See the sights from some of your favorite movies and television shows while you experience Manhattan on this bus tour, led by a local actor. Begin north of Times Square and head to the Upper West and East Sides of the city, and stand in the same spots where stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Crystal, and Leighton Meester filmed iconic scenes from 'Seinfeld,' You've Got Mail,' and other classics.
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From
$48.00
From
$48.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Central Park Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer
Make your visit to New York City unforgettable with this exclusive private tour and photo shoot in Central Park and Times Square. Your photographer-guide will snap pictures of your party as you visit Times Square, Central Park highlights like Strawberry Fields and Bethesda Fountain, and the Plaza Hotel. Includes tour, tips on navigating the Big Apple, and a zip drive with your photos delivered by email within 48 hours.
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From
$147.50
Price varies by group size
From
$147.50
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
NYC 1-Day Customized Dining Itinerary
Good food can make or break a vacation. Avoid disappointment with this entirely customized culinary itinerary, which includes restaurant recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in NYC—all tailored to your taste, itinerary, and budget. Get tips on what to order, where to sit, and food and drink pairings. Reservations will be made on your behalf, where possible.
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From
$128.59
per group
From
$128.59
per group
Central Park and More Bike Tour
Breath freely in the Lungs of New York! Visit the many film locations throughout Central Park park and see parts of the park unknown to most New Yorkers. Ride along the cultural Museum Mile. Explore the Artistic and Ritzy neighborhoods of the Upper East and Upper West Side for lunch.
Sights include: Bethesda Fountain, Onassis Reservoir, Conservatory Garden
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From
$106.67
From
$106.67
The Upper West Side: The Development of an Early NYC Suburb
History and architecture fans will love this walking tour of New York’s Upper West Side. Your guide will help you make sense of the beautiful brownstones, beaux arts, and Queen Anne buildings, giving you a deeper take on their architectural styles than you’d gain alone. As this is a walking tour you’ll experience the city from an up-close, intimate perspective, and see beyond the usual tourist sights.
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From
$42.00
From
$42.00
New York Fall Foliage Sail up the Hudson River
The fall foliage along New York’s Hudson River is considered among the most spectacular in the state, and during this half-day sail you can enjoy all the colors of the countryside from the unique vantage point of the water. Board the 80-foot Schooner Adirondack and cruise north to the Palisade Cliffs, sipping hot cocoa, beer, or wine while taking in postcard-perfect vistas.
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From
$88.00
From
$88.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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