Best Things to do Along the High Line
One of our favorite parks in New York is the High Line. For starters, it is 1.45 miles long and was formerly a railway. The city’s repurposing of this railway is impressive. It is a piece of history that is easy to get to because it is free. In the spring and summer, there will be more foot traffic.
There are many key sites, bars, and attractions along the High Line, not to mention the beautiful Hudson River views. When Hudson Yards is finished, you can see the Empire State Building and New York’s new highest observation deck. The list below will demonstrate why this park is one of Manhattan’s top attractions.
1. Visit Chelsea Market
It is a food market featuring a diverse selection of food vendors, a shopping destination, and a venue for local artists to show their work. Chelsea Market is one of our favorite New York destinations since it offers so much. And, best of all, Chelsea Market is located exactly on the High Line, making it ideal for a quick pit break!
2. Marvel observation deck and The Hudson Yards’ Vessel
This is one of New York’s top highlights for me. The Vessel and “The Edge,” the world’s highest open observation platform, are accessible from the High Line. The Vessel is now accessible to the public and will provide you with a spectacular view of the neighborhood; here is our Hudson Yards coverage. The new community is located on the High Line Park’s northern edge.
3. Enjoy the sunset on The Frying Pan
The vast seas, the summer sun, and ships. In New York City, it is a rather rare combo. In addition to Grand Banks and Pilot Brooklyn, The Frying Pan on the High Line offers cocktails and a glimpse of Lady Liberty. It is only available during the summer and is not to be missed.
4. View the different types of installations on the High Line
The art installations, which vary regularly, are an important aspect of the High Line. You may expect to see exhibitions ranging from modest to large works and graffiti on stone walls. Local artists and art pieces are covered and protected from rain and snow on the 14th Street tunnel directly after The Standard Hotel.
5. Make a detour to The Standard Hotel
Near the High Line, The Standard was one of the city’s first hipster hotels, where superstars like Jay-Z shot their music videos and premiered them on the stage of one of the city’s hottest hotels. We have stayed at The Standard Hotel on various occasions. In our opinion, it has lost so (including its rooftop bar). It is, however, still dreamy. Depending on your mood, you can drink a Weissbier at The Biergarten, enjoy an oven-baked pizza with a glass of vino on the modest patio, or ice skate on The Standard Ice Rink in the winter.
6. Drink a cocktail in the Rooftop Bar Gallow Green
In New York, there are numerous interesting rooftop bars, including Gallow Green! The bar, located immediately on the High Line, brings the park experience inside: as the name says, you are surrounded by greenery. The Rooftop bar Gallow Green is a soothing highlight due to this (with very good cocktails).
7. Eat tapas at Tia Pol
Okay, so Tia Pol is not particularly attractive from the outside, but that is beside the point. We discovered it by chance before our boat journey. We had some spare time and looking for something light to eat. Sangria in a barrel is a popular drink at this establishment. The tapas are elegant and delicious. It is just fantastic!
8. Sunbathe in the Grasslands Grove
The High Line is divided into parts with different designs. Some have a lot of trees, some are kept as authentic as possible, while others are focused on learning and experiencing the history of the elevated railway line as much as possible. The last component of Hudson Yards, called “Grasslands Grove” is located in the north. Many open tracks with abstract sidewalks can be found here, precisely as they used to be! You can sunbathe and enjoy the view here if the weather permits, as the Grasslands Grove has several benches!
9. View of the stairs from 10th Ave Square and Overlook
There are numerous little (and secret) and larger spots where you can get away from the city’s hustle and bustle while remaining in the middle of it. The “10th Avenue Squa1re and Overlook” is one of the most well-known locations. You sit on wooden surfaces just over 10th Avenue, comparable to an amphibious theater! Of course, the best method is with a cup of coffee in hand, which takes us to the second thing on our list.
10. Drink delicious coffee at La Colombe Coffee Roasters
La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Underline Coffee (20th Street, directly below the High Line) are two excellent coffee shops in New York. In the summer, an iced latte is a refreshing treat. And if you are hungry, you have come to the correct location!
11. Visit one of the wine bars
One of our favorite New York wine bars is Corkbuzz, which has two locations (one in Chelsea Market and the other in Union Square). It is elegant but laid-back, and it is always worth a look. The wine bar Le Pif is delightful (West 23rd Street). Enjoy your time with American wines!
12. Sports at Chelsea Piers & Pier 62
Chelsea Piers is a major sports complex on the Hudson River with a driving range (golf). At Pier 62 on the Hudson River Park, you can either participate in sports or relax and enjoy the sun, as we did. In the summer, we saw ice flowing down the Hudson River in the summer and got tanned. The view of the skyline of Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan is very lovely here. The Empire State Building, the new Hudson Yards, and One World Trade are visible. It is both soothing and beneficial.
13. Start a Boat Tour or Dinner Cruise (Architectural Boat Tour!)
The boat cruises in New York are, as you know, our absolute favorites. You can appreciate the architecture from the sea and gain a new perspective on the city. The boat tours are held at Circle Line, located near the High Line. Find out which New York Pass is best for you. You can also take an architecture cruise that departs from Chelsea Piers. This is the tour we took in the summer, which takes you around Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty. This is the link to our review of this lovely boat cruise.
14. Off to the Speakeasy Bar Bathtub Gin
Attention: insider information! The tavern “Bathtub Gin” (18th Street corner 9th Avenue) transports you to New York’s prohibition era in the 1920s. Because alcohol could not be produced or sold during this time, unauthorized bars sprung up behind conventional businesses like hairdressers and storefronts. At Bar Bathtub Gin, everything is exactly right. The bar is chic, the ambiance is laid-back, and the beverages are outstanding.
15. Lying in the meadow
It is not a joke! Only one spot on the High Line allows you to truly rest on the lawn while watching the hustle and bustle (there is also a huge graffiti on display). Take 23rd Street to the “23rd Street Lawn & Seating Steps” location. This is where we prefer to unwind!
16. Shop in the Meatpacking District
New York is synonymous with shopping. There is something for everyone, from little designer boutiques to large flagship stores. The Meatpacking District provides all of this in the smallest of places. Simply stroll over the cobblestones and bring a little of New York home with you!
17. Enjoy the view from the Whitney Museum
Tourists and locals alike flock to the Whitney Museum of Art, located at the southern end of the High Line in the Meatpacking District. This museum is a must-see for museums, modern art, and culture fans. We are not big museum-goers, but the Whitney Museum blew us away. Why? The museum offers a café and a viewing deck with a spectacular view of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan from the One World Observatory.
18. Visit an art gallery
Many galleries and art shows line the High Line. To mention a few, the David Zwirner Gallery, the Lisson Gallery, Agora Gallery, James Cohan, and the Jack Shainman Gallery. These galleries are located between 18th and 29th Streets on 10th Avenue.
19. Walk at Hudson River Park & Pier 64
Some of the nicest views of Manhattan may be found from Pier 64, which cuts into the Hudson River. The Frying Pan, Chelsea Piers, and New York’s famed buildings are all visible. You can then lie on the green areas and watch the boats on the Hudson River if the weather permits!
20. Explore Pershing Square Beams with Kids
This portion of the High Line in New York City is especially exciting for kids. This small region can be climbed using the High Line’s girders and beams! There are also numerous minor intriguing features to hide and watch for the explorers. The high beams of Pershing Square may be found on 30th Street.
21. Don’t Forget About Gansevoort Market
The Gansevoort Market is located near the High Line and the famed Chelsea Market. A small, edgy food market on 14th Street in the Meatpacking District that first opened its doors two years ago. You may enjoy New York’s gastronomic diversity with roughly 25 different food sellers, including sushi, pizza, and lobster rolls.
22. Have a stylish breakfast in the Empire Diner
The Empire Diner (210 10th Ave) is one of New York City’s most popular diners, and it is also very next to the High Line. The Empire Diner, with its silver and white façade, the Empire Diner is impossible to miss. Try the imperial omelet with fresh herbs or the waffles!
23. Ride the Bike on the Hudson River Greenway
Exploring New York on a bike appears to be a risky proposition, especially given the “crazy” drivers and traffic. However, it is one of the greatest ways to move around New York City, and it does not have to be dangerous if you are cautious. In the city, we enjoy riding our bikes! It is incredibly flexible and inexpensive, thanks to the city bike program, Citi Bike. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock.
You can rent an unlimited number of bicycles from over 800 locations with a day ticket. After the first 30 minutes, you will be charged $4 every 15 minutes. Simply keep an eye on the clock, return the bike to one of the stations on time, and then get a new one! The first stations have been equipped with an e-bike since 2019!
24. Go to the Pier 51 playground with the kids
Last year, we were in New York and observed a lot of playgrounds for families with children. Pier 51 has one that is lovely. It is roughly two blocks south of the Whitney Museum of American Art. An artificial stream (which is fantastic in the summer) and the vista is breathtaking. While your children have fun climbing and playing, you can gaze at the stunning One World Observatory!
25. Finish at Bubby’s High Line, Drink a local IPA
Bubby’s is one of the most attractive restaurants in the Meatpacking District, located near the southern end of High Line Park. You may enjoy an ice cream or cold New York IPA. You can anticipate great American cuisine. Here’s where you can learn more about Bubby’s Restaurant & Bar.
If you are looking for exciting things to do in NYC, here’s an article on where you can find ski resorts in NYC.
One of our favorite parks in New York is the High Line. For starters, it is 1.45 miles long and was formerly a railway. The city’s repurposing of this railway is impressive. It is a piece of history that is easy to get to because it is free. In the spring and summer, there will be more foot traffic.
There are many key sites, bars, and attractions along the High Line, not to mention the beautiful Hudson River views. When Hudson Yards is finished, you can see the Empire State Building and New York’s new highest observation deck. The list below will demonstrate why this park is one of Manhattan’s top attractions.
1. Visit Chelsea Market
It is a food market featuring a diverse selection of food vendors, a shopping destination, and a venue for local artists to show their work. Chelsea Market is one of our favorite New York destinations since it offers so much. And, best of all, Chelsea Market is located exactly on the High Line, making it ideal for a quick pit break!
2. Marvel observation deck and The Hudson Yards’ Vessel
This is one of New York’s top highlights for me. The Vessel and “The Edge,” the world’s highest open observation platform, are accessible from the High Line. The Vessel is now accessible to the public and will provide you with a spectacular view of the neighborhood; here is our Hudson Yards coverage. The new community is located on the High Line Park’s northern edge.
3. Enjoy the sunset on The Frying Pan
The vast seas, the summer sun, and ships. In New York City, it is a rather rare combo. In addition to Grand Banks and Pilot Brooklyn, The Frying Pan on the High Line offers cocktails and a glimpse of Lady Liberty. It is only available during the summer and is not to be missed.
4. View the different types of installations on the High Line
The art installations, which vary regularly, are an important aspect of the High Line. You may expect to see exhibitions ranging from modest to large works and graffiti on stone walls. Local artists and art pieces are covered and protected from rain and snow on the 14th Street tunnel directly after The Standard Hotel.
5. Make a detour to The Standard Hotel
Near the High Line, The Standard was one of the city’s first hipster hotels, where superstars like Jay-Z shot their music videos and premiered them on the stage of one of the city’s hottest hotels. We have stayed at The Standard Hotel on various occasions. In our opinion, it has lost so (including its rooftop bar). It is, however, still dreamy. Depending on your mood, you can drink a Weissbier at The Biergarten, enjoy an oven-baked pizza with a glass of vino on the modest patio, or ice skate on The Standard Ice Rink in the winter.
6. Drink a cocktail in the Rooftop Bar Gallow Green
In New York, there are numerous interesting rooftop bars, including Gallow Green! The bar, located immediately on the High Line, brings the park experience inside: as the name says, you are surrounded by greenery. The Rooftop bar Gallow Green is a soothing highlight due to this (with very good cocktails).
7. Eat tapas at Tia Pol
Okay, so Tia Pol is not particularly attractive from the outside, but that is beside the point. We discovered it by chance before our boat journey. We had some spare time and looking for something light to eat. Sangria in a barrel is a popular drink at this establishment. The tapas are elegant and delicious. It is just fantastic!
8. Sunbathe in the Grasslands Grove
The High Line is divided into parts with different designs. Some have a lot of trees, some are kept as authentic as possible, while others are focused on learning and experiencing the history of the elevated railway line as much as possible. The last component of Hudson Yards, called “Grasslands Grove” is located in the north. Many open tracks with abstract sidewalks can be found here, precisely as they used to be! You can sunbathe and enjoy the view here if the weather permits, as the Grasslands Grove has several benches!
9. View of the stairs from 10th Ave Square and Overlook
There are numerous little (and secret) and larger spots where you can get away from the city’s hustle and bustle while remaining in the middle of it. The “10th Avenue Squa1re and Overlook” is one of the most well-known locations. You sit on wooden surfaces just over 10th Avenue, comparable to an amphibious theater! Of course, the best method is with a cup of coffee in hand, which takes us to the second thing on our list.
10. Drink delicious coffee at La Colombe Coffee Roasters
La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Underline Coffee (20th Street, directly below the High Line) are two excellent coffee shops in New York. In the summer, an iced latte is a refreshing treat. And if you are hungry, you have come to the correct location!
11. Visit one of the wine bars
One of our favorite New York wine bars is Corkbuzz, which has two locations (one in Chelsea Market and the other in Union Square). It is elegant but laid-back, and it is always worth a look. The wine bar Le Pif is delightful (West 23rd Street). Enjoy your time with American wines!
12. Sports at Chelsea Piers & Pier 62
Chelsea Piers is a major sports complex on the Hudson River with a driving range (golf). At Pier 62 on the Hudson River Park, you can either participate in sports or relax and enjoy the sun, as we did. In the summer, we saw ice flowing down the Hudson River in the summer and got tanned. The view of the skyline of Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan is very lovely here. The Empire State Building, the new Hudson Yards, and One World Trade are visible. It is both soothing and beneficial.
13. Start a Boat Tour or Dinner Cruise (Architectural Boat Tour!)
The boat cruises in New York are, as you know, our absolute favorites. You can appreciate the architecture from the sea and gain a new perspective on the city. The boat tours are held at Circle Line, located near the High Line. Find out which New York Pass is best for you. You can also take an architecture cruise that departs from Chelsea Piers. This is the tour we took in the summer, which takes you around Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty. This is the link to our review of this lovely boat cruise.
14. Off to the Speakeasy Bar Bathtub Gin
Attention: insider information! The tavern “Bathtub Gin” (18th Street corner 9th Avenue) transports you to New York’s prohibition era in the 1920s. Because alcohol could not be produced or sold during this time, unauthorized bars sprung up behind conventional businesses like hairdressers and storefronts. At Bar Bathtub Gin, everything is exactly right. The bar is chic, the ambiance is laid-back, and the beverages are outstanding.
15. Lying in the meadow
It is not a joke! Only one spot on the High Line allows you to truly rest on the lawn while watching the hustle and bustle (there is also a huge graffiti on display). Take 23rd Street to the “23rd Street Lawn & Seating Steps” location. This is where we prefer to unwind!
16. Shop in the Meatpacking District
New York is synonymous with shopping. There is something for everyone, from little designer boutiques to large flagship stores. The Meatpacking District provides all of this in the smallest of places. Simply stroll over the cobblestones and bring a little of New York home with you!
17. Enjoy the view from the Whitney Museum
Tourists and locals alike flock to the Whitney Museum of Art, located at the southern end of the High Line in the Meatpacking District. This museum is a must-see for museums, modern art, and culture fans. We are not big museum-goers, but the Whitney Museum blew us away. Why? The museum offers a café and a viewing deck with a spectacular view of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan from the One World Observatory.
18. Visit an art gallery
Many galleries and art shows line the High Line. To mention a few, the David Zwirner Gallery, the Lisson Gallery, Agora Gallery, James Cohan, and the Jack Shainman Gallery. These galleries are located between 18th and 29th Streets on 10th Avenue.
19. Walk at Hudson River Park & Pier 64
Some of the nicest views of Manhattan may be found from Pier 64, which cuts into the Hudson River. The Frying Pan, Chelsea Piers, and New York’s famed buildings are all visible. You can then lie on the green areas and watch the boats on the Hudson River if the weather permits!
20. Explore Pershing Square Beams with Kids
This portion of the High Line in New York City is especially exciting for kids. This small region can be climbed using the High Line’s girders and beams! There are also numerous minor intriguing features to hide and watch for the explorers. The high beams of Pershing Square may be found on 30th Street.
21. Don’t Forget About Gansevoort Market
The Gansevoort Market is located near the High Line and the famed Chelsea Market. A small, edgy food market on 14th Street in the Meatpacking District that first opened its doors two years ago. You may enjoy New York’s gastronomic diversity with roughly 25 different food sellers, including sushi, pizza, and lobster rolls.
22. Have a stylish breakfast in the Empire Diner
The Empire Diner (210 10th Ave) is one of New York City’s most popular diners, and it is also very next to the High Line. The Empire Diner, with its silver and white façade, the Empire Diner is impossible to miss. Try the imperial omelet with fresh herbs or the waffles!
23. Ride the Bike on the Hudson River Greenway
Exploring New York on a bike appears to be a risky proposition, especially given the “crazy” drivers and traffic. However, it is one of the greatest ways to move around New York City, and it does not have to be dangerous if you are cautious. In the city, we enjoy riding our bikes! It is incredibly flexible and inexpensive, thanks to the city bike program, Citi Bike. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock.
You can rent an unlimited number of bicycles from over 800 locations with a day ticket. After the first 30 minutes, you will be charged $4 every 15 minutes. Simply keep an eye on the clock, return the bike to one of the stations on time, and then get a new one! The first stations have been equipped with an e-bike since 2019!
24. Go to the Pier 51 playground with the kids
Last year, we were in New York and observed a lot of playgrounds for families with children. Pier 51 has one that is lovely. It is roughly two blocks south of the Whitney Museum of American Art. An artificial stream (which is fantastic in the summer) and the vista is breathtaking. While your children have fun climbing and playing, you can gaze at the stunning One World Observatory!
25. Finish at Bubby’s High Line, Drink a local IPA
Bubby’s is one of the most attractive restaurants in the Meatpacking District, located near the southern end of High Line Park. You may enjoy an ice cream or cold New York IPA. You can anticipate great American cuisine. Here’s where you can learn more about Bubby’s Restaurant & Bar.
If you are looking for exciting things to do in NYC, here’s an article on where you can find ski resorts in NYC.