The Gems of the Upper West Side

Have a Taste of Levain Bakery’s Cookies

This list of the best things to do on the Upper West Side of NYC would not be complete without a mention of one of the region’s most popular eateries. A good place to start is Levain Bakery. The cookies at this bakery are to die for. Levain Bakery has arguably one of the most delicious chocolate chip cookies on the Upper West Side of NYC.

Levain Bakery has two locations, one at Amsterdam Avenue between West 76th and West 77th Streets, and another at 74th Street.

Eat & Shop at Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle is where Midtown ends and Upper West Side starts. The Time Warner Center is a large double-tower building overlooking Central Park. The structure comprises shops, restaurants, a 5-star luxury hotel, and residential condos. It is the perfect place to eat and shop on the Upper West Side of NYC.

Catch a Show at the Beacon Theater

Located at West 74 Street and Broadway, The Beacon Theater is one of the gems of the Upper West Side of NYC. The theater has grown to become one of the most legendary entertainment mainstays in NYC since its launch in 1929. For decades, the Beacon Theater has hosted famous musicians from around the world. Some of the most notable events hosted here include the Tony Awards in 2016, 2012, and 2011. The most unique thing about the Beacon Theater is its size. It has a sitting capacity of less than 3000, which enhances the acoustics and intimacy of the experience, making you feel closer to the performers unlike large arenas such as the Madison Square Garden.

If you’re thinking of making a trip to the Upper West Side of New York City, the Beacon Theater is worth a visit. The subway is approximately 2 blocks away from the theater at West 72nd and Broadway

Explore Restaurants

Although there are many famous eateries in NYC, few people think of the Upper West Side when thinking about food. However, there are numerous splendid eateries in the area. The character of the Upper West Side food stems from its delicatessens, bagel shops, cafes, and diners. It is also a great place to have a delightful Sunday Brunch.

W. 90th Street and Broadway is a delightful diner, ideal for late-night food runs, milkshakes, matzo ball soup, burgers, and breakfast.

W. 83rd St. and Amsterdam Avenue is a popular dinner and brunch destination for locals, offering classic American dishes. Other popular brunch destinations include The Smith, Good Enough to eat, and the Sabareth’s.

Cafe Lalo also serves classic dishes where you can meet for dessert or coffee or sit for lunch. You might be familiar with Cafe Lalo since it was featured in the movie “You’ve Got Mail” with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

Other eateries worth a visit on the Upper West Side of NYC include Fred’s, Osteria Cotta, The Milling Room, Red Farm, Cafe Luxembourg, Thai Market, Aangan, and Mermaid Inn.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of things to do on the Upper West Side of NYC. It’s an exciting place not just to visit, but to live as well. It provides the much-needed retreat from the busy and noisy life of the surrounding concrete jungle. Whether you’d like to explore eateries offering delicious classic American fares or learn about American culture and history, the Upper West Side’s got you covered. You will be hard-pressed to get bored when you’re in this part of New York.