Things to Do on the Upper West Side of NYC

Uncover U.S. and NYC History at the New York Historical Society

The New York Historical Society is one of the oldest museums in the United States. It was founded in 1804 and is situated close to the American Museum of Natural History. The New York Historical Society houses many important artifacts and artworks that detail the history of the United States and NYC. Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington occupy some prominent roles in the museum. The museum also houses millions of newspapers, books, maps, photos, and documents showing America’s history.

Stroll through Riverside Park

This beautiful gem on the Upper West Side stretches four miles from 72nd St. to 158th St. and is designated as a scenic landmark. The blossom trees line the pathways with whites, pinks, and purples during spring creating a magnificent scene. Riverside Park is one of the best places for locals to unwind and forget about the busy Manhattan life. One of the best things to do at Riverside Park is to jog, walk, and cycle on its paths. The spectacular water views and leafy path provide a welcome contrast to the noisy streets of the Upper West Side of NYC. Riverside Park also has a few interesting historic places worth a visit such as the General Grant National Memorial, the Firemen’s Memorial, and the soldiers and sailors memorial.

Explore the Cathedral of St. John the Divine

St. John the Divine is one of the largest gothic-style cathedrals in NYC and the United States and is one of the most popular places New Yorkers like to visit during Christmas. Constructed in 1892, St. John has a medieval and unfinished look. Its original Romanesque design now reflects a Neo-Gothic design. The cathedral is free to visit if you will be doing a self-guided tour, but you can also reserve a tour by the Cathedral.

Learn about Animals and Humans at the American Museum of Natural History

Located just next to Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the best places to visit on the Upper West Side of NYC. It is an excellent complimentary thing to do when visiting Central Park. Many people who visit this museum for the first time get filled with awe because of the fascinating exhibition halls.

The American Museum of Natural History is quite large and would need you to make subsequent visits for a full experience. There are 50 exhibition halls in total, located on different levels. The exhibition halls are filled with meteorites, minerals, artifacts, fossils, and many other fascinating items. If you are pressed for time, you can visit the most important exhibition halls first then schedule subsequent visits to view the rest of the exhibition halls.

While at the American Museum of Natural History, don’t forget to visit the Lower Level Planetarium. Visit the Black Hole Theater to the wonders of space where hundreds of researchers and scientists have applied their knowledge to come up with accurate maps of stars and planets, and other discoveries about the universe.