The High Line is one of my very favourite places in New York. Transformed from a disused stretch of elevated rail line into a beautifully landscaped public park, it is an oasis of calm above New York and offers an alternative perspective of the city.
It’s my go to place when I’m in the mood for some green space, fantastic artwork and stunning views. Let’s take a walk down this New York must see sight!
The High Line
The High Line turned a dilapidated stretch of elevated railway on Manhattan’s West Side into a beautiful urban garden. I love walking through and observing the city from above. The walkway is surrounded by over 100,000 plants which are inspired by the landscape that grew out of the railway tracks.
The flowers:
The Views
The walk offers spectacular views of some of New York’s biggest landmarks. The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are visible from different vantage points along the way and I can while away many happy hours watching New York life on the streets and avenues in the surrounding area.
Statue of Liberty:
Empire State Building:
The 26th street viewing spur offers a beautiful street view:
It’s always fun to check out the New York apartment blocks along the way:
Where to stay in New York, the hotels we love:
We’ve stayed all over the city during our trips to NYC. Here’s some of our faves:
- the Courtyard Soho for its downtown location and price
- SIXTY Lower East Side when we want explore downtown with a bonus rooftop pool!
- Pod 51 is an awesome and funky option close to the Rockefeller Center
- Hi NYC on the Upper West Side is a great hostel option.
- the Knickerbocker and the Greenwich for unrivalled luxury
- the Renaissance Times Square for its Times Square location
- We use booking.com as it usually has awesome prices and flash sales on NYC hotels!
The Art
My favourite part. Where else can you go for a walk in the park and pretend you’re in a museum absorbing the culture! The High Line showcases a selection of some very cool and fun art works and sculptures which line the route.
It offers a magnificent view of my absolute favourite street art in the city, Eduardo Kobra’s mural of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s photo VJ Day, The Kiss which recreates the iconic photo of a sailor passionately kissing a nurse on VJ Day in Times Square in a kaleidoscope of colours. It’s located on 25th Street.
Jordan Betten, Lady Luck between 27th and 28th:
Thomas Demand, High Line, 18th Street
Charlie Hewitt, Urban Rattle, 23rd street
The Sculptures
Another highlight is the public art installations which are commissioned by the Friends of the High Line. My personal favourite is Busted, a group installation which features sculptures by 10 international artists.
Sean Landers, Pan:
Frank Benson, Human Statue (Jessie):
John Ahearne, Florent Morellet:
Andra Ursuta, Nose job:
Ruby Neri, Before a Framework:
Goshka Macuga, Colin Powell:
Hanging out!
There are some lovely spots to take some time out and relax.
The Diller–Von Furstenberg Sundeck between 13th and 14th street has loads of great big sun loungers to chill out on. On sunny days it’s hard to drag yourself away!
The 10th Avenue Square is fantastic! I love getting comfortable on the wooden beams and watching the 10th avenue traffic pass me by. And be thankful that, for once, I’m not stuck in the New York traffic!
A walk on the High Line is a New York must see and I love the fact that the city created such a wonderful space rather than demolish the unused railway track. And the best bit? Start the walk at the 30th street entrance and the last exit is so close to Chelsea Market it would be rude not to visit! Your day will just get better and better!
Just heard of this recently in a magazine and your description makes me want to see it on my next visit in April
I’d read about a similar concept in another city (I think somewhere in Europe) and I thought it was genius! Ah if only we could develop something like this here in India!
I’ve seen some plans for similar in other countries!
Learn something new everyday – never heard of this before sounds right up my street! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Cheers Samantha!
I love the street arts
I just recently learned about this place and I have to say it looks lovely!! It will definitely be on my to visit list next time I go to New York.
I’d not heard of this until reading your article, but it looks fantastic. I’m heading to New York in May, so will 100% find the High Line when I need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of those sun loungers has my name on it, and some of the street art looks amazing too!
Hope you have a fun trip Emily!
I have livedi n NY but back in 2001 and I don’t remember this. When was it opened?
It opened in 2009 so you would have missed it!
This is so cool. I love street art so this would so be up my alley. Shame that I still havent been to NYC yet. I also like that you have included directions of getting that too.
Cheers Bianca!
That’s a great tip about stopping at the Chelsea Market after walking the High Line. There’s also a Blue Bottle coffee shop nearby, which is another spot to visit before or after the High Line.
Will check it out Mindi!
This is what I’m looking for when I visit a city. I am one of the few American travelers that hasn’t made it to NYC yet, but I’m hoping to within the next year. I love that they have made a conscious effort to provide fun and artsy places for people to explore. I really love the artwork you’ve chosen to share with us, it is fun and quirky. Can’t wait to get there.
Cheers Adrian, hope you get to visit soon!
I’ve heard a lot about the High Line. I figured it would be crowded all the time? Street art is beautiful too. I have a soft spot for the take on the sailor kissing the nurse 🙂
It can be crazy on the weekends but it’s not quite as busy on week days Sandra! The Sailor and the Nurse is my fave New York pic!
I’ve never been to the States and been planning to go next year, this post just makes me like to go to New York! Also, aside from the Street Art which is really beautiful can you recommend where to go for first timer like me?
Hi Kach, there are so many places! If you’re planning on sipping some cocktails check out this post: . Enjoy!
What a great idea for a disused line! I’d love to walk the High Line, and especially to see all that sculpture.
Beautiful photos! You’re making me want to visit NY again!
Oh, wow! This post is stunning. Thank you so much for sharing! I would love to explore the High Line and take in all that super cool art and also amazing views. So neat!!!
Great post! I loved the highline when I went to NYC a few years ago! I love that it was basically abandoned and then they fixed it up into such an awesome spot! And as your photos show, great street art there!
Cheers Christine!
As a modern art enthusiast, I have to say that I haven’t run into a single one of those during my time in NYC. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers Milosz, hope you get to check them out!
LOVE this. The views over NY from the High Line are amazing, and reason enough to go. Then I scrolled a bit and I saw all the amazing art. Please take me there now! What a lovely discovery, thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Margherita, I love it there!
Oh look at all that..! I had no idea. That park looks wonderful! The sculptures and everything..? I though you put up the featured image crazily yourself, but that exists there on a wall! Amazing..! Definitely on my list for the next NY trip. Thanks!
Thanks Veronika! We added the text to the featured image but you can see the rest from the High Line! It’s one of my favourite New York pictures!
Absolutely fell in love with the highline, such a great way to see the most amazing city! I love how it cuts through to pass buildings, roads and weave through areas, it gives you a different perspective on the city.