Who are the Upper West Siders and why is this part of New York such a big deal? The famous Upper West Side is sandwiched between Central Park to the east and Riverside Park to the west. It borders Columbus Circle at West 59th Street to the south and Western 110th Street to the north. There are numerous bakeries, restaurants, and of course Central Park. The most well known park at 800 acres, it is New York’s largest and most historic park. This is currently the most photographed place on earth.
The upper East and West Side of New York City are among the most sought after areas of real estate in New York. The average cost of an apartment here runs about $1,899/mo for the smallest studios and into the 5th digit numbers for many larger and more detailed apartments, or condos. Because of these steep price tags many average people cannot afford to rent in this area, but that doesn’t mean the stars of some of your favorite shows can’t. Tina Fey, Ellie Kemper, Steve Martin, and the hilarious Amy Schumer are just a few of the loveably tv screen stars who call New York home.
These stars and many other New Yorkers know the importance of the future and are trying to plan for it the best they can. Approximately 40% of New Yorkers already have or are planning to purchase hybrid long term care insurance. This is because only one in three Americans were able to accurately predict the annual cost of long term care without insurance. That means that several thousands of people in the United States each year are underprepared for the cost of care needed after retirement. A study done this year stated that almost half (52%) of all Americans need long term care after the age of 65. Out of that 52% of people about one in six will end up paying for that care and spending a minimum of $100,000 out-of-pocket for those services. This is why many New Yorkers are now getting behind the new and inventive Hybrid Long Term Care Insurance plans. A Hybrid Long Term Care Insurance plan is a traditional life insurance policy with a long term care rider. Hybrid Life Insurance plans cover the cost of assisted living if you need daily care and help you to protect your nest egg from being depleted because of expenses that are due to the need of care once someone can no longer take care of themselves.
No New York wants to lose their homes or retirement savings because of the need for care. This is why they invest in hybrid long term care. Unlike in the suburbs, where a home can be bought and paid off, many New York city dwellings are only for rent and must continually be paid for each month meaning someone who has to pay out of pocket for long term care may run out of their retirement funds or Roth IRA savings. With a Hybrid Long Term Care plan New Yorkers do not have to worry about this happening. Their Hybrid Long Term Care Insurance plans protect them from the costs of paying for long term care out of their retirement or income.
People in New York want to continue living in the bustling city under the lights and with their Hybrid Long Term Care plans they know their assets and homes are safe from the costs of care that may otherwise absorb the money needed for them to afford the rent for their apartments.For example, if someone renting in the upper east side fell and needed care inside the home as a consequence of the fall then they may have to choose between affording the care or paying rent for their home and if they chose the care which is necessarily they risk the chance of losing their home. This is a great example of what is avoided with a Hybrid Long Term Care plan.
So why are Upper East Siders considering buying Hybrid Long Term Care? Because it allows them to stay in their homes, even if they end up needing long term care. The fear of the future can stop many in their tracks, but for these many Upper east Siders they are taking the necessary steps to planning a great future after retirement.

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.

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.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its unique attributes and character. The Upper West Side is no exception. This iconic neighborhood has plenty to offer in terms of parks, world-renowned museums, restaurants, and a glimpse of what the day of a typical New Yorker looks like. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most exciting things to do on the Upper West Side of NYC.

What is the Upper West Side of NYC?

The famous Upper West Side is sandwiched between Central Park to the east and Riverside Park to the west. It borders Columbus Circle at West 59th Street to the south and Western 110th Street to the north. There are several subway lines you can use to access the Upper West Side if you’re staying in a different part of Manhattan.

What are the Best Things to Do on the Upper West Side of NYC?

Discover Central Park

Covering more than 800 acres, Central Park is New York’s largest and most historic park. It is also one of the most photographed places on earth! It is a wonderful place to explore on the Upper West Side and offers a great contrast to the concrete jungle surrounding it and the hustle-bustle of NYC life. The world-renowned park borders 5th Avenue to the east, 59th Street to the south, and 110th Street to the North.

Depending on the season, there are various exciting things to do at Central Park. Some of the most common include riding bikes, rowing boats, sunbathing, ice skating, viewing cherry blossoms, and sword-fighting classes. There are numerous playgrounds in the area including tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as baseball fields.

Catch a Show at Lincoln Center

New York City has long been known for its vibrant arts culture. The Lincoln Center is one of the best places to visit on the Upper West Side of NYC. The entertainment hub is home to various theater, dance, and music organizations such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Juilliard School of Music, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic.

The Lincoln Center offers spectacular scenes at night, particularly the well-lit stairs and outdoor space. Catching a live performance at the Lincoln Center should certainly be on your bucket list whether you’re visiting the Upper West Side for a few days or a few weeks.