Ah, the Upper West Side. One of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods, the UWS is full of culture, old-world charm and a relaxing, residential feel. Don’t let the neighborhood’s family-oriented charm fool you; this locale has plenty of bustling businesses and sceney restaurants to offer. Here, we’ve rounded up our ultimate guide to the Upper West Side so you’ll never be left guessing where to go again.
See also: The Ultimate Guide To NYC's Hudson Yards
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2450 Broadway / 212.362.2200 / Website
Chances are you’ve heard of this NYC staple, as Carmine’s has long served classic Italian-American favorites to New Yorkers. This family-style restaurant is all that a classic Italian joint should be, complete with a huge menu of cheesy goodness and a fully stocked bar. We recommend bringing a few friends, as the portions are huge!
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410 Amsterdam Ave. / 646.454.0226 / Website
Omakase is the name of the game these days, and Sushi Nonaka delivers three excellent omakase experiences. The sushi and sashimi offering includes three kinds of sashimi, 12 pieces of sushi, one handroll and miso soup for $155, while the classic omakase is 10 pieces of sushi, one hand roll and miso soup for $105. Lastly, the kosher sushi omakase includes 12 pieces of sushi, one hand roll and miso soup for $135.
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646 Amsterdam Ave. / 212.685.0305 / Website
Although new to the scene, Osteria Accademia has already taken the UWS by storm thanks to its delicious Italian cuisine and striking interiors. The restaurant features over 3,500 vintage books on its extensive bookshelves, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for excellent conversation. The delicious pastas and extensive wine list don’t hurt, either.
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44 W. 63rd St. / 212.265.7400 / Website
A true NYC landmark, this iconic hotel features a classically NYC art-deco façade as well as bold and glamorous interiors. The amenities and hospitality team alike are world-class, providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Be sure to check out the gorgeous rooftop while you’re there.
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201 W. 79th St. / 212.875.1000 / Website
Erected in 1904, the Lucerne Hotel’s landmark building features European-inspired architectural charm. The guest rooms pay homage to the building’s history with classic design, and the hotel’s location in the heart of the Upper West Side provides easy access to all the neighborhood has to offer.
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2130 Broadway / 212.787.1100 / Website
This Upper West Side favorite features guest rooms equipped with kitchenettes, complete with stoves, refrigerators and coffee makers, and a self-operated laundry room, making Hotel Beacon an excellent choice for extended stays in NYC. It’s one of the few remaining residential hotels, so be sure to take advantage of the two-bedroom suites.
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212.310.6600 / Website
One of the best things about spending time uptown is the proximity to NYC’s iconic Central Park. With tons of hikes, gorgeous walking trails, a lake and even a miniature castle, there’s always something to do in the park, no matter the season. During the warmer months, we highly recommend having a picnic and doing some people-watching in the park.
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67 W. 71st St. / 212.796.7796 / Website
With tons of NYC locations and an excellent facial membership, Heyday is a great place to relax while on the UWS. Options is the name of the game at Heyday, as the brand provides near-endless customization to your facial, ensuring you meet your skincare goals. The highly-skilled estheticians perform a detailed analysis of your skin and handcraft a treatment just for you, which could include extractions, targeted treatments, masks and more.
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80 Columbus Circle / 212.805.8880 / Website
While technically below the Upper West Side, this spa is worth the journey. A complete oasis in the middle of the city, you could easily spend an entire day enjoying all that the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York has to offer. Whether you choose to swim in the lap pool, take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center or enjoy a fabulous massage, time at this spa is always well spent.
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10 Columbus Circle / 212.823.6300 / Website
While these shops aren’t technically on the UWS, these shops are easily accessible via the 1 train, and as some of the best shopping in the whole city, we highly recommend checking them out. Swing by diptyque to discover your new favorite scent, grab a macaron at Ladurée or nab the boots of the season at Stuart Weitzman.
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951 Amsterdam Ave. / Website
There’s a reason so many Upper West Side locals think of Nobody Told Me as their go-to neighborhood bar. This perfectly understated bar offers dependably delicious and well-priced drinks, with a cocktail menu that is updated seasonally to quench your thirst. Starting to get a bit peckish before dinner? Their happy hour spicy chicken sliders are so good, you’ll need more than one.
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322 Columbus Ave. / 646.882.0197 / Website
For all the cozy vibes, look no further than Da Capo, which is an espresso bar by day and a cocktail bar by night. The signature cocktails are excellent, though our favorite has to be off the classic cocktails menu. To nobody’s surprise, Da Capo makes a killer espresso martini, so the Espresso Self, made with bourbon, Mr. Black espresso liqueur, bourbon cream and espresso, is, simply put, delightful.
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53 W. 72nd St. / 212.787.0700 / Website
The Dakota Bar never misses and always delivers a good drink. The interiors are warm and inviting, and the staff is always welcoming. We particularly love the French 72, made with gin, prosecco and lemon, and the La Loquita with spicy tequila, pineapple and cilantro.
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503 Columbus Ave. / 212.579.3100 / Website
Who doesn’t love a good supper club? Prohibition delivers all the Jazz Age-themed decor, nightly live music performances and dancing. Be sure to check out their Instagram for updates on the weekly performances, as different bands come every night.
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998 Amsterdam Ave. / 646.912.9421 / Website
Whiskey is the name of the game at this vibey neighborhood haunt, which boasts over 150 whiskeys on offer. Open until 2AM Monday through Wednesday and until 4AM Thursday through Saturday, this one is for the night owls. We recommend imbibing in one of the flights, which allows you to try some iconic whiskeys for a steal.
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566 Amsterdam Ave. / 646.422.7167 / Website
Consistently considered one of the best wine bars in NYC, Amelie is a romantic, French-inspired bar perfect for date night. The wine list is incredible, so we recommend trying a bottle or two. Craving a bit of al fresco dining? Amelie’s heated outdoor seating has you covered.
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200 Central Park West / 212.769.5100 / Website
One of the most famous museums in the United States, the American Museum of Natural History is always sure to impress, no matter how many times you’ve visited. The permanent exhibitions, including the Tyrannosaurus rex fossil and blue whale model, are incredible, though the special exhibitions are just as jaw-dropping. Be sure to make a reservation for timed-entry admission.
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170 Central Park West / 212.873.3400 / Website
New York’s first museum, the New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804. The museum features over 400 years of history through exhibitions, ranging from the colonial era to the modern day. Expect to find items such as Tiffany lamps, Hudson River School paintings and Audubon’s Birds of America series.
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Lincoln Center Plaza / 212.875.5456 / Website
Home to the New York City Ballet, Juilliard, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the NY Philharmonic and more, there’s tons to discover at Lincoln Center. 11 resident arts organizations provide incredible music, theater, dance, film and opera, so pick your poison and support New York City’s arts.
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329 Columbus Ave. / 212.517.1987 / Website
Offering a rotating live DJ and curated music program, ASSET delivers an elevated dining experience complete with a sceney atmosphere and tempting drinks. We recommend making a later reservation in order to be in on the action after dark. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
So head on over to the Upper West Side and discover all that this famous NYC neighborhood has to offer. Let us know your favorite UWS staple!
Photography by: Joseph Pearson / Unsplash
