Upper West Side
Geographic Boundaries
The Upper West Side (UWS) of Manhattan spans from 59th Street to 110th Street, bordered by Central Park to the east and the Hudson River to the west. This residential neighborhood merges cultural landmarks with tree-lined streets, offering a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities.
Businesses and Retailers
The UWS blends high-end boutiques and local specialty shops. Retail options range from the Shops at Columbus Circle's luxury brands to independent stores like Magpie and The Niche Shop. Local businesses emphasize curated selections, from home goods to artisanal crafts, reflecting the neighborhood's affluent yet community-oriented character.
Fine Restaurants
Dining options include iconic establishments like Cafe Luxembourg, a French bistro operating since 1983, known for its Parisian ambiance and pre-Lincoln Center crowds. OpenTable highlights Sushi Yasaka for exceptional Japanese cuisine, while Levain Bakery attracts visitors with its renowned cookies. The Smith-Lincoln Square offers modern American fare in a vibrant setting.
Historical Attractions
The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, anchors the neighborhood's cultural identity with its fossil halls and planetarium. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, established in the 1960s, hosts the Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic. Riverside Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, provides scenic Hudson River views.
Architectural Styles
Pre-war brownstones and limestone townhouses dominate side streets, while large apartment buildings like The Dakota (1884) showcase Gothic and Renaissance Revival influences. Modern high-rises along Broadway contrast with preserved historic structures, creating a layered streetscape.
Other Notable Buildings
The Apthorp, a Beaux-Artes landmark, features a central courtyard on Broadway. The landmarked Ansonia Hotel, with its French Baroque design, once hosted musical luminaries. The Children's Museum of Manhattan and the New-York Historical Society contribute to the neighborhood's educational landscape.
Transportation
Subway access includes the 1/2/3 lines along Broadway, the B/C at Central Park West, and the A/B/C/D at 59th Street-Columbus Circle. Multiple crosstown buses connect to the East Side, while the West Side Highway offers quick vehicular access to downtown and beyond.
Zip Codes
Primary UWS zip codes include 10023, 10024, and 10025. Adjacent areas feature 10019 (Midtown West), 10069 (Lincoln Square), and 10026 (Morningside Heights). The neighborhood's northern edge near 110th Street borders Harlem's 10026 and 10027.
Corporate Presence
While primarily residential, the area houses cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center. Nearby Columbus Circle includes Time Warner Center offices (now Deutsche Bank Center), though most corporate activity remains concentrated just outside traditional UWS boundaries. Local businesses emphasize hospitality, retail, and professional services.