If Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks didn’t convince you that the Upper West Side is the ultimate place for a New York love affair, just take a stroll here, and you’ll discover why.

The Upper West Side has shed its “understudy” role to become just as sought-after as the Upper East Side, but with a little more charm and a little less pretension. It’s where residents trade stuffiness for a relaxed vibe, while enjoying an enviable lineup of restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks. Manhattan’s Upper West Side is bounded on the south by 59th Street, Central Park to the east, the Hudson River to the west, and 116th Street to the north.

Many New Yorkers know that Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park, but few realize he also designed Riverside Park. Riverside Park is a gem that winds from 72nd to 158th Street along the Hudson. The Park offers some of Manhattan’s best views, and its lush escape adds to the neighborhood's charm. Another appealing aspect of the Upper West Side is the iconic Museum of Natural History, a beloved institution for all ages, made possible in part by the generous contributions of Felix and Frieda Warburg (which of course holds prominent importance to “Warburgers”).

The “Prime” Upper West Side has a variety of residential options, including gracious prewar co-ops, condos, new developments and townhouses. It is a favorite neighborhood because it is home to both terrific public schools, as well as playgrounds, and a seemingly endless supply of restaurants. Because of the numerous families, young folks, restaurants and performance events, the Upper West Side is bustling even at night. Whether you are visiting or a full-time resident, our must-sees include:

The New York Historical Society – New York City’s oldest museum, it houses millions of documents that tell the story of our nation.

Zabar’s – As Nora Ephron once wrote, “Zabar’s is the ultimate West Side institution.” Grab and go from a huge variety of delectable treats and head out to Central Park for a picnic. Zabars is particularly renowned for its smoked salmon, cheese selection, coffee, bagels, and gourmet prepared foods.
Barney Greengrass - famous for its “noshes”.
Nice Matin - the perfect combination of a French bistro and an American Classic. If you find yourself on the Upper Westside on a snowy day, warm up with a fabulous cup of hot chocolate.
Crave Fishbar - this is the place where sustainability meets seriously good food. It is known for its inventive dishes and inviting ambiance and we highly recommend the seared yellow fin tuna.

The Upper West Side is home to stunning architectural landmarks, including the renowned Dakota building, the first ever luxury apartment building on the Upper West Side, built to unprecedented standards of quality and luxury that, to a great degree, have yet to be replicated. It was also the home of John Lennon until his tragic passing on December 8, 1980. This prestigious, historic property continues to attract notable residents who are dedicated to its preservation.

Having had the privilege of working in The Dakota, we’ve seen firsthand the commitment of its residents to maintaining its storied legacy while enjoying all that this iconic residence has to offer. Other notable examples of beautiful and historic pre-war co-op architecture include:

The Ansonia was once the largest residential hotel in Manhattan, the Ansonia offered its guests Turkish baths and even a rooftop farm with livestock! Known for its Beaux-Arts architecture, Parisian-styled mansard roof, and luxurious interiors, the Ansonia became a co-op in 1972 and it remains a New York City gem.
The San Remo, designed by renowned architect Emory Roth, gracefully blended Art Deco and Renaissance Revival architecture to create this stunning twin-towered Central Park West masterpiece which became a co-op in 1972.
The Apthorpe was built in 1908 in the Italian Renaissance style. It is known for its palatial courtyard and old-world charm. But don’t mistake its charm for any sort of lack of modern amenities. In fact, the Apthorpe remains one of New York City’s most coveted addresses.

Beyond the “prime” Upper West Side, this area includes several distinct sub-neighborhoods, such as:

Lincoln Square - Columbus Circle/Time Warner Center is the southern “gateway” to the Upper West Side and situated right on the circle is the Time Warner Center which features great restaurants and shops. One of our favorite spots is the Bouchon Café on the 3rd floor which offers not only terrific coffee and pastries but one of the best views of Central Park. For those seeking a five-star meal, Per Se is a classic while Bad Roman is a coveted newcomer. Relax at The MO Lounge, situated in the sky lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and take in the incredible views of Columbus Circle and the park. Lincoln Square is arguably the most vibrant neighborhood in all of New York City, and for good reason. It is the home of New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. Luxurious new developments and condos offer views of Lincoln Center, the Hudson river, The George Washington Bridge, Morningside Heights and Central Park.

Central Park West - Some of the fanciest prewar co-ops sit on Central Park West, such as The San Remo and The Eldorado, not to mention Robert Stern’s 15 Central Park West. These co-ops can rival the prestige - and price tag - of Park Avenue co-ops. But unlike Park Avenue, Central Park West homes are just across the street from Central Park, and a block or two from all the restaurants and nightlife of the Upper West Side.

Manhattan Valley - In recent years a handful of new developments have been built in the west 90’s, a location that was previously thought of as just a holdover between prime Upper West Side and Morningside Heights. But that is no longer the case. It is a vibrant neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, eclectic shops and historic brownstones. It also has terrific restaurants of all cuisines. A few local favorites include: Saiguette, a Vietnamese eatery that serves up bold dishes that uses the freshest and authentically Vietnamese ingredients. Edgar’s Cafe is a long-time standby, and has not only delicious food and coffee, but one of the best cake and pie selections on the Upper West Side. Since the closure of Cafe Lalo of You’ve Got Mail fame, we think Edgars is arguably the best example of authentic Upper West Side charm.

Morningside Heights - It is sometimes debated whether Morningside Heights is truly part of the Upper West Side, or just north of it, but either way, it is a special enclave in the city. It might be a little odd that two Princeton alums are promoting Columbia as a must-see, but even we can’t deny the beauty of the McKim, Mead and White campus. Columbia University is host to beautiful buildings and green lawns that are open to the neighborhood. Supported in great part by the student population, the neighborhood is filled with terrific restaurants across all budgets, and the streets stay lively until the late hours of the night. Some of our favorites include: Community Restaurant (one of the best farm-to-table spots in the city), Le Monde, Tom’s Restaurant (of Seinfeld fame), and The Hungarian Pastry Shop (don’t be surprised to find a line - it is worth the wait!). Barnard College, Teacher’s College, and the Union Theological Seminary complete the “most intellectual neighborhood in New York.” Spacious and beautiful prewar apartments can be found here for less than further South, and with Columbia’s expansion North we believe Morningside Heights will only get better.

Welcome to the Upper West Side