Whether you are a tourist in NYC or know the city like the back of your hand, visiting the High Line can be a great little adventure! If you have never been there before, the High Line is a unique linear park that is built on top of the ruins of a twentieth century railroad track that is elevated above the city streets. The park is around a mile and a half long and generally takes about a half hour to walk. You definitely want to plan to spend more time than that though, because there is a ton to see and do.
Here are six terrific reasons to visit NYC’s High Line.
The High Line is Historic
The elevated railroad that the High Line is built on served the meatpacking district from 1933 until the mid 1960’s. It’s last ride was in 1980. 1.45 miles of the remains of the railroad were transformed into a natural oasis in 2009.
You will have fantastic views of the city. From the Tiffany and Co. Foundation Overlook you can of course see their building as well as see the streets of the meatpacking district. From the balcony style platform perched above Gansevoort Street, you can see one of the last meat packing plants left in the neighborhood.
Enjoy Some Nature
Visiting the High Line gets you out into nature without ever leaving the city! Take a walk through beautiful flowers in the spring and summer and enjoy terrific foliage in the fall. Make sure to plan a little bit of extra time so you can stop and relax or explore a little bit. You might even want to bring along a book or a snack and just enjoy the amazing surroundings for a while.
See Great Artwork
From the High Line you will be able to see glimpses of amazing murals below as well as original and unique works all along the park. Some of the past works include Sister of the Road by Lara Schnitger, Silent Agitator by Ruth Ewan and Five Conversations by Lubaina Himid. The High Line is committed to exhibiting meaningful modern art. They make changes and add new exhibits all the time, so there is always something new to see.
Take Great Pictures
All of the lush greenery and unique artworks give you plenty of subjects for great photographs, but there is so much more. There are lots of great views from different areas including the Diller – von Furstenberg Sundeck, Philip A. and Lisa Maria Falcone Flyover and the 26th Street Viewing Spur. All of them provide for vibrant backgrounds for your selfies and pics of family and friends.
Make Memories
The High Line isn’t just a great place to take pictures, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon with your family or friends. There are lots of great spots to spend time together and exploring the park is a nice adventure on a New York afternoon.
Grab a Bite at Hibernia Bar
After a fun afternoon walking the High Line, stop in at Hibernia Bar, located just a short walk away at 401 W. 50th Street. Hibernia Bar is a great local spot that will make you feel right at home. Their staff is super friendly and their food is top notch. A Hell’s Kitchen Irish Pub, they offer all of your favorite traditional bar food plus authentic Irish dishes like fish and chips and homemade shepherd’s pie. Of course, they can always pour you the perfect pint of Guinness.