From relic to gem, the High Line has been turned into one of the most pioneering public spaces in New York City. What was once a decrepit railway line has now been transformed into a park that offers locals and out-of-towners a chance to get away from it all and admire public art, gardens, and city views in every direction.
Since its inception in 2009, walking the High Line has become a right of passage for almost anyone who visits the city. On this nearly 2-mile stretch of historic rail line on Manhattan’s West Side, you’ll quite literally stroll through history, from the city’s bustling Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards at West 34th Street. With the promenade’s unique blend of enchanting botanical gardens and urban immersion, it’s sure to leave you — and your Instagram feed — more than satisfied.
But First, a High Line History Lesson
Manhattan in the 1800s was very different from today. There were no bridges to the other boroughs, downtown was very industrial because of the bustling shipping industry, and there was no Naked Cowboy in Times Square.
Though it might be hard to believe today, street-level freight trains used to run through lower Manhattan to deliver food. This obviously created dangerous situations for pedestrians, so the city constructed an elevated rail line to fix the problem. Opened in 1934, the original West Side Elevated Line transported meats, dairy, and produce through downtown, often cutting through buildings to make delivery easier.
As the century pressed on and trucking became more popular, rail use declined. Much like Grand Central Terminal, the West Side Elevated Line fell into obscurity, and sections were actually torn down. Plants began to organically overtake the rail line, creating an urban wilderness above the streets of New York City.
A New Beginning
Luckily for all of us, a conservancy group stepped in, and in 1999 they began advocating for the park’s preservation. They started an “ideas competition” to generate potential uses for the old track, which resulted in some … interesting submissions. A few people hoped it would become a rollercoaster or a mile-long swimming pool.
In 2009, the first section of the new High Line opened. It exists today as a 1.45-mile elevated walkway that showcases art, public events, and more than 500 species of plants and trees. I guess the swimming pool will have to wait.
What to See and Do on the High Line
Considering the High Line is almost 1.5 miles long, a walk through this park isn’t exactly a short walk in the park. There’s a lot to see and do up there, so read on for some suggestions on where to start.
Art on the High Line
The art on the High Line is one of the main reasons to visit.
The collection up here features domestic and international artists, ranging from emerging artists to seasoned pros. Curators included almost every type of art you can imagine, from sculpture to multimedia to live performances to murals that take up the entire sides of buildings. Best of all, it’s totally free to see. Whatever you do, you have to get a picture with The Sleepwalker, the weirdest piece of art on the walk.
Gardens That Are Still Growing
A good portion of the landscape on the High Line is self-seeded, which means the gardens are the remnants of wild vegetation that grew here during the 25 years that the trains stopped running.
The design, however, is very intentional. Some creative landscape architects added other plants to enhance the surroundings, resulting in zones that resemble different outdoor environments. Pedestrians can walk the High Line and find themselves passing by woodlands, grasslands, and even water features.
The High Line also has some treats for the wildlife enthusiast. The Hudson River and vegetation attract more than 300 species of birds each year. Woodpeckers, finches, and even peregrine falcons have made appearances along the High Line.
Interactive Experiences Along (and Under) the High Line
In addition to public arts and gardens, the High Line has features for visitors of every age.
Although it can be fun to wander, sometimes it’s equally as fun to stop and contemplate your surroundings. Walk through the 14th Street Passage to get some shade and check out a daily video series. Or continue on to the Chelsea Market Passage to see remnants of the old train tracks and grab a bite at the open-air food court.
On summer evenings, the High Line also hosts a public dance series where all are welcome to move and shake to salsa sounds under the lights of New York City.
Chelsea Market
Underneath the High Line, Chelsea Market welcomes shoppers for a truly unique retail experience. Dozens of restaurants, merchants, and food stands cater to more than 6 million visitors every year, making Chelsea Market one of the most popular food halls in the world. From doughnuts and fresh-baked bread to seafood, tacos, or piping-hot espresso, you’re sure to find something for every appetite.
Hudson Yards
The northern end of the High Line terminates at Hudson Yards, a city-within-a-city that was also built on top of train tracks.
If your feet aren’t too tired from the High Line walk, keep going to experience the newest neighborhood in NYC. Whether you’re in the mood for tapas at the Spanish market, snapping a selfie on the Vessel, or a show at the Shed, Hudson Yards has everything you need to stay entertained.
Answering Your High Line FAQs
Where do you start to walk the High Line?
The High Line starts on Gansevoort Street in the south or 34th Street in the north. Which direction you choose to go kind of depends on what you want to do and where you want to end up when you finish.
If you want to finish up at Hudson Yards and celebrate with paella at Mercado Little Spain, or continue on to catch a Broadway show, head from south to north. If you want to finish in the Meatpacking District and celebrate with a slice of pizza at Artichoke Basil Pizza, head from north to south.
How long does it take to walk the High Line?
As I mentioned above, the High Line stretches 1.45 miles. Depending on your pace, and what you want to do there, I would block off 2-3 hours to walk all of the park and get the full experience.
When is the High Line open?
The High Line is typically open year-round, and it’s great to see no matter what the season is. In fact, winter might be my favorite time to go because the crowds are smaller. Hours can also vary depending on the season, so check out the visitors page to see when it opens and closes.
COVID-19 update: Following its quarantine-related closure, the High Line is currently slated to reopen July 16.
A Short Walk with Big Rewards
With millions of visitors a year, it’s easy to see why the High Line is considered one of Manhattan’s most popular parks. Even the surrounding neighborhoods have taken on new lives, revitalized by the popularity of the promenade. As far as NYC experiences go, it’s one of the most unique things you can do in the city. Carefully tended gardens surround you at each turn, and sweeping views of the Hudson River vie for your attention.
At 30 feet in the air, it’s a sweet retreat from the concrete jungle that is New York, and you might find yourself tempted to explore its many charms on more than one occasion. Plan your visit to the High Line today, and don’t be afraid to have high expectations — walking the High Line is guaranteed to be an experience to remember.
FAQs
How do you walk on the High Line? ›
You come close to one another and you try to sit in a position where you have one leg on the line
How long does it take to walk the High Line in NYC? ›How long does it take to walk the High Line New York? Walking the 1.45-mile stretch takes about 30 minutes if you don't stop to gaze at cool outdoor artwork or the view.
Can you walk the High Line for free? ›Crowds Matter
Or before 12:00 pm or after 6:00 pm (18:00) on weekends. From April 1st till November 30, the High Line is open till 10 pm (22:00). From June through September, it is open until 11 pm (23:00), making the High Line one of the best free things to do at night in NYC.
The High Line is so much more than a city park. On the High Line, you are treated to amazing 360-views of NYC. Also, you'll see stunning architecture and contemporary installation art. Bring your cameras because the High Line is one of the best locales for photography in NYC!
Where is the best place to start the High Line? ›Where do you start to walk the High Line? The High Line starts on Gansevoort Street in the south or 34th Street in the north.
Are there bathrooms on the High Line? ›Restrooms on the High Line are available at Ganesvoort Street, 16th Street, and 30th Street. The High Line is wheelchair accessible.
Is the High Line safe at night? ›The High Line is safe during official park hours. These neighborhoods are all safe during the day, but at night Gramercy Park and the Flatiron District quiet down.
Can you see the Statue of Liberty from the High Line? ›Views: Walking along the High Line you can see the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. You might even see a high flyer through the windows of the Trapeze School New York at 30th Street.
How long does it take to explore Chelsea Market? ›Tour duration typically runs from 2-3 hours, giving you plenty of time to see and experience the market and its surroundings. Be sure to check our New York food tours page for more eating in NYC ideas.
How much does the High Line cost? ›The High Line Is Completely Free To Visit, And This Is What NYC Tourists Can Expect. The High Line has become one of the most beloved parks in Manhattan, and its historic views come with no extra fees to explore.
How many miles is the High Line? ›
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The High Line's design is a collaboration between James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Piet Oudolf.
Can you jog on the High Line? ›I was lucky enough to be weaving through the fabric of New York City, 30 feet above traffic. Yes, you can jog on the High Line. But let's keep it our little secret.
What is the best part of the High Line? ›One of the best places to sit along the High Line is a series of benches that slopes downward above 1oth Avenue. At the end is a series of windows, allowing a unique birds eye view of the traffic zooming below. On a nice day, you can grab some lunch, grab a seat and relax for awhile, admiring the view.
Why is the High Line so popular? ›Art and Art Installations
Surrounding one part of the High Line is the neighborhood of West Chelsea, well-known by locals for its hundreds of art galleries. It's no wonder that the High Line itself, has essentially become a hub for both public art and art installations.
Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through gardens, view art, experience a performance, savor delicious food, or connect with friends and neighbors-all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.
How do you get to the High Line from Times Square? ›The best way to get from Times Square to High Line without a car is to subway which takes 11 min and costs $1 - $3. How long does it take to get from Times Square to High Line? The subway from 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal to 23 St takes 3 min including transfers and departs every five minutes.
What subway goes to the High Line? ›Thanks to its length, the High Line is accessible via multiple subway stops and lines. To start at the bottom of the park, take the A/C/E or L to 14th Street and Eighth Avenue; for the top, take the A/C/E or 1/2/3 to Penn Station or the 7 to 34th Street-Hudson Yards.
How long is Brooklyn Bridge Walk? ›How Long Does It Take to Walk the Brooklyn Bridge? The walk is about 1.3 miles long (one way). It should take you about 60 minutes at a leisurely pace (again, one way), giving you time to take in the views and snap some photos. At a brisk pace, you're looking at 20 to 25 minutes.
Is the NYC High Line free? ›Before the date of your visit, make sure to review park rules and COVID-related visitor precautions. Is there a fee to enter the High Line? The High Line is free.
Where do you park for the High Line in NYC? ›- 507 W 21st St. - Valet Lot. Excellent (861) 420 ft. ...
- 546 W 24th St. - Garage. Excellent (2,647) 0.1 mi. ...
- 550 W 25th St. - Valet Garage. Excellent (804) 0.1 mi. ...
- 423 W 23rd St. - Valet. Excellent (615) 0.2 mi. ...
- 161 10th Ave. - Valet Lot. Excellent (989) 0.2 mi. ...
- 515 W 18th St. - Valet Garage. Excellent (872)
Can you smoke in the High Line? ›
Park rules +
The following are not permitted on the High Line: Smoking.
- Long wood. A Bronx neighbourhood with a population of 33,198 people. ...
- Fort Greene. ...
- Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill & Dumbo. ...
- Garment District. ...
- Chelsea & Hell's Kitchen. ...
- Ocean Hill. ...
- Greenwich Village & Meatpacking District. ...
- High bridge.
Crime Rates
Based purely on statistics, New York is a much safer city than Chicago. According to a scale compiled by BetterPlaces, Chicago scored 49.9 for violent crime and 46.3 for property crime. New York, in comparison, scored 28.2 for violent crime and 24.9 for property crime.
But many people (including myself) may be surprised to learn that there have been no reports of a major crime on the High Line since its opening two years ago.
Is seeing the Statue of Liberty free? ›There is no entrance fee. All visitors must purchase ferry tickets through Statue Cruises (1-877-LADYTIX (877-523-9849) or at statuecruises.com). Advanced reservations are necessary to visit the crown and pedestal.
Can you visit the Statue of Liberty without a tour? ›a crown ticket. Technically, there is no cost to visit Liberty Island. What you have to pay for is the ticket for ferry passage and whether or not you would like access to the statue's pedestal or her crown. (Crown tickets have an additional fee).
Can you see the Empire State Building from the High Line? ›The Views. The walk offers spectacular views of some of New York's biggest landmarks. The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are visible from different vantage points along the way and I can while away many happy hours watching New York life on the streets and avenues in the surrounding area.
Is it worth going to Chelsea Market? ›It's definitely worth a visit. I think it is one of the best food halls in New York, but it's not your average neighbourhood market. Whilst it is similar to the average market in that its vendor stalls line a maze of hallways, it veers towards the gourmet end of the food markets. I've always enjoyed my visits here.
Is Chelsea Market Free? ›Chelsea Market Entrance Fee
It is free to visit Chelsea Market.
Between 15th St.
The High Line runs along the former home of National Biscuit Company, aka Nabisco (now home to Chelsea Market).
Is Central Park free? ›
Central Park is one of NYC's greatest attractions and it is free to explore - plus there are free (tip-based) tours through it as well.
How do you get to High Line from Chelsea Market? ›We start with Chelsea Market
If we exit Chelsea Market at the other extreme from which we entered, we leave at 10th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets. If you go to the right, just at the corner of 16th Street there are stairs and an elevator that give you direct access to the High Line.
Believe it or not, the iconic elevated park we now know as The High Line in New York City, used to be a fully functioning rail line. The High Line was originally built in 1934 as part of a massive infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement.
How many blocks is the High Line? ›The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (22 blocks) abandoned elevated railway, that stretches from the Hudson Rail Yard at 34th Street down through the West Chelsea gallery neighborhood where it continues on to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking district.
Where does High Line end? ›The northern end of the High Line is at 34th St. & 12th Ave. Its southern end is at Gansevoort St. & Washington St.
Can you drink on the High Line? ›Hearth on the High Line is an open-air wine bar and cafe boasting impressive Hudson and skyline views, a stellar wine and beer list, and smaller plates.
Is it safe to run in Central Park at night? ›If you're concerned about running in the Park at night, rest your fears aside. Most of the paths are really well lit. And with the exception of cold winter nights, it's still pretty busy until around 10 or 11, even up here on the north end of the Park.
How long is the loop in Central Park? ›Going the distance? Paved drives circle the entire Park and provide the longest routes. The longest loop in the Park totals 6.1 miles. If you're looking for a soft, dirt surface to run on, the bridle path is for you.
Can you bring food on the High Line? ›Since there are many benches and places to sit along the High Line itself, you can bring a take-out snack or meal with you.
Can you see the Hudson River from the High Line? ›The Hudson River Overlook is the High Line's most prominent water-view balcony, looking west over the ocean liners, barges, tugs, sailboats—and, of course, the sunsets—on the waterway.
When did the High Line stop running? ›
Over the decades, however, interstate trucking began to compete with, and eventually replace, the service of the line's cargo trains. According to High Line historians, the last train to operate on the tracks, in 1980, carried three cars loaded with frozen turkeys.
What does High Line mean? ›highline. noun. Definition of highline (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : a high-voltage electric transmission line. 2 : a line or cable strung between ships or from ship to shore (as for the transfer of cargo or crew)
What is the Chelsea Market? ›Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of the borough of Manhattan, in New York City.
What is at the end of the High Line NYC? ›The High Line's southern entrance is on West 14th Street at the new Whitney Museum. The trail runs north through Chelsea for a mile and a half, through the densest part of the gallery district, and concludes at Hudson Yards.
Where does the High Line start and end? ›The High Line is a public park built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure running from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. on Manhattan's West Side.
Where do you park for the High Line? ›- 507 W 21st St. - Valet Lot. Excellent (848) 420 ft. ...
- 550 W 25th St. - Valet Garage. Excellent (796) 0.1 mi. ...
- 161 10th Ave. - Valet Lot. Excellent (977) 0.2 mi. ...
- 515 W 18th St. - Valet Garage. Excellent (856) ...
- 401 W 20th St. ( 402 W 20th St.) - Parking Garage. ...
- 450 W 17th St. - Valet Garage. Excellent (1,513)
I was lucky enough to be weaving through the fabric of New York City, 30 feet above traffic. Yes, you can jog on the High Line. But let's keep it our little secret.
What is the High Line walk in NYC? ›The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side. Saved from demolition by neighborhood residents and the City of New York, the High Line opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art, and design.
Is the High Line safe at night? ›The High Line is safe during official park hours. These neighborhoods are all safe during the day, but at night Gramercy Park and the Flatiron District quiet down.
How do you get to the High Line from Times Square? ›The best way to get from Times Square to High Line without a car is to subway which takes 11 min and costs $1 - $3. How long does it take to get from Times Square to High Line? The subway from 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal to 23 St takes 3 min including transfers and departs every five minutes.
Why is the High Line park so popular? ›
Art and Art Installations
Surrounding one part of the High Line is the neighborhood of West Chelsea, well-known by locals for its hundreds of art galleries. It's no wonder that the High Line itself, has essentially become a hub for both public art and art installations.
The High Line does not offer on-site parking. The closest parking is at 227-229 10th Ave New York.
How do you get to High Line from Chelsea Market? ›We start with Chelsea Market
If we exit Chelsea Market at the other extreme from which we entered, we leave at 10th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets. If you go to the right, just at the corner of 16th Street there are stairs and an elevator that give you direct access to the High Line.
highline. noun. Definition of highline (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : a high-voltage electric transmission line. 2 : a line or cable strung between ships or from ship to shore (as for the transfer of cargo or crew)
Can you drink on the High Line? ›Hearth on the High Line is an open-air wine bar and cafe boasting impressive Hudson and skyline views, a stellar wine and beer list, and smaller plates.
Is it safe to run in Central Park at night? ›If you're concerned about running in the Park at night, rest your fears aside. Most of the paths are really well lit. And with the exception of cold winter nights, it's still pretty busy until around 10 or 11, even up here on the north end of the Park.
How long is the loop in Central Park? ›Going the distance? Paved drives circle the entire Park and provide the longest routes. The longest loop in the Park totals 6.1 miles. If you're looking for a soft, dirt surface to run on, the bridle path is for you.
Is the High Line connected to Chelsea Market? ›Between 15th St.
The High Line runs along the former home of National Biscuit Company, aka Nabisco (now home to Chelsea Market).
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (22 blocks) abandoned elevated railway, that stretches from the Hudson Rail Yard at 34th Street down through the West Chelsea gallery neighborhood where it continues on to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking district.
Does the High Line take you to Hudson Yards? ›The High Line's southern entrance is on West 14th Street at the new Whitney Museum. The trail runs north through Chelsea for a mile and a half, through the densest part of the gallery district, and concludes at Hudson Yards.