The Upper West Side runs along the west side of Central Park, from West 59th Street up to West 110th Street, with the Hudson River and Riverside Park forming its western edge. It is a primarily residential part of Manhattan, known for its cultural institutions, including Lincoln Center at its southern end and the American Museum of Natural History near its centre.
For a visitor, the neighbourhood is laid out around Broadway, which forms its spine, crossed by a series of avenues running north to south: Riverside Drive and West End Avenue closest to the river, then Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, Columbus Avenue, and Central Park West along the park. Subway lines run along Broadway and Central Park West, which makes most of the neighbourhood straightforward to reach. This guide covers which parts of the Upper West Side to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Upper West Side
1. Around 103rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue
This stretch near the northern end of the neighbourhood has the densest concentration of budget-oriented accommodation, including large hostels and inexpensive hotels. It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants a low-cost base with easy subway access.
Subway stations at 103rd Street put you within a short ride of Midtown and the museums, and the area sits close to Central Park's western edge. Expect dormitory-style and simple private rooms rather than full-service hotels.
2. Lincoln Square and Columbus Circle
The southern end of the neighbourhood, around 59th to 65th Streets, has a different character from the rest of the Upper West Side, with larger buildings and a more commercial feel. It suits visitors who want to be at the doorstep of Central Park and Lincoln Center, and who prefer upscale, full-service accommodation.
This is where you find the highest-end options in the area, including large hotels with extensive facilities. The trade-off is that it feels less like a residential neighbourhood and more like a busy gateway to Midtown.
3. Broadway around 71st to 79th Streets
The central section of the neighbourhood, along Broadway between roughly 71st and 79th Streets, is convenient for the American Museum of Natural History and sits between the park and the river. It suits first-time visitors who want a central base and a choice of mid-range and upscale places.
Accommodation here ranges from mid-range hotels to restored upscale properties, and the area is well connected by subway along Broadway. It is a practical compromise between the budget cluster further north and the larger hotels at the southern end.
4. Riverside Drive and West End Avenue
The western edge of the neighbourhood, along Riverside Drive and West End Avenue, is quieter and more residential, facing Riverside Park and the Hudson River. It suits travellers who prioritise calm and park access over proximity to subway lines and commercial streets.
Accommodation here is limited and tends toward smaller buildings rather than large hotels. Note that the Henry Hudson Parkway runs along the river's edge, so parts of the waterfront are separated from direct river access.
5. Manhattan Valley, north of 96th Street
The area north of West 96th Street and east of Broadway is identified as Manhattan Valley, and it shares the northern end of the neighbourhood with the budget cluster around 103rd Street. It suits travellers looking for lower-cost options and a quieter residential setting.
It remains within easy reach of Central Park and the subway, though you will be further from Lincoln Center and the museum. Expect simple, small-scale places rather than full-service hotels.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: large hostels with dormitories, shared facilities and 24-hour reception; simple budget hotels with in-room microwaves, mini fridges and flat-screen televisions; YMCA accommodation that costs more than a typical hostel but remains inexpensive for Manhattan.
- Mid-range: hotels with larger-than-average rooms and modern design; studio apartments oriented toward extended stays; chain hotels offering free internet, complimentary breakfast and an exercise room.
- Splurge: restored upscale boutique hotels in landmark buildings; large hotels with spas, upscale dining, fitness centres and views; apartment-style hotels with kitchenettes, a lobby fireplace, a library lounge and a computer room.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself along Broadway around 71st to 79th Streets. It puts you within walking distance of the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park, with subway connections along Broadway to the rest of Manhattan. It also gives you a choice of mid-range and upscale places without committing you to the busier commercial feel of Columbus Circle.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around the Upper West Side?
Subway lines run along Broadway and Central Park West, and buses serve the neighbourhood as well. From the 103rd Street area, for example, you can catch trains to 103rd Street, and the M10 bus runs from Penn Station to West 103rd Street and Central Park West.
Which part of the neighbourhood is best for budget travellers?
The northern end, around 103rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, has the largest concentration of hostels and inexpensive hotels, including the largest hostel in North America. Rates there are the lowest you will find in the neighbourhood.
Is the Upper West Side a good base for seeing the museums and Lincoln Center?
Yes. The American Museum of Natural History sits near the centre of the neighbourhood, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is at its southern end. Staying along Broadway in the middle of the neighbourhood puts you within easy reach of both.
What is the difference between Lincoln Square and the rest of the Upper West Side?
The area from 58th to 65th Streets is increasingly referred to as Lincoln Square, with a different tone and ambiance from the rest of the neighbourhood. It has larger buildings and more upscale hotels, while the rest of the Upper West Side is more residential.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.