The High Line, New York City - gray wooden bench on gray concrete floor
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The High Line

4.7
·65k reviews·New York, United States

An elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line, offering lush gardens, art, and stunning city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll

CrowdLow
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The High Line, New York City - gray wooden bench on gray concrete floor

The High Line

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line, offering lush gardens, art, and stunning city views.

4.7
(65k reviews)

"A unique urban oasis offering a refreshing escape with beautiful gardens and city vistas."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Start North, End South

Begin at Hudson Yards and walk south to end at Chelsea Market for food.

⏰ Go During Off-Peak Hours

Weekdays and early mornings are best to avoid crowds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gardens in the Sky

Gardens in the Sky

Throughout the park

Stroll through lush plantings and unique art installations on this elevated railway turned public park.

Instagram
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Various viewpoints

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River as you walk.

Instagram
Chelsea Market & Meatpacking District

Chelsea Market & Meatpacking District

Southern end (14th Street)

Explore diverse food stalls and trendy shops right at the park's southern exit.

Reddit
Hudson Yards Plaza

Hudson Yards Plaza

Northern end (34th Street)

Begin or end your walk near the striking Vessel structure and modern architecture.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience

The High Line is a popular spot, and crowds can make it feel less magical. Visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays is key to enjoying the elevated gardens and city views without feeling rushed. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to truly soak it in. Reddit

Plan Your Entry and Exit Points

With multiple access points, strategize your visit. Starting at the north end (near Hudson Yards) and walking south can lead you to the vibrant Chelsea Market for a rewarding end to your stroll. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, city glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season/Bad weather
Why
Significantly fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This video took 10 hours to make so show it some love pleaseeee :)
@baddie.brad
87.4K likes • 624.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Start North, End South

Begin at Hudson Yards and walk south to end at Chelsea Market for food. Reddit+1

⏰ Go During Off-Peak Hours

Weekdays and early mornings are best to avoid crowds. Reddit

Good morning guys from 🗽🇺🇲 New York‼️ What we really recommend when you are in New York is to go to the High Line. That was an old railway line that ran above the city and that has been converted int...
paddington_1958
58 likes • 0 views
Exploring The High Line part 1. The High Line in New York City is a 1.45-mile-long (2.33-km-long) public park built on a historic, elevated railway line on Manhattan's West Side, running from Gansevo...
ferrysadikin
27 likes • 4.9K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on this 1.45-mile elevated park. Instagram

📸 Capture Unique Angles

The contrast of nature and city is perfect for photos. Instagram

Only in New York can you stroll through a garden in the sky while taxis speed below. 🌿✨🚕 #TheHighLine #NYCViews #NYCLife #AussiesGuideNYC #NYCSpots #NYCExplorer
aussiesguidenyc
24 likes • 306 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Start North, End South

Begin at Hudson Yards and walk south to end at Chelsea Market for food. Reddit+1

⏰ Go During Off-Peak Hours

Weekdays and early mornings are best to avoid crowds. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on this 1.45-mile elevated park. Instagram

📸 Capture Unique Angles

The contrast of nature and city is perfect for photos. Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or plan to buy it, especially on warm days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(65k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about The High Line's innovative design, transforming an old railway into a vibrant urban park with beautiful gardens and city views. It's praised as a unique and refreshing escape from the bustling streets of NYC. However, some find it can get overwhelmingly crowded, detracting from the experience, and suggest visiting during off-peak hours for the best enjoyment.

"Didn't walk much of it because it was closed for construction going one way when we found it. Thoroughly enjoyed what we did see of it. Liked the greenery that was chosen. The water feature was a pleasant surprise. Great city views as well."

Joseph Tamayo

"Amazing place to walk around NYC. Great for a visit to Chelsea market and also the Greenwich area. Lots of great places to sit and eat. Amazing views. Creative use of the space. A must go for nature lovers stuck in the city!"

Nathan Bantle

"It’s a beautiful urban park built on an old elevated railway, offering a peaceful escape above the busy streets of Manhattan. Walking along the path, you’ll find art installations, gardens, and stunning views of the city and Hudson River. It’s well-maintained, perfect for a relaxing stroll, to walk around the city and it is ideal to take some pictures"

Gabriele Daverio

What People Like

Unique elevated park
Beautiful gardens
City skyline views

What People Dislike

Overcrowding
Can feel overrated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The High Line has multiple access points. You can reach the northern end via the 7 train to Hudson Yards or the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 2, 3 trains to 34th Street-Penn Station. For the southern end, take the A, C, E, L trains to 14th Street-8th Avenue. Reddit

While there isn't direct parking on the High Line itself, several parking garages are available in the surrounding Chelsea and Meatpacking districts. However, public transport is often more convenient. TikTok

Yes, you can easily access The High Line from Penn Station. It's about a 10-15 minute walk west to reach the 34th Street entrance. Reddit

Many visitors prefer to start at the northern end (34th Street/Hudson Yards) and walk south, ending at Chelsea Market. This route offers a great flow and a delicious reward. Reddit+1

Yes, The High Line is fully accessible with elevators at most entrances, ramps, and wide pathways, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The High Line is a public park and is completely free to enter. No tickets are required. TikTok

The High Line is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM (or 10 PM during summer months). Always check the official website for the most current hours. Instagram

While timed entry was previously required, it is generally not needed anymore. However, it's always a good idea to check the official High Line website before your visit, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

You can enter The High Line at various stair and elevator access points along its 1.45-mile length. Popular entry points are at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 23rd Street, and 34th Street. Instagram

The High Line is a free public park, so there is no admission fee to walk through it. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The High Line offers a unique urban oasis with gardens, art installations, seating areas, and stunning views of the city and Hudson River. It's a great place for a leisurely walk and people-watching. Instagram

Walking the entire 1.45-mile length of The High Line can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the views, art, and gardens. Instagram

Yes, restrooms are available at various points along The High Line, particularly near the main access points and visitor centers. Reddit

Service animals are permitted, but generally, pets are not allowed on The High Line to maintain the park's cleanliness and the comfort of all visitors. Instagram

The High Line features rotating public art installations, including sculptures, murals, and video projections, curated by the High Line Art program. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The southern end of The High Line leads directly to Chelsea Market, a renowned food hall with diverse options. You can also find many restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhoods. Reddit+1

Yes, there are seasonal food vendors along The High Line offering snacks, ice cream, and beverages. For more substantial meals, head to Chelsea Market or nearby eateries. Reddit

Chelsea Market boasts a wide array of culinary delights, from tacos and sushi to fresh seafood and artisanal pastries. Popular spots include Los Tacos No. 1 and The Lobster Place. Reddit

While there are seating areas, formal picnics are generally discouraged to keep the pathways clear. However, you can enjoy snacks and drinks purchased from vendors. Instagram

Yes, if you're heading north, Pizza Suprema near Penn Station is a local favorite. If you end your walk at 14th Street, you're close to many excellent pizza options in the area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for unique angles where the greenery meets the urban landscape, the city skyline views, and the art installations. The 'Gansevoort Woodland' and the '10th Avenue Square' offer great perspectives. Instagram

Crowds can make photography challenging, especially during peak times. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can significantly improve your chances of getting unobstructed shots. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for cityscapes and park details. Midday can be harsh, but offers bright, clear views. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits, so it's best to check the official High Line website if you plan professional shoots. Instagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also excellent for quick snaps and social media. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The High Line is a fantastic option for families. Its elevated nature provides a safe space for kids to explore without the usual street-level dangers. The numerous access points make it easy to hop on and off if little legs get tired. Instagram

Look for the 'Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck' for a place to relax and enjoy the sun, and the 'Chelsea Market' at the southern end offers a huge variety of kid-friendly food options. The art installations can also spark curiosity and conversation. Consider starting at the northern end near Hudson Yards to have a clear destination for lunch or a break. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

As a free public park, The High Line is a dream for budget-conscious travelers. You can spend hours exploring its unique landscape and enjoying the city views without spending a dime on admission. TikTok

To keep costs down, pack your own snacks and water, or plan to visit Chelsea Market for more affordable food options compared to sit-down restaurants. Walking the entire length is a great way to see a significant part of Manhattan's West Side without needing public transport for the duration of your exploration. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The High Line offers a photographer's paradise with its unique blend of nature, architecture, and urban life. The elevated perspective provides stunning cityscapes, and the changing seasons bring new photographic opportunities. Instagram

Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the best light and avoid the densest crowds. Experiment with capturing the contrast between the lush greenery and the surrounding buildings, or focus on the intricate details of the park's design and art installations. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of The High Line

The High Line is a testament to urban renewal and creative repurposing. Originally part of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line, this elevated freight rail structure was built in the 1930s to move goods through Manhattan without interfering with street traffic. After falling into disuse in the 1980s, it faced demolition. However, a passionate group of residents and urban planners envisioned a new future for the decaying structure. Instagram

In the early 2000s, the Friends of the High Line organization spearheaded the transformation of the railway into a public park. This ambitious project involved extensive design and engineering to integrate nature, art, and public space 30 feet above street level. The first section opened in 2009, with subsequent sections opening in 2011 and 2014, creating a unique linear park that stretches from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street. Instagram

Today, The High Line is a beloved landmark, attracting millions of visitors annually. It showcases how industrial infrastructure can be reimagined into vibrant community assets, offering a green escape and stunning city views. The park's design intentionally preserves elements of the original railway, like the tracks and concrete pilings, blending history with contemporary landscape architecture. Instagram

Navigating The High Line: Access and Flow

The High Line's 1.45-mile length is accessible via numerous staircases and elevators, offering flexibility for visitors. Popular entry points include Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, 14th Street, 23rd Street, and the northern end at 34th Street near Hudson Yards. Reddit Many visitors find starting at the northern end and walking south to be a preferred route, as it culminates at the bustling Chelsea Market, providing a natural endpoint with abundant food and shopping options. Reddit+1

While foot traffic can flow in both directions, the park's design encourages a leisurely pace. It's important to be mindful of others, especially during busy periods. The pathways are wide enough to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, but during peak times, it can feel congested. InstagramReddit Redditors suggest that the crowds can be a significant detractor, with some finding the experience 'overrated' due to the sheer volume of people. Reddit To mitigate this, visiting during weekdays or early mornings is highly recommended for a more serene experience. Reddit

Art and Nature Intertwined

The High Line is more than just a walkway; it's a carefully curated blend of urban nature and contemporary art. The park's landscape design features diverse plantings, including grasses, perennials, and shrubs, creating distinct ecological zones that change with the seasons. This green oasis provides a striking contrast to the surrounding cityscape. Instagram

Complementing the natural beauty are rotating public art installations. The High Line Art program commissions and presents a variety of works, from sculptures and murals to site-specific installations and performances. These artistic interventions are strategically placed throughout the park, offering unexpected moments of discovery and engaging visitors in dialogue with the urban environment. Instagram Keep an eye out for unique pieces that interact with the park's architecture and natural elements, making each visit a potentially new artistic experience. Instagram

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