The High Line

Located along the west side of Manhattan, the almost 1.5-mile park is an old freight rail line turned public space. It is a marvel of urban design and ecology, famous for its beautiful, wild greenery, art installations, and gorgeous views of the Hudson River. It is an incredible synthesis of urban life and nature, perfect for year-round strolls, dates, family time, and just experiencing New York City. 

Inspired by Paris’ Coulée verte, or Green Walkway, the High Line runs from the Meatpacking District’s Gansevoort Street all the way to 34th Street, near the Javits Center, passing through Chelsea. The park opened in 2009, almost immediately becoming a popular tourist attraction. In 2019, over 8 million people visited the park.

Special Features of the High Line

The High Line isn’t just a straight, elevated path. Besides its beauty, it is home to an array of architectural features and other attractions that improve the entire park experience. Near its lower entrance, there’s the Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck & Water Feature, a gathering spot that has a cooling-off water area and many wetland plants. The High Line also includes the 10th Avenue Square, a grove of maple trees that looks out onto Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Further, in between the two, there’s the Chelsea Market Passage, which runs through New York City’s most iconic foodie destination. (You can read more about Chelsea Market here).  

Another important feature of the High Line is the Spur, a public space for events and relaxation. The Spur includes the High Line Shop, the park’s gift store, as well as an open piazza perfect for art events. Also in the Spur is the Coach Passage, a massive architectural space named for the fashion brand Coach, whose headquarters are located by the High Line. Finally, there’s the Spur’s balconies and the Threshold, all of which offer unparalleled views of midtown.  

Besides the existing special features, the city is also continuing to improve the High Line. Currently, they are building a walkway from the Spur to Moynihan Train Hall (part of Penn Station, one of the city’s main commuter hubs). A bridge-slash-garden is also being built at 30th Street. Just like the wilderness, the High Line continues to adapt.  

Art at the High Line

The High Line is known for commissioning and exhibiting world-class contemporary art in its public spaces. Some current exhibits include Observer, Observed, on 26th Street, a meditation on public spectatorship by Julia Phillips, in the form of a huge pair of binoculars, and Halls of Power, a series of three films exploring governmental soft power, screening daily at 14th Street.  

Read more about art at the High Line here.  

How to Visit the High Line 

The High Line has public access points all along the route. You can find a full list here. The park is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, and from April 1 to May 31 it will stay open until 10:00 pm.  

Entry to the High Line is free, as are these first-come, first-serve public tours of the park, which take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.