EXPERIENCE NEW YORK CITY’S UPPER WEST SIDE LIKE A LOCAL

— Performances at the Lincoln Center or treats from the Momofuku Milk Bar —

Located between Central Park and Riverside Park in Manhattan, the Upper West Side is home to cultural institutions, performing arts venues, restaurants and more and is conveniently accessible by the 1, 2, 3, A B, C and D trains.

"The Upper West Side is home to many greats but also such little-known gems like the Lotus Garden on West 97th Street, or Book Culture on Columbus, Manhattan's newest bookstore, or The Atrium at 62nd and Broadway," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer and former Upper West Side councilmember.

Must-See Upper West Side Highlights

• The following activities, places, venues and more are featured on nycgo.com/nxn.
• Lincoln Center is made up of 11 performing arts organisations, including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet. Holiday performances in December at Lincoln Center include George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet, Holidays with the Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera’s Hansel and Gretel.
• The Beacon Theatre, a music hall and event space, celebrates the holidays with the 10th annual Holiday Cheer for FUV (radio station) concert on December 8, Fresh 102.7’s Holiday Jam on December 10 and Mariah Carey Merry Christmas II You with five performances December 15–21. Symphony Space, a multidisciplinary performing arts institution, offers several holiday performances including comedy shows, ballets and orchestra programs.
• For casual dining, Barney Greengrass is a classic Upper West Side deli, offering cheese blintzes and potato latkes with applesauce or sour cream made especially for Hanukkah. Beloved for its wide selection of vegan dishes and bake goods,Peacefood Cafe includes on its menu tempeh avocado sandwiches, roasted seasonal vegetable pizza, sushi rolls and more.
• Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is a New York City icon with exhibitions highlighting human cultures, the natural world and the universe, and during the holiday season, visitors can enjoy its Origami Holiday Tree through January 5. Across the street, the New-York Historical Society is showcasing model trains, scenic elements and toys for the holiday season through February 22. From Amish quilts to giant weather vanes, the American Folk Art Museum celebrates American art from the 18th century to today. 
• There’s something for everyone when it comes to fine dining on the Upper West Side. The Leopard at des Artistes serves Southern Italian cuisine; Bar Boulud is known for its modern take on brasserie classics; and Jean-Georges offers some of the best French food in the US. Also to note, Ouest serves Nouveau American cuisine, and FishTag specialises in Mediterranean dishes.
• The Time Warner Center, New York City’s only urban resort destination, is home to the luxurious Mandarin Oriental New York Hotel and its newly refurbished restaurant, Asiate; Michelin-starred restaurants A Voce, Landmarc and Per Se; fashion, home decor, wellness and technology shops; and live jazz and soul food at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.
• For dessert, visitors can try what some New Yorkers consider the City’s best cookies and baked goods at Levain Bakery or inventive, playful treats fromMomofuku Milk Bar.
• For New Yorkers and visitors with children, the Upper West Side has several family-friendly attractions. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Parkhas a special Three Bears Holiday Bash production with performances through December 30, and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan has holiday programming throughout December including dreidel and ornament decorating.

Visitors and New Yorkers can cross off their holiday shopping on the Upper West Side. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market features gifts from artisans and designers. For knitting enthusiasts, Knitty City sells yarns, books and patterns. With two floors of used books, including often hard-to-find titles, Westsider Rare & Used Books is popular among bookworms for its large selection and knowledgeable staff.

Visitors looking to experience more of the Upper West Side can extend their stay at one of the Neighbourhood’s several hotels, including: Days Hotel Broadway, The Excelsior Hotel, Hostelling International, Hotel Beacon, Hotel Belleclaire, Lucerne Hotel, Mandarin Oriental New York, NYLO New York City, The Phillips Club at Lincoln Square and Trump International Hotel & Tower.

The Upper West Side is being highlighted as part of a new Neighbourhood x Neighbourhood documentary series. The videos feature a local’s guide to the neighbourhood, focusing on the shops, restaurants, attractions and history that makes every NYC neighbourhood distinct and provide further reasons to explore. To view the video of the Upper West Side, visit nycgo.com/nxn.

For more information on all there is to see and do in the Upper West Side, visit nycgo.com/nxn.