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Last updated: 07 April, 2024

Some said genius, others madness. In 2009, the remains of an elevated freight railway line on the West Side were converted into one of the world’s most unusual and interesting parks. Snaking serpent-like north to south, from 29th Street to Gansevoort Street, the 10-25m-wide platform, stocked with native wildflowers next to the old tracks, is already a New York institution.

It’s great from top to bottom but if pushed for time, do the stretch from 20th Street to 14th Street through the wild grasslands. There are also sundecks, water features, and some of the best views and architecture.

All-in-all a compulsory stroll that combines terrific design, gritty urban architecture and river views.

Don’t miss

At 19th Street, look for the Frank Gehry-designed quirky west-side commercial building known as ‘The Iceberg’, with the river beyond. Stop for the views from the tiered benches at 17th Street.

You can’t miss the iconic ‘Standard’ hotel, another architectural icon, dominating the skyline in the Meatpacking District.

While you’re there

Stop en route at Billy’s Bakery (184 9th Avenue) for some of New York’s best cupcakes, the perfect sustenance for walking the High Line.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 30 minutes

Getting there & doing it

It takes about 30 minutes to walk from top to bottom, but you can dip in or out at multiple entry points en route. There are stairs at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 20th Street, 23rd Street, 27th and 29th Streets. There is wheelchair access (elevators) at 14th, 16th, 23rd, and 29th Streets.

When to do it

The park is open all year round, seven days a week.

There is little shade or shelter from the elements, so avoid poor weather conditions. Early morning is lovely before the crowds, and to see the river around sunrise. The park gets crowded on summer weekends, when there are even queues for the access-stairs.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

New York City

High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
Explore the High Line, a cherished repurposed railway in Manhattan's west side, and its surrounding neighborhood, Chelsea, with ExperienceFirst's guided tour. Led by local guides, this top-rated experience offers a unique perspective on the area's architecture and art. Delve into the secrets and lesser-known facts of the High Line, gaining insights that even locals might miss. Wander through Chelsea and discover the character of the Meatpacking District. The early morning start lets you make the most of your day.

Price: $39

Min age: 4

Rating 4.93 / 5 [707 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

New York City

High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
You'll experience both our High Line Walking Tour and Greenwich Village Food Tour in this one amazing experience! Once an elevated rail line, the High Line fell into a state of decay upon being decommissioned in 1980. Today, this 1.45 mile long park is considered an icon of landscape architecture and design. Discover the lush greenery, public art installations and incredible NYC skyline views, all while sharing fascinating stories of its history and evolution. This tour continues with a delectable food tour of Greenwich Village, giving you a one-of-a-kind New York experience! Here, stroll the shaded, brownstone lined streets and see why artists, writers, & musicians have continuously flocked to this part of NYC and continue to champion for its unique identity. Along the way, you will be treated to a variety of delicious treats that are chosen to compliment your NYC experience. From the best pizza in the city to an old-school butcher shop, this is one lunch you will never forget.

Price: $135

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [365 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour by Like A Local Tours

New York City

Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour by Like A Local Tours
Don't get swept up in the crowds! Let us lead the way. Eat your way through Chelsea Market & the High Line & Pier 57! Learn the history of the neighborhood & enjoy an incredible walk with unparalleled views of the city on NYC's famous High Line to Hudson Yards. Enjoy even more stunning views from the rooftop of Pier 57, and even take a peek at Lady Liberty in the distance! Enjoy bites from the James Beard Foundation's Market 57 at Pier 57. Know that you are making a difference by simply choosing our tours; we offer guests a way to give back to the community, by engaging with our social impact partners. By adding a social impact partner to each food tour, we've created a unique experience for you and assure that every tour we run is having a direct positive impact on the community we'll be exploring. Enough food for lunch! This tour is Vegetarian friendly and we can accommodate Gluten Free with substitutions.

Price: $79

Min age: 4

Rating 4.81 / 5 [350 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Semi-Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and High Line Walking Tour

New York City

Semi-Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and High Line Walking Tour
Escape from the hustle of Times Square on this guided, 2-hour, small-group walking tour around New York City. Visit the scenic, aerial greenway of the popular High Line, plus the trendy Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. Soak up the atmosphere and learn about the history and culture of this area of the Big Apple — one of the most drastically changed areas in New York City today. This tour is limited to a small amount of parties that are able to book per. Say goodbye to large crowds and not being able to connect with your guide. VIP experience at its best!

Price: $47

Min age: 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [73 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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High Line, Greenwich Village Food, and Historical Downtown Tour

New York City

High Line, Greenwich Village Food, and Historical Downtown Tour
You'll experience our High Line Walking Tour, Greenwich Village Food Tour, and Historic Downtown Tour to create one amazing experience. This 5.5-hour tour first covers the High Line, an elevated railway line that has been turned into a beautiful park and has helped transform the whole west side of Manhattan. Next onto the food tour! Stroll the brownstone lined streets of Greenwich Village and see why artists, writers, & musicians have continuously flocked to this part of NYC. You will be treated to a variety of foods that are chosen to compliment your NYC experience. From the best pizza to an old-school butcher shop, this is one lunch you will never forget. Walk off all that food on this fascinating tour that takes you past some of NYC's most important institutions. This area is the birthplace of NYC, and your guide will share their immense knowledge of how it emerged from a Dutch fur-trading outpost and colonial stronghold, to a land of towering skyscrapers and glittering lights.

Price: $160

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

New York City

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.

Round-ups

1

Round-ups that include this experience

China travel at Great Wall. Tourist in Asia walking on famous Chinese tourist destination and attraction in Badaling north of Beijing. Woman traveler hiking great wall enjoying her summer vacation.

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