The High Line is a public park that has been created on a former elevated New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To The High Line
The high line runs from Gansevoort Street to 34 Street in the west side of Manhattan, New York.
By Subway:
A, C, E and L – 14th street and 8th Avenue
C and E – 23rd Street and 8th Avenue
1, 2, 3 – 14th Street and 7th Avenue
1 – 18th Street and 7th Avenue or 23 Street and 7th Avenue
By Bus:
M11 – Washington Street or 9th Avenue
M14 – 9th Avenue
M23 or M34 – 10th Avenue
Entry to the High Line is at Gansevoort Street, 23rd Street, or 30th Street only. All other access points are exit-only. (There are steps and elevators at the entrances and exits.)
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
The High Line Entrance Fee
The High Line is free to visit.
For all tourists visiting New York we recommend purchasing either the New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions or the New York CityPASS®: Save 40% at 5 Top Attractions.
These are a great way of saving money when visiting multiple tourist attractions during your stay in New York.
Both include:
- Top Of The Rock
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
- American Museum of Natural History
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- And many more!
The High Line Opening Times
Monday to Friday
7am – 10pm
7am – 11pm (June 1 – September 30)
Saturday and Sunday
7am – 10pm
7am – 11pm (June 1 – September 30)
Best Times To Visit The High Line + Tips
This unique New York attraction is very popular with tourists and locals alike, so you need to visit early or later in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.
We visited it after a morning at Washington Square Park and Chelsea Market, before heading to The Edge.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk the route but allow yourself a little longer, if you can, to sit and relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
This is another lovely spot for beautiful sunset pics!
It can get very hot in the unshaded areas, so don’t forget the sunscreen and water on the warmer days.
You can take your own picnic/refreshments to eat in the park if you prefer.
What To Pack
The History Of The High Line
Built in the 1930s, the High Line was originally a 1.45 mile, elevated rail track built to move rail freight along the western side of Manhattan Island.
Originally it transported all sorts of freight, including New York’s daily supplies of butter, milk, eggs, cheese, poultry and meat.
By the 1960s, the rise of the trucking companies started to dominate the movement of freight and the use of the rail line dropped off.
This decline continued through the 1970s, with all trains discontinued by the 1980s.
Following this, the rail line sat disused and abandoned and calls for demolition of the structure soon followed.
Fortunately, the line was not demolished and in 2006 the repurposing of the high Line into a public park began.
The first phase eventually opened to the public in June 2009 and the transformation continued until the final part of the park opened in June 2019.
Since opening, the High Line has become an icon of American contemporary landscape architecture.
Its success has inspired other American cities to rethink and redevelop abandoned structures into public spaces.
If you’d like a more in depth tour of the area, the New York High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Tour is the one to book.
What To Expect At The High Line
Situated in busy New York City, the High Line is a beautiful, urban oasis getaway where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the building tops.
It’s probably one of the most interesting things to do in New York.
Stretching for nearly a mile and a half from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, the High Line has multiple entrances and exits along the way.
We would however recommend starting at one end of the High Line and walking the whole pathway through the park if possible, to get the most from this iconic attraction.
Our Experience
We started from the Vessel end at Hudson Yards, which is just a 4 minute walk from The High Line.
As you walk along the wooden pathway through the trees and planted areas, you get some amazing views across the city and some great photo opportunities.
The pathway is a mix of a shaded and unshaded areas with benches along the way, where you can stop and take a break and enjoy the art work as well as refreshments from the High Line food stalls.
There are various vendors along the route selling a selection of food and drinks including coffees, ice creams, paninis, doughnuts, German sausages and Mexican snacks.
There is also an open air wine bar and cafe boasting impressive skyline views. A great location for a relaxing lunch or an evening beer whilst enjoying the sunset.
As well as being a public space and gardens, the High Line is home to performances and public programmes and is a well supported part of the local community.
An easy walk to add into your New York Itinerary.
Where To Stay In New York
Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
This Manhattan hotel in Midtown overlooks Central Park and is within walking distance of Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.
Free cable and a bathrobe are provided in every room at the New York Central Park Ritz-Carlton. All rooms are elegant, with wood furniture and light colors. Many rooms also include a city or park view.
La Prairie Spa at the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park offers massage and facial services, as well as a sauna. Guests can also work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
The 57th street subway station is just 2 blocks away, providing easy access to the city. Radio City Music Hall and the Broadway Theatre District are also both within 1 mile of the hotel.
Mid-Budget – citizenM New York Times Square
Located right in the heart of Manhattan, this hotel is just 1 minute’s walk from Times Square. It’s also within 5 minutes’ walk of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
A flat-screen TV and a small refrigerator with free water are available in citizenM’s rooms. Bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain showers and oversized bathroom amenities.
With the room iPad, all guests can control room lights, black-out blinds, curtains and temperature. As well as TV and radio channels.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi and express check in are on offer at citizenM New York Times Square.
Three outdoor terraces are provided at the New York Times Square citizenM. They feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre with yoga facilities.
After working out, guests can relax with drinks and sweeping views of the city on the exclusive rooftop bar.
Budget – Central Park West Hostel
Located in New York City’s Upper West Side, this hostel is a block from the 86th street underground station and 2 blocks from Central Park. It offers Wi-Fi and staff-organized events.
A shared kitchen, café area, and spacious lounge with a flat-screen TV are part of the facilities at the FIT Hotel. Lockers are also provided in the dormitory rooms and luggage storage is available.
The front desk of this New York City hostel is open 24 hours a day. It features daily housekeeping and free linens.
Times Square is only 10 minutes via underground journey.
For more places to stay in New York, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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