1 Day in Upper West Side NYC: Perfect Itinerary in 2026 (Guide and Map)

Unlock the story behind Upper West Side Itinerary in New York

2 min

TLDR: Start at Lincoln Center, walk through Strawberry Fields to the American Museum of Natural History, grab classic UWS eats along the way, and end with sunset views at Riverside Park. A full day covering the neighborhood's best.

One day isn't enough to see everything on the Upper West Side, but it's enough to understand why New Yorkers love this neighborhood. I've walked this route several times and it hits the highlights without feeling rushed.

You'll get culture, green space, and some of the city's best casual food along the way - and the map in the bottom makes it easy to navigate.

What should you do in the morning?

Start at Columbus Circle around 9 AM. The Time Warner Center has good coffee options if you need caffeine before diving in.
Walk north along Broadway to Lincoln Center, where you can wander the plaza and peek at the Metropolitan Opera House's famous Chagall murals through the windows.
From Lincoln Center, head east to Central Park at 72nd Street.
The Dakota apartment building sits right at the park entrance. You can't go inside, but the exterior is worth admiring.
Cross into Central Park to visit Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon featuring the famous "Imagine" mosaic. Mornings here tend to be quieter before the crowds arrive.

How should you spend the afternoon?

Exit the park at 79th Street and walk to the American Museum of Natural History. Plan at least two to three hours here. The dinosaur halls and Rose Center planetarium are must-sees, but don't skip the blue whale in the Ocean Life hall. Tip: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents can pay what they wish for general admission.
When hunger hits, skip the museum cafeteria and head to nearby options on Columbus Avenue. For a quintessential UWS experience, walk to Zabar's at 80th and Broadway for smoked fish or prepared foods you can eat in nearby Riverside Park.
If you want something sweet, Levain Bakery on 74th Street bakes some of the city's best cookies.

Where should you end your day?

Head west to Riverside Park for the final stretch of your day. The park runs along the Hudson River and offers a completely different vibe from Central Park.
Walk south along the promenade toward the 79th Street Boat Basin, where houseboats bob in the water and a seasonal cafe serves drinks with river views. Time your arrival for sunset if possible. Watching the sun drop behind New Jersey from the park benches is one of the Upper West Side's simple pleasures.
From here, you're well positioned for dinner on Amsterdam Avenue, where options range from casual comfort food at Jacob's Pickles to French bistro fare at Café Luxembourg.