The High Line Park of New York City (Complete Visitor’s Guide)

Located along the western side of Manhattan is a 1.45-mile elevated walkway called the High Line Park.

The High Line was once home to a train line delivering goods across Manhattan. Today, the train tracks have been converted to a walkway for visitors to enjoy a new perspective of NYC.

All along the walkway you will find plants, trees, artwork, food stalls, walking tours, NYC views, and even some original parts of the train line all throughout.

Read on to learn more about the High Line Park of New York City and how to go about a visit for yourself.

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1) Background & History

While the High Line may seem like just like a normal elevated walkway, it actually does have quite the history behind it.

• Street Level: Through the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s, there were freight food trains that ran on the street level. This however, came to be very dangerous with more than 500 pedestrians killed by the trains.
• West Side Elevated Line: In order to improve safety, the West Side Elevated Line was created & opened in 1933 (today what we know as the High Line).
• Operational: Over the next 50 years the train line delivered food & other essentials all along parts of the west side of Manhattan.
• Closure: However, by the 1980’s the train line was no longer being used. Parts of it were even demolished and many wanted the entire structure taken down.
• What’s Next: Over the next few decades, there was much discussion on what to actually do with the High Line. Whether that meant to take it down or transform it into something new.
• Friends of the High Line: During that time, the non-profit, Friends of the High Line was formed (the same organization that runs it today!). It took the lead in preserving the area, and figuring out how to best upgrade it.
• High Line Park: Finally, by 2006, construction began to create the new and improved High Line Park. The first parts were opened in 2009, with additional construction being completed over the years (with the latest addition built in 2019).

Today, visitors have the chance to walk all throughout this beautiful pathway and take in some NYC history along the way.

2) Helpful Facts & Things to Know

Now that you have some High Line history, let’s get into how to go about a visit. Below are some quick facts about the High Line Park for the everyday visitor.

Where Does the High Line Start and End?

The High Line runs from the corner of Gansevoort Street and Washington Street in the West Village up to 34^th (between 11^th and 12^th Avenue) in Hudson Yards.

While you can enter from the southernmost or northernmost entrances at those locations, there are 10+ entrances along the way (more on those soon).

How Long Is It?

The High Line runs for 1.45 miles from one end to the other.

During a visit you can decide to walk the entire walkway, or you can decide to enter/exit as you please from one of the entrances throughout the park.

How Long to Spend?

While it should only take around 30 minutes to walk the High Line, I would imagine you will spend closer to 1+ hours there.

Walking the High Line is great, but there are also plenty of seating areas, viewpoints, eating options and artwork to enjoy along the way.

Tickets & Reservations

As of now, there are no tickets or reservations needed to visit the High Line. Simply show up during opening hours, and be on your way!

Is it Free?

Yes! The High Line is completely free of charge. If you would like to donate to the Friends of the High Line, you can visit their webpage. They are the ones who maintain the High Line Park and keep it running for visitors.

Opening Hours

The High Line has different hours based on the season. Be sure to check the latest just in case hours have changed.

• October 1 – November 30: 7:00AM – 10:00PM
• December 1 – March 31: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
• April 1 – May 31: 7:00AM – 10:00PM
• June 1 – September 30: 7:00AM – 11:00PM

Note: the walkway portion between 30^th to 34^th Street is open only between May and September, and closes at sunset.

I also want to point out that the High Line can get busy. If you would like to visit without the crowds, heading there in the early morning or in the evening will give you a quieter experience.

Bathroom Locations

There are three restroom locations located on the High Line itself:

• Gansevoort Street
• 16^th Street
• 30^th Street

Note: once you reach the northern end of the High Line around 30^th Street, you can also head into the Hudson Yards shopping mall for additional restrooms.

3) High Line Entrances

Mentioned earlier, you can enter or exit from several different High Line entrances throughout the elevated park.

Below is a list of each entrance along the High Line:

• Gansevoort Street & Washington Street
• 14^th Street
• 16^th Street
• 17^th Street
• 20^th Street
• 23^rd Street
• 26^th Street
• 30^th Street (from Hudson Yards)
• 30^th Street (Southwest, Northwest, Southeast)
• 30^th Street & 11^th Avenue
• 34^th Street (between 11^th & 12^th Avenue)

Note: unless mentioned otherwise, the street entrances are all right off of 10^th Avenue

Best Entrance to the High Line

Now, you may be asking yourself, which entrance is best for the High Line.

In my opinion, the High Line is short enough where an everyday visitor should be able to walk the entire thing.

So, why not start at the southern entrance at Gansevoort Street & Washington Street. From there you can walk all the way up to Hudson Yards and continue along to the 34^th Street entrance.

Remember though, the portion of walkway between 30^th Street and 34^th Street is only open from May to September.

If it is closed, you can simply walk right out at the 30^th Street Hudson Yards entrance and end up right by the Vessel and the Hudson Yards mall.

In general, I do find that walking the High Line from south to north offers the best views throughout.

Getting to see the Hudson Yards buildings hovering up above during the walk is something that you will enjoy.

4) How to Get There

Since there are so many entrances to the High Line, there is not one specific answer when it comes how to get there.

However, no matter where you are coming from and what entrance you want to enter from, below are some helpful logistical options to consider.

Subway Stations

In general, you will find that there are subway stations lined up along 7^th and 8^th Avenues. So, you really should have no trouble getting yourself to an entrance.

• A Train (8^th Avenue): 14^th Street & 34^th Street
• C/E Train (8^th Avenue): 14^th Street, 23^rd Street, 34^th Street
• 2/3 Train (7^th Avenue): 14^th Street, 34^th Street
• 1 Train (7^th Avenue): 14^th Street, 18^th Street, 23^rd Street, 28^th Street, 34^th Street
• 7 Train: Hudson Yards
• L Train: 14^th Street & 8^th Avenue

If you want to start at the southernmost entrance and walk northbound to Hudson Yards, any of the 14^th Street stops will work for you.

Citi Bike Stations

If you are someone who wants to take Citi Bikes around NYC, then there are several options to consider.

Similarly to subway stations, you will also find bicycle docks all around the High Line too.

Some of the closest bike docks to the entrances include:

• W 16th & The High Line
• W 14th & The High Line
• Washington & Gansevoort
• W 22nd St & 10th Ave
• W 26th & 10 Ave
• W 27th St & 11th Ave
• W 34th St & 11 Ave

Uber / Taxi

Hopping in a taxi or ride hailing car is also an option when going about a visit to the High Line. This will be the most convenient door to door option to consider.

If you are taking a taxi or Uber, you may as well start at either end of the High Line. That mean you can get dropped off at the corner of Washington & Gansevoort or at Hudson Yards.

Walk

Of course, walking over to the High Line is another way to go about your day.

If you are visiting other places nearby already like Hudson River Park, Chelsea Market, or the Whitney, you can simply make your way to the High Line from there.

I love walking around NYC and getting a good taste of the various neighborhoods and waterfront walkways. It is all part of that New York City experience!

Be sure to also check out some of the other top things to do in New York City during a visit!

Moynihan Connector

As of the summer of 2023, there is a new way to reach the High Line from the northern end.

The Moynihan Connector is an elevated walkway that connects Manhattan West (right across the street from Moynihan Train Hall), with the High Line Spur.

So, if you are coming or going from that direction (or just want to get some more elevated walking in), then be sure to check it out!

5) Map & Location

To give you a better idea of where the High Line is located and the various entrances, take a look at the High Line map below.

6) Visiting the High Line Park of New York City

Now that you have all the background info you need, it is time to talk about what to expect on the High Line itself.

While the walkway is the perfect place to just enjoy a stroll, there are several features of the park to look out for along the way.

Starting at the Gansevoort Street & Washington Street entrance and walking northbound, here are some of the top highlights to expect.

Tiffany & Co Overlook

After getting yourself up the staircase at the southern entrance, you can first head to the Tiffany & Co Overlook.

The overlook is actually just south of the staircase entranceway. So, once up top, simply head south for a few steps and you will reach the southernmost overlook.

Here is where the High Line was cut off and taken down in the 1980’s. Before that, the High Line actually continued southbound.

Gansevoort Woodland

As you continue northbound now, you will immediately be welcomed to the trees, plants and flowers that the High Line offers.

You will also find some benches along the walkway, your first glimpse of the original train tracks, some artwork, and the Standard Hotel up above (one of the best hotels in NYC with a view).

14^th Street Passage

Out in front of you, will be a short section of the High Line that heads underneath the building.

Here you will find informational boards about the High Line’s history and how it came to be.

In addition, there is a video played on the walls from the High Line Channel.

Sundeck & Water Feature

After getting through the 14^th Street Passage, you will be welcomed to the sundeck and water feature.

If you are looking to sit back and enjoy some sun, there are several seating areas to lay down in.

Around the area is also a natural feature that accumulates with water. During those hot summer days, you can go ahead and cool down your feet.

Chelsea Market Passage

It is then under the second passage of the High Line, as you head under Chelsea Market.

In this area you will find food stalls lined up during the warmer months of the year. In addition, you may find some other vendors selling souvenirs.

If you have some time, you can also leave the High Line and check out Chelsea Market before hopping back on.

Chelsea Market is full of 50+ food options over several floors. There is something for everyone there.

Fun Fact: Chelsea Market was once home to Nabisco

Northern Spur Preserve

Once through the passage, the Northern Spur Preserve will be out in front.

These spurs jut out from the main High Line walking paths over the city streets.

They are filled with plants, flowers, and sometimes some artwork from the latest exhibition.

10^th Avenue Square & Overlook

One of the best spots to take a seat & enjoy the view would be at the 10^th Avenue Square.

Here you will find a multi level seating area with a large glass window at the bottom.

It is the perfect spot to take a break during your High Line walk.

Viewpoint Note: looking in the opposite direction from the overlook, you will get a view of the Statue of Liberty way out in the distance. Be on the lookout during your time there!

Chelsea Thicket

The path continues northbound with views of the Empire State Building and some modern NYC architecture.

Before you know it, the original train tracks will be right in the middle of the pathway in the Chelsea Thicket.

Plenty of nature will be all around as you walk right along the tracks.

22^nd Street Seating Steps

If you are looking for a cool spot to sit back and people watch, then take a seat on the 22nd Street Seating Steps.

These steps are the perfect place to enjoy some NYC views and see the city around you.

The Flyover

Soon you will begin to actually walk above the original High Line along the metal Flyover pathway.

Surrounding you will several plants & trees that create natural tunnels over the pathway.

26^th Street Viewing Spur

Along the Flyover, be on the lookout to the right. There you will find the 26^th Street Viewing Spur.

At the spur, there are some seating areas, where you will get a great overlook over the city streets down below.

Crossroads

As you reach 30^th Street, you will come across a few options.

Directly straight is the Hudson Yards entrance, where you can exit the High Line and head towards the Vessel area.

To the right will be the Spur and to the left will be the northern section of the High Line towards 34^th Street.

This area though, is called the Crossroads, as several points of interest meet here.

You can follow the tracks where you will find some seating areas and views of Hudson Yards & train yard down below.

Spur

If you turn right at the Crossroads, the 30^th Street Spur can be found (one of the latest additions to the High Line).

In this area, many pieces of artwork are usually featured, which you can learn all about.

Heading to the end of the Spur, views of the NYC streets will come into your sights along with some seating areas.

Hudson Yards Walkway

During the May to September time period, you can continue your walk from 30^th Street towards 34^th Street.

I really enjoy this section of the walkway as it gives you a great perspective over the train yard down below surrounded by Hudson Yards.

Seeing the views of the Vessel and Empire State Building make it that much better.

Once complete, you will be let off at the street level at 34^th Street. You can decide to exit from here, or turn back around and get let off right in Hudson Yards near the Vessel at the 30^th Street entrance.

7) Other Highlights

While those are some of the everyday highlights, you will also come across some art, food, views, and more.

High Line Artwork

One of the most unique aspects of the High Line park is the amount of artwork that you will find throughout.

These pieces of art are commissioned by various artists and can be found all along the walkway.

Since the artwork is on a rotating basis, you never know what new pieces will be found during a visit.

If you would like to stay up to date, feel free to check out the latest pieces within the park.

Food & Drink Options

Also found within the park are some food and drink options underneath the Chelsea Market passage.

These won’t be open during the winter time, but during other times of year you will come across several food stalls.

Tours

If you want to learn a bit more about the High Line and its history during a visit, you also have the chance to take part of a High Line tour (for free!).

These tours last between 45-90 minutes depending on the time of the year and start at the Gansevoort Street & Washington Street entrance.

These tours are limited to 20 people and are operated on a first come first serve basis.

Private tours are also available if you schedule in advance.

8) High Line Photos

While the above sections had plenty of photos to enjoy, here are some additional ones that capture some more spots throughout the park.

In particular, I found the views of the streets and surrounding architecture to be some of my favorite NYC photo spots.

Reverse Manhattanhenge

For those photographers out there, the High Line is also the perfect place to capture Reverse Manhattanhenge.

In the winter, you will find that for a few days, the sunrise lines up perfectly with the streets of NYC. Getting to see the sun come up above the horizon is a very unique shot to capture.

This is not as popular as the summer’s normal Manhattanhenge when the sunset lines up with the streets.

9) Frequently Asked Questions

To wrap out, below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the High Line Park of NYC.

Be sure to add it onto your 4 Day New York City itinerary!

That about does it for the High Line Park in NYC. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also, don’t forget to check out the remaining New York itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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