The high line, an aerial park in New York
The High Line is one of the friendliest parks in New York City. An unmissable place that you absolutely must visit during your trip !!! A magnificent stroll through the city and another way of seeing New York, the high line really offers a unique and unusual point of view. A haven of greenery in the center where all walkers take the time to stroll in a city or as you know everything goes fast ...
A little history with the High Line
In the 30s, it was an aerial railway line and gradually it was transformed into a suspended park. It crosses different neighborhoods such as the Meatpacking District and Chelsea and along the Hudson River. Measuring 2,3 km long, the High Line offers spectacular views of Manhattan as well as many activities. It is one of the favorite walks of New Yorkers and tourists.
The residents of the West Manhattan neighborhood have done well to fight to keep this route and to promote this rehabilitation. Since the opening of this pedestrian promenade in 2009, more than 10 million people have visited the high line !!!
Before the transformation of the infrastructure into a beautiful park, it is said that 10th Avenue (between 17th and 30th Streets) was nicknamed the Avenue of Death ... and that riders called "West Side Cowboys" preceded the locomotives in order to warn passers-by.
All the free or paid activities you can do on the high line
There are plenty of things to do on the high line along your walk. Open your eyes and also discover all the architecture that surrounds you.
- Urban planning course with an architect
- Admire the multitudes of plant species, many of which are native, harmoniously populating the place.
- Watch the birds (there are nesting boxes everywhere!) And the butterflies hiding in the tall grass
- Watch the sun set over the Hudson
- Sunbathing (when the weather permits!). Wooden deckchairs await you in several places ...
- Visit of temporary art exhibition ...
- Every Tuesday at 18 p.m. only during the summer is offered the TUESDAY TOUR, A volunteer guide who explains and tells the story of the High Line. The meeting point is right outside the elevator at the entrance to 30th Street. A maximum of 14 people can participate.
- 10th Avenue Square. This is a place where the high stops so you have small stands where you can sit. (See photo below)
Good to know
- Do not hesitate to discover the high line preferably at nightfall in order to have the view of the illuminated skyscrapers
- Signs at each entrance indicate the activities taking place on the High Line, as well as the rules of the place.
- It is forbidden to smoke a cigarette, to pick plants or to drink alcohol in it, unless it is concealed in an authorized cup of coffee.
- The environment is suitable for picnics as tables and chairs have been provided for this purpose.
- There is also an outdoor restaurant north of the High Line.
The different entries of the high line
The park is open year round. Until September 30, it can be accessed freely between 7 a.m. and 23 p.m. Access to the High Line is possible via one of the access points below:
- Gansevoort Street
- 14th Street (elevator access)
- 16th Street (elevator access)
- 18th Street
- 20th Street
- 23rd Street (elevator access coming soon)
- 26th Street
- 28th Street
- 30th Street (elevator access)
The high line is accessible by wheelchair.
If you want more information
here is the official website: http://www.thehighline.org/ and the website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/highline.
