NYC Westside Attractions

My hometown of New York City has been spreading out beyond its own island since I was living there. I was born and raised there, but I left in 2000. Battery Park City had already been built (on a landfill) in the late 80s early 90s, but lots more would come. Battery Park City created a 92 acre multi-use property along the Hudson River. It included luxury apartments, restaurants, stores, as well as a gorgeous park area. Here you’ll find sailboats docked along with several sightseeing boat tours. This area, the piers and the area north of Battery Park City are now home to some incredible NYC Westside Attractions. They are all part of Hudson River Park. You don’t want to miss this fantastic part of NYC.

NYC Westside Attractions

Oldest Waterfront Attractions

When I lived in NYC, Battery Park City was one of two waterfront areas accessible to the public. Chelsea Piers was the second. Of course, there were some sleazy spots on the broken down piers, but most of us stayed away from them. Now, via Hudson River Park you can literally walk from Battery Park City all the way up to 59th Street. The park runs along the Westside right at the edge of the Hudson River. The waterfront transformation officially began in 1998. It took many years to complete with the downtown portion opening in 2003. The Hudson River Park has created a natural oasis for many NYC residents. It is also one of the best places to visit when on vacation in NYC.

Hudson River Park

If you like to walk as I do, spend a full day on the Westside of Manhattan and enjoy the Hudson River Park. You may want to start in downtown at Battery Park City or watch the sunset at the end of the day with a cocktail in hand. This article features top spots from downtown to uptown.

The Little Island

Situated on Pier 55 between 13th and 14th Streets, the Little Island first opened in May 2021. It is sooo adorable. The beautifully landscaped gardens and walkways with various levels are amazing. Each offers a stunning view of the Hudson River that is better than the last one. It’s a charming park surrounded by the Hudson on one side and of course NYC’s well known concrete jungle landscape on the other. There are some new buildings to spot with exceptional architecture as well. Be sure to visit the ETG Instagram for reels and photos (August 2025).

In the summer, they have concerts at two different locations, the Amph and the Glade. I had the chance to see writer/composer/performer Suzan-Lori Parks at the Amph. She and her crew were fabulous. I went with some friends. Then after the show, we stopped by Papi Juice at the Glade. If you are visiting NYC, put this on your must-see list. There is technically no street address for the Little Island, but it is located on Pier 55, Westside between 13th and 14th Streets; https://littleisland.org

Pier 57

Next pop by Pier 57 located at 15th Street and the Hudson. This is another great place to relax with stupendous views. Pier 57 was originally built in 1907. The shipping yard/terminal was renovated and reopened in April 2023. The City Winery is located here, as well as James Beard Foundation Platform. JBF also curated a food hall called Market 57. This is a grab and go counter only food court with some seating. I encourage you to purchase some food and head to the roof. There is a pretty garden up there and a great place for a picnic. I enjoyed a glass of wine at a bar at Market 57. If you prefer to take advantage of air conditioning, this is a great spot. You may want to visit at night, or earlier to catch the sunset, as there are many events taking place here. See the website’s calendar. Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10011; https://pier57nyc.com

Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex

Keep heading uptown and you will come upon Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex. This longtime sports center which runs across Piers 59, 60, 61 and 62, has been a staple on the westside since August 1995. It has grown since it first opened, and it keeps getting better. It is also home to restaurants, retail stores, and more. Additionally, the center holds fun events at night. When you visit, enjoy the promenade at Pier 59. There is also driving range. However, only portions of this property are open to the public.

Pier 60 is where all the fun parties take place. I attended quite a few of these, when I lived in the Big Apple. Pier 61 is the center of the sports portion of the complex. I used to go ice skating her at the Sky Rink. Now they have added golf, bowling and rock climbing. Plus, there are restaurants and a well known rental venue called The Pier Sixty Collection here with outstanding views.

Pier 64 & 66

*The Frying Pan (restaurant is on other side); Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

If you continue uptown you will hit Pier 64, also in Hudson River Park. This is a beautiful location to spend a couple hours or the whole day. Then at Pier 66, dine at the Frying Pan Restaurant. Situated on one of the original Lightships, the restaurant has become quite popular. These ships were used as floating lighthouses by the U.S. Coast Guard. Find out more on https://hudsonriverpark.org/

More Attractions

There are so many piers just on the westside alone, but they are primarily parks and areas created for sports. Once you approach streets (30-40), you can hop on The High Line and head back downtown (but that’s a whole different article). If you keep walking up, you can visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum located at Pier 86 at 12th Avenue and 46th Street. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036; https://intrepidmuseum.org/

So, for now enjoy the Westside Piers and attractions – don’t forget about the High Line which begins downtown right next to the Whitney Museum. See my article about the Art of the High Line. Read my Whitney Museum Opening coverage from 2015. Another Westside attraction that I wrote about is Hudson Yards. It features the Vessel, the Edge, The Shed and my shopping and dining experience – read my article An Afternoon at Hudson Yards.

Of course, I want to remind you about Pier 17, which is on the East River – so I’ll have to write about that at another time. Pier 17 offers breathtaking views of South Street Seaport, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. Stay tuned for that article.

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