Rank 1American Museum of Natural History
Museum
4.6 out of 5
American Museum of Natural History is a tourist attraction destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Livable. Bagel-obsessed. Family-proud.
Best Activities & Experiences in Upper West Side, Manhattan
89 activities & experiences in Upper West Side (UWS), ranked by rating and reviews, with vibes and insider tips.
Upper West Side in a line
Bagels, brownstones, and the natural history museum — peak NYC living
Insider tip
Amsterdam Ave between 72nd and 86th is the food corridor. Columbus Ave is the backup plan.
Top ranked Activities & Experiences in Upper West Side
Moodap picksCurated from Eater, Infatuation, TimeOut, Michelin & our own research, February 2026.
Rank 2The New York Historical
Tourist attraction4.5 out of 5The New York Historical is a activities in Upper West Side described by visitors as outdoor-focused. Based on 10 reviews.
- Fun
- Social
All Activities & Experiences in Upper West Side
Ranked by rating and how many reviews back it. Open any venue for hours, photos, and reviews.
- 4.9 out of 5Price level $
Play Street Museum - Upper West Side is a activities in Upper West Side described by visitors as an activity venue, known for excellent service, budget-friendly. Based on 10 reviews.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
St. Paul the Apostle Church
4.8 out of 5Hello and welcome to the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, the original parish of the Paulist Fathers, America's first order of Catholic priests. Here you'll find our many diverse outreach ministries including Apostolist, a vibrant group for young adults in their 20's and 30's; Out at St. Paul, our ministry and outreach to the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans and Queer community; arts and literary groups, St. Vincent de Paul; and the Mustard Seed Guild, which helps our poorest neighbors near and far.
- Fun
- Social
Museum
Nicholas Roerich Museum
4.8 out of 5The Museum's collection comprises more than 200 paintings of the artist, exhibited on three floors of a classic townhouse in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
- Fun
- Social
- 4.8 out of 5Price level $$
The Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is an innovative institution dedicated to enhancing public understanding of science and its role in our lives. Located within the American Museum of Natural History, it aims to inspire curiosity through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
West Side Community Garden
4.8 out of 5West Side Community Garden is a tourist attraction destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Cooking class
Chefleen
4.9 out of 5Chef. Creator. Community Builder. everyone has to eat. let's Do It better together
- Fun
- Social
Tourist attraction
Banksy "Hammer Boy" Mural
4.7 out of 5Banksy "Hammer Boy" Mural is a tourist attraction destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Art studio
Paint & Sip Studio New York
4.7 out of 5Price level $$$Paint & Sip Studio New York is a popular wine bar in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A go-to spot for drinks and good times in the neighborhood.
- Intimate
- Relaxed
- Romantic
- 4.7 out of 5
Astro West Fine Minerals Fossils Meteorites is a gallery destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Historical landmark
Firemen's Memorial
4.7 out of 5Firemen's Memorial is a museum destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
- 4.6 out of 5
American Museum of Natural History is a tourist attraction destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Tourist attraction
Joan of Arc Monument
4.8 out of 5Riverside Drive & W. 93rd St Joan of Arc Park, New York, NY 10025
- Fun
- Social
Tourist attraction
Hayden Planetarium
4.6 out of 5Hayden Planetarium is a tourist attraction destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Art studio
Art Retreat NYC
5.0 out of 5Price level $casual classes for ease of mind | welcome to the art retreat, where our focus is on finding delight in creating and in learning to love the process in a safe and welcoming environment.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
goldenlight visions, LLC
5.0 out of 5goldenlight visions, LLC is a activities in Upper West Side described by visitors as known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
- 4.6 out of 5
Rose Center for Earth and Space is a museum destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
4.6 out of 5Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a activities in Upper West Side described by visitors as an entertainment venue, relaxed atmosphere. Based on 10 reviews.
- Fun
- Social
- 4.7 out of 5
Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs is a museum destination in Upper West Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
River Run Playground
4.6 out of 5River Run Playground is a activities in Upper West Side described by visitors as outdoor-focused. Based on 10 reviews.
- Fun
- Social
Farmers' market
79th Street Greenmarket
4.6 out of 5Just behind the American Museum of Natural History, on beautiful, tree-lined Columbus Avenue, this year-round market stretches from 77th St. to 81st Streets each Sunday. Shoppers will find grass fed beef, New York's freshest fish, duck, chicken, ostrich, goat cheese, fresh flowers, eggs, honey, baked goods, apple cider, and a large variety of fruit and vegetables.
- Fun
- Social
Tourist attraction
Linda's Lawn
4.7 out of 5, 77 reviewsHudson River Greenway &, W 66th St, New York, NY 10069
- Fun
- Social
Tourist attraction
Locomotive Lawn
4.7 out of 5Hudson River Greenway &, W 62nd St, New York, NY 10069
- Fun
- Social
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Upper West Side?
Moodap's top-ranked things to do in Upper West Side, curated from Eater, The Infatuation, Time Out, Michelin and our own research in February 2026, start with American Museum of Natural History (4.6 stars) and The New York Historical (4.5 stars). They're at the top of this page.
What kinds of activities are there in Upper West Side?
Moodap lists 89 things to do in Upper West Side. The most common kinds are Tourist attraction (27), Gallery (21), Historical landmark (17), Museum (12) and Cooking class (4).
Where can I find affordable things to do in Upper West Side?
24 of the 89 things to do listed in Upper West Side are budget-friendly ($). The best-ranked of them are Play Street Museum - Upper West Side, Astro West Fine Minerals Fossils Meteorites and Art Retreat NYC.
How is the full list of things to do in Upper West Side ranked?
By star rating, weighted by how many reviews back it: a place with hundreds of strong reviews ranks above a perfect score from a handful. Places with few or no reviews come after well-reviewed ones. Not sure which fits your plans? Find Your Vibe™ picks one for your mood in about 25 seconds.
Find your spot in Upper West Side
Answer a few quick questions and Moodap narrows it down to places that fit your mood.
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