Why families choose it
Two parks, the American Museum of Natural History, wide pavements, supermarkets and a genuine neighbourhood rhythm. Evenings are calm and the streets stay busy with residents rather than tourists, which makes the walk back after dinner feel easy with children in tow.
Food shops matter more than you expect
Zabar's, Fairway and a run of delis and bakeries along Broadway make self-catering practical. On a week-long family trip, being able to buy breakfast rather than paying Midtown hotel prices for four people changes the budget noticeably.
The trade-off is time
You are twenty minutes or more from the theatres and further from downtown. The 1, 2 and 3 lines are fast and frequent, but the daily journeys are real. Many families decide the calmer evenings are worth it.
Who it suits
Is Upper West Side right for your trip?
Book here if
- Families with children
- Longer stays
- Central Park and the Natural History Museum
- Travellers who want quiet evenings
Look elsewhere if
- You are on a short trip focused on Broadway
- You want nightlife
- You want to walk to downtown sights
Getting around
72 St, 79 St and 86 St serve the 1, 2, 3, B and C lines. The 1 is local and stops frequently; the 2 and 3 are express and reach Times Square quickly.
Hotels in this area
6 hotels reviewed in Upper West Side
Hotel Beacon
A practical Upper West Side favourite for families and longer stays, thanks to roomier layouts and kitchen facilities.
- Best for
- Families, roomier stays, kitchenette convenience
- Subway
- 72 St nearby
Hotel Belleclaire
A landmark 1903 hotel on the Upper West Side offering genuine history at a price well below Midtown's.
- Best for
- Value, families, history and architecture, longer stays
- Subway
- 79 St on the 1, and 81 St-Museum of Natural History on the B and C
The Lucerne Hotel
A handsome 1904 Beaux-Arts hotel in a quiet Upper West Side spot, long favoured by families visiting the museums.
- Best for
- Families, museums, calmer evenings, longer stays
- Subway
- 79 St on the 1, and 81 St-Museum of Natural History on the B and C
The Empire Hotel
A large, lively hotel opposite Lincoln Center with a famous sign, a rooftop pool and a devoted Gossip Girl following.
- Best for
- Lincoln Center, Central Park, rooftop bars, Gossip Girl fans
- Subway
- 59 St-Columbus Circle and 66 St-Lincoln Center
Arthouse Hotel New York City
A comfortable Upper West Side boutique with roomier-than-usual accommodation, useful for families who want space near the museums.
- Best for
- Families, museums, space, calmer evenings
- Subway
- 79 St on the 1, and 81 St-Museum of Natural History on the B and C
The Wallace
A calm, suite-focused Upper West Side hotel for travellers who want a residential block rather than a commercial one.
- Best for
- Longer stays, families, quiet, parks
- Subway
- 72 St on the 1, 2 and 3
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask about Upper West Side.
Is the Upper West Side the best area for families?
It is the most common recommendation, and for good reason: parks, museums, food shops and calm evenings. Midtown wins if your trip is short and packed with theatre and sightseeing.
How long does it take to reach Times Square?
About ten to fifteen minutes on the 2 or 3 express from 72nd Street. It is straightforward, but you will do it most days.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.