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Discover Our Favorite Things to Do in New York City

An upscale residential neighborhood in New York City, the Upper West Side is known for its historic architecture, cultural institutions, restaurants, and green spaces. From Hotel Belleclaire, guests can spend the morning exploring a museum, enjoy time in Central Park and attend a performance at Lincoln Center or Beacon Theatre.

Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, and Columbus Avenue add neighborhood cafés, restaurants, shops, and longtime local landmarks to explore. With convenient subway access nearby, Hotel Belleclaire also makes it easy to reach Midtown, Times Square, and destinations throughout Manhattan.

Attractions Near Hotel Belleclaire

Central Park

Central Park

Explore Central Park, about 0.5 mile from Hotel Belleclaire, with walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, landmarks, and seasonal activities throughout the year. The park’s West 77th Street entrance is directly across from the American Museum of Natural History, making it easy to combine both attractions in one visit.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park

Stretching along the Hudson River, Riverside Park offers waterfront paths, open spaces, and sunset views on the western side of the Upper West Side. The park is about 0.3 mile from Hotel Belleclaire, with opportunities for walking, cycling, and time outdoors. Guests traveling with dogs will also find dedicated dog runs, including two near West 72nd Street.

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

One of New York City’s most recognizable museums, the American Museum of Natural History is known for its dinosaur halls and immersive science exhibits. Located about 0.5 mile from Hotel Belleclaire on Central Park West, the museum is a popular family attraction directly across from Central Park.

See how to make the museum part of your stay with our 3-Day Family Itinerary, featuring family-friendly attractions, dining ideas, and helpful planning tips.

Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan is one of New York City’s leading destinations for modern and contemporary art. MoMA’s collection spans painting, sculpture, photography, film, architecture, design, and performance, with renowned works by artists including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol.

Museum of Broadway

Museum of Broadway

Visit the Museum of Broadway in Times Square for an immersive look at the history, artistry, and people behind Broadway theater. Explore exhibits tracing Broadway from its earliest performances to today, see costumes and theatrical artifacts up close, and go behind the scenes to learn how Broadway shows come to life.

The New York Historical

The New York Historical

The New York Historical on Central Park West brings New York and American history to life through exhibitions, artifacts, and works of art. Founded in 1804, the museum also features the Tiffany Gallery and the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, making it a worthwhile stop for both history lovers and families.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore more than 5,000 years of art from around the world at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue. The Met’s extensive collection ranges from ancient Egyptian art and European paintings to arms and armor, modern works, and iconic installations such as the Temple of Dendur. For more ways to experience the city’s cultural highlights, explore our curated 3-day NYC Arts & Culture Itinerary.

 

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall is about 1.3 miles from Hotel Belleclaire. Open since 1891, the landmark concert venue presents classical, jazz, popular music, and other performances across its three stages throughout the year.

Beacon Theatre

Beacon Theatre

Beacon Theatre is about 0.1 mile from Hotel Belleclaire and has been part of the Upper West Side’s entertainment scene since 1929. The restored Art Deco theater has welcomed major artists including The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and The Allman Brothers Band, and continues to host concerts, comedy, and other performances throughout the year.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Experience some of New York City’s celebrated performing arts at Lincoln Center, about 0.7 mile from Hotel Belleclaire. The Upper West Side campus presents opera, ballet, classical music, and other performances throughout the year, with the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and New York City Ballet among its resident organizations. Guests can also find free and pay-what-you-wish programming at the David Rubenstein Atrium.

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall

Experience concerts, live entertainment, and signature New York performances at Radio City Music Hall in Rockefeller Center. The landmark Art Deco theater is home to the Radio City Rockettes and the annual Christmas Spectacular, along with concerts, comedy, award shows, and special events throughout the year.

Columbia University

Columbia University

Visit Columbia University’s historic Morningside Heights campus and explore one of New York City’s most prominent academic communities. The surrounding neighborhood also includes cultural institutions, restaurants, parks, and architecture that make the area worth exploring beyond the university itself.

Manhattan School of Music

Manhattan School of Music

Visit Manhattan School of Music in Morningside Heights, where students study and perform across a range of musical disciplines. The campus hosts hundreds of performances each year and sits near Columbia University, Riverside Church, and other neighborhood landmarks.

Barnard College

Barnard College

Visit Barnard College, a women’s liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University and located directly across Broadway from Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus. Its location places visitors within the broader Columbia academic community and near neighborhood restaurants, parks, and cultural institutions.

More of New York City

Annual Events in New York City

Annual Events in New York City

New York City’s calendar is filled with major annual events, from holiday traditions and cultural festivals to parades, performances, and sporting events. Plan your stay around some of the city’s most anticipated happenings throughout the year and discover what’s taking place during your visit.

The Upper West Side

The Upper West Side

Get to know the Upper West Side beyond its major attractions, from neighborhood architecture and longtime local favorites to parks, cafés, and cultural landmarks. Hotel Belleclaire guests can also join a complimentary Upper West Side walking tour with Streetwise New York Tours for a guided look at the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and character.

FAQs

  • What are some of the best things to do on the Upper West Side?
    The Upper West Side is home to several of New York City’s best-known cultural and outdoor attractions, many of them near Hotel Belleclaire. Spend time in Central Park or along the Hudson River in Riverside Park, visit the American Museum of Natural History or The New York Historical, or plan an evening around a performance at Lincoln Center or Beacon Theatre. Between attractions, explore the neighborhood’s restaurants, cafés, and shops, or join Hotel Belleclaire’s complimentary walking tour with Streetwise New York Tours for a guided introduction to the area.
  • What art and cultural attractions are near Hotel Belleclaire?
    Hotel Belleclaire is surrounded by several of the Upper West Side’s major cultural attractions. Guests can visit The New York Historical for art and American history, see a concert or performance at nearby Beacon Theatre, or plan an evening at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Carnegie Hall is also within easy reach for guests who want to attend a concert at one of New York City’s best-known performance halls.
  • What parks are near Hotel Belleclaire?
    Hotel Belleclaire is near two of Manhattan’s signature green spaces, Central Park and Riverside Park. Central Park is about three blocks from the hotel and is a good choice for sightseeing, picnics, playgrounds, and time outdoors between museum visits. Riverside Park is about 0.3 miles away along the Hudson River, offering waterfront paths, river views, and dedicated dog runs for guests traveling with pets.