The Upper West Side is the New York City of Hollywood and Seinfeld, and walking around the neighbourhood feels a bit like walking around a movie set. While it doesn’t have as many flashy attractions as other neighbourhoods, it’s a great place to spend a low key day in the city. I’ve rounded up a handful of my picks for the Upper West Side, let me know what you’d add in the comments.

American Museum of Natural History

The park also backs on to the American Museum of Natural History, which was our next stop. The suggested price is $22, but you can pay what you like.

We spent a couple of hours here. My favourite exhibit were the ones about Amazonian tribes, South American indigenous cultures and the Native Americans. It was a fascinating insight into these cultures and their ways of life. The Mexican exhibit is also really cool, with an enormous sun stone and other larger than life artefacts.

I can imagine for kids that the animal exhibits would be really cool too, and a great way to learn about different animal species. Seeing the pre-historic collection was cool, but my favourite animal exhibition was of the Mouse Lemur – just as cute as they sound.

Theodore Roosevelt Park

David and I stumbled across the beautiful Theodore D Roosevelt Park when we were seeking some shade and a seat on a hot New York summer’s day. While I wouldn’t suggest you make a dedicated trip across town to visit, it’s worth a detour if you’re in the area.

Zabar’s

Our first stop was UWS institution, Zabar’s Jewish Deli. We wandered around the deli part first, drooling over the mouthwatering deli cabinets and wishing there was a Zabar’s in South Melbourne. I got the salmon & cream cheese bagel from the cabinet, David got a fresh one from the bakery with a side of cream cheese. Cream cheese isn’t as much of a thing in Australia I guess, because I only really know Philadelphia Cream Cheese, which is nice but has nothing on the fresh cheese they give you at Zabar’s. I could have eaten the whole tub!

I was a little surprised that it comes wrapped up, pre-made and waiting in one of the fridges, but it was still delicious – and very dense! And kind of oily on the outside…not sure what is up with that. It was yummy, and I’ll definitely try one at Russ & Daughters when I make it there but I won’t be adding bagels to my diet any time soon – they really sit heavily in your stomach!

79th Street Greenmarket

Outside Theodore Roosevelt Park is 79th St Greenmarket, where I bought a delicious yellow nectarine – a much better choice than the street hot dog I was eyeing off. It was super sweet, and I loved being able to just pick up a piece of super fresh fruit on the street.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood in NYC? Any tips for things I should do next time I’m in New York?

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