New York City’s Highline is one of its best features because it is original, gorgeous, and totally free. The Highline is a walking trail on an out of service raised freight line from the 1930’s, running up the Westside of Manhattan from Gansevoort Street to West 30th Street.   The trail offers a beautiful view of Manhattan, and clear viewing platforms on each city block.  To the East, visitors have a view of the East River, Hoboken, New Jersey, and of course, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. 

 

The Highline was originally built as a safety measure when freight trains traveling at street level down on 10th avenue caused massive accidents, injuries and deaths.  

 

The Highline was built in 1929 as part of a larger city-wide project to make industrial trains in the city safer.  The line was opened in 1934 and active until 1980.  It was turned into a park when the city proposed to demolish it and a group of concerned New Yorkers and activists rallied to turn it into a public park.  The park opened to the public in 2009, with various sections opening in phases over the months and years that followed.

 

The collaboration of architects, artists and botanists has led to what is the modern Highline.  Restaurants and coffee shops are some of the additional features lining the open space park and are subject to seasonal availability.  The Highline is open to visitors of all ages, with many entrances along the trail.  Wheelchair access is also available. Why not book a ticket with CheapOair and check it out yourself?

 

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Photo credit: Amy Wiener