Want to explore New York from a different angle? Check out our special High Line feature to visit the Big Apple’s famous Urban Park!
When we think of New York, we inevitably think of its buildings, Fifth Avenue and the world-famous Central Park. These places are a must-see when visiting the « Big Apple ». But the city has many other hidden beauties, such as the astonishing High Line. This unusual place, overlooking the city, will surprise you both by its structure and by the experience of nature, art and design it offers.
On a trip to New York, a visit to the High Line is an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the city from a different angle, so follow the guide!
The origins of the High Line
Photo credit: Unsplash – Alistair MacRobert
The origins of the High Line date back to the mid-18ᵉ century, when the New York Central Railroad, built the first rail line joining southwest Manhattan. The track was hotly contested because of the danger it posed to pedestrians. Indeed, in 1910, no fewer than 540 people were killed by the trains.
In a bid to improve the city, New York City decided to remove the rail line from the streets and build a brand new, elevated one. And so, in 1933, the famous High Line was born. This rail line enabled millions of foodstuffs to be transported, creating easy access to New York City’s factories. It was a success until the 1980s, when the High Line was condemned to demolition in the face of increasing road traffic.
The first ideas for preserving the structure then began to germinate in the minds of residents of Manhattan’s southwestern neighborhoods, dubbed « Friends of the High Line ». But it wasn’t until the end of the 90s that the beauty of the site was revealed and residents rallied to conserve it. With the support of New York City Hall, the High Line opened its doors as a public garden in 2009.
Who are the Friends of the High Line?
Photo credit: Youtube screenshot
Joshua David and Robert Hammond, residents of Manhattan’s southwestern neighborhoods, founded the « Friends of the High Line » in the 1990s. This non-profit association was created to protect the structure from demolition. They saw hidden potential in the site and revealed its beauty by creating a public garden.
While the High Line is now owned by New York City, the park is maintained and managed by the « Friends of the High Line ». Any New Yorker can become a member and help save the site. Indeed, the association has no shortage of ideas for raising funds: donations, event organization or even the possibility of adopting a plant. The « Friends of the High Line » have not only succeeded in preserving the structure, they’ve also managed to turn it into a living space.
Good to know: To support the association and see upcoming events, visit the official High Line calendar.
What to do on the High Line
Photo credit: Flickr – Andreas Komodromos
Visiting the High Line is an experience in itself. Right in the heart of Manhattan, this suspended park is a veritable living space where nature, artistic events and design come together.
The High Line offers an immersion in the wilderness that has reclaimed its rights in this urban environment. The gardens have been designed with this in mind, providing a magical spectacle through the seasons. The High Line is a veritable second green lung for the city, where tourists and locals alike come to recharge their batteries and admire the spectacular views over New York.
Photo credit: Unsplash – Charl Folscher
Exploring the High Line also allows you to step back in time. In fact, as you stroll along the railroad, you’ll discover some surprising places, such as Chelsea Market Passage, a former cookie factory, where trains used to deliver flour directly into the building.
But the High Line has also broken new ground, not least in its artistic approach. Indeed, it’s the only park in New York to offer an open-access contemporary art program. From performances to street art and open-air exhibitions, the High Line offers a panoply of free artistic events.
Photo credit: Flickr – Bex Walton
Guided tours are also offered throughout the year. An opportunity to learn a little more about the various plants and the history of this unusual place. You can find the full program on the High Line’s official website.
How to visit the High Line? Where to get on?
Access to the High Line is free of charge from various points in the city: Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 17th Street, 20th Street, 23rd Street, 26th Street, 28th Street, 30th Street, 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue.
The park has been designed to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility. There are elevators and ramps at the Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street and 30th Street entrances.
Map of the High Line in New York
High Line timetables
You can visit the High Line every day from 7am. Closing times vary according to the season: 10pm in spring and autumn, 11pm in summer and 7pm in winter.