VIBE

Taking recycling to truly new heights, the recently opened High Line park, which snakes its way 22 blocks though the trendy Meatpacking and Chelsea neighborhoods, is a lush urban garden located 30 feet in the air on an abandoned 1930s elevated rail track. Though the original tracks have been integrated into the park’s design, and though the gardens were designed to reference the wildflowers that seeded themselves here during the many decades of neglect, the mod glass, steel, and concrete design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro is unquestionably forward-thinking. When not scoping vistas of the skyline or the surrounding avant-garde structures from the thoughtfully placed viewing platforms, visitors can splash around in water features, lounge on sundecks, and check out art installations.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; kids; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

The views are exquisite, and we love how they change as we walk along–some sections give great perspectives of the Downtown skyline, while others give breathtaking views of the Hudson. We like to grab a morning coffee and take a stroll as we enjoy the peaceful ambiance (seriously–you can hardly hear the city’s usual ruckus up here, especially on weekdays), or spend a weekend afternoon buying picnic goodies from the nearby Chelsea Market before heading up to the park to scope the gardens and the view.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It would be nice to walk your dog up here, but pooches aren't permitted.

GOOD TO KNOW

The park has become a magnet for innovative architectural projects from other designers, like the ultra-mod Standard Hotel (which was built to straddle the park) and a soon-to-be-built, Renzo Piano-designed branch of the Whitney Museum (set to open in 2015). Last entry to the park is at 9:45pm, and certain entrances may be restricted or closed at peak times to prevent overcrowding. Bikes, skateboards, and pets are not permitted. Some sections of the park have children’s play areas. Entrances (including some with handicap accessible elevators) can be found at the following places: Gansevoort Street (stairs); 14th Street east of West Street (stairs and elevator available); 16th Street east of Tenth Avenue (stairs and elevator available); 18th Street west of Tenth Avenue (stairs); 20th Street west of Tenth Avenue (stairs); 23rd Street west of Tenth Avenue (stairs and elevator available); 26th Street west of Tenth Avenue (stairs); 28th Street west of Tenth avenue (stairs); and 30th Street west of Tenth Avenue (stairs and elevator access).

CLOSEST COMPS

Brooklyn Heights Promenade (New York); Hudson River Park (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.