Day two of my New York City trip kicked off at Times Square and took me along the scenic Hudson River. When people think of NYC, they usually picture a concrete jungle of skyscrapers, but the riverfront offers a surprisingly diverse range of activities. Today, I am sharing some must-visit spots focused entirely on Manhattan’s West Side.
Table of Contents
Times Square to the Hudson River
Times Square is right in the heart of Manhattan, making it an incredibly convenient starting point for any itinerary. I booked my accommodation nearby, so I started my day right in the middle of the action. While countless subway lines run through the area, the weather was too beautiful to pass up a walk. Heading straight west along West 45th Street leads you directly to Pier 86.
I didn’t have a rigid plan, but I decided to head west and then make my way south toward Wall Street. Along the walk, I spotted the Statue of Liberty in the distance, the iconic NYC skyline, and graffiti cleverly incorporating traffic lights and street signs. Even these everyday sights felt uniquely vibrant and hip, perhaps simply because it is New York.
Climbing a small set of stairs revealed a front door with tiny apartments crammed above it, looking exactly like the typical New York buildings you see in movies. Even the fire escape stairs, installed for safety regulations, felt strangely nostalgic. It is fascinating how things you see for the first time in NYC can feel so intimately familiar.
Intrepid Museum
As you keep walking and admiring the architecture, a ship’s bridge eventually comes into view in the distance. Arriving at the harbor, you will come face-to-face with the USS Intrepid. While it is an older, decommissioned model, its sheer size as a former aircraft carrier is absolutely massive.
The interior has been converted into the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, featuring exhibits on the US military and space exploration. You can explore the museum exhibits and tour the inside of the aircraft carrier simultaneously. It is a fantastic stop if you are traveling with kids or have a strong interest in naval and aviation history.
As a Navy veteran, I found the concept intriguing, but my schedule was tight and the admission fee felt a bit steep. I opted to just admire the impressive exterior instead. From Pier 86 where the museum is located, walking straight south leads you to Hudson Yards, the starting point of the High Line.
Opening Hours
- October – March
- Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sat–Sun & Holidays: 10:00 AM –5:00 PM
- April – September
- Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sat–Sun & Holidays: 10:00 AM –6:00 PM
Ticket Prices
- Adults: $38
- Seniors (65+) and students: $36
- Children (5-12): $28
- Children (4 and under): Free admission
The Official Intrepid Museum Website
The High Line
The High Line is a unique public park built on a historic, elevated freight rail line. In a similar vein of urban renewal, the nearby Hudson Yards—home to NYC’s striking Vessel—was redeveloped from an active train yard. It is no coincidence that the High Line begins right at Hudson Yards.
If you enter near the Vessel, you can see segments of the original railway tracks carefully preserved in the landscaping. There are multiple entrances to the High Line, but starting at Hudson Yards gives you the perfect excuse to check out the Vessel first.
The park stretches from Hudson Yards down to Chelsea, covering about 1.5 miles (2 kilometers), which makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Because it is elevated, it offers a completely different perspective of the city streets below. Thoughtful art installations are scattered throughout the pathway, ensuring there is never a dull moment.
This innovative approach to urban design has become a global benchmark, inspiring elevated park projects worldwide, including Seoul’s “Seoullo 7017.” However, having seen both, the High Line’s execution and atmosphere remain entirely unmatched. If you are interested in urban planning and architecture, there are some fantastic deep-dive documentary videos on YouTube worth checking out before your visit.
- December to March: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- April to November: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Chelsea Market and Lobster Place
Chelsea Market is a massive indoor food hall located near the southern eㅌnd of the High Line. It is a bustling market filled with souvenir shops and diverse eateries, but the standout culinary destination here is the famous Lobster Place.
I ordered their renowned lobster roll combo, which costs $34. Given New York’s notoriously high prices—and the fact that lobster is already a premium ingredient—the cost is totally understandable. The combo includes the lobster roll, soup, and potato chips. Fortunately, the incredible taste more than justifies the price tag; it was easily the best lobster I have ever had.
Finding the spot is easy, as it sits right in front of a quirky, indoor waterfall-like water feature in the middle of the building. If you have extra time, browsing the market’s unique architecture or relaxing at a nearby cafe is a great way to recharge. Another wildly popular spot inside is Los Tacos No.1, which is definitely worth a try.
Opening Hours
- Chelsea Market: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Lobster Place: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Little Island
Little Island is a striking artificial island park floating on the Hudson River, known for its unique structure and harmonious landscaping. It was funded largely by a massive donation from billionaire Barry Diller, with construction costs reportedly reaching around $260 million.
The park is supported by a series of concrete pillars that look like a bouquet of blooming flowers. Because these “tulip” structures are set at varying heights, the entire island feels like a series of gentle rolling hills once you step inside. Located just steps from Chelsea Market, it offers phenomenal views of the Manhattan skyline and is an absolute must-visit if you are in the area.
Opening Hours
- November to February: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- March to May, and October: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- June to September: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Facing One World Trade Center from Little Island, you can walk south along the Hudson River to reach the 9/11 Memorial. One World Trade Center is currently the tallest building in New York, constructed as part of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex next to where the original Twin Towers stood.
The 9/11 Memorial is a deeply moving tribute located at Ground Zero, featuring a pair of massive reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original towers. The bronze parapets surrounding these cascading waterfalls are inscribed with the names of the thousands of victims who lost their lives in the attacks.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum sits beneath the plaza, housing powerful exhibits that document the events of that day and its aftermath. It provides an incredibly detailed account of the timeline, featuring recovered artifacts, victims’ photographs, and firsthand testimonies from survivors and witnesses.
Opening Hours
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
- Closed on Tuesdays
Ticket Prices
- Adults: $36
- Youth (13-17) and seniors (65+): $30
- Children (7-12): $24
- Children (6 and under): Free admission
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Final Thoughts
My second day in NYC was a fulfilling journey starting from Times Square and winding down the scenic Hudson River. From the Intrepid Museum and the High Line to Chelsea Market, Little Island, and the 9/11 Memorial, this route showcased a wonderfully diverse side of the city. If you want to escape the dense forest of skyscrapers and enjoy some breathing room during your New York trip, a walk along the Hudson River is the perfect itinerary.
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