The High Line: New York’s most beautiful walkway

What You Need to Know About the High Line

• The High Line is a 2.3 km (1.4 mi) elevated park that runs through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea in New York. It follows the route of a former elevated railroad. The line was built in 1934 to connect 34th Street with the St John’s Park Terminal near Spring Street. Trains once carried freight through these industrial neighborhoods.
• Manhattan changed dramatically over the decades, and the railroad fell into disuse. The last train ran in 1980, beginning a long period of abandonment and neglect. The High Line faced demolition.
• In 1999, a group of local residents proposed transforming the space into a public park. The process took years, but construction began in April 2006. By 2009, the first section opened to the public, running from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street.
• Today, the High Line stretches 22 blocks from the Meatpacking District to the Hudson Yards neighborhood. It’s a peaceful walk full of surprises, drawing both tourists and New Yorkers who come here during their lunch break.

What to See on the High Line

• The High Line offers plenty to discover. You’ll enjoy unique views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Hudson River. To the north, you’ll see the newer Hudson Yards neighborhood, dominated by the striking observation deck The Edge.
• Along the way, you’ll spot large murals on the surrounding buildings. The artwork changes regularly, turning the area into an open-air gallery. Don’t miss the building designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid near 23rd Street.
• If you’re visiting in the morning, start from the north at 11th Avenue and 34th Street. This way, the sun will be at your back and you’ll have One World Trade Center in view ahead. In the afternoon, begin at the southern end near Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, so the sun stays behind you.
• The park passes alongside Chelsea Market, a classic New York market. Stairs lead down to this lively market, where you can take a break, grab a sandwich, and sit on one of the benches before heading back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the High Line start?

You can walk the High Line from north to south, starting at 34th Street, or from south to north, starting at Gansevoort Street. Two starting points offer two different perspectives!

How do you access the High Line?

You can reach the park using the many stairs and elevators located throughout the route. Access is easy and accommodates people with reduced mobility and strollers.

High Line Map

High Line in Photos