High Line Park in New York

High Line Park in New York is a long stretched park, on an elevated train track, in the middle of Manhattan. The park runs from Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. It is visited by millions every year. A walk through the park offers you great views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. A welcome change to the hustle and bustle of the busy Manhattan streets.

The High Line Railroad

High Line Park has made great use out of a disused 2.3 kilometre elevated 1930’s train track. The railroad, which runs parallel to 10th Avenue, was used for transporting meat and poultry to the west side of Manhattan since 1934. Due to the popularity of public transportation by highway increasing, the railroad became unnecessary and closed in 1980.

In 2003, it was estimated that development of High Line Park would cost as much as US$150 million, an amount that the city didn’t have. However, due to an anticipated rise in real estate prices for the homes surrounding High Line Park, which would yield tax revenue, the city decided to go ahead and build the park.

In 2006, construction began on the first of three sections and, in June 2009, the first section was opened to the public. On June 8, 2011, the second part of the park opened. The final section of the park was finished and opened to the public in September 2014.

High Line Park Tour

If you want to explore High Line Park while learning about its history (that dates back to 1847!) then take this High Line Park walking tour. On this 2-hour tour you will hear about New York’s “West Side Cowboys” and the variety of plants that make the 2.33 km park so beautiful. After wandering through the park you will be able to visit the White Star Pier, where those that survived the Titanic disembarked, and the old Nabisco factory, where the Oreo Cookie was invented. I advise to do this tour from the end of March until the end of October as the park will be in full bloom.

Book tickets for the High Line Park walking tour here 

Practical Information

• Location: High Line Park is located on the west side of Manhattan, between Gansevoort Street (Meatpacking District) and West 34th Street, at the height of 10th and 12th Avenue.
• Opening hours: 
  • Dec 1 – Mar 31 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Apr 1 – May 31 from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • June 1 – Sept 30 from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Oct 1 – Nov 30 from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.