The Real "West Side Story": Uncovering the Lower Upper West Side

How could it be that New York's Upper West Side is a tale of both vast transformation and extensive preservation? It’s time to uncover how the southern section of this charming historic neighborhood has changed — and also remained the same — throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the Lower Upper West Side, which contains one of world’s greatest performing arts centers, two of New York City’s most iconic parks, and two of its most important museums — plus stunning architecture (much of it landmarked).

Led by licensed New York City tour guide Leigh Hallingby, our on-the-ground tour of this incredible neighborhood will include:

• A deep dive into the transformation of San Juan Hill, the now-disappeared, low-rise neighborhood that existed before the current neighborhood of Lincoln Square
• A visit to the major buildings that comprise New York’s – and maybe the world’s – most important performing arts center, Lincoln Center
• Decoding of a most interesting, unusual, and complicated memorial sculpture dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and created more than 50 years ago
• The vast transformation of the former New York Central Railroad freight yards into the Riverside South apartment building development that stretches along the Hudson River from 59th – 72nd Streets
• A look at beautifully preserved parts of “vintage New York” including a railroad transfer bridge, a horse troth, and a firehouse that dates to the late 1800s
• Walking on residential streets of lovely townhouses, brownstones, and “pre-wars” that give the Upper West Side its distinctive personality
• A mention of a number of Upper West Side sites associated with iconic American movies

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Our experience will conclude outside of the New-York Historical Society at W. 77th and Central Park West

About Leigh

Leigh is a licensed NYC tour guide who specializes in Harlem, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side. She is passionate about exploring all five boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh is retired from a 36-year career as a non-profit librarian in New York City. She loves doing research about the neighborhoods in which she gives tours and sharing the information about them with attendees. Leigh is a feminist, collector, genealogist, and lover of arts, culture, and travel. She lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Testimonials

"Interesting take on monuments and redevelopment" -Ellen

"Covered more obscure areas which were fascinating." -Susan

"Leigh was an excellent presenter & gave us so many insights, a very enjoyable tour" -Mary

"Our guide was very nice. and it was enjoyable" -Joyce

"I learned a lot of history of my own neighborhood" -Mona

"The guide was very genuine." -Margie

"Presenter was prepared with interesting facts that provided a deeper appreciation of the neighborhood." -Carol

"Nice, small group" -Kenneth

"Leigh was knowledgeable" -Jackie

"Learned lots of new things about area" -Conor

"The amount of detailed historical information and the personality of the guide. It was great. I went just expecting to see more of the neighborhood I used to live in, What I got was rich history and insight into all the subtle goings on re: historical district markers and how it all came about in that area of the city, Wonderful stuff." -Steve

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Photo Credit: Main - Enric Domas

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours