How to Visit the Manhattan High Line Park: Summer 2021
*UPDATED MAY 2021*
Last year I shared a version of this post explaining how to visit the Manhattan High Line in the midst of the pandemic.
While the pandemic isn’t over, summer 2021 in NYC is looking so much brighter and better! Vaccines are rolling out and the city is really opening up.
So as traveling and exploring are regular parts of our lives again, be on the lookout for tons of summer fun posts coming your way! Ready to kick-start your NYC summer plans? Start here: Your Complete Bryant Park Summer Guide + What to do on Governor’s Island
Alright, ready to explore? In this post, I’m covering everything you need to know about visiting the Manhattan High Line Park this summer!
The Basics
The High Line is an elevated greenway that travels about a mile and a half from Manhattan’s Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. This iconic park opened in 2009 and was built on historic railway lines.
Visitors can walk along the path, rest on a bench in the shade, take a guided tour, enjoy a treat from one of the food carts or admire the public art scattered throughout the park. Before the pandemic, the park also featured a variety of community events, like salsa lessons and stargazing nights.
Safety
The Manhattan High Line has updated their rules to include these safety measures, which are still in place for the 2021 summer season:
- Everyone must wear a mask or face covering
- Stay 6ft away from anyone not in your household
- Wash hands frequently
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Don’t touch your face
Hours
The Manhattan High Line is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturdays-Sundays from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
How to Get Tickets
UPDATES FOR SUMMER 2021: Visitors DON’T need a ticket to visit Monday-Friday. All entrances are open without a reservation. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors are required to reserve a FREE timed ticket before visiting the High Line. A limited number of walk-up tickets are also available, but I recommend just getting them online in advance.
You can reserve tickets on Eventbrite HERE. Each person can make a reservation for up to four people. Each person can only enter once per day.
When it is time for your visit, make sure you have a screenshot of your ticket with the QR code. A High Line employee will need to scan this before you can enter.
How Much Does it Cost
It is completely FREE to visit the High Line! You just have to reserve a free ticket in advance if you want to visit on the weekend.
Where Do You Enter
On the weekdays, all entrances are open without restrictions.
On Saturdays + Sundays, guests with reservations should enter at Gansevoort Street, 23rd Street, or 30th Street only. All of the other entrances are being used as exits only on the weekends.
What Can You Do?
Although most of the park’s programs are currently on hold, there’s still tons to do during your visit to the High Line:
- Enjoy a relaxed walk- The main reason to go to the High Line right now is to take a walk. Enjoy it- this is a rare opportunity to soak in the park without tons of crowds.
- Take in the views– As you walk along the elevated park, soak in the city views. Keep an eye out for The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, the Edge at Hudson Yards and colorful street art.
- Bring a picnic– Pack some snacks and find a shady bench or an afternoon picnic.
- Read or play games– You could also bring a book or card games for a relaxing afternoon.
- Enjoy the art– There are a few public art installations along the High Line you can admire. You might also see local artists selling prints and crafts at certain spots in the park.
- Download the High Line app– Consider downloading the High Line app before your visit. You can use this to learn more about the gardens, history and design of the park.
- Take a guided tour– Free tours are being offered on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm, Wednesdays at 9:00 am and Saturdays at 10:00 am. During the tour, you will learn about the fascinating history and design of the park. Only 10 people per tour and these spots are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Get a snack from a food cart– Some eateries have reopened for the 2021 season!
What to Expect
If you are planning to visit soon here is what you need to know:
- Masks and social distancing are still required.
- You have to get a ticket in advance on the weekends only. On the weekdays, you can visit without a reservation.
- There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and exits of the park.
- The bathrooms are open.
- Some food and drink vendors have reopened.
What to Eat and Drink Nearby
If you are looking for something to eat or drink in the area, here are my recommendations:
- Think Coffee– Order ahead for fresh baked goods and excellent espresso
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery– Light bites, pizza and unique Starbucks creations available to-go.
- Los Tacos No 1– Some of the city’s best tacos are available in the Chelsea Market.
- The Orchard Townhouse– Shaded outdoor seating with lunch and dinner takeaway + craft cocktails.
- Meatball Shop– Outdoor dining and a takeaway menu of meatball pastas and sandwiches plus ice cream.
- Milk Bar Chelsea– Stop by for slices of Birthday Cake, Milk Bar Pie, B’Day Cake Truffles, Cereal Milk Soft Serve, and more!
I hope you enjoyed this post all about the Manhattan High Line. I truly hope it helped if you are planning to visit the park soon.
If you are looking for more ways to make the most of your NYC summer, check out these posts:
The Best Hiking Trails Near NYC
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