Whilst in New York last year I decided to go and see what all of the fuss was about regarding The High Line. I’ve got to be honest though, I didn’t really know much about it before I left London other than that it was a raised walkway on old railway tracks.
I arrived at the start of The High Line having walked through to it from the West Village and from street level it really didn’t look like much to write home about. It looked drab, tucked away and didn’t have any sort of grand entrance like I was expecting, it was merely an industrial staircase up to the walkway level.
Once at the top however it became immediately apparent what all of the fuss was about.
The High Line has taken what would have otherwise been an ugly, disused eyesore in the city and turned it into something useful. It serves multiple purposes from getting people quickly across the city, providing a relaxing space to sit outdoors in and nurturing wildlife including the local bee population (saw quite a few!).
The High Line is under continual development as section by section the city is converting the old railway space into more garden walkways.
They have of course kept many of the original features including lots of sections of the original tracks.
And the occasional sculpture.
Along the walkway there are also regular steps back down to street level too so it’s really easy to hop on and off. One of the main stops I did along the way was to head into Chelsea Market for a bit of lunch.
Walking the high line is pretty fun, it offers exercise, lots to see and some great hidden views of the city.
I managed to walk the entire distance that was open at the time and at a gentle strolling pace taking photos it took around an hour.
Are you heading to NYC this year? Not heard of The High Line? Make sure you go check it out! 8/10.
