One of New York’s most iconic sights, the High Line, nearly got demolished in the late 90s, but instead was renovated into one of the world’s most unconventional parks… Chris Osburn reports. 

Located on Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line Park runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. However, at present, this elevated New York City park is only open to the public up to 20th Street in Chelsea.

Constructed in the 1930s as a safe way to move freight through the city, the High Line kept freight trains running 30 feet above the streets, but has been unused since 1980. Facing demolition in the 1999, the High Line got a new lease of life when the Friends of the High Line began working in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as a public park.

A stroll along the High Line offers a vantage point loftily removed, but not isolated from, the urban grit and daily grind of downtown Manhattan. Commanding views of the Hudson and much of New York’s skyline (not to mention Jersey City’s and Hoboken’s) and the bird’s eye perspective over many downtown streets make this unique public outdoor space an ideal setting for an afternoon session of photography. A must-see attraction in city chock full of unconventional and fascinating things-to-do, the High Line is a fun, free and refreshing way to experience Manhattan’s urban landscape and contemplate its evolution.

Keep up with High Line developments and events at www.thehighline.org.

If you’re planning on visiting New York don’t forget to drop by our Long Weekend guide to the city, as well as what happened when Urban Travel Blog took a street art tour of Brooklyn, or went boozing in Williamsburg.

Feature photo by Jessica Sheridan.