West 96 St, Upper West Side

West 96th Street. While the stretch of this street east of Central Park ranges from the Old World elegance of Carnegie Hill to the more laid-back vibes of Spanish Harlem and Yorkville, West 96th Street is more thematically consistent. One of the major crosstown roads of the Upper West Side, West 96th Street is a bustling and at times depressing traffic hub, with crosstown buses, cars, and subway stations all dotting the landscape. Like much of the Upper West Side, the architecture is heavy and nineteenth century, with little of the playful Art Deco look that characterizes much of Midtown. This renders the area - less upscale than elsewhere on the Upper West Side - somewhat village-like in scale, with smaller buildings and brownstones taking the place of high-rises: a viable option for families looking for reasonably prices accomodation. The dining options here tend to be family-owned establishments rather than high-end trendy locations - good on wallets and food quality alike. Try Gennaro on Amsterdam between 92nd and 93rd, or Cafe con Leche between 95th and 96th on Amsterdam. Cafe Frida, two blocks norht, is another good bet.

96th and central park west is yellow cab city. A great place for taking pictures, this is the epitome of the Upper West Side. The streets are surprisingly clean, the real estate is expensive, and the inhabitants are of the New York elite. There are beautiful trees and greenery available in Central Park, providing wonderful views and plenty of spots to clear your head after a long day in the concrete jungle. I like to take a good book and read in this quiet oasis from big city life. I also think it would be a good place for a post-date stroll, to talk, and take a walk in one of the more beautiful parts of the park.

Access to transportation is wonderful on this great shopping block. With several small boutiques and famous chains available, it is a great place for a romp with a friend and any major credit card. The street is always busy, there’s always commotion, and the diverse crowd is a wonderful display of the population of this metropolis. There’s the Key West Diner that make the most wonderful breakfast food, as well as other meals. They’re open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and the pancakes are always hot and make to order! 96th and Broadway is a great place to spend your Saturday.