The Upper West Side of Manhattan offers numerous engaging opportunities perfect for seniors during the colder months. This vibrant neighborhood, known for its cultural richness and community spirit, invites you to explore an array of things to do.
Here's a thoughtfully curated list from 305 West End Assisted Living to explore this January.
What To Do on the Upper West Side in January
1. Explore the American Museum of Natural History
A perennial favorite, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most visited museums worldwide, housing vast collections and exhibits spanning various fields of science, including paleontology, geology, and astronomy.
Upcoming Must-See: During your visit, don’t miss The Secret World of Elephants in the LeFrak Family Gallery through Aug. 2025 (an additional ticket is required for this special exhibit). Be prepared to discover new science about ancient elephants, including mammoths, and also modern species in this special exhibit.
Location: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024
More Details: Cost General admission pricing for NY State residents is $25/adults, $20/senior or student, and $14/child. Members receive free admission.
2. Visit The New York Historical
Formerly The New-York Historical Society, The New York Historical was founded in 1804 and is the oldest museum in New York City, dedicated to preserving and educating visitors about the rich history of the city and country through groundbreaking exhibitions, outstanding collections, and immersive films.
Upcoming Must-See: Set aside an afternoon to explore the current exhibitions, including Pets and the City (through Apr.), Robert Caro’s The Power Broker at 50 (through Feb.), and Fred W. McDarrah: Pride and Protest (through July).
Location: 170 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024
Cost: $24/adults, $19/seniors/educators/active military, $13/students, $6/kids (5-13 years old), and children under 5 are free. Admission is pay-as-you-wish from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays.
3. Enjoy a Show at the Beacon Theatre
Beacon Theatre is a historic landmark theater known for hosting a variety of concerts, comedy shows, and special events. The unique venue recently launched a groundbreaking new audio system called Sphere Immersive Sound that delivers clear and uniform audio to every seat in the house. If you haven’t visited since the new sound system has been installed, book a show with friends so you can test it for yourselves!
Upcoming Must-See: Singer-songwriter David Gray will bring the Past & Present tour to the Beacon Theatre on Jan. 28. He’s a multi-million-selling arena artist who made one of the best-selling British albums of the 21st century. Popular tunes include White Ladder, Sail Away, Babylon, and many more.
Location: 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Cost: Ticket prices vary - see the website for details.
4. Tour Columbia University
Columbia University, the oldest institution of higher education in New York, is famed for its world-renowned medical center, leading research, and diverse student population.
Must-Do: You don’t have to be a student to visit the campus — register for a one-hour guided historical tour to learn about the history, architecture, and sculpture of Columbia. While you’re there, check out the upcoming events schedule for the Miller Theate, which promises unique and innovative music programming.
Location: 213 Low Library, 535 W 116th St, New York, NY 10027
Cost: Free, but registration is required - visit the website for more information.
5. Discover The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
The Cathedral of Saint John is a stunning Episcopal church known for its Gothic Revival architecture and the largest rose window in the United States.
Must-Do: The church welcomes visitors for self-guided and guided tours. The ground floor is accessible via a ramp, with lift access available for a few other areas of the building. However, not all tour spaces are wheelchair accessible. For those interested, virtual visits are available through the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.
Location: 1047 Amsterdam Ave at 112th St, New York, NY 10025
Cost: Timed tickets are required for both self-guided and guided tours: $15/adults, $12/seniors, and $10/students.
6. View a Performance at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center is a world-renowned performing arts complex, home to the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, and several other notable resident organizations. You can find music, theater, dance, film, opera, and more from artists all over the world.
Upcoming Must-See: The Unity Jazz Festival returns on Jan. 10 & 11 with a new line-up of diverse, intergenerational artists headlined by Rachael & Vilray. For those interested in a unique solo performance with beautiful puppetry, check out Wonderful Joe, with shows scheduled for Jan. 7-12. ChamberFest 2025, hosted at The Juilliard School, is another dynamic performance on the calendar for Jan. 14. You can also book tickets for a 75-minute guided tour of the vibrant 16.3-acre campus.
Location: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Cost: Ticket prices vary - see the website for details.
7. Treat Yourself to a Freshly Baked Cookie at Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery has had 30 years to perfect its “decadently crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle” cookie recipe and expand its storefront nationwide, and it shows!
Must-Do: Stop by and indulge in freshly baked cookies made with love by friends and owners Pam and Connie. The bakery also sells loaf cakes, breads, pastries, and more — the perfect way to warm up on a cold, wintry day.
Location: 351 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 and 167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
Cost: Prices vary - view the website for hours and online ordering options.
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