The Hudson River Greenway: New York’s Most Scenic Bike Ride
A picturesque, cultural ride through New York, mapped out for any given afternoon.
Biking is time-efficient, environmentally friendly, and offers a chance to explore pockets of the city you might not otherwise see—plus, you get a workout while you do it. So grab a bike from Soho Grand’s fleet of handsome Brooklyn Bicycle Co. cruisers and make a day of it. There are several local routes, with more than enough stops along the way to turn your ride into a proper day trip. And while you’re at it, you just may discover parts of NYC you haven’t seen before.
Bike Path: Hudson River Greenway
Spanning from Inwood Hill Park to Battery Park, the Hudson River Greenway is also a popular path for walking and running, but with its wide bike lanes, we think it’s best explored by bicycle. The 12.9-mile route runs along the west side of Manhattan—separated from traffic—with beautiful views of the water.
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Start at Inwood:
We recommend starting your bike trip in Inwood. If you’re taking the train, the A will get you all the way to 207 St Station, close to Inwood Hill Park. From there, make your way to the Hudson River Greenway and hop on. This initial leg of the journey takes you through several parks—Fort Washington, Fort Tryon, and Riverside. Fort Tryon Park is worth a stop, with its lush vegetation overlooking the Hudson River. As it’s also home to the Cloisters—a gorgeous medieval museum associated with the Met—the park is doubly worth your time.
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(38 Minutes to) Maman:
After getting your heart rate up, you might be in the mood for a snack to fuel the day. A beloved French café with locations across the city, Maman is just the spot. Their Upper West Side location at 429 Amsterdam features South of France–inspired décor, indoor trees, and a floral ceiling. Beyond the beautiful setting, Maman has earned a reputation as home to one of the city’s best cookies. And if you’re in a more health-conscious mood, the menu has plenty to offer—from smashed avocado tartines to croissant sandwiches. Pretend you’re having coffee in the South of France and try the butterfly pea flower latte while you’re at it.
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(20 Minutes to) Chelsea:
By the time you reach Chelsea, you’ll have clocked at least an hour of riding. Lucky for you, the High Line is the perfect place to stretch your legs. This 1.45-mile elevated linear park offers sweeping views of NYC’s skyline, along with an unexpected abundance of wildflowers and greenery. Originally a rail line that fell out of use in 1980, the High Line was transformed in 2009—and has since become one of the most unique parks in the city.
Once you’ve explored the park, you may want to stay off your bike and check out some nearby galleries. David Zwirner’s two Chelsea locations on 19th and 20th Streets are reliably strong, as are the nearby outposts of Gagosian Gallery.
If your appetite is kicking in after all that biking, strolling, and gallery-hopping, make your way to Chelsea Market for a bite. The range of options is impressive, but you can’t go wrong with some of the city’s best tacos at Los Tacos No. 1 or a classic lobster roll from The Lobster Place.
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(2 Minutes to) Little Island:
Okay, so technically still in Chelsea—but somehow Little Island feels like its own little world. With its winding paths, layered greenery, and sculptural design rising above the water, it’s less a park and more an experience. Opened in 2021 and perched atop a series of tulip-shaped columns, the space unfolds across 2.4 acres, with lookout points, performance spaces, and quiet corners to sit and take it all in. Whether you’re catching a show at the amphitheater or simply pausing above the river, it’s a quick but transportive stop along the ride.
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(1 Minute to) Gansevoort Peninsula:
Another world away in the same neighborhood, Gansevoort Peninsula is where the ride slows all the way down. Manhattan’s closest thing to a beach, this stretch of sand is made for sunbathing—think Adirondack chairs, umbrellas, and long, lazy afternoons facing the water. Opened in 2023, the five-acre space blends boardwalks, open lawns, and a true waterfront edge, with sweeping views of the Hudson and the downtown skyline. You can’t swim here—but that’s not really the point. It’s about laying out, soaking up the sun, and lingering a little longer than planned.
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(8 Minutes to) Grand Banks:
Located aboard the Sherman Zwicker, a historic wooden schooner docked at Pier 25, Grand Banks is the perfect place for a glass of wine at sunset. Inspired by the floating oyster barges that once lined Manhattan’s waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, Grand Banks offers an impressively fresh selection of sustainably harvested oysters, along with small plates and nautical-inspired cocktails. Now that your biking for the day is done, have a couple of drinks and take in the sublime views.
WORDS Hillary Sproul