The High Line is a fascinating 1.45-mile elevated park built on former railway tracks, running from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. Most tourists enter at Gansevoort Street, creating massive bottlenecks.

Enter instead at 14th Street near 10th Avenue — Much shorter lines and you walk south toward less crowded sections. The park is free, open 7am-10pm (11pm summer), but avoid 11am-4pm weekends when it becomes shoulder-to-shoulder.

The southern section has the best Manhattan skyline views and overlooked urban garden installations. Early morning visits around 8am offer the best photo opportunities without crowds.