Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans on the Upper West Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans on the Upper West Side
1. Westsider Records
A beloved, floor-to-ceiling trove for vinyl hounds where classical, jazz, Broadway cast albums, and rock share tightly packed bins. Expect the thrill of discovery: promo copies, older pressings, and oddball gems that feel quintessentially Upper West Side.
✓ Why Go:
For out-of-print treasures and well-curated used LPs without leaving the neighborhood—ideal for collectors chasing specific pressings or liner-note history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 11am–2pm for unrushed browsing; Saturday late morning often sees freshly priced arrivals in the bins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tote and ask staff about recent buybacks—they’ll sometimes pull from behind the counter. Inspect surfaces under the shop lights for hairlines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, old-school vibe with knowledgeable staff; selection leans deep and eclectic. Condition can vary, but fans love the hunt.
2. Grand Bazaar NYC
The Upper West Side’s Sunday market doubles as a rotating vinyl fair thanks to vintage dealers who roll in with crates of LPs, 45s, and audio ephemera. It’s part community hangout, part treasure hunt.
✓ Why Go:
Crate-dig a changing lineup of sellers in one place—great for scoring budget finds and unexpected rarities.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sundays at 10am opening for first pick; last hour for friendly bundle deals.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the market’s calendar for vintage- or record-themed days. Bring small bills; many vendors also accept Venmo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively, neighborly energy with genuine bargains; can get crowded midday but worth it for the variety.
3. Barnes & Noble Upper West Side
This spacious neighborhood bookstore keeps a surprisingly robust vinyl section—new releases, audiophile reissues, and color variants—plus music books and magazines to round out the collection.
✓ Why Go:
A reliable nearby source for sealed pressings and reissues when you want new-condition copies at retail.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings for easy browsing; check release-day Fridays for fresh stock.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask if extra copies are behind the counter; join the membership for periodic discounts on vinyl and music books.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Clean, organized, and stress-free; staff happily points collectors to new drops and special editions.
4. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Part museum, part research hub, this Lincoln Center landmark houses one of the world’s great music and recorded-sound collections, with free exhibitions that often spotlight iconic artists, album art, and archival audio.
✓ Why Go:
Dive deeper than the grooves—explore the stories, photos, and recordings behind your favorite records, free of charge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for quieter galleries; check the events calendar for talks and listening sessions.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a photo ID and plan ahead for special-collection requests. Don’t miss the gift shop for music-history reads.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Inspiring and well-curated; visitors praise the knowledgeable staff and thoughtful, rotating exhibits.
5. David Geffen Hall
Home of the New York Philharmonic, the hall’s revitalized acoustics deliver the dynamic range and detail audiophiles chase at home—only live and unamplified.
✓ Why Go:
Experience orchestral power and nuance that reveal new layers in pieces you know from record.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midweek evenings for classic programs; weekend matinees are great if you’re fitting in record shopping beforehand.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for rush or student tickets; arrive early to explore lobby installations and grab a pre-concert espresso.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Elegant and resonant; guests rave about the hall’s warmth and clarity.
6. Alice Tully Hall
A jewel box for chamber music and solo recitals, this venue’s pinpoint acoustics feel like stepping inside a high-end listening room—no turntable needed.
✓ Why Go:
Hear intimate repertoire with pristine detail and soundstage that rivals your best headphones.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening concerts during Chamber Music Society seasons; shoulder-season dates are easier to snag.
✓ Insider Tip:
For balanced sound, aim for center seats mid-orchestra. There’s a convenient café for a quick pre-show bite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Sublime, hushed atmosphere; audiences love the precision and comfort.
7. Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Hall hosts Dizzy’s Club, The Appel Room, and Rose Theater—three world-class jazz spaces with skyline views where legends and rising stars cut sets worthy of the records you collect.
✓ Why Go:
From straight-ahead swing to Latin jazz, it’s the living counterpart to your Blue Note and Impulse! shelves.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late-night sessions Thu–Sat at Dizzy’s Club; prime-time sets sell out—book ahead.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a table with park views at Dizzy’s; check for student/artist rush and keep an eye on residency weeks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Immaculate rooms, tight bands, and unforgettable nights; visitors call it a must for jazz lovers.
8. Beacon Theatre
An art deco icon where rock, jam bands, and singer-songwriters sound lush and live. The room’s storied residencies and live recordings give it near-mythic status among music fans.
✓ Why Go:
Catch legacy acts and modern favorites in a venue that feels like stepping into a classic live LP.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening shows; residencies often run multiple nights—perfect for pairing with daytime crate digging.
✓ Insider Tip:
Merch lines move fastest before doors. For balanced sound, many fans favor front-of-balcony or center orchestra.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Historic, intimate, and great-sounding; audiences love the atmosphere and sightlines.
9. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Candlelit and famously intimate, Smoke delivers hard-swinging sets just north of Columbia. It’s the kind of room where you hear every brushstroke on the snare.
✓ Why Go:
A close-up jazz experience that brings classic records to life—plus solid cocktails and dinner.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late sets on Fri–Sat for peak energy; Sunday brunch if you prefer daylight jazz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve the listening room for best acoustics; arrive early to settle in before downbeat.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for world-class players, cozy ambiance, and attentive sound.
10. Strawberry Fields
The John Lennon memorial just inside Central Park at 72nd Street is a peaceful, music-filled gathering place where buskers often play Beatles tunes by the ‘Imagine’ mosaic.
✓ Why Go:
A meaningful stop for Beatles devotees and vinyl collectors seeking a quiet, communal place to reflect.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for serenity; expect singalongs on Lennon’s birthday (Oct 9) and memorial date (Dec 8).
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter from Central Park West at 72nd Street; keep performances acoustic and be respectful of the setting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Moving and communal; visitors describe a calm oasis with heartfelt music moments.
