upper east side travel guide

36 Best Things To Do On The Upper East Side NYC (From A Local)

By Jessie Festa. This post on the best places on the Upper East Side contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for fun things to do on the Upper East Side NYC ?

Then you’re in the right place!

The Upper East Side — often known by locals as the UES — is a Manhattan neighborhood known for its plethora of parks, museums, and beautiful apartments.

You may have seen the UES featured prominently on shows like Gossip Girl , but I’m here to show you there is so much more to the neighborhood than what you’ve seen on TV. Because while the Upper East Side is an incredible place to live, it also shouldn’t be missed by visitors to NYC.

You’ll see why in this in-depth Upper East Side guide.

As a resident of the Upper East Side for over five years, I want to help you discover the best that the neighborhood has to offer.

So, along with sharing recommended experiences in this guide, you’ll learn about the history of the neighborhood as well as logistical information that can help you plan the perfect Upper East Side itinerary !

NYC Upper East Side: Quick Facts

💡 Short on time? Here are my top Upper East Side picks for:

📸 Strike a pose: The Upper East Side is a popular spot for private photo tours and photoshoots — hosted by my company NYC Photo Journeys

🏨 Where To Stay: The Lowell , a gorgeous hotel with a great location; click here for a full list of Upper East Side hotels

🥘 Where To Eat: Siena Cafe offers one of NYC’s best bottomless brunch deals as well as delicious Italian dinners

🍸 Where To Drink: Have a cocktail at Keys & Heels , a sleek and trendy speakeasy

🌳 Must-Visit: Central Park for a stroll, a bike ride , a picnic, a concert, or a Central Park Secrets & Highlights Tour

🖼️ Must-Do: Visit the institutions along Museum Mile, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum — or play the Museum Mile Exploration Game

🥾 Lesser-Known Experience: Go hiking in Manhattan on Randall’s Island, which has numerous picnic spots and a great view of Lower Manhattan from its giant weeping willow (near Field Field #74)

Keep reading for my full guide on things to do in the Upper East Side!

Table of Contents

Free NYC Travel Guide

But first, before I dive into our  Upper East Side neighborhood guide , I invite you to grab a copy of my  NYC Top Picks From A Local Guide . The printable PDF guide takes you beyond the popular attractions to uncover a more local and lesser-known side of New York City.

Just a few highlights from the guide include:

• Where to get creative java drinks and delicious dishes from unique NYC restaurants
• How to discover opportunities for exploring nature in New York City
• Ways to get off-the-beaten-track to discover a side of the city many tourists miss

Note: If you’re thinking “I just want a local to plan my trip to NYC ” I also offer custom travel planning services. Keep in mind, I’m a New Yorker as well as a licensed sightseeing guide, so I can speak to both tourist attractions and lesser-known experiences.

On that note, keep reading to dive into everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to New York’s Upper East Side.

Upper East Side Manhattan Neighborhoods

Let’s kick this Manhattan travel guide off by going over the different Upper East Side neighborhoods.

Yes, you read that right. Manhattan’s Upper East Side is actually a large neighborhood comprised of multiple sub-neighborhoods, including:

• Carnegie Hill

That being said, many people simply refer to the large swathe of land extending from 5th Avenue to the East River and between 59th and 96th streets as the Upper East Side.

This map of the Upper East Side NYC can help give you a lay of the land:

The History Of NYC’s Upper East Side

Looking at the extravagant apartments, cute cafes, and lively bars and restaurants that line 2nd Avenue, it can be hard to remember that before the Dutch came in the 1600s, it was the Lenape that fished and lived on this land.

Afterward, ownership of the land changed hands between the Dutch and British many times, though what was constant was that the current Upper East Side land was used for farming.

That is, until 1837, when a newly erected New York and Harlem Railroad station helped to encourage commercialization, as it became easier for people to travel.

Still a hub today, 86th Street became a main thoroughfare, and eventually became the main artery of Little Germany, or what we now know as Yorkville. We’ll discuss the German heritage of the area as we go over some of the top things to do in the Upper East Side.

Germans weren’t the only immigrants moving to New York City, and the flood of new residents pushed people to leave crowded downtown and built residences uptown.

It was in the early 1900’s that the Upper East Side started to really be seen as an elite neighborhood — so much so that past residents have included the Astors, Rockefellers, Kennedys, Roosevelts, Carnegies, and more.

Today, this wealth can still be seen. Luckily, though, for the typical New Yorker or visitor just wanting to have a good time and relax, there are plenty of Upper East Side attractions to serve you, too.

Upper East Side Crime

According to Area Vibes , at the time of writing the Upper East Side:

• Is safer than 77% of the cities in New York
• Crime rates are 20% lower than the national average
• Violent crimes are 34% lower than the national average

Beyond these stats, I can say that as a UES local for over four years, I feel extremely safe living here and walking around by myself, even at night.

That being said, still use common sense when exploring. Don’t wear headphones after dark, avoid dark streets as much as possible, and consider investing in some travel safety gear like a personal alarm .

What Is Life On The Upper East Side Like?

I always tell my NYC photo tour guests that the New York Upper East Side has two personalities:

There are the opulent mansions and luxury townhouses along Central Park where the cost of living in NYC is at its highest and only the very wealthy can afford to buy homes.

But then, if you walk away from the park toward the East River, you can actually find affordable housing (for Manhattan) and a more laid back middle class atmosphere.

In fact, my friends and I are in our 30s, and most of us have either ended up in the Upper East Side or Astoria, Queens — which are both excellent neighborhoods to live where you can also find decent deals on housing.

In terms of pace, the Upper East Side is way slower and less frantic than Midtown. You’ll likely feel your shoulders automatically relax as you step off the subway here.

There are loads of things to do in the UES, too, though a few highlights are the amount of green space and cultural institutions. I absolutely love the Upper East Side parks, especially Randall’s Island Park. Moreover, while you won’t really find rooftop bars and nightclubs here, there are many delicious restaurants and fun happy hours to enjoy in a beautiful setting.

For these reasons and more, you’ll definitely want to have this neighborhood on your radar when planning a trip to New York City .

Where To Stay On The Upper East Side

There are many great hotels in the Upper East Side, a few of which include The Lowell Hotel , The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel , and The Pierre, A Taj Hotel .

Click here for a full list of Upper East Side hotels !

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals !

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

And if you’re interested in living in a hotel in NYC , there are numerous extended stay hotel options too!

Fun Things To Do On The Upper East Side NYC

Outdoor activities on the upper east side.

One of the things I love most about the Upper East Side is how many parks and waterfront activities there are. Some not-to-miss outdoor UES experiences include the following. Note that many of these experiences are great if you’re traveling in a group as well as if you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC by yourself .

1. Book a private NYC photo tour or influencer shoot

Shameless plug! I own a photo experience company called NYC Photo Journeys that offers private NYC photo tours , professional NYC photo shoots , and private NYC influencer shoots , with the Upper East Side being one of our most popular stops!

For the tours, you pick a route and get a tour led by a certified guide and photographer, leaving with professional photos from the day to keep.

With the photo shoots, we’ll go over exactly what you’re looking for to come up with a concept and locations that bring your vision to life.

Here is a shot from a recent Influencer Shoot:

2. Hike in Manhattan in Central Park

If you’re looking for Upper East Side things to do nearby , you’re never too far from Central Park — which is full of outdoor experiences and attractions. There are plenty of things to do in Central Park.

In fact, it is home to three woodlands, including the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Ramble, and the North Woods. These woodlands offer a taste of the Adirondacks without needing to leave the city and are safe enough for solo female hiking .

For a glimpse into what this is like, check out the below video where I take you on a hike in the North Woods through the Ravine, where you can even see a waterfall:

Of course, there are loads of other activities to enjoy in Central Park, too, like picnicking near Turtle Pond with a view of Belvedere Castle (this is one of the best views in NYC for free !), wandering the Shakespeare Garden to see plants and quotes from Shakespeare’s texts, and enjoying the many free tours and events on the park’s calendar, to name a few.

For a quirky and informative tour, book a foraging experience in Central Park !

3. Relax on the waterfront in Carl Schurz Park

This waterfront park has great picnicking opportunities with many lawns and gardens looking out toward Queens and Roosevelt Island. There is also a paved waterfront promenade where you can walk or relax on a bench with a book and a view across the East River to Rosevelt Island and Queens. This is one of my personal favorite non-tourist things to do in NYC .

Bonus: Carl Schurz Park is where the mayor lives in Gracie Mansion , which offers tours and exhibits — though simply admiring the stately home’s lovely 18th-century architecture is nice, as well.

4. Ride the NYC ferry

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in NYC that are also fun, consider riding the ferry!

It’s only $2.75 per ride, making it like a budget-friendly cruise, especially as the top deck is open air and they sell snacks and drinks onboard — including alcohol.

Just note that according to ferry rules, you should be using the ride for transit only, so choose a destination and enjoy. You can find the East River Ferry Route that serves the Upper East Side here , though you can also connect to other routes for more destination options.

It’s definitely one of the best Upper East Side tourist attractions!

5. Walk the East River Greenway

If you’re not in the mood to sit, the East River Greenway stretches 9.44 miles along the East River — including past Carl Schurz –and is a great place for a lovely walk, run, bike, or skate along the water. It’s also a popular place for locals to fish and hangout with music.

The paved path runs from Lower Manhattan to Harlem, offering views of the East River, Queens, Brooklyn, and numerous iconic NYC bridges along the way. Taking in these vistas is one of the best free things to do on the Upper East Side .

By the way, the UES section of the walk is particularly lovely and connects you to one of my favorite Upper East Side attractions, Randall’s Island. This is actually one of the NYC islands you can visit .

Speaking of which…

6. Picnic on the water on Randall’s Island

This is one of my favorite Upper East Side hidden gems , as despite it being a huge island that’s very visible from Manhattan, Queens, and The Bronx , many locals have never been and aren’t even sure where it is.

From the UES, if you cross over the pedestrian bridge at 103rd Street and head right you’ll walk for about 20 minutes until you come to a weeping willow tree. This is a great picnic spot with a small beach nearby and a view of Lower Manhattan!

Not only that, but it’s also a great spot to go hiking in Manhattan if you want to hit the trails.

Fun fact: I actually got married under this weeping willow:

7. Enjoy the architecture on 62nd

Why is New York City so popular ? One reason is the architecture!

One top location for my NYC photo shoots is the Upper East Side, and one of my favorite streets in this neighborhood is 62nd street, starting in Central Park and walking east. It’s one of the best things to see in Upper East Side NY.

As you stroll, admire the mansions, grand stoops, gorgeous brownstones, and ornate architecture — particularly on the block between Park and Lexington Avenues, where you’ll find gates laced with ivy as well as pastel-colored brownstones.

It’s truly one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC !

This being said, 62nd is hardly the only stunning Upper East Side street.

Higher up, 79th and 72nd are two standout streets. In fact, one of my favorite scenic walks to take my photoshoot guests on is:

• Start at the Met steps
• Walk down 5th Avenue to the Ukrainian Institute of America on 79th, a stunning Gilded-Age mansion
• Head east on 79th to admire other strikingly beautiful buildings before heading south on Madison Avenue
• Stop at Madison and 77th to admire The Mark Hotel, whose elegant restaurant sidewalk setup is perfect for some shots
• Walk down Madison to 72nd to grab a cappuccino at Ralph’s Coffee (part of Ralph Lauren) and admire the gorgeous architecture along the street
• Head into Central Park or continue wandering the Upper East Side for more beautiful buildings

Interested in New York City architectural tours that explore this neighborhood? Check out the Fifth Avenue Gilded Age Mansions Tour , which allows you to really see why Fifth Avenue is often called “Millionaire’s Row.”

You might also consider booking one of the many luxurious limousine tours in NYC to see the skyline and architecture.

Best Places On The Upper East Side For Culture & Entertainment

When it comes to Upper East Side things to do , you have to talk about culture and entertainment. Here are just a few of the many Upper East Side events and experiences to enjoy:

8. See a comedy show at Comic Strip Live

Comic Strip Live is actually where Jerry Seinfeld got his start and where many other famous comedians honed their acts. The venue often has Groupons and deals, and then there is a two-drink minimum. The shows are usually a lot of fun!

Afterward, head across the street to:

9. Pair beer with board games at Hex & Co

Hex & Co features over 1,000 board games, from popular options like Dungeons & Dragons and Settlers of Catan to games you’ve likely never heard of.

Additionally, they serve up craft beer, great cocktails, and tasty bar-style food in a communal setting. This makes it a great Upper East Side bar for those traveling solo , since this feature makes it easy to socialize and make new friends.

10. Explore the Museum Mile (Tours Included!)

Looking for the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC that involve art, culture, and history? Then the Museum Mile is a must as it features numerous different institutions along Fifth Avenue, including the:

• Museum for African Art,
• El Museo del Barrio,
• Museum of the City of New York ,
• The Jewish Museum ,
• Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum,
• National Academy Museum and School,
• Neue Galerie,
• Goethe-Institut New York,
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum ,
• and the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art , which features a permanent collection of over 2 million works dating back to pre-historic times.

Many of these institutions also offer tours, like:

• Twisted Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour: Scandals & Secrets of the Masterpieces
• Highlights of the Met Museum Tour
• Private Guggenheim Museum Walking Tour with Official NYC Guide

Pro tip: If you’re looking for the best New York souvenirs , museum gift shops tend to offer really unique buys.

Additionally, these institutions make for great rainy day NYC activities .

11. See live music at Ethyl’s Food & Alcohol

This 1970s-themed bar and eatery is known for their $5 burgers, live music, and DJs. Ethyl’s Food & Alcohol also has a recurring “Go-Go Get Down” event with music and go-go dancers!

12. Enjoy live music & trivia at Stella & Fly

Not only is Stella & Fly my favorite cafe in the Upper East Side, but at night the laptops go away and the coffee shop turns into a lively wine bar. Check their schedule as they often host events — like trivia, live music, and more.

Bonus: It’s one of the most  Instagrammable cafes in New York City !

13. Dance at Five Mile Stone

Along with a solid comfort food menu that you can enjoy during dining hours, as it gets later you can dance to DJs — like at a club, but in a laid-back restaurant.

Try Five Mile Stone ‘s over 90 whiskeys, sample one of their 24 rotating tap beers, or join them for a weekday happy hour.

If you’re wondering what to do in NYC after midnight , this UES spot is a great pick!

14. Visit Germany in Yorkville

Yorkville, one of the sub-neighborhoods of the Upper East Side running from E. 79th to E. 96th streets, used to be known as Kleindeutschland or Little Germany. In fact, E. 86th — the main thoroughfare of Yorkville — was often called Sauerkraut Boulevard.

While much of this past is no longer visible, there are still a few remnants worth exploring.

First of all, make sure to have a German meal at Heidelberg Restaurant, a family-run eatery dating back to around 1936.

Next door, shop for German delicacies at Schaller & Weber , an old-school German market and butcher shop. Or grab a sausage from their outdoor cart and enjoy it outside in one of the parks mentioned above.

If you like architecture, check out the Italian Renaissance Revival building on the corner of Third Avenue and East 85th street. This stunning landmarked structure was built by German-American architect Robert Maynicke and once housed the Yorkville Bank Building.

Today, it provides a beautiful reminder of the German-American community that was once prominent here.

15. Take a class or see a talk at the 92Y

The 92Y offers loads of interesting programming, from classes to talks to performances and more. Learn design fundamentals and watercolor, discuss the precarity of aging in Shakespeare’s writings, or sweat it out during salsa, just to name a few of many options.

16. Learn pottery at EarthworksNYC

Earthworks NYC is an Upper East Side pottery studio offering classes as well as workshops on topics like glazing, raku, and altering shapes.

Even if you’re not interested in taking classes, their shop sells beautiful pieces that make a way better travel souvenir than a cheesy t-shirt or keychain.

17. See an indie movie at Cinema 123 by Angelika

While Cinema 123 by Angelika shows some new releases, this Upper East Side theater is known for its indie flicks and foreign films not shown in mainstream movie houses.

There is also an onsite cafe serving snacks like popcorn and brownies as well as coffee and soft drinks.

Fun Upper East Side Restaurants

Of course, no Upper East Side blog would be complete without talking about the food! Some of my personal favorite restaurants in this Manhattan neighborhood include:

18. Enjoy a budget-friendly brunch at Siena

While I love Siena ‘s dinner food, I have to shout out their brunch as it’s the best I’ve found in the Upper East Side — especially for the price. At the time of writing, you can get a meal, a side, and unlimited brunch drinks for 90 minutes at $29 per person.

This is truly one of the best boozy brunches in NYC !

19. Pair ramen with cocktails at NR

Have you ever heard of a ramen speakeasy? Neither had I until I visited NR .

Not only is their food delicious, but their craft cocktail menu showcases classic recipes as well as creative concoctions — like the “Tomato” featuring Japanese barley vodka, red tomato, green tomato jam, umami salt, and lemon — all served in vintage glassware.

Eat and sip under chandeliers in a 1920s setting.

If you’re wondering what to do in the Upper East Side and are craving good food, drink, and ambiance, make sure to stop at NR!

20. Savor South African fare at Kaia

Kaia is an ambient South African restaurant and my go-to for a special occasion. The prices are slightly higher than my usual dining spots — but worth it, as the food is delicious and the service is spectacular!

Get the bobotie, Cape Malay spiced beef served with egg custard on top and a side of yellow rice with raisins. Pair with a glass of South Africa’s world famous wine, as the eatery has over 50 options!

21. Dine on rustic dishes at Uva

This rustic Italian eatery features thoughtfully-made meals served in a variety of spaces, like their main dining room, private wine cellar, the year-round backyard patio, and sidewalk seating area.

Uva has an extensive wine list featuring Italian and international favorites. My personal pick is a charcuterie board followed by a homemade pasta dish.

In my opinion, this is one of the best Upper East Side restaurants you can find!

22. Visit Argentina at Libertador

If you’re craving a trip to South America through the palate, Libertador is an Argentinean steakhouse offering high-quality meats and amazing service. There is indoor and outdoor seating options, though if you sit inside you have the pleasure of watching the grillmaster at work.

Also don’t miss their homemade empanadas in flavors like spinach and cheese, beef, and black bean and mozzarella.

Before visiting Libertador, check out their weekly specials. Along with happy hour most days of the week, they currently offer half-off bottles of wine on Mondays and a discounted prix-fixe menu on Mondays and Tuesdays.

23. Go back in time at the Lexington Candy Shop

Despite the name, this tasty eatery is actually an old-school NYC luncheonette!

Dating back to 1925, you’ll enjoy classic burgers, tuna melts, and malted shakes in a nostalgic setting — from the retro 1940 Hamilton Beach mixer used to make sweet treats to a menu that has remained largely unchanged over the years.

Make sure to order an egg cream from their soda fountain for the ultimate authentic New York experience.

Lexington Candy Shop boasts being the oldest family-run luncheonette in New York! It’s also one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in NYC !

24. The Penrose

The Penrose is a local favorite thanks to its thoughtful menu showcasing local ingredients and high-quality drinks. It’s also one of the best Upper East Side date spots!

Sit on their patio while sipping a draft Antigua Old Fashioned — made with El Dorado 12-year Rum, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, housemade coffee bitters, and vanilla. If you’re hungry, you won’t regret the Artichoke & Kale Ricotta Dip or the Broccolini & Burrata Grain Bowl. Yum!

25. Savor all-you-can-eat sushi at Yuka

Yuka is one of the best places in the Upper East Side if you’re craving a budget-friendly all-you-can-eat sushi meal.

For my posse, this is our top choice for a meal out, as for less than $30 you can enjoy heaping plates of classic and creative rolls, sashimi, gyoza, and more.

They do offer a BYOB option, though their drink menu is so cheap that unless there is a specific bottle of wine or beer you’re craving it usually makes sense to go with their house libations.

26. Have a romantic farm-to-table meal at Sfoglia

My husband took me to this Italian eatery for my birthday this year and it was dripping with rustic romance.

At Sfoglia , expect seasonal and local ingredients in dishes like Chicken al Mattone and Pappardelle Bolognese — as well as in their craft cocktails. Moreover, the service is some of the best in the Upper East Side!

While a bit pricier than most of the other restaurants mentioned in this Upper East Side guide, it’s absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a special night out that isn’t wildly expensive.

27. Dine Peruvian at Pio Pio

Hungry? You won’t be for long if you go to Pio Pio , a Peruvian restaurant known for its epic rotisserie chicken. And yes, I said “epic”, because Pio Pio is one of the very few restaurants where I not only order the chicken, but love it.

Recommendation:

If you’re in a group of two or three, order the Matador Combo, which comes with a whole Mama Juanita’s rotisserie chicken, yellow rice, red beans, tostones, salchipapa, and avocado salad for $42 total — plus Pio Pio’s famous green sauce!

Fun Bars On The Upper East Side

While many of the above-mentioned restaurants in the Upper East Side are also excellent bars, here are a few places I recommend when you’re looking for drinks and socializing and not necessarily a meal.

28. Get social at Ryan’s Daughter

Ryan’s Daughter first opened in 1979, and since then has become a true local favorite for a night out at the pub. They also host a number of events — from trivia to performances to tournaments — though there is always a pool table if you want to pair your beer with a game.

Also, as a wheat beer drinker, I appreciate that they serve Paulaner hefeweizen, as so few bars do and it’s my favorite!

This establishment has an interesting history, as the building operated as a local club during Prohibition. From there, it turned into a German-owned watering hole called the Old Stream serving the German residents of Yorkville until the area became largely Irish, which is when it turned into an Irish-owned establishment known as the Minstrel Boy.

29. Have a speakeasy experience at UES

One of the best things to do on the Upper East Side of New York City is have a craft cocktail experience — especially at UES .

For those who love hidden speakeasies, this unassuming ice cream shop is a front for a classy craft cocktail bar. To gain access, ask to see the “storage room”.

Oh, and make sure to order the “Girls Gossip On The East” — a spicy tequila drink served on fire!

30. Tap into your inner beer nerd at City Swiggers

City Swiggers is a beer buff’s heaven with over 8,000 beers in their inventory and hundreds to choose from at any time.

It’s more of a shop with sidewalk seating during the day, but as the sun goes down beer-lovers come here for a brew and good conversation with their fellow beer nerds.

31. Get fancy at Bar Pleiades

Daniel Boulud is one of New York City’s most famous chefs, so I couldn’t create a guide to the Upper East Side without mentioning his chic Bar Pleiades .

Located within the Surrey Hotel, you’ll munch on complimentary salted nuts and olives while sipping seasonal cocktails in an elegant art deco space.

32. Have the ultimate craft beer experience at Pony Bar

If you’re a beer person, Pony Bar is a craft beer bar pouring exclusively American brewed beer — including many options from New York! It’s a great Upper East Side bar for traveling New York State through the palate.

Pair your beer with their famous double-fried wings, loaded fries, nachos, or soft baked pretzels with mustard and pimento cheese.

33. Play and sip at Treadwell Park

If you’re looking for a fun and social outing Treadwell Park is an energetic beer hall featuring 20 rotating craft draft beers and ciders — not to mention beer-laced cocktails and ice cream floats. This Upper East Side bar also features ping pong, pinball, and giant TVs for a fun day out.

34. Get drunk with at a locksmith at Keys & Heels

Funny story:

My husband took me to Keys & Heels for my birthday. I didn’t know what it was, so when he stopped in front of it I truly thought we were making a pitstop at a locksmith, as the facade has signs like “we make keys” and “shoe repair”.

Inside, though, it’s another story, as the unassuming front door opens up into a beautiful dimly lit cocktail den serving up fantastic drinks in a space outfitted with disco balls, hanging plants, tiny table lamps, and fun chandeliers.

If you’re like me and enjoy spicy drinks, opt for a “Pretty Little Psycho” — yum!

Best Desserts On The Upper East Side

One great thing about the Upper East Side is there are loads of places to satisfy your sweet tooth. A few dessert outing options include:

35. Get your cookie fix at Levain Bakery

You can spot a Levain Bakery cookie even without its packaging, as these big cookies have a distinct look and taste. They’re crunchy, yet soft and gooey at the same time.

And no matter which flavor you choose — from the dark chocolate peanut butter chip to the super popular chocolate chip walnut — each one is out of this world (and totally deserving of that cliche!).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Levain Bakery (@levainbakery)

36. Cool down with some Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen actually has locations around NYC, but it’s my absolute favorite ice cream shop so I had to mention it.

They serve both dairy and vegan ice cream. And while you can get classic flavors like chocolate and cookies & cream, you’ll also find atypical options — like an ice cream collab with Kraft Macaroni & Cheese!

What makes their ice cream so good is their dedication to simple, high-quality ingredients. For instance, their Sicilian Pistachio doesn’t feature artificial flavoring, but instead showcases pistachios sourced from Mount Etna in Italy.

New York City Travel Insurance

When visiting NYC — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Upper East Side Of Manhattan FAQ

Now that we’ve gone over what to do on the Upper East Side as well as important tips, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q) What is the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side, or UES, is a neighborhood in upper Manhattan. It is expansive, stretching from East 59th Street north to East 96th Street, and east from 5th Avenue to the East River.

Q) What is considered the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side begins at 59th Street and heads north to East 96th Street. Heading east, it stretches from 5th Avenue – where Central Park is – to the East River.

Q) What is the top Upper East Side must see attraction?

There are many things to see on the Upper East Side, though the top attraction would either be Central Park or The Metropolitan Museum of Art – both of which are well worth a visit!

Q) What is the Upper East Side known for?

The Upper East Side is known for many things, such as Gilded Age mansions along 5th Avenue, top attractions like Central Park and the Museum Mile, and for being one of NYC’s greener neighborhoods with many parks to explore.

Q) What is the East Side of New York?

The East Side refers the side of Manhattan east of 5th Avenue.

Things To Do On The Upper East Side: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are loads of Upper East Side activities and experiences that make this New York neighborhood a must-visit.

Whether you want to spend time in Central Park, peruse world-renowned museums, eat delicious food, play games over cocktails, see a comedy show, go shopping, or something else, you can find it in the UES of NYC.

What are your favorite things to do on the Upper East Side NYC?

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29 Amazing Things To Do in the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is home to some of the wealthiest individuals and families. There are luxury apartments inhabited by the chicest New Yorkers. But, don’t let the glamour scare you. There’s a lot of things to do in the Upper East Side where there are well-kept restaurants, exclusive designer boutiques and some of the best museums are here. This guide will explain some of the best spots to check out.

Table of Contents

Getting to the Upper East Side

Getting to the Upper East Side is pretty easy. There are essentially two train lines that run through the neighborhood. You have the green line and yellow line. The green has the 4 and 5 trains while the yellow has the Q train. The 4 and 5 continue to run north while the Q train stops service at 86th street.

Top 5 Things to do in The Upper East Side

Here are our top 5 things to do in the Upper East Side which is good if you’re limited on time. Later on in the guide, we’ll get to more places and attractions that you can also check out.

• Bethesda Fountain in Central Park   – One of the best things to do in the Upper East Side especially when the weather is nice out is to walk around Central Park. While walking around, make sure to check out the Bethesda Fountain.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)  – Located on Museum Mile in the Upper East Side, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a great place for all ages. The museum is so popular that even the biggest fashion event is held here, The Met Gala. Tourists and tourists alike come here and check out their amazing exhibitions about various subjects such as fashion, ancient Egypt and many more. If you purchase the New York Pass , you’ll be able to get access to the MET and other attractions. Learn more about the New York Pass here .

Papaya King – There’s nothing like New York hot dogs and arguably one of the best is located in the Upper East Side, called Papaya King. This place opened up in 1932 and still running strong. It combines tropical drinks and hot dogs tourists and locals to enjoy.

• Walk by Gracie Mansion – The mansion is the official residence of the New York Mayor. Not all of the mayors have necessarily lived there, but meetings and conferences are usually held at Gracie Mansion.
• Guggenheim Museum   – The Guggenheim Museum is one of the icons in NYC. It has a very distinct architectural look by Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum exhibits contemporary and modern art. If you’d like to learn more, please visit their website here.

Things To Do in the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is home to the chic and the very rich. You can just tell from the architecture of the buildings, the stores and the attractions that this area is very expensive. In addition, there are a lot of activities and events that go on in the Upper East Side. Here are more things to check out.

Food and Drinks in the Upper East Side

A trip to roosevelt island via the tramway.

If you’re on East 59th Street, you will reach the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge or the 59th Street Bridge. On 2nd Ave and 59th Street, you can visit Roosevelt Island and take a  ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway  while enjoying incredible views of Manhattan. The good thing about this is that the ride only costs $2.75 and can be easily paid with one swipe of the Metrocard. Roosevelt Island is an approximately 3km long island is right in between Manhattan and Queens. It’s a great place to walk/bike around as it offers great views of Manhattan.

John Jay Park

If the weather is permitting and it’s a glorious day out, take a walk at John Jay Park in the Upper East Side. This 3.3-acre park is a great place to go to and relax. It’s situated on the East River and the FDR and has a pool, playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, and fitness equipment. (Address: FDR Drive, between E 76th–E 78th St., New York, NY 10021)

 The Art Farm NYC

This is one is for the kids and definitely one of the things to do in the Upper East Side. The Art Farm houses New York’s only indoor petting zoo and offers classes and even hosts birthday parties. It’s a place the whole family can enjoy. They help engage children in learning and being compassionate to every living creature. (Address: 419 E 91st St, New York, NY 10128)

If you want to experience the dive bar/diner atmosphere, then the Subway Inn in the Upper East Side is the place to go. It was named one of the eight most authentic dive bars’s in the USA by the Washington Post. It opened up in 1937 and was frequently visited by celebrities such as Anthony Bourdain, Marilyn Monroe, and Joe DiMaggio. Although it has relocated from its original spot, the Subway Inn is still operating in the Upper East Side at 8504, 1140 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065.

Gossip Girl Tour

Fans of the hit show Gossip Girl will be able to discover many spots because they actually film this series on the Upper East Side. An exciting  guided tour will  take you to the must-see spots on the Upper East Side. Also, just to note, the Gossip Girl Tour is not just something for fans of the series. The tour also shows the main highlights of the area as well.

Shopping in The Upper East Side

The Upper East Side shopping scene can be very expensive. While there are vintage and thrift stores in the neighborhood, the area is generally mainstream already. There are high-end designer stores such as Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana and Kate Spade. People also flock to Barney’s New York on 660 Madison Avenue which is right on the border of Midtown and the Upper East Side. There, shoppers will be able to find designer everything. If you want the latest trends in clothes, then Barney’s is the place to be.

As for thrift and vintage and thrift stores, definitely check out Vintage Twin. They have multiple locations in the city and numerous celebrities and models have shopped from their stores. (Address: 1132 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065)

The Art and Museum Scenes in the Upper East Side

The art and museum scene shines in this neighborhood making it one of the best things to do in the Upper East Side. Most of the major museums in NYC are located here. There’s even a name for this location because all of the museums are located on the same “strip”, which is famously known as “Museum Mile.”

New York’s Famous “Museum Mile”

• Metropolitan Museum of Art – It’s the largest art museum in the United States and is famous for its unique exhibitions and collections. It’s also home to one of the biggest fashion events, The Met Gala. (Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028)
• Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum  – This museum is 1 of 19 Smithsonian Institutions in the United States and is the only museum in the US that is dedicated to historical and contemporary design. Here’s a fun fact for you all – famous fashion designer, Tory Burch has held her fashion shows here for the past few seasons. (Address: 2 E 91st St, New York, NY 10128)
•   El Museo del Barrio  – This museum is also known as El Museo and is NYC’s leading Latino cultural institution. The museum welcomes visitors from all backgrounds so they can learn about the artistic background of Latin and Caribbean cultures. (Address: 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029)
• Museum of the City of New York  – This museum was originally located where the Gracie House currently is. Here, visitors can experience the historical past of New York. Exhibitions include over 750,000 memorabilia, prints, photographs, and artifacts. (Address: 1220 5th Ave & 103rd Street, New York, NY 10029)
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum  – Also known as “The Guggenheim Museum” is an architectural masterpiece and was founded in 1939. There are a total of five Guggenheim museums worldwide, but the oldest one in New York’s Upper East Side building. Because of its circular features, The Guggenheim Museum is without a doubt one of the most famous buildings in the city and one of the most popular modern art museums in Manhattan.
• Neue Galerie  – If you’d like to witness German and Austrian art  Neue Galerie  on the Upper East Side. The collection of the gallery is remarkable. Austrian art of the early 20th century features works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka. German art features work by Paul Klee, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Otto Dix, George Grosz, Lyonel Feininger, and Wassily Kandinsky are just a few of the treasures of the museum.

There are many other museums on “Museum Mile” and definitely one of the best things to do in the Upper East Side. Also, to save money, please take a look at the New York Pass . A lot of the museums are included in this pass.

Hotels in the Upper East Side

• The Bentley Hotel (Address: 500 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065) – Click here to book.
• Hotel Wales (Address: 1295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128) – Click here to book.
• The Mark (25 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075) – Click here to book.
• Lowell Hotel  (28 East 63rd Street, at Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065) – Click here to book.

Living in the Upper East Side

The rich and chic live in this neighborhood. TV series, documentaries, and movies are constantly being filmed in this area. The elderly who have enough money make this area their homes and there are many high-end stores in the neighborhood.

Also today, many stars and important figures still live on the Upper East Side. Martin Scorsese, Michael Bloomberg, Woody Allen, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Caroline Kennedy are some of the public figures who have or had property here. The chance of embracing a celebrity is well known in New York City anyway, but more likely on the Upper East Side.

Neighborhoods that are Near The Upper East Side

Make sure to check out the neighborhoods near The Upper East Side.

Things To Do in the Upper West Side

Things To Do in Harlem

Things To Do in The Bronx

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A Local’s Guide to the 39 Best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Categories New York City

Rewatching all of Gossip Girl  and desperately seeking out some of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC ?

If so then THIS is the super handy post for you! After all, I’ve been living in NYC for well over 30 years and know all the ins and outs of some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, like the Upper East Side .

And the first thing you need to know about the ultra-posh and super-famous Upper East Side? Yeah, it’s generally referred to by locals as the UES.

It’s also filled with a ton of picturesque parks, awe-inspiring museums, and stunning streets that are brimming over with gorgeous, next-level awesome mansions.

A glorious place that you 110% need to visit as you plan the perfect NYC itinerary.

Which is why I’m here as your local, impromptu tour guide.

I’m gonna share all of my insider tips with you and introduce you to some of this neighborhood’s greatest hidden gems, like some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the Upper East Side .

So, get ready to frolic with me through the awesomeness that is the Upper East Side! Because we’re about to learn all about how to get to the Upper East Side, where to stay on the Upper East Side, and all of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

Also, be sure to check out this New York Pass review and see if it’s worth it for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases .

How to get to the Upper East Side NYC

What you may not know about the Upper East Side of NYC is that it’s actually a giant part of Manhattan that sits on the east side of Central Park, hence the name.

Generally speaking, the Upper East Side of NYC is defined as the area that stretches from 5th Avenue all the way to the East River, from 59th Street in the South, all the way to 96th Street in the north – near Harlem.

Now, because the Upper East Side of NYC is so big, it can be broken down into smaller neighborhoods that are known as:

• Carnegie Hill

In general, though, this is one of the best neighborhoods in NYC to travel in since it’s super safe. In fact, at the time of writing this article, it’s said to be:

• Safer than 77% of cities in New York
• Have a crime rate 20% lower than the rest of the USA
• Have a violent crime rate 34% lower than the rest of the USA

So, you can absolutely walk around safely all alone after dark. Just use common sense and you should be totally fine (i.e. avoid super dark streets, don’t wear your headphones at night, be aware of your surroundings, etc.)

And while you can totally spend your time soaking up the next-level opulence of the McMansions on Fifth Avenue – you know, the uber-glam ones overlooking Central Park – you can also venture closer to the East River and find slightly more affordable neighborhoods where real-life locals actually live.

That’s why, if you want to get a taste of what life is really like for locals and want to plan a slightly more affordable Upper East Side itinerary, then definitely head towards the East River and explore more of this beautiful area.

Additionally, you’ll love that life here moves at a much slower pace than in midtown Manhattan. Therefore, take some time exploring all of the best Upper East Side attractions listed here.

Trust me, you can easily get to all of the attractions in this Upper East Side neighborhood guide by taking the 4 or 5 express subway lines or the 6 local lines.

They all run under Lexington Avenue and go all the way uptown, to the Bronx, and all the way downtown, into Brooklyn. Additionally, you can also use the new Q local line, which runs beneath 2nd Avenue and makes all major stops except for the one at 63rd Street and Lex station.

However, many bus lines also service the Upper East Side of NYC too. Some of the major ones that you might want to use include the:

• M1 – This bus runs north on Madison Avenue and goes all the way up to 147th Street and then south on Fifth Avenue to Broadway and SoHo.
• M66 – This is a crosstown bus that will shuttle you through Central Park and in between the Upper East and West Sides of NYC.
• M15 – This bus starts at 126th Street, runs down 1st Avenue, crosses 2nd Avenue and then hits the Upper East Side NYC. It then goes through Midtown and eventually ends at Battery Park, making it a great option if you want to travel downtown.

Where to Stay on the Upper East Side NYC

I’m gonna be real with you, the Upper East Side is a safe but pretty dang fancy neighborhood in NYC (read pricey AF). Therefore, you won’t find a ton of super cheap hotel options when looking for a home base from which to explore some of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

However, if you do a bit of research, you can definitely find some great places to stay. And there are my picks for some of the best hotels on the Upper East Side NYC.

• The Lowell Hotel – This exquisite, 5-star boutique hotel on the Upper East Side sits just one block away from Central Park and is known for refined rooms that feature luxurious things like marble bathrooms, full kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces. Service here is also stellar and guests can enjoy access to a gym, as well as a delightful on-site restaurant that is open throughout the day. They even serve the best afternoon tea in NYC .
• The Carlyle – Just off Madison Avenue is this world-renowned, art-deco-inspired hotel. It’s filled with decadent rooms that include premium amenities like iPod docks, skyline views, full sitting rooms, soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and private patios. There’s also a spa, hair salon, gym, bar, restaurant, and cafe on-site that guests are welcome to use.
• The Pierre, A Taj Hotel – Rounding out this list of some of the best hotels in NYC is this epic accommodation , which has been around since 1930. And with a history like that, you know this place is awesome since it features rooms that include Turkish Marble baths, Bose sound systems, soaking tubs, park-side views, and designer toiletries. There’s also a nice up-scale American restaurant here that serves a stellar afternoon tea if you’re looking for a bit of a splurge.

Best Things to do on the Upper East Side NYC

You’ll be delighted to know that there are absolutely tons of fun things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC, whether you’re visiting NYC alone or traveling with a big family.

Because this extra special NYC neighborhood is absolutely brimming over with gorgeous parks, world-class museums, and awesome waterside activities that everyone will love.

So, check out some of my fave Upper East Side attractions and some of the best things to do on the Upper East Side below.

1. Roosevelt Island Tram

Home to one of the best views in NYC , the Roosevelt Island Tram is a must-do for anyone creating a list of the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC.

Not only will this amazing ride treat you to epic views of the East River and Manhattan, but it’s one of those insanely cheap Upper East Side attractions that will cost you just $2.75 each way or $4 round trip.

So, for a mere swipe of a Metrocard (or tap), you’ll get to experience the glory of Roosevelt Island, a tiny little island in the center of the East River that sits just under the Queensboro Bridge

Simply visit the station at 59th Street and 2md Avenue and take a tram to this lovely hidden gem.

Once there you can explore amazing places like Blackwell House and the North Point Lighthouse, just to name a few.

Local Tip: Lots of people live on Roosevelt Island. So, try to avoid the tram at rush hour since it can get quite crowded.

I also like to go an hour or two before sunset so that I can see the NYC skyline at night and during the day. It’s also one of my fave things to do on the Upper East Side for free .

Housing Works is also nearby and a great place to shop in NYC since this Manhattan thrift shop is epic.

Address: 59th St and 2nd Ave, Tramway Plaza, New York, New York 10022

Hours: Runs every 15 minutes, between 6:00 am and 2:30 am.

How to Get There: Take the 4,5 or 6 train to 59th Street and Lexington Avenue station and walk from there.

Price: $2.75 each way or $4.00 round trip

2. Frick Collection

Easily one of the coolest museums in NYC , the Frick Collection is semi-hidden away on Fifth Avenue’s iconic Museum Mile and features a wealth of stunning, French ceramic ware that is truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

And yes, I’ve been to France multiple times. So, your mind really will be blown if you visit.

So, if you do eventually decide to add this museum to your list of the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC, be sure to check out the basement level before cruising through all of the stunning art galleries that now occupy the beaux-arts style building that was once Henry Clay Frick’s private home.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for a dizzying collection of sculptures, furniture, paintings, and porcelain items that all pay homage to one of the all-time best art collectors of recent history.

You’ll also love that this museum isn’t a stark and soulless collection of bland, white rooms.

Instead, it’s almost as though you’re stepping into Frick’s home to visit him and admire some of the recent work’s that he’s added to his collection – making it feel like you’re popping in to visit a friend for a brief respite from the chaos of the city.

Therefore, check out all of the twelve galleries tucked away here, which feature works from heavy hitters of the art world like Vermeer, El Greco, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt, just to name a few.

Also, be sure to relax on a bench by the serene, centrally located indoor courtyard and fountain that sit at the very heart of the building.

Pro Tip: Currently the museum is on Madison Avenue while they renovate the actual building. No photos are allowed inside and “free hours pay-what-you-wish hours are between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

I highly recommend these hours since the temporary museum is a bit small IMHO.

Address: 1 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021

Price: Tickets are $22 for adults, $17 for. seniors 65+ and disabled visitors, and $12 for students and kids between 10 and 17.

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There; Take the 6 train here, get off at 68th Street Station, and walk to the museum from here.

3. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Oh, look, another world-class museum that made it on this list of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC. Something that is not really all that surprising since the UES is home to the aptly named, Museum Mile.

So, if you’re part of the unofficial museum-loving, nerd herd like me, then deffo add a stop at the Guggenheim to your Upper East Side itinerary.

It’s basically one of the most famous modern art museums in the entire world that sits inside a stunning, modern-art masterpiece that was designed by no less than Frank Lloyd Wright himself.

Yeah, not gonna lie, the central rotunda here is a total show stopper and perfectly compliments the wealth of galleries that feature works from masters like Kandinsky, Picasso, Pollock, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.

And if you want to see the museum like the famous architect intended, start at the top and work your way down the series of ramps here. Afterward, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the ground level or a coffee at Cafe 3 with its lovely views of nearby Central Park.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to use the free audio guide included with admission. And, be sure to visit on Saturdays between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm for “pay what you wish” ticket prices.

Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128

Price : Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for students and seniors 65+ and visitors with disabilities, and free for members/kids 12 and under (Get your tickets in advance now).

Hours: Open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There : Take the 4,5,6 or Q train to 86th street station and walk from there.

4. Go Shopping at Bloomingdale’s

Definitely not for the budget-conscious, a stop at the iconic retail giant is an absolute must for anyone who loves shopping and is looking for the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC.

I mean, it’s not like you actually have to BUY something. You can always just walk around and admire everything since Bloomies (as locals refer to it) is essentially like the MET – except that it’s for anyone in desperate need of a bit of retail therapy.

Plus, after all, this is the iconic flagship store, so there really is a lot of history here.

You can also do well here if you scour the discount racks for designer clothes and shoes from some of the world’s top designers.

And if you’re in desperate need of a snack, you can always stop by the Magnolia Bakery output here and grab some banana pudding (so much better than the cupcakes).

Address: 1000 Third Avenue 59th Street and, Lexington Ave, New York, 10022

Price: Varies but free to look.

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and closes at 7:00 pm on Sundays.

How to Get There; Take the N/R/4/5/6 train to Lex and 59th Street Station and walk from there.

5. Neue Galerie

This criminally underrated art museum is a relatively recent addition to the Upper East Side’s famed Museum Mile and displays a wealth of pieces from iconic, German and Austrian artists from the 20th century.

No, it’s not a big museum. But it is impressive with a second-floor collection dedicated to Austrian artists and a third-floor collection dedicated to German artists.

In particular, the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (otherwise known as the lady in gold) by Gustav Klimt is a true highlight of any visit here since this piece alone is worth a solid $135 million.

However, pieces from Paul Klee, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Egon Schiele are also worth seeing too, especially since they are all housed inside the glamorous William Starr Miller House at the corner of 86th street and 5th avenue.

Local Tip: Stop by Café Sabarsky afterward. They have great Viennese Sachertorte and apple strudel. They also serve some of the best coffee on the Upper East Side .

Address: 1048 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Hours : Open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Price: Tickets are $25 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for students and educators (steep but

How to Get There: Take the 4,5, or 6 train to the 86th Street station and walk from there.

6. Marvel at the Architecture on East 62nd Street

The tremendous popularity of NYC is often attributed to its diverse population, amazing landmarks, and vibrant energy.

However, one of the many intriguing aspects of places like the Upper East Side is the stunning architecture.

In particular, 62nd Street is one of the most picturesque areas in the neighborhood. So, if you would like to explore this spot more, start at Central Park and walk east.

You’ll stand in awe of stunning mansions, exquisite stoops, and awesome brownstones.

This architectural elegance is especially evident on the street between Park and Lexington Avenues, where ivy-laced gates and pastel-hued brownstones are a true delight.

Overall, this is probably one of the most Instagrammable spots in New York City .

7. Explore Carl Schurz Park

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts because this is one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC for you!

Yup, this enchanting little 14.9-acre park sits right on the water and is a great little spot to picnic if you should feel so inclined.

And while you’re here, you can also enjoy impressive views of the East River, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, the Triborough Bridge, Randall’s Island, Wards island, and, of course, Gracie Mansion, and Gracie Mansion.

You know, that giant, historic, 18th-century mansion that the mayor calls home.

Well, Carl Schurz Park is basically attached to the mansion – a fantastic Upper East Side attraction in its own right that offers tours and even has historic exhibits for you to explore.

You’ll also love exploring the well-manicured gardens here and can even walk along a well-paved, waterfront promenade for the full, Upper East Side experience.

Pro Tip: This is the perfect place to bring your pup since there are two awesome dog runs here.

Address: East 86th Street &, East End Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 12:00 am.

Price: Free

How to Get There: Take the Q train to 86th street station and walk to the park from there.

8. The Jewish Museum

Another one of the supremely underrated museums in NYC, the Jewish Museum is tucked away inside a historic French, Gothic-style mansion that was originally built in 1908.

Since then though, the former residence has been converted into a stunning museum that is home to 30,000 different artifacts of Jewish history and culture, including Torahs, paintings, sculptures, Hannukkah lamps, and more.

That being said though, you’ll really only find historic antiquities and art here since this is more of a cultural repository and art museum.

So, no exhibits are here that detail the extensive history of the Jewish community in NYC.

However, temporary exhibits do pop up quite regularly, like concerts, retrospectives from prominent members of the Jewish community, lectures, world-class shows, and the New York Jewish Film Festival (held annually in January).

Pro Tip: Before you leave, head to the basement and sit down at the Russ and Daughters Cafe.

They are known for their amazing bagels and you should 100% order the nova smoked salmon with chive cream cheese on an everything bagel with tomato, onion, and capers.

Yup, you’re welcome since this is easily one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC. The museum is also FREE on Saturdays.

Address:  1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128

Price: $18 for adults, $12 for seniors 65+, $8 for students. and free for children 18 and under.

How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 train to 86th Street Station and walk to the museum from there.

9. Ride a Local Ferry

If you’re looking for cheap and almost FREE things to do in NYC then this is one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC for you!

Believe it or not, there is actually a Soundview route of the NYC Ferry system that departs from East 90th Street and that will take you to Soundview in the Bronx (Clason Point Park specifically) and to Manhattan (East 34th Street and Wall Street to be precise).

Plus, this ferry costs just $2.75 per ride (so the swipe of a Metrocard). And, because it’s a Hornblower Ferry, there’s an open-air top deck that sells snacks as well as alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages.

Just be aware that this ferry is for transit only and not a glorified pleasure cruise. So, pick a final destination, and be sure to get off once you reach that stop.

Address: E. 90th Street and F.D.R. Drive, Manhattan, NY 10128

Hours: Ferries run daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and depart every 45 minutes. It will take about half an hour to get from 90th Street to Pier 11 and Wall Street.

Price: $2.75 per ride.

How to Get There: Take the W train to 86th Street and then walk 15 minutes to the ferry terminal from there.

10. Enjoy Some board games at Hex and Co.

Easily one of the coolest things to do in New York City , Hex and Co. is a unique cafe on the Upper East Side that is home to an impressive collection of over 1,000 board games.

Ranging from crowd favorites like Dungeons & Dragons and Settlers of Catan to lesser-known gems, there’s a game for everyone.

But, the fun doesn’t stop at board games. Hex & Co. also serves up craft beer and delightful cocktails, complemented by a selection of tasty bar-style food.

The social and communal setting of Hex & Co. makes it an ideal spot for solo travelers in NYC who want to socialize and forge new friendships.

This combination of entertainment, food, drinks, and company truly sets Hex & Co apart as a must-visit destination on the Upper East Side.

Local Tip: I have ordered milk and cookies as well as the Eggwich. Both were good and I would absolutely order them again.

Address: 1462 1st Ave., New York, NY 10075

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Price: Starts at $10.00 per person to play games.

How to Get There: Take the 4/6 to 77nd Street and Walk from there.

11. Cooper Hewitt Design Museum

Oh how I love the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, let me count the ways. But seriously, this place is awesome and easily one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

Not only does this Smithsonian-affiliated institution lack the intense crowds of nearby icons like the Guggenheim and the MET, but there are some seriously cool exhibits here that are truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen and/or experienced before.

So, step inside and enjoy a wealth of interactive installations that look at the amazing ways that modern design enhances people’s lives and makes the world an inherently better place to live.

This is a place that anyone who traditionally hates museums will enjoy since the installations are super quirky and include neat things like furry walls you can touch, scratch and sniff walls, etc.

Yeah, this place is less like a museum than it is a very adult version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

However, as you might expect, many of the exhibitions here are temporary and routinely rotate in and out of the museum. So, deffo visit their website for all the latest info.

And while I wouldn’t buy anything from the over-priced gift shop, save some time to look around since there is some cool stuff inside like kitchenware, home textiles, clothing, stationery, etc.

Pro Tip: They have pay-what-you-wish hours everyday between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. So, this is a great time to visit.

Address: 2 E 91st St, New York, NY

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended hours on Tuesdays.

Price: Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for visitors with disabilities, $12 for seniors over 62, $9 for students, and free for children under 18.

How to Get There: Take the 4/5 to the 86th street station and walk from there.

12. Grab a Cookie at LeVain Bakery

If you only have time to visit one bakery while in NYC, then let this be it.

Because LeVain Bakery is as good as everyone says and is one of the very few places I’ve been to that lives up to all the hype all one of the best desserts NYC has to offer.

Because, no joke, this place definitely serves up one of the best cookies that I’ve ever had. Period. And that says a lot coming from someone who is as addicted to cookies as I am.

And that’s mostly because they’re huge AF (so they’re good for sharing since they’re 6 ounces) chocolate chip walnut cookies that are crispy on the outside but ooey and gooey on the inside – making them the best cookie in the city IMHO.

Although LeVain Bakery now has locations all across the city, their store on the UES is something special and one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

This place is popular though so do expect a line, although it generally moves pretty quickly. You can also choose between flavors like dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, and oatmeal raisin, but the chocolate chip walnut cookies are my personal fave. . Pro Tip: Stop by later in the day when the line isn’t quite as long since they bake cookies all day long and won’t run out. Other great bakeries in the area are:

• Magnolia Bakery
• Lady M Cake Boutique
• Two Little Red Hens – great pies
• Le Maison du Chocolat Madison

Address: 1484 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Price: $4.00 per cookie.

How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 to 86th Street station and walk from there.

13. Catch a Show at Ethyl’s Food and Alcohol

Easily one of the coolest bars in NYC , Ethyl’s Food and Alcohol is a great place to go if you’re looking for unique things to do in New York City at night .

See, Ethyl’s Food & Alcohol is a 1970s-themed bar and eatery that ushers you into the vibrant spirit of the past.

Famous for their affordable $5 burgers, they’ve managed to capture the heart of every food-lover who walks through their doors.

The live music and DJs also set the tone for an unforgettable night out, reverberating the lively energy of the 70s throughout the establishment.

But the true highlight of Ethyl’s is their recurring “Go-Go Get Down” event.

With pulsating music and charismatic go-go dancers taking center stage, this Upper East Side event is a beloved neighborhood staple that embodies the groovy ethos of bygone eras.

Local Tip: Last time I went they had a killer DJ and Burlesque dancers on stage. So much fun! I also ordered the wings, fries, and spicy Margarita. All were great.

That being said, this place does get packed on the weekend and the drinks are strong. So, pace yourself.

Address: 1629 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, Thursday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am, and Friday/Saturday from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.

Price: Varies

How to Get There: Take the N/Q/R to 86th Street and walk from there.

14. Check out Albertine Bookstore

Whenever I visit the MET I always drop into this next-level stunning bookstore on Fifth Avenue since it’s basically right across the street.

I mean, not only is part of the second-floor ceiling covered with blue and gold constellations and stars (a la Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night).

But, the entranceway here more closely resembles a palace than it does a bookstore (You have to walk through a metal detector to get inside. Need I say more?).

Something that sounds about right since this building was once home to the Cultural Services sector of the US-French Embassy.

And now? Well, it’s a fly like a G-6 French/American bookstore on Fifth Avenue that is easily one of the best bookstores in NYC and one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

That’s also why all of the books you’ll find here are either in French or connected to this stunning European country in some way. . However. there are plenty of books in English here too if you’re a diehard, fluent French-speaking francophile. So, feel free to do super fun things like buy French travel memoirs and read French literature translated into English while you’re here.

If you’re lucky, you can even attend one of their many special events, which are usually related to French books and culture.

Address: 972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Free, unless you want to buy a book.

How to Get There: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street Station or 77th Street Station and walk to the store from there.

15. Central Park

No trip to the UES would ever be complete without a stop at NYC’s one and only, Central Park.

Easily one of the best parks in New York City , Central Park is a stunning, 843-acre park that is home to some of the very best things to do on the Upper East Side.

There are a ton of fun Upper East Side attractions here that you need to add to your Upper East Side itinerary.

And while you could easily spend several days here. highlights include:

• The Balto Statue – around E. 67th street
• Central Park Zoo – around E. 64th street
• The Mall and Literary Walk
• Belvedere Castle and The Obellisk- Right behind The MET. You can picnic here near Turtle Pond and admire the castle in the background.
• Bethesda Fountain/Terrace – Great photo opp around E. 72nd Street
• The Alice in Wonderland Statue – Near E. 75th Street
• Untermeyer Fountain/Huddlestone Arch – near E. 106th street
• Charles A Dana Discovery Center – at E. 110th street
• Shakespeare Garden – On 79th street. right near Belvedere Castle and showcases plants references by the famous author.

Plus, Central Park is home to no less than three different woodland areas (Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Ramble, and the North Woods) that allow you to get your upstate New York fix right here in NYC.

The Central Park Conservancy also offers amazing themed tours of the park – most of which are free or under $15 per person – that include guided walks centered around art, wildlife, and various kid-approved topics.

Address: Central Park, New York, NY

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 68th Street and Hunter College of the 4/5 train to 86th Street station and walk to the park from there.

16. Do a Bit of Trivia at Stella and Fly

Stella & Fly is not just another cafe on the Upper East Side. During the day, it’s a haven for coffee lovers and remote workers with their laptops.

But by night, the laptops are packed away, giving way to a vibrant, lively wine bar.

What adds to its charm is the plethora of events this shop hosts, like trivia nights, live music, and more.

Be sure to check their schedule for these engaging events. And for all you Instagram enthusiasts out there, this is a bonus — Stella & Fly is unequivocally one of the cutest cafes in New York City .

I like to stop by on Mondays at 8:00 pm for trivia. You can order a dirty coffee/grilled cheese, and get the chance to win free shots or a bottle of wine to take home.

This place also has solid happy hour deals and you can save some money on a nice charcuterie board.

Address: 1705 1st Ave., New York, NY 10128

Hours: Open Sunday through Wednesday from 7:00 am to 1:00 am, Thursday from 7:00 am to 2:00 am, and Friday/Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 am.

Price: Cocktails start at around $13.00 each.

17. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hands down one of the best museums in the entire world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art – or The MET as locals refer to it – is the one place you should go if you can only do one thing on this list.

Founded more than 150 years ago, the museum now contains a massive collection of more than two million pieces of art that span an insane, 5,000 years of history and that occupy more than 17-acres of prime, NYC real estate.

Therefore, you really and truly can see everything here, including armor that belonged to Henry VIII, the oldest piano in history, Washington Crossing the Delaware, and more.

And although you could easily spend multiple days in this one museum, collection highlights include:

• 1st floor Egyptian Collection – The Temple of Dendur is a real highlight.
• Arms and Armor – Love the 18th century samurai swords from Japan.
• Islamic Art – Iranian mosaics, gold containers from Goa, the Astrolabe of ‘Umar ibn Yusuf ibn ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Rasul al-Muzaffari, and more.
• Near Eastern Art – Assyrian stone reliefs, cuneiform tablets, Iranian pottery, lamassu) statues, etc.
• 2nd Floor European Paintings – Duccio di Buoninsegna Madonna, Juan de Pareja portrait painted by Velázquez, Mäda Primavesi by Gustav Klimpt, etc.
• Asian Art – Ming-era vases, kimonos embroidered with scenes from The Tale of Genji, Korean Buddhist sutras, Indian crowns, etc.
• American Wing – Tsimshian headdresses, Victorian portraits, Federal-style furniture, etc.

Pro Tip: To avoid long waits, be sure to pre-book your skip-the-line ticket to the MET before you visit. If you have time, also visit the Cloisters while you’re here. And for more tips, read my insider’s guide to the MET now .

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York (Between East 80th and East 84th Street),

Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Price: Pay what you wish for NJ, NY, and PA residents with a valid ID. Otherwise, $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for students, and free for children under 12.

How to Get There: Take the 4,5, or 6 train to the 86th Street station and walk from here.

18. Gracie Mansion

Known as the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, Gracie Manson is a gorgeous, Federal-style home that was originally built in 1799 as the private home of a merchant by the name of Archibald Gracie – guess we now know why it’s called Gracie Mansion.

However, since ye olde 1942, the mayors of NYC have all lived here, except Mike Bloomberg who preferred to stay inside his swank, Upper East Side apartment.

And, believe it or not, you can actually visit the inside of this home, making this one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side. It’s basically a one-hour, docent-led tour that details the history of this unique place.

However, tours are only offered one day a week (even less frequently during the holidays) and you must make a reservation online, in advance.

You can also see exciting exhibits like “New York 1942”, “New Yorkers at Work and Play”, “She Persists: A Century of Women Artists in NY”, and “Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York”.

And afterward, check out another item on this list, Carl Schurz Park, which is basically the 11-acre grounds that surround this home and that sit right on the river.

Please Note: Tours of the mansion are currently virtual and conducted through Zoom only.

Address: E 88th St. & East End Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: One-hour public tours are held once a month at 5:30 pm on a Thursday. Group tours are also held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:30 pm, on select Thursdays at 5:30 pm, and on Fridays at 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

19. Explore the East River Greenway

If you’re either not a fan of museums or really just want to get outside to experience all the botanical bliss that NYC has to offer then this is one of the best free things to do on the Upper East Side NYC for you.

After all, the East River Greenway is an enchanting place that stretches out for 9.44 miles along the East River, from Battery Park in the south all the way to 125th street in Harlem.

Also, because of the United Nations, there is a 1.2 mile-long gap between 34th Street and 60th Street where First and Second Avenues are needed to get around the United Nations.

And because the East River Greenway is long, it’s actually divided into two sections: Battery Park to East 34th Street and East 34th Street to East 125th Street.

Personally, I think the latter is better since it’s less crowded, brings you through Carl Schurz Park, and is an area that is mostly frequented by locals. Therefore, you’ll see tons of residents jogging, listening to music, fishing, hanging out, biking, and running by the water.

You’ll also marvel at the beautiful views of Roosevelt Island and its lighthouse, Randall’s Island, the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, and the Willis Avenue Bridge.

In particular, the portion that snakes through the UES is exceptionally lovely and will take you to the one and only, Randall’s Island (it’s usually under construction through).

Address: 304 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065

Hours: All day, every day.

How to Get There: Take the N/R train to the Lex/59th street station and walk to the park from there . 

20. Visit Randall’s Island

One of many Upper East Side hidden gems, Randall’s Island is a 516-acre island that is separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River and from Queens by the East River and Hell Gate.

Truth be told, it’s a really beautiful place that is home to Randall’s Island Park – a veritable oasis of greenery where you can run, hike, bike and walk to your heart’s content as you explore the area’s many woodlands and gardens along the East/Harlem Rivers.

There are also tons of waterside pathways from which you can admire Manhattan and six different bridges that connect Randall’s Island to various boroughs.

Additionally, there are several art installations on display here that you can visit, including two sculptures by artist Rubem Robierb; Peace Makers and Dream Machine II.

So, if you’d like to check it out for yourself, use the pedestrian bridge at 103rd street and then turn right. Continue until you hit a large green area where you can picnic, relax by a small beach, and admire sweeping panoramas of Lower Manhattan.

Pro Tip: Be super careful since this bridge is typically under construction.

Address: 20 Randalls Island Park, New York, NY 10035

Hours: Open daily from 5:00 am to 12:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the 4 train to 125th street and then hop on the M35 bus and take that to Main Roadway/Icahn Stadium.

21. Dance the Night Away at Five Mile Stone

Five Mile Stone is the perfect destination for those looking for some late-night fun in NYC .

They serve a variety of delicious comfort foods and have a club atmosphere that anyone visiting NYC will love.

I also love the comfy, frontier-chic vibe of this place. The last time I went here I got the tuna poke bowl and it was next-level. The sauce was amazing and they give you a ton of tuna.

Now, this relaxed atmosphere transitions into a vibrant dance floor in the evening where people can cut loose.

They also offer an extensive selection of 90+ whiskeys and 24+ rotating beers on tap, providing an experience unlike any other on the Upper East Side of NYC.

Local Tip: If you’re a backpacker in NYC then you can save some money by checking out their epic happy hour deals during the week.

Address: 1640 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, except on weekends when they open at 10:00 am.

Price: Cocktails are $15.00 each.

22. Enjoy a Scoop of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Definitely, one of the best ice cream shops in NYC, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is an artisanal ice cream shop that is known for using fresh, simple, high-quality ingredients.

As a result, they create nothing but the most exciting and innovative flavors possible.

I mean, they have a Kraft Macaroni and Cheese flavor, need I say more?

But if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, you can always opt for either the Earl Grey or the Salted Caramel – my fave out of their 32+ flavors.

And while they do have outposts all across the city. I like the green exterior and chill vibe of their store on the Upper East Side (it’s also right near LeVain Bakery).

Added bonus? They serve both dairy and non-dairy ice cream varieties that are made with either cashew milk or oat milk.

Therefore, if you have a sweet tooth of even the smallest measure then a trip to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is easily one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

Pro Tip : For a more “adult” ice cream experience head to UES. It looks like a regular neighborhood ice cream shop but if you ask to visit the “storage room” you’ll get taken to a secret speakeasy bar that serves ice cream-themed cocktails with fun names like “Gossip Girl on the East” and “Absolutely Bradshaw.”

Address: 1625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.

Price: $10.00

How to Get There: Take the Q/W to 86th Street station and walk to the store from there.

23. Visit Germany without Leaving the Upper East Side

Yorkville is a compact neighborhood on the Upper East Side that extends from E. 79th Street to E. 96th Street.

It’s a place with a rich German history since it was once known as Kleindeutschland or Little Germany.

In fact, the main street through the area, E. 86th, is commonly known as Sauerkraut Boulevard.

Sadly, much of this German heritage has faded over time. But a few remnants remain and make for one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC.

So, stop by Heidelberg Restaurant for some epic German fare. This family-operated establishment dates back to 1936 and offers traditional German meals that everyone will enjoy.

You’ll also find Schaller & Weber nearby. It’s a classic German market and butcher shop where you can grab some sausage and picnic in a nearby park.

Finally, stop at the intersection of Third Avenue and East 85th Street. This is where you’ll find an Italian Renaissance Revival building that was designed by German-American architect Robert Maynicke.

24. Lexington Candy Shop

Hidden away on the corner of Lex and 83rd Street is the aptly named, Lexington Candy Shop.

It’s a thin slice of vintage nirvana that serves up some well-priced, totally delicious food that you and your brother’s sister’s cousin will love.

After all, they’ve been in business since 1925 and are now considered to be the oldest, family-run luncheonette in NYC.

And while this city has changed quite a bit since it first opened, the menu and decor here sure hasn’t.

So, be sure to stop by and order a New York-style egg cream (we liked the vanilla and chocolate) with banana nut French toast, a bacon egg and cheese, and some strawberry pancakes.

I also love that breakfast is served here all day long. Something that is awesome for an anti-morning person like me who hates getting up first thing in the AM.

Pro Tip: This place is amazing and one of my favorite brunch spots in NYC . I cannot say enough good things about the egg cream and the banana nut French toast.

Address: 1226 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Dishes start at around $14.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street Station and walk to the shop from here.

25. Make Some Pottery at Earthworks Pottery

Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, Earthworks Pottery is an incredible pottery studio and retail store.

They offer a diverse array of classes and workshops that give you the chance to master the fine art of pottery making.

You can even try your hand at things like glazing, raku, and altering shapes.

For those who prefer to admire the craft rather than partake in it, Earthworks NYC also has a shop with exquisite pottery for sale.

These unique, handcrafted items serve as a far more meaningful and aesthetic New York City souvenir than your typical keychain or t-shirt.

Hours: Varies but they are closed on Mondays.

Price: Classes are around $420.00 for six weeks.

26. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at King’s Carriage House

Pinkies up homies because I’m about to introduce you to one of the best afternoon teas in NYC.

And trust me, you won’t have to shell out a small fortune for mediocre service and tepid tea at this amazing place on the Upper East Side.

Because this Upper East Side hidden gem is none other than King’s Carriage House and they are known for delicious but exceptionally well-priced, classic, three-tiered tea service.

So, step inside this old-world eatery, admire the chandeliers and vintage decor of this historic townhouse and enjoy afternoon tea packages that start at $29.95 per person.

Services that feature things like sesame chicken salad, goat cheese tartlets, fresh scones with jam/clotted cream, raspberry ginger tartlets, apricot coconut tea cakes, lemon curd squares, and, of course, a wide selection of premium teas!

Pro Tip: Another popular place for afternoon tea on the Upper East Side is Alice’s Tea Cup.

As the name suggests, this tea house features Alice in Wonderland inspired decor that appeals to children.

And while everything here is pretty reasonably priced, I thought the food was kind of meh. It’s also pretty popular so definitely prepare for a wait.

Address: 251 E 82nd St, New York, NY 10028

Price: Starts at $29.95 per person for afternoon tea. Although, they do have a great High Tea service for $39.95 per person that includes things like truffled grilled cheese (so good).

Hours: Open Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Q to 57th Street Station or the 4/5/6 train to 86th Street Station and walk from there.

27. The Grollier Club

Known for being the oldest club for bibliophiles in the USA, the Grollier Club is home to a wealth of fascinating exhibits on books and graphic arts that the nerdiest and most well-read among us will love.

See, this institution was originally founded in 1884 and was designed to pay homage to the artistry of books and bookmaking.

And although this private organization has been around since 1884, they’ve only been at its current digs since 1917.

So, if you want to step inside and see one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side for yourself, then feel free to attend one of their many public events, which include things like literary-inclined exhibits that detail the artistic nature of books.

Additionally, their on-site exhibition hall was recently renovated in 2018 and now has primo storage facilities that allow the club to show off some of the rarest books from their 100,000+ volume collection.

Address: 47 East 60th Street, New York, New York, 10065

Price: free

Hours: The exhibition hall is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the N/R train to Fifth Avenue or the 6 train to 59th and Lex and walk to the club from there.

28. Grab a Burger at J.G. Melon

This fine purveyor of meaty goodness has been around since 1972 and is known for serving up some next-level, super-juicy burgers.

So, if you decide to give this place a try while checking out all of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC, then make sure to order a burger, cottage fries, and a wickedly wonderful bloody mary.

Trust me, these are some of the best burgers in town since they come out supremely juicy on the inside and are served with red onions, pickles, and an assortment of amazing sauces on the side.

Yeah, this place is nothing fancy but it’s got an old-world, yesteryear charm about it that is very inviting.

Heck, there’s even an old-school jukebox, a vintage cash register, and an outdoor dining area that you can use throughout the warmer months.

Just come prepared since they are cash only, don’t accept reservations (there will be a line), and have a “preppy” dress code.

Address: 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021

Price: A cheeseburger here is a reasonable $13.00.

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 3:00 am and on Sundays from 11:30 am to 1:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the Q train to 72nd Street station or the 6 train to 77th Street station and walk to the. restaurant from there.

29. Park Avenue Armory

This gem of a cultural institution on the Upper East Side sits inside the Seventh Regiment Armory, a historic National Guard Armory that was first built in 1880.

Made of brick and using the Gothic-Revival designs of Charles Clinton, this structure now serves as a non-profit, fly AF venue for the arts that hosts a variety of different plays, interactive art shows recitals, and concerts.

So, if you’re looking for one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC that is a real hidden gem, then this is the place for you.

However, if you can’t attend an actual performance here then you can always opt for a guided tour of this historic place instead!

Knowledgable guides will spend 75 minutes with you exploring the enormous Drill Hall, the vast interiors, the stunning Board of Officers Room, and the Veterans Room.

Two rooms on the second floor have also been fully refurbished with Herzog & de Meuron designs – with opulent period decor that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the complex military and social history of this local landmark and get in-depth info about the entire restoration process.

Address: 643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065

Price: Tickets must be purchased in advance and tours are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students/military, and free for members.

Hours: Tours are offered Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: You can take the 6 train at 68th Street/Hunter College or the F/Q trains at 63rd Street and Lex and walk from there.

30. Shop Til You Drop on Madison Avenue

If you’re a diehard fashionista and want to live out all of your Sex and the City/ Gossip Girl fantasies for real, then mosey on over to Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side.

It’s basically an uber-swank avenue where you can find duds from all the super-high-end retailers that the cool kids crave.

Especially the rich AF locals who skip the crowds of Fifth Avenue and opt for infinitely quieter, Madison Avenue instead.

Trust me, you’ll find tons of iconic stores here like Chanel, Celine, and Louboutin. Places where you can shop until you drop if you have a small offshore bank account to call your own.

Otherwise, you can always try slightly more reasonably priced, upscale stores like Theory, Intermix, and J. Crew that are geared more toward regular people like me.

So what are you waiting for? Shop like all the uber-cool locals and try one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side.

31. Enjoy a Show at 59E59

If you want an epic theatrical experience but don’t have quite enough cash to see a Broadway show – or are just awesome and want to support a small, local theater – then try 59E59 on the Upper East Side of NYC.

It’s a relatively unknown, award-winning theater that has been around since 2004 and that treats patrons to totally unique, American and international, off-broadway productions.

This is also a non-for-profit theater so the goal here is really to support emerging theater companies and give them exposure to the greater New York City community.

Also, even though this is an off-broadway show, the performances are still really good and extremely well-done and a whole hell of a lot cheaper than Broadway.

Because remember, off-Broadway just means the performance is in a smaller theater and not that it’s of any lower quality.

And added bonus? They actually run three different, enabling you to see a ton of different, super cool performances all week long.

Address: 59 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022

Hours: The ticket office is open from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily.

Price: Varies but way less than anything on Broadway.

How to Get There:  Take the 4/5/6 train to 59th and Lex and walk from there.

32. Visit The Explorers Club Headquarters

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and check out one of the many super cool, totally off-beat things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC.

Because the ever-awesome Explorers Club was first started in 1904 and eventually came to this super snazzy building on East 70th street in 1965.

A place that just happens to be a Jacobean Revival Mansion from 1910 (feel free to be duly impressed).

So, if you get a chance to step inside you’ll discover turn-of-the-century stained glass windows, heavy wooden doors, and an enormous polar bear named Percy waiting to greet you on the second floor.

Yeah, apparently the club was formed by seven polar explorers who wanted to encourage others to participate in scientific exploration all across the globe.

Anyway, visitors will enjoy seeing cases filled with all sorts of exploration-related artifacts.

Highlights are a globe used by Thor Heyerdahl, a sled from an expedition to the North Pole in 1909 (in the Clark Room), and a “yeti scalp” (in the Gallery on the top floor).

If you have time, you could also check out the library and stop by the research archives with its 13,000+ books, maps, films, etc.

Address: 46 E 70th Street, New York, New York, 10021

Hours: The club is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with docent-led tours conducted on Mondays during the public lecture.

Price: 

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 68th street station and walk from there.

33. Have a drink at the Penrose

If you’re looking to get your drinky drank on in the UES then run, don’t walk, to The Penrose.

Believe it or not, it’s actually named after the neighborhood that the owners grew up in when they were in Cork, Ireland, and has an indie, chic vibe about that means It’s always crowded.

And for good reason since this is one of the only bars in the area where you can grab a good craft cocktail and chat your neighbor up.

So, expect to find reclaimed wood interiors, craft pours, upscale pub grub, old-world wallpaper, and a fairly extensive beer/whiskey/old-school cocktail list.

Just be prepared though since it’s usually packed with people on the weekends, making decent seats hard to come by.

And if you’re not sure what to get, try the pickle martinis (epic but they make a good old-fashioned too), fries, Brussel sprouts, artichoke ricotta dip, and mac and cheese.

Pro Tip : If you really like beer then the Pony Bar will be one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side for you!

They serve exclusively American craft beers at their fifty-person bar and also have some great double-fried wings, loaded fries, and soft baked pretzels to go with your drinks.

Address: 1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 2:00 am.

Price: Cocktails start at $14 each while beers start at around $9 each.

How to Get There: Take the Q train to 86th street station and walk from there.

34. Enjoy an Authentic Italian Meal at Via Quadronno

Looking for amazing Italian food but don’t really want to schlep all the way to Arthur Avenue or Little Italy?

If so then give Via Quadronno a try since a trip here is easily one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC.

It’s a charming little, old-world-style Italian bistro that serves up delicious paninis, pastries, and cappuccinos.

It’s also conveniently located near the Frick Collection. So, you could easily stop by after a trip to one of the best museums in NYC.

And while their entire menu is pretty awesome, I’m partial to the prosciutto mozzarella tomato and olive paste panini.

Just do yourself a favor and leave room for dessert since the Tiramisu here is off the charts good.

Service is also top-notch and outdoor dining is available inside one of many Upper East Side attractions .

Address: 25 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, except on the weekends when they open at 9:00 am.

Price: Dinner entrees start at $25 each.

How to Get There: Take the 5/6 train to 77th Street station and then walk from there.

35. See a Comedy Show at Comedy Strip Live

If you, like the rest of the world right now, are in desperate need of a good laugh, then run, don’t walk, to Comedy Strip Live.

In fact, they’ve been around since 1975 and regularly host sets from comedy greats like Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, and Eddie Murphy.

So, check out one of many top Upper East Side attractions and do nifty things like:

• Take a comedy class
• See Glady’s Open Mic – a forum where developing comedians can get stage time
• Watch New Talent Show – $22 cover and 2 drink minimum

Pro Tip: Please note that this is one of the best things to do in NYC that has a two-drink minimum.

However, the good news about this place is that you even get usually get great deals on tickets from Groupon.

And then after the show, you can head over to Jack & Fanny’s bar for an Aperol Spritz and a game of bocce.

Address: 1568 Second Ave New York, New York 10028

Hours: They typically have shows most nights of the week but check their website for exact times.

Price: Tickets start at $20 per person.

How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 train to 86th Street station and walk from there.

36. Sip on a Cocktail at Bemelmans Bar

Easily one of my favorite Upper East Side attractions, this iconic bar is the place to go if you want to get extra fancy and sip on an artisanal drink with your pinkie up.

After all, Bemelmans Bar is an intimate cocktail lounge/piano bar in the luxurious Carlyle Hotel . It’s also a place that will instantly transport you back to the 1950s/1960s with its stunning, Madeleine-inspired decor.

Trust me, the aesthetic here makes a whole lot more sense once you realize that this bar was initially opened in 1947 and named for the creator of the Madeline series of children’s books, Ludwig Bemelmans.

Since then, this bar has become a celebrity hot spot of sorts and is a swank pit stop for anyone getting ready for the MET Gala.

So, stop by any evening after 5:30 pm and order a classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. You can then sit at a dimly lit table and savor the smooth, live piano music in the background.

Pro Tip: Visit before the Jazz Trio starts at 9:00 pm, to avoid a cover charge. Also, try classic cocktails like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.

Address: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:30 am, Friday/Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Sunday/Monday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Price: The cover charge is $25 for a table and $15 for a seat at the bar.

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 77th Street station and walk to the bar from there.

37. Enjoy Some Delicious Craft Beer at The Pony Bar

If you’re looking for a bar that serves exclusively American craft beers then this is one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side NYC for you!

After all, this is a super chill, no-frills kind of place that has been open since 2009 and that has a rotating selection of epic American microbrews on tap at any given time.

And let me emphasize the rotating bit for a second because their beers on tap change quite a bit.

So, it’s better to come to one of the best Upper East Side attractions with an open mind as opposed to wanting something in particular, and then they don’t actually have it (womp, womp, womp).

Just be sure to order a giant plate of pulled pork nachos with your drink of choice because the pub grub is top-notch.

Pro Tip: The frozen margaritas are also dangerously good if you don’t feel like a beer.

Address: 1444 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Price: 14-ounce draft beers start at $10.00.

How to Get There: Take the Q train to 72nd Street station and walk to the bar from there.

38. Grab a Special Black and White Cookie from Breads Bakery on the UES

So, in NYC Breads Bakery is kind of a big deal. They whip up next-level epic chocolate babka that I literally eat by the loaf.

No, I always say I am just going to have one piece. But, it is so good that I blink and the loaf is gone.

However, Breads Bakery is all over the city. So, you can get chocolate babka anywhere. So, why go to this specific Breads Bakery on the Upper East Side?

Because you’re coming here for this insanely delicious croissant, black and white cookie that is ONLY sold at this location.

Trust me, it is so good and well worth the trip. Just try and break it in half and eat the black and white side together.

Yeah, the black side is MUCH more bitter than the white side. But, eat them both together and you’ll get the perfet balance of sweetness.

Address: 1294 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021

Hours: Open daily from 7:00. am to 8:00 pm.

Price: $5.50 for the cookie

How to Get There: Take the 4/6 to 77nd Street and walk from there.

39. Grab Brunch at EJ’s Luncheonette

I’ll be real with you, this place isn’t as good as Lexington Candy Shop. But, it’s still tasty, reasonably priced, and a top pick of mine for the best brunch on the Upper East Side.

Plus, the decor is more modern. So, you’ll feel like you’re dining in a nice-ish restaurant.

The service is also fast and our omelettes came out perfectly done. I even got my homefries well-done and they were cooked just the way I like them.

Additionally, they have great Challah and you can get that on the side instead of regular toast. They also happily substitute homefries with French fries since my partner prefers those.

Overall, if you love breakfast and are looking for the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC then be sure to stop here.

Map of the Best Things to do on the Upper East Side NYC

Best Things to do on the Upper West Side of NYC FAQs

Is it worth it to go to the upper east side.

Yes, it is 110% worth it to go to the Upper East Side. After all, this posh neighborhood is safe, home to stunning architecture, and has a wealth of excellent restaurants for you to enjoy.

You can also go shopping at high-end retail outlets, visit amazing art galleries, or check out world-class museums like The MET.

What’s the Best Part of Upper East Side?

The best part of the Upper East Side is Yorkville since it is home to a wealth of historic German places.

However, Museum Mile is great too since you can visit the MET, the Cooper Hewitt, the Gugenhaim, and more!

Is Upper East Side nicer than Upper West Side?

Honestly, the answer depends on the type of person you are. The Upper West Side is nicer if you like down-to-Earth neighborhoods with more educational opportunities and transportation.

This is helpful when you want to quickly/easily enjoy the best attractions on the Upper West Side .

In contrast, the Upper East Side is better if you like a more refined neighborhood and enjoy cultural spots like museums.

Why is Upper East Side so Famous?

The Upper East Side is famous because it is home to iconic NYC landmarks like Central Park, the MET, the Guggenheim, the Plaza, and more!

That wraps up this epic list of some of the best things to do on the Upper East Side of NYC.

Tell me, did your fave activities make the list if not then let me know in the comments below and i’ll be sure to check it out., if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list and facebook group for even more helpful travel tips..

Andrea Paola Betancourt

Sunday 14th of November 2021

I didn’t see any mention of one of my favorite joints in Manhattan: Via Quadronno, although the waiting on the line is always much longer than most of your other surveyed places such as my favorite Hamburger in the world: JG Melon … !

girlwiththepassport

Oh thank you so much for reading and the great idea! I will have to check it out!

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Life Well Wandered

5 August 2018 · 6 Comments

Your Guide to the Upper East Side: A Local’s Guide to the Best UES Attractions

Destinations · NYC

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*Updated September 2019*

Oh, you live on the Upper East Side? Isn’t it boring? Isn’t it where all the super-rich people live?  These are common questions I get asked when I say I live on the Upper East Site. To New Yorkers, it’s considered a pretty boring place when you take into account all the other exciting neighborhoods in Manhattan. To outsiders, it’s all Gossip Girl and Sex and the City. To me, and over 220,000 other people, the Upper East Side is home.

In this local’s guide to New York’s Upper East Side neighborhood, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting the UES (as us local’s call it). I have been living on the Upper East Side since I moved to New York a few years ago and I have spent the better part of my free time scouring the neighborhood, looking for hidden-gem restaurants, cool places to visit, and fun things to do.

I’ll cover the best things to do on the Upper East Side, including museums, shopping, parks, entertainment, and everything else you can imagine. I’ll also be sharing my list of the best restaurants on the Upper East Side. Tried and tested by me (sometimes multiple times), this list of over 30 restaurants provides something for every budget and taste. (It’s also the list I give all my friends and family when they visit, so you know it’s good!)

At the end of this post, you’ll find an interactive map with the location of  everything mentioned in this post so you won’t have to look hard to find anything.

Without further ado, welcome to the Upper East Side!

Where is the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side is a neighborhood in Manhattan, NYC bordered by 5th Avenue and Central Park to the West, 59th Street to the South, the East River to the east and 96th Street to the north (although there is some debate as to whether the northern border of the Upper East Side is shifting north and blurring with that of Harlem).

How to get to the Upper East Side: Transit to and within the UES

Historically not as well-connected as other neighborhoods in NYC, the opening of the Q line up to 96th Street has made getting to and around the Upper East Side  so much easier for visitors and locals alike. Below are the subway lines and their stations that lie within the boundaries of the Upper East Side. However, unless you need to make a quick jump from 60th Street to 96th Street, I recommend walking as much as possible as that’s the best way to truly see a new neighborhood!

• N, R, W: 5th Ave & 59th St.
• 4, 5, 6, N, R, W: Lexington Ave & 59th St.
• F, Q: Lexington Ave & 63rd St.
• 6: 68th & 77th Sts.
• 4, 5, 6: Lexington Ave & 86th St.
• Q: 2nd Ave & 72nd, 86th, & 96th Sts.

History of the Upper East Side: Some fun facts

While to most people, the Upper East Side seems like it’s always been  the place to live for wealthy New Yorkers, that hasn’t always been the case. The area we know as the Upper East side was sparsely populated farmland and no man’s land until the mid-1800s.

It wasn’t until March 4, 1896 that the neighborhood was officially named, taking everything north and east of 5th Avenue and 40th Street. Later, when the Queensboro Bridge was opened in 1909, the southern border of the Upper East Side shifted to 59th Street, where it remains today. Fun fact, the block on which the below house stands was once the site of a farm if you can believe it!

Early history of the Upper East Side

After the Civil War, the Upper East Side developed into a middle-class neighborhood, with residents living in tenements and row houses. The Upper East Side was largely disconnected from the rest of Manhattan until the New York and Harlem Railroad added a stop at 86th Street in 1837, which later became the heart of Yorkville. In addition, the Second and Third Avenue Els opened up in 1838 and 1839, respectively, linking the middle-class workers of the Upper East Side with the rest of the city.

The New Kleinedeutschland (Little Germany)

After the General Slocum riverboat disaster in 1904 where over 1,000 German immigrants perished after the ship caught fire, many German immigrants emigrated to Yorkville (then called Germantown) from the Lower East Side (whose population was once the third largest German population outside Germany). The General Slocum disaster was the greatest loss of civilian life in New York until September 11.

Today, you’ll still find remnants of this German heritage in Yorkville , including the Zion St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on 84th Street, Schaller & Weber grocery on 86th Street, Heidelberg Restaurant between 85th and 86th Streets, and Glaser’s Bake Shop  on 1st Avenue and 87th Street.

A new neighborhood for Manhattan’s elite

By the early 1900s, people were starting to take notice of the Upper East Side , noting its diverse population and the fact that there was nothing to do there. In the 1910s, the luxury apartment buildings on 5th and Park Avenues we know today were constructed, converting the Upper East Side into the elite neighborhood it’s known as today. The stretch of 5th Avenue now known as museum mile was once called Millionnaire’s Mile.

The Upper East Side Historic District has a great guide to the landmarks of the Upper East Side , many of which were constructed during this period.

The Upper East Side today

Today, the Upper East Side is featured in film and television for its beautiful streets, wealthy residents and lavish townhomes. You’ll recognize Upper East Side landmarks in Gossip Girl, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Cruel Intentions, Eloise at the Plaza, The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, The Real Housewives of New York City, I Love Lucy, White Collar, and more.

While the Upper East Side still has its fair share of wealthy residents as it’s home to some of the wealthiest zip codes in the country, it’s also home to young families and fresh out of college adults since it’s one of the cheapest areas in Manhattan to rent smaller apartments. Its tree-lined side streets and beautiful townhomes are often free of tourists, and its wealth of restaurants and shops make it the perfect place to live in Manhattan (in my incredibly biased opinion).

Things to do on the Upper East Side

There is no shortage of fun things to do on the Upper East Side. Heck, I spend the majority of my free time somewhere between 59th and 96th Streets, proving that there is always something to do here. While maybe not as hip as Chelsea, which has all those cool art galleries  or as ‘cool’ as say Greenwich Village , it has something for everyone and  plenty to keep you busy for a long time.

The most popular attractions drawing people to the Upper East Side are museums. Home to some of the best and most famous museums in the world, it’s easy to see why. On 5th Avenue from 82nd to 105th Streets, you’ll find Museum Mile, home to world-class museums, many of which are housed in former mansions.

The Met: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or “The Met,” as we call it) is the largest museum in the United States and the third most visited museum in the world. It houses over 5,000 years of art with everything from ancient Egyptian to Classical art to Impressionist art to photographs and more. It’s truly hard to spend less than a day here and it’s incredibly easy to get lost wandering around the different rooms. I suggest you look at a map of the museum before going and make a plan of attack for your visit.

*The Met is only “pay what you wish” for residents of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Admission for everyone else is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students. Tickets are valid for three days after purchase and will work at the Met, Met Breuer, and the Cloisters.

Met Breuer: If you’re looking to have your conceptions of art challenged, head to the Met Breuer , the Met’s modern and contemporary art wing. While some of the art is a little over my head taste-wise, it is a fun place to visit and, if you plan on visiting the Met, your ticket will be valid there as long as you use it within three days.

The Guggenheim: This is one of the coolest looking museums of all time . It houses Impressionist, post-Impressionist, modern and contemporary art in what looks like a spaceship. Your experience will depend on the current main exhibition that follows the spiral hallway to the top, so I suggest you check their website before committing to visiting. It is closed on Thursday’s and admission for adults is $25 and $18 for students and seniors.

Cooper Hewitt: One of my favorite museums of all time, Cooper Hewitt is the Smithsonian’s Design Museum and the only museum in the United States devoted to historical and contemporary design. It is housed in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion and is one of the most well thought out and interactive museums I’ve been to. If you can’t visit, be sure to check out the exterior and take a break in the courtyard at the front of the building. Cooper Hewitt is open every day of the week and (if you buy online) tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for students.

The Frick: The Frick houses the collection of Henry Clay Frick, whose mansion is the site of the museum. It has some of the finest examples of European art and, although small, is well worth a visit if you want to see some master paintings and beautiful furniture. In 2020, the museum will undergo a transformation that will open up part of the second floor living quarters to visitors. While tickets are pricey for such a small collection, there are options to view the museum for less money on their website .

Neue Galerie: If you’ve ever seen the movie  The Woman in Gold , this is where you can see the final resting place of Gustav Klimt’s Adele Bloch-Bauer . Having only opened in 2001, it is a relatively new museum that houses German and Austrian art from the early 20th century. While there , you must stop and eat at Café Sabarsky, a delicious (and authentic) Viennese cafe with delicious food, cakes, and coffee.

Asia Society Museum: Housed within the Asia Society’s headquarters, which aims to bring Asia and the west closer together through the arts, education, policy and business outreach, the Asia Society Museum showcases both traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian-American Art.

Jewish Museum of New York: The Jewish Museum is the oldest existing Jewish museum in the world and the first of its kind in the United States. While the collection was established in 1904, the museum itself only opened in 1947. Today, it houses artifacts of Jewish history as well as modern and contemporary art highlighting Jewish history and culture. Admission is free on Saturday’s and select Jewish holidays. While there, you must stop and eat at Russ & Daughters , a New York staple famous for their bagels and lox.

Museum of the City of New York:  Technically just outside the official boundaries of the Upper East Side, the Museum of the City of New York showcases the history and culture of New York City and its people, past and present

El Museo del Barrio: Next door to the Museum of the City of New York is El Museo del Bario (el Museo), a museum dedicated to Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American art and cultures. With admission to the Museum of the City of New York, you get free admission to El Museo del Barrio and vice versa.

If you’ve ever watched any TV show or movie about New York City, chances are there is at least one mention of the shopping on Madison Avenue or a trip to Bloomingdale’s. The Upper East Side is the place to go if you’re looking to spend a day shopping til you drop (or admiring all the pretty things you can’t have…).

Bloomingdale’s

At the south end of the Upper East Side, you’ll find Bloomingdale’s . It’s hard to miss: taking up an entire city block, this multi-story black building draped in flags is a New York icon. It first opened in the Lower East Side in 1872 selling European fashions. In 1886, the store moved to its flagship location, where it remains today, selling everything from men’s and women’s fashions to household goods.

Shopping on Madison Avenue

If you want to window shop the latest designer fashions, take a stroll along Madison Avenue starting at 60th Street. You’ll find just about every famous designer store and more. The one thing better than window-shopping these trends (mostly because I feel too un-stylish to even step foot in these fancy stores) is people-watching the people shopping in the designer stores!

Looking for some more affordable stores for actual shopping purposes? Head east to Lexington and 3rd Avenues where you’ll find mainstream shops sprinkled amongst restaurants and apartment buildings.

Carl Schurz Park

Carl Schurz Park’s history dates back to the 1600s and is one of the best kept secrets on the Upper East Side (if not in Manhattan). Located at East End Avenue between 84th and 90th Streets, this park is my favorite park to visit when I want some quiet time. Looking out across the river you’ll see the northern tip of Roosevelt Island and Queens as well as a particularly dangerous part of the East River called Hell Gate (from the Dutch  Hellegat ), where hundreds of ships have sunk. Carl Schurz park features playgrounds, dog parks, picnickers, sunbathers, runners, and practically zero tourists in this hidden gem of the Upper East Side.

Central Park

Technically the west border of the Upper East Side, Central Park is really the only other park that Upper East Siders can turn to for green space. I’m still working on my detailed Central Park guide (it’s basically my second home as I spend so much time there), but you need to visit when you’re in NYC, whether you’re exploring the Upper East Side or not!

Entertainment and other attractions

If museums, parks, or shopping don’t interest you, some of the below attractions on the Upper East Side will hopefully draw you in!

92Y: The 92nd Street Y is a cultural and community center located at Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street. It puts on concerts, talks, and book readings featuring celebrities and public figures at relatively affordable prices. I saw Lauren Graham and Mae Whitman there as a birthday present to myself and now I regularly check their schedule for other events I want to attend!

Park Avenue Armory: The Park Avenue Armory  is “dedicated to supporting unconventional works in the visual and performing arts that need non-traditional spaces for their full realization.” It’s an imposing red brick fortress-like building that takes up an entire city block. Inside, you’ll see anything from cool art exhibitions to performance pieces and shows there. It also is host to the Antiquarian Book Fair, a must-see annual book fair for every book lover! Fun fact: it is home to the oldest after school activity in the country, founded in 1881: The Knickerbocker Greys, a paramilitary program.

Albertine Bookstore: Albertine is hands down one of the prettiest bookstores in the world. Housed in the Payne-Whitney Mansion, it is a French-American bookstore that sells books in both French and English. Even if you don’t speak or read French, it’s a must-see for its hand-painted ceiling on the second floor (pictured above). It is free to enter, although you will have to walk through a metal detector before entering.

Missions: The Upper East Side is home to several diplomatic missions to both the UN and U.S. While you can’t always enter them, several have open exhibitions, open days, or even street festivals throughout the year.

Tramway to Rosevelt Island: While taking the tram to Roosevelt Island technically takes you off of Manhattan and out of the Upper East Side, it’s a fun, cheap way to get great views of the Manhattan Skyline and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of Midtown. For just the swipe of a MetroCard ($2.75), you’ll take a quick ride over the East River and onto the tiny strip of land between Manhattan and Queens.

Parades: Most parades in NYC take place on 5th Avenue. While sometimes you’ll head there and be surprised by a parade, you can see if your visit will coincide with one on this website . The parades can be a great way to get a taste of a new culture and some free entertainment. Also, every year on the closest Sunday to Bastille Day, 60th Street between 5th and Lexington Avenues are closed off for NYC’s annual Bastille Day celebration . It’s a must-visit for all things French in NYC!

Where to eat on the Upper East Side: The best Upper East Side restaurants for any budget

Chances are if you name it I’ve eaten there (as long as it’s on the Upper East Side, that is). Below is a list of restaurants I can personally vouch for. Because everyone’s budgets and tastes are different, I’ve sorted them by price, cuisine, and my completely biased personal rating from 3* [a perfectly delicious meal] to 5* [one of the best meals of your life]. You can’t go wrong with any of these restaurants and each restaurant can be found pinned to the map at the end of this post.

• Eat Here Now (a great diner on the Upper East Side): diner/breakfast; 3*
• Viand Coffee: diner/breakfast; 3*
• Ritz Diner: (another great diner, open 24 hours): diner; 3*
• Mini Deli: deli, sandwiches; 3*
• Alice’s Tea Cup: (The place to go if you’re looking for a great afternoon tea or some scones): tea, American; 5*
• Isle of Capri (hands-down my favorite Italian in NYC): Italian; 5*
• JG Melon: burgers (cash only); 5*
• Eastfield’s: American/brunch; 4*
• Treadwell Park: German/American, beer; 4*
• Maison Keyser: French, breakfast/brunch, cafe; 4*
• Le Pain Quotidien: Belgian, breakfast/brunch, cafe; 4*
• Birch Coffee: coffee; 4*
• D’TUT: café during the day, lowkey bar at night (has s’mores!); 4*
• Patsy’s: Italian/pizza; 3*
• Eats: American/brunch; 3*
• Loco Coco: smoothies/açai bowls; 3*
• Bluestone Lane: brunch/coffee; 3*
• Serafina: Italian; 3*
• EJ’s Luncheonette: diner; 3*
• Jackson Hole: some of the biggest burgers you’ll eat; 3*
• Mediterraneao: Italian; 3*
• B Cafe: Belgian, beer; 4*
• Rotisserie Georgette: French; 4*
• Rangoli: Indian; 4*
• Ravagh Persian Grill: Persian; 4*
• Bottega: Italian; 4*
• Ladurée: macarons/pastries; 4*
• Bella Blu: Italian; 4*
• Café d’Alsace: French; 4*
• Gina Mexicana: Mexican; 3*
• Sojourn Restaurant: American; 3*
• Tavern 62: American brunch/dinner; 3*
• Tony’s di Napoli: Italian; 3*
• JoJo: American; 5*
• Vaucluse: French; 5*
• Come Prima: Italian; 5*
• Campagnola: Italian; 4*
• Amaranth: Italian/Mediterranean; 4*
• August: American; 4*
• Loews Regency: brunch/cocktails; 4*
• Lexington Club: steak; 3*
• St. Ambroeus: breakfast/coffee; 3*
• Primola: old-school Italian: 4*

Map of the best things to do on the Upper East Side

The below map pins everything discussed in this post, categorized by type of place.

As you can see, there is plenty to do, see and eat on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. The UES is one of the best neighborhoods to spend a day in NYC, as you won’t run out of things to do. It’s also a great way to visit a relatively tourist-free (once you leave 5th Avenue) part of Manhattan.

Have I convinced you to visit the Upper East Side?

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Reader interactions.

5 August 2018 at 21:11

So informative!!

almathews says

5 August 2018 at 22:28

Thank you very much!

Barbara says

6 August 2018 at 00:15

I can’t wait to start working my way through your list! Great suggestions!

6 August 2018 at 08:13

Thank you! Hope you can get started soon–there’s so much to see, do and eat!

Welltravbrit says

6 August 2018 at 00:34

So glad to see this and your restaurant recommendations. We are in the UWS and while I’m often at the museums on the UES I don’t eat there very much!

6 August 2018 at 08:14

I hope you can try a few places out! Most of my friends live on the UWS but I don’t make it over there nearly enough. It’s next on my list to properly explore!

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Upper East Side guide: The best of the neighborhood

Find the best restaurants, bars, shops, attractions and things to do on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Gorgeous prewar apartments owned by blue-blooded socialites, soigné restaurants frequented by Botoxed ladies who lunch, the deluxe boutiques of international designers.… This is the clichéd image of the Upper East Side, and you’ll certainly see a lot of supporting evidence on Fifth, Madison and Park Avenues. Recently, however, pockets of downtown cool have migrated north, notably the growing food-and-drink enclave pioneered by  Earl’s Beer and Cheese . RECOMMENDED: Full guide of  Manhattan, NY Encouraged by the opening of  Central Park  in the late 1800s, affluent New Yorkers began building mansions along Fifth Avenue. By the start of the 20th century, even the superwealthy had warmed to the idea of giving up their large homes for smaller quarters, provided they were near the park, which resulted in the construction of many new apartment blocks and hotels. Working-class folk later settled around Second and Third Avenues, following construction of the defunct elevated East Side train line, but affluence remained the neighborhood’s dominant characteristic. Philanthropic gestures made by the moneyed classes over the past 130-odd years have helped to create the impressive cluster of art collections on Museum Mile—from 82nd to 105th Streets, Fifth Avenue is lined with more than half a dozen celebrated institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art , the  Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum  and  The Frick Collection . To find out more about things to do, see, eat and drink in Manhattan, and discover other neighborhoods in the area, visit our  Manhattan borough guide .

An email you’ll actually love

Map of the Upper East Side and travel information

• 5 out of 5 stars
• Restaurants
• price 3 of 4

Even in the worst of times, a world-class city needs restaurants offering the escape of over-the-top coddling and luxurious food, with a star chef who's not just on the awning but in the kitchen and dining room, too-—in short, a place like Daniel. The most classically opulent of the city's rarefied restaurants, Daniel Boulud's 15-year-old flagship emerged from a face-lift last fall, looking about as youthful as a restaurant in a landmark Park Avenue building realistically can. The sprawling dining room no longer resembles the doge's palace in Venice. Instead it's been brought into the 21st century with white walls, contemporary wrought iron sconces and a centerpiece bookshelf lined with vibrant crystal vases among other curios. The redesign, by longtime Boulud collaborator Adam Tihany, couldn't have come at a better time. With even neighborhood regulars keeping an eye on their budgets, now more than ever the place needs to cultivate a new clientele. Despite Boulud's ever-expanding reach—he'll soon launch his tenth restaurant, on the Bowery—the chef still prowls the dining room here most nights, charming fans and sending extras to his special guests. While the setting has been revamped, the food—overseen since 2004 by executive chef Jean Franois Bruel—hasn't taken a radical turn. Still, presentations overall seemed much more up-to-date. The tiered silver tower cradling an overkill of miniature bites that used to kick off a meal has given way to a less-is-more amuse-bouche on a

Serendipity 3

• price 2 of 4

At this cheery, kitschy East Side family spot, sandwiches, salads and burgers merely set you up for the main course: dessert. The trademarked Frrrozen Hot Chocolate—a brain-freezing chocolate slushie—deserves its reputation; the massive beast should be shared. Given the size of the Coward’s Portion of the Outrageous Banana Split, we’re guessing the full-size version comes in a trough.

Orwashers Bakery

• Upper East Side
• price 1 of 4

When Keith Cohen bought this bakery from its founding owners some years back, he wanted to expand on the classic kosher spot’s old-world reputation by producing cutting-edge artisan breads. Today, Orwashers still makes its famous Jewish rye, as well as tons of sweet baked goods and savory bread loaves, available in the remodeled, sunlit café.

Café Boulud

• 3 out of 5 stars

A hundred dollars is a lot of money, until it isn’t. When the regulars at the idyllic West Village restaurant where I once worked used to spend about that much most days, I thought they must have been Condé Nast millionaires. But when I’d finish a day-bar shift with about the same amount, my nightside pals would look on with a little pity.   In the fine(r) dining segment of today’s local hospitality pie, a special occasion and/or otherwise fancy dinner, usually a tasting or prix fixe for under $100 per person is still noteworthy. One of the best in this class, Tribeca’s Bâtard, closed for good in 2023 after its own two, three and four-course menus crept up from $59, $79 and $89 to $79, $95 and $105 in its last five years in operation. But, when market forces close a door, they open a window, this one to the new Café Boulud, where two courses clock in under that critical hundred buck mark. The original Café Boulud first opened in the neighborhood in 1998; that go-go, pre-smartphone time when you might have seen Martha Stewart among tables topped with foie gras, deconstructed foie gras (duck), sweetbreads and martinis with nary a surreptitious snapshot to show for it. All these years later, the revival, which follows the first’s 2021 finale, offers . . . also all of those things, but still no surreptitious photos, please, it’s just too rude.  All of those menu items are rather nice, once you’re seated. In a creeping recurrence that I hope does not become a trend, a recent wait

Museums on the Upper East Side

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

• Art and design

While the Guggenheim’s collection of modern art works is certainly impressive, it is impossible to separate the museum’s contents from its form with architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s brilliant and controversial design. Opened in 1959 on Fifth Ave across from Central Park, just months after Wright’s death, the concrete inverted ziggernaut (a Babylonian step pyramid), stomped on the expectations and tradition of clean square galleries exemplified and cherished by the neighboring Upper East Side museums, like the nearby Metropolitan Museum. Instead Wright combined his use of geometric shapes and nature, to create a gallery space that presented art along a flowing, winding spiral, much like a nautilus shell, with little in the way of walls to separate artists, ideas or time periods. Best experienced as Wright intended by taking the elevator to the top of the museum and following the gentle slope down, the art is revealed at different angles along the descent and across the open circular rotunda in a way that even the most well known Monet landscape might seem like a revelation. This unusual, bold way of approaching art, both as it is displayed and viewed, has inspired spectacular exhibits by highly-conceptual contemporary artists such as a series of films by Matthew Barney and hundred of Maurizio Cattelan's sculptures hanging from the ceiling. Considering the steep price of admission ($25, students and seniors $18, children under 12 free), make sure to take a break from the captivat

The Frick Collection

NOTE: The Frick Collection is currently housed at the Frick Madison, the former Met Breuer and Whitney Museum Building at 945 Madison Avenue, while the mansion undergoes a major renovation. The opulent residence that houses a private collection of great masters (from the 14th through the 19th centuries) was originally built for industrialist Henry Clay Frick. The firm of Carrère & Hastings designed the 1914 structure in an 18th-century European style, with a beautiful interior court and reflecting pool. The permanent collections include world-class paintings, sculpture and furniture by the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Renoir and French cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener.

Neue Galerie New York

This elegant addition to the city’s museum scene is devoted entirely to late-19th- and early-20th-century German and Austrian fine and decorative arts. Located in a renovated brick-and-limestone mansion that was built by the architects of the New York Public Library, this brainchild of the late art dealer Serge Sabarsky and cosmetics mogul Ronald S. Lauder has the largest concentration of works by Gustav Klimt (including his iconic Adele Bloch-Bauer I) and Egon Schiele outside Vienna. You’ll also find a bookstore, a chic (and expensive) design shop and the Old World–inspired Café Sabarsky, serving updated Austrian cuisine and ravishing Viennese pastries.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

• Things to do
• Schools and universities

Founded in 1897 by the Hewitt sisters, granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, the only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to design (both historic and modern) has been part of the Smithsonian since the 1960s. The museum hosts periodic interactive family programs that allow children to experiment with design.

Bars on the Upper East Side

The Penrose

The Penrose—named for a neighborhood in Cork, Ireland, where two of the owners grew up—brings a bit of the indie-chic East Village to Gossip Girl territory. Operated by the gastropub specialists behind the Wren and Wilfie & Nell, the joint would be run-of-the-mill farther downtown, where the trifecta of reclaimed wood, craft pours and pedigreed pub grub long ago joined the ranks of food-world clichés, but it’s a welcome change up here.

• Cocktail bars

Tucked away on an aggressively average block in the doorman-less part of the Upper East Side, a set of red-velvet ropes leads to a heavy black door. The underground speakeasy seems like a seductive bachelor pad from the 1960s, where the attentive staff serves gussied-up drinks for the parties of overlapping limbs and fused-together faces.

The Jeffrey

The Alewife team opened this Upper East Side hangout. A custom draft system for the beer controls the pressure for optimal fizz. To pad the boozing, the chef will dole out elevated bar snacks, while keg pallets and lighting fixtures fashioned from plumbing parts decorate the space, including a 65-seat biergarten.

Bemelmans Bar

• price 4 of 4

Choice acts keep New York’s most dapper nightspot on the map, while the steep cover charge and white-jacketed service makes sure riffraff doesn’t scuff up the bar’s most valued draw: original Ludwig Bemelmans murals. Not to be missed, spiffy (and pricey) cocktails preserve the bar’s classic character. 

Shops on the Upper East Side

Michael’s, The Consignment Shop for Women

• Consignment store

This UES family-owned shop has been in the haute couture–recycling business since 1954 and is the place to go if you want to score Dior, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana dresses for 70 to 90 percent off retail price. While you shouldn’t schlep your bags of less-than-luxe stuff here expecting a trade (they only buy first-tier designer labels that are less than two years old and in great condition), come here if you want to treat yourself to something luxurious without breaking the bank.

If you struggle with the art of mixing trendy duds with basics, consider the contemporary styles found at this Upper East Side boutique, the key to unleashing your inner mixologist. This is the first Manhattan outpost, which opened last week, for the Long Island retailer, and you have every reason to be excited. While the brand is considered a fast-fashion chain due to its affordable pricing, the shop carries bohemian designer labels, including BB Dakota, Unif and For Love & Lemons, giving the store a leg up on its competitors H&M and Forever 21. Shop for Free Spirit layered necklaces ($35), Whitney Eve Windsor crop tops ($52) and Free People Lennon heels ($178)—you’ll want to add these to your wardrobe, stat.

Bloomingdale's

• Department stores

Ranking among the city’s top tourist attractions, Bloomie’s is stocked with everything from bags to beauty products, homewares to designer duds. The cosmetics hall, complete with an outpost of globe-spanning apothecary Space NK and a Bumble and bumble dry-styling bar, recently got a glam makeover. The compact Soho outpost concentrates on young fashion and cosmetics.  

La Maison du Chocolat

• Chocolate and candy

This Paris-based gourmet chocolate shop has multiple locations in New York.

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Neighborhood guide to the UES with the best things to do on the Upper East Side

July 30, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

Paging Gossip Girl: I’ll be sharing a guide to the Upper East Side written by a fellow native New Yorker and blogger who has been living on the Upper East Side for a while. This guide will cover the best things to do on the Upper East Side, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive areas, with a focus on culture and history.

Talek Nantes is an author, digital content creator and founder of the travel blog,  www.travelswithtalek.com .  She is a passionate travel enthusiast and enjoys sharing her travel experiences with others.  Talek’s personal and professional background have led her to travel to over 110 countries and her work has appeared in several travel publications. Talek lives in New York City with her husband

New York City’s Upper East Side in Manhattan, colloquially known as the UES, has it all; history, art, cuisine, charm, class and pizzazz! This neighborhood is bordered by 96st to the north, 59 th street to the south, Central Park to the west and the East River to the east.   

The area was originally a minor stop on the Boston Post Road mail route that ran from Boston to New York in the mid-1600s.  That minor stop, on what is today 86 th and Lexington Avenue, grew into a trading post complete with inns and stables. Settlers came to this area in search of cheaper land and before long the area was dotted with prosperous dairy and produce farms.

• 1.1 Learn about immigrant culture on the UES
• 1.2 Find remnants of the Gilded Age
• 1.3 Visit the museums on the Upper East Side
• 1.4 The Frick Collection
• 1.5 The Met
• 1.6 The Guggenheim
• 1.7 Museum of the City of New York
• 1.8 Neue Galerie
• 1.9 The Asia Society and Museum
• 2.1 Central Park
• 2.2 Carl Sculz Park
• 3 Tour Gracie Mansion
• 4.1 History walking tour
• 4.2 Filming locations walking tour
• 5 Have you been to the Upper East Side?

The best things to do on the Upper East Side

Learn about immigrant culture on the ues.

As early as the mid-1800s, small groups of German immigrants settled in the neighborhood. The early 1900s saw a dramatic influx of Germans moving north from the Lower East Side of New York City prompting residents to call the area Germantown and German was a second language. After WWI, a portion of Avenue A above 59 th street was named after war hero Sargent Alvin York and a smaller, more concentrated portion of the UES became know as Yorkville. 

Editor’s Note:  There aren’t many of these restaurants left on the Upper East Side.  For an authentic taste of these restaurants, consider stepping into  Heidelberg , a pre-1936 German eatery that is one of the oldest German restaurants in New York City.  For Hungarian food, stop off at Budapest Cafe to sample the Hungarian pastries.

Little by little the area evolved ethnically as more immigrants moved in until the area reflected the greater New York of the time with people from Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, and other countries.  

Some of the remnants of the immigrant community are still evident today in the German, Italian, and Hungarian restaurants and bakeries that have been in the same locations for generations.  Even today, you’ll find food from all over the world across the Upper East Side, so if you’re looking for something different, you’ll find it.

Editor’s Note: Some food options on the Upper East to consider: Sarabeth’s for an amazing brunch, Laduree for macarons, Alice’s Tea Cup for a cozy high tea, and  William Greenberg Bakery for black and white cookies (a NYC specialty), and H&H for decent bagels.

Find remnants of the Gilded Age

Perhaps the most interesting residents on the Upper East Side were the fabled millionaires of the Gilded Age.  The Gilded Age is generally considered to be between 1870 to 1910 and is synonymous with ostentatious wealth.  The mansions of the industrialists such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Astor, Henry Clay Frick, and their families lined 5th Avenue to create Millionaire’s Row.  

The most spectacular of these was the mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, where the Bergdorf Goodman department store stands today. It was demolished in 1926, but remnants of it can still be seen elsewhere on the Upper East Side. The intricately carved mansion gates now guard The Conservatory Gardens entrance at 100th street and 5 th avenue. The fireplace can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a relief is displayed at the Sherry Netherland Hotel on 59 th Street. 

Visit the museums on the Upper East Side

There are over 100 museums in the city of New York with a large group concentrated in the UES.  It is impossible to list them all, but we’ll be discussing some highlights of the Upper East Side with a note from Wanderlustingk editor. 

The Frick Collection

One mansion that is very much intact and converted into one of the finest museums in the country, if not the world, is the Frick Collection, the original home of Henry Clay Frick.  The museum is so impressive that it is difficult to believe that it was once someone’s private home. Residents actually slept in these luxurious bedrooms and strolled the interior fountains and rose gardens… Can you imagine having a front lawn in front of Central Park?

The Frick art collection includes Renoir, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Titian, El Greco, Mane, and …3 Vermeers!  All this glorious, spiritually uplifting beauty is accessible for pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays from 2 to 6pm and totally free every first Friday of every month from 6 to 9pm except September and January.   

Another outstanding museum on Museum Mile, formerly part of Millionaire’s Row, is the Metropolitan Museum of Art . The MET had a pay-what-you-wish policy until March 2018 when it was replaced by admission that costs $25 per adult although students and seniors pay less.   New York State residents remain pay-what-you-wish.

The MET is quite possibly the finest museum in the world and would take you days to see in its entirety, so consider and select your exhibit preferences carefully beforehand.   Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace for great views of New York!

Editor’s note: I have a few recommendations to add to this as there are many great museums on the Upper East Side and it’s hard not to include a few others…

The Guggenheim

The Guggenheim is one of the most well-known museums in New York City.  I recommend buying your tickets ahead if you’re visiting at a time that a major exhibition is opening up as the lines can go around the block.  This stunning museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright has pay-as-you-wish admission between 5pm and 7:45pm.  I particularly love their collection of Picassos and there’s no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best art museums in the world.

Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York is a great museum to learn about the City of New York.  Unlike some of the other museums, it’s not overly large, so you can enjoy its two sections, one focused on New York prior to the 1900s and one on present day New York.  It does a great job of having thought-provoking exhibitions, so check for the upcoming exhibitions.

Neue Galerie

The Neue Galerie is a art museum focused on German and Austrian pre-war art that is renown for its Klimt collection.  In particular, you can view the stunning portrait of  Adele Bloch – Bauer II  in a stunning setting although check for their upcoming exhibitions if you’re a fan of expressionism.  Admission is free on the first Friday of the month between 6pm and 9pm.  I highly recommend their cafe for delicious Viennese style cakes.  (The chocolate cake is divine!)

The Asia Society and Museum

The Asia Society and Museum is dedicated to traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian-American artists.  The museum is a great place to learn more about different Asian cultures and to appreciate the work of groundbreaking artists.  Admission is free on Friday nights between September and June.

Explore the parks of the Upper East Side

Central park.

One of the most appealing features of the Upper East Side is that it is sandwiched between two great public parks. The first is the well-known nature wonderland that is Central Park with its reservoir, walking and bike paths, zoo, sports fields, little hidden castles, lakes, carousels, skating rinks entertainment venues and so much more. Make sure to bring a map into the park to appreciate everything it has to offer.

Carl Sculz Park

The other park on the east side of the UES is the lesser know but equally beautiful Carl Schulz Park built in 1935. It is an oasis in the middle of busy, wonderfully frenetic New York City; peaceful, pretty, historic and bursting with color in the summer. 

These 15 bucolic acres of gardens and trees face the East River. Across the river you see Roosevelt Island and Hell Gate, the meeting of two bodies of turbulent waters. The passage was a strategic crossing point during the Revolutionary War.

Tour Gracie Mansion

On the north side of the park is Gracie Mansion built in 1799. It was the museum on the city of New York at the beginning of the last century.  Since then it has served as the home of New York’s mayors. Tours of the mansion are given on Mondays. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 seniors and students are free. The tour takes abut an hour and covers the history of the home and the park.

Take a Walking Tour of the Upper East Side

History walking tour.

One very enjoyable way to see the UES is with a walking tour; I recommend The Big Onion , New York City’s premier walking tour. A great selection for an educational and fun way to experience New York.   Among their many tour selections is one for the Upper East Side conducted by knowledgeable doctoral history students. The tours cover the architecture, history, scandals, and gossip of the area supported by photographs depicting the past. Most tours are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students.   

Filming locations walking tour

This is a note by editor Wanderlustingk.     If you’re a movie or television junkie, there are many filming locations around the Upper East Side.  I can’t possibly cover them all, however I recommend looking into a filming locations tour.  The most famous television show filmed all around the Upper East Side is Gossip Girl.  You can take a Gossip Girl filming tour if you’re a fan.

• Your perfect five day itinerary by a native New Yorker
• Insider tips for New York City
• Where to stay in New York City
• How to take the NYC subway  

Have you been to the Upper East Side?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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The Local’s Guide to New York’s Upper East Side

This week, Here editors are paying homage to the New York City neighborhoods they call home . Digital Editor Annie Werner shares her guide to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. 

As Here Magazine’s token Manhattanite, I feel I have to defend my neighborhood of choice. I’ve lived in decidedly cooler neighborhoods like the Village, Williamsburg, and Bushwick . I ultimately settled on the Upper East Side four years ago because of the things it is not: a hipster scene, far from work. 

But since then I’ve come to really appreciate this classic NYC neighborhood. The UES consists of a surprisingly vast area—spanning from 59th Street up to 96th—with smaller ‘hoods within the UES (Yorkville, Carnegie Hill, Lenox Hill). And sure, west of Park Avenue you’ll find Birkin bags and wife bonuses , but I assure you that most of the UES is quite accessible and worthy of exploration.

Most tourists filter in and out of Museum Mile and never see much else of the neighborhood (I will say that living in such close proximity to Central Park, The Met, Guggenheim, Cooper Hewitt and countless other institutions has its perks). 

But there’s plenty of unexpected and delightful UES finds—from wurst sausage stands to divey piano bars —and if you find yourself up here, I do encourage a  Gossip Girl photoshoot with your crew on the steps of The Met, but then you should follow the below itinerary if you want to make the most of this iconic New York City neighborhood.  

9:30 a.m. — Local Brews

Birch Coffee is a local chain with several locations throughout the city, but their coffee is excellent and they’re a Manhattan-born institution. Birch Coffee locations are not just filling stations for people anchored to a laptop—it’s really about the brew here. But if you need a place to chill and/or work for a minute, try Cafe Jax or DTUT (the latter turns into a craft beer haven at 5 p.m.).

10:00 a.m. — Proper Manhattan Brunch

Cafe D’Alsace is my brunch spot of choice —the interior is homey and beautiful like a French Alpine country bistro. The Lump Crab Omelette and shakshuka are excellent—the Crepe Souffle is <insane.  It’s not hip or trendy, but it’s been a neighborhood staple for years.  You’ll probably find most young folk at The Penrose for brunch on weekends, and their food is great, but it’s got that Brooklynification effect, and that’s not what we’re going for here. Both have outdoor seating if the weather’s nice.

11:15 a.m. — The Highest Bidders

Most of the shopping on the UES is terrible unless you haven’t been to a megamall in 10 years. Doyle Auction House is the exception —peruse surprisingly affordable estate sales and other unique home goods, artworks, and jewelry on consignment from UES heiresses passed. Blue chip auction houses are an UES specialty (e.g. Christie’s, Sotheby’s), but Doyle is much more accessible and you truly won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the city.

12:00 p.m. — The Other UES Park 

Central Park is obviously iconic, but over on the far east side of the Upper East Side is the beautiful and underappreciated Carl Shurz Park . Home to the NYC Mayor’s house, Gracie Mansion, this riverside park is full of intricate landscaping kept up by a neighborhood gardening association. There are also dog parks(!) for large and small pups and a NYC Ferry Dock. 

1:30 p.m. — Wurst Fest 

A century ago, the UES was a thriving German, Austrian, and Hungarian neighborhood of which only a few remnants remain. Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar is a great lunch option attached to an 82-year-old German butcher shop, one of the oldest in Manhattan . You can’t go wrong with any of the experimental and quality wursts, but my favorites are the Schaller Double and Steuben’s Reuben. Just because this place is part of an established institution doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to try new things—check out their vegan Beyond Meat options on the menu as well. 

If you want more of a sit down vibe, you have to go to Café Sabarsky inside the Neue Gallery . Housed in a 19th-century former Vanderbilt mansion (I mean, can you even get more UES?) that is now home to one of the best collections of Eastern European Expressionism (that you should also check out), there’s nothing cozier than the wood-paneled walls and marble tables. I once sat here with a hot cocoa and watched the first snowfall on Central Park. Magic.  

2:30 p.m. — Secrets at The Met 

I’m just going to come out and say that The Metropolitan Museum of Art is my favorite place in the world . I own a painting of The Temple of Dendur in my apartment, which may even make me a Met fanatic. I’m 100% sure I haven’t even seen all of it, and that’s part of the fun. Each time I go, I’m transported to whole new aesthetic histories— The Met is much more immersive than the chilly exhibits in The Great Hall would have you believe . Below, I’ve listed out some of my favorite hidden secrets at The Met that you probably wouldn’t find if you didn’t know to go looking for them. I suggest you write down the gallery numbers now and not look any of them up online beforehand so you can be delightfully stunned upon arrival:  

Cubiculum, Gallery 165 – One of the most stunning rooms in The Met, this bedroom was originally built ca. 50-40 B.C. and preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius (i.e. the disaster at Pompeii) and reinstalled right here in New York City for you to marvel at. 

Astor Court, Gallery 217 : This reconstructed Ming Dynasty garden will have you zen’d out in no time. 

Jain Temple, Gallery 243 : It’s hard to believe this Indian “architectural ensemble” was thrown out for a renovation of the original temple in the 16th century. You can walk up inside of it. It’s arresting. 

Vélez Blanco Patio, Gallery 534 : This was once the patio of a Spanish castle in the early 16th century, and that’s just about everything you need to know about that right now. 

The Met Rooftop : I’m sure you know The Met has a rooftop with rotating summer sculpture exhibits. But what not even many locals know is that it’s open an hour past The Met’s closing on Fridays and Saturdays (10 p.m.) and you can enjoy a good cocktail and a sunset if you get the timing right. Try to get up there by 8:30 or 8:45 p.m. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of this, I’d recommend perusing the spoils of The Frick Collection , a smaller nearby museum and former home of the early 20th century American industrialist Henry Clay Frick. 

5:00 p.m. — Battle of the Great UES Piano Bars 

A classic and sophisticated UES piano bar is at The Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar . The walls are lined with Ludwig Bemelman illustrations—the artist of the iconic Madeleine children’s book series. You can’t go wrong with a martini and their spicy bar crackers. (Note that a cover charge will be applied after 9:30 p.m. or whenever the Jazz Trio starts playing). 

If that’s a little too stuffy (and pricey) for you, my typical song-filled haunt is Brandy’s Piano Bar on 84th and 2nd Ave. Patrons belt showtunes in the intimate and criminally underrated space. If you get here at 5 p.m., plan to stay late because it gets better as the evening progresses (for reasons!). Or, come back after dinner (but before Ethyl’s).

7:30 p.m. — The Dinner Bell Rings 

Flora Bar is one of the best restaurants in the city , but it’s often overlooked as a white tablecloth museum bistro. With an inventive menu in a beautiful space at The Met Breuer, Flora Bar had a natural wine list before it was cool. 

Most guidebooks will recommend San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina on 81st and 2nd, but I prefer their 92st St. outpost, San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar for a chill night out with some woodfired pizza and Lambrusco (the eggplant parm is the best I’ve ever had). Local Italian transplants order pick up from this place and speak their native tongue to the Italian owners—it doesn’t get much better. 

Kaia Wine Bar is an awesome unique option on the UES—if there’s another South African restaurant in NYC, I haven’t found it yet. Excellent regional wines pair with South African small plates like elk carpaccio and Cape Malay-spiced beef at this Michelin-recommended standout. Don’t sleep on their bread plate either. 

9:00 p.m. — Post-Dinner Drinks 

If you want to skip Brandy’s Piano Bar, try Caledonia for well-curated and obscure whiskey and bourbon selections in a candlelit setting; try Bondurants for Southern sophistication, lively crowds, and good cocktails; and try Supply House if you want to sample some local craft beers. 

11:30 p.m. — Where to End the Night on the UES 

Ethyl’s is really the only answer. You probably wouldn’t believe this kind of establishment exists in such a “proper” neighborhood, but locals are glad it does. Burlesque dancers grace this dive on any given night and the music is always on point for dancing. 

The Upper East Side Essentials: 

Where to stay on the upper east side: .

The Carlyle and The Surrey are two classic (and very expensive options) on the UES, but for something more affordable, I’d venture a tad south to the modern Pod 51 . It’s the kind of hotel that’s great if you’re not spending a ton of time in your room, which you shouldn’t be! 

Upper East Side History:  

This dispatch on the architectural history of how the UES came to be the UES as we know it is fascinating and will make you stop and appreciate the surrounding buildings a little more as you traipse from venue to venue. 

Upper East Side

• 1 Neighborhoods
• 2.1 Demographics
• 2.2 History
• 3.2 By subway
• 3.3 By ferry
• 3.4 On foot or by bicycle
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Mid-range
• 9.2 Splurge
• 11.1 Consulates

The Upper East Side of Manhattan is one of the city's wealthiest districts. Spanning the stretch of island between 59th Street to 96th Street east of Central Park , the neighborhoods of Lenox Hill, Yorkville, and Carnegie Hill are full of luxurious townhouses and apartment buildings on some of the most affluent addresses in New York. Madison Avenue holds a multitude of fashionable boutiques and fine restaurants catering to the upscale crowd. While the endless Madison Avenue shops and the lavish hotels near Grand Army Plaza are what have typically this place on the map, the Upper East Side features an endless amount of other authentic, exciting sites for every crowd. Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor; many other historic buildings; superb art museums; and many consulates are part of what makes this neighborhood special. The historic Czech, German, Hungarian, Irish, Polish, and Slavic influences are apparent in this neighborhood through the classical buildings and restaurants mixed in between the modern affluent areas where one can find almost anything they'd want in a small and exciting area.

Neighborhoods [ edit ]

There are three main sub-neighborhoods within the larger area of the Upper East Side. Each has its own historical culture and influence and almost act as an individual neighborhood of their own.

Understand [ edit ]

The Upper East Side is one of the richest neighborhoods in New York City. It may seem to the casual observer to contain nothing but expensive restaurants and shops and elaborate museums, but it also has many pretty buildings worth looking at for their own sake, and as you get farther east, especially in the upper 70s and further north, things become a bit less expensive and more informal. 5th Avenue is bordered to the west by Central Park . Toward the west of the neighborhood you can also find a plethora of museums displaying a wide variety of culture ranging from Ancient Egypt to modern-day Asian culture and sites from the very beginnings of the neighborhood. Because of its dense concentration of museums, 5th Avenue from 82nd to 105th Streets has been nicknamed the "Museum Mile".

Travel a bit to the east and you'll find a shopper's heaven between Madison Avenue and 3rd Avenue, especially near the UES's southern border at East 59th Street. These stores and galleries sell gooey cakes and candy, women's clothing, jewelry and watches, books, art, etc., virtually all upscale. 2nd Avenue (and to a lesser extent, 3rd Avenue) is known for its bars and restaurants, with everything from authentic Japanese ramen and sushi to New American food and ceviche. The historical influence shines its brightest along 2nd Avenue, with its Central European eateries and stores. The rest of the neighborhood, ranging along Park Avenue and from 2nd Avenue to the bank of the East River, is mostly residential, with historical landmarks and parks. If Central Park is too crowded for you, then Carl Schurz or John Jay Parks are certainly worth going to.

Demographics [ edit ]

Historically, Yorkville was a German–dominated area (with some rich Anglo–Saxon Protestant families along 5th Avenue), and was, to a lesser extent, also populated by other Central European groups such as Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians and Slovaks, and also Irish. Although many of these folks have departed since the 1960s and 70s, their influence can be seen in the architecture, food, and cultural institutions lining 5th Avenue, and to some extent in the eastern reaches of 86th Street and environs, the core of Yorkville, which until the 1970s or so was utterly dominated by a Central European vibe. You'll likely walk on 86th Street if you visit this neighborhood, as that's the main east-west commercial street on the Upper East Side.

Park Avenue throughout the neighborhood is known as the elegant abode of old money, particularly white Anglo-Saxon old money, and this largely applies to residential buildings on 5th Avenue and side streets between 5th and Madison as well. Many of these buildings are early 20th-century luxury high rises with beautiful exteriors and interiors.

Side streets in the 60s and 70s are full of beautiful brownstones; quite a few of them are occupied by consulates and tony social clubs, while some others are owned in full by wealthy families.

History [ edit ]

It's likely that the beginning of the Upper East Side's history was as fishing camps for the Lenape Native Americans who inhabited the New York City area from 1000 BCE, with a fairly open oak–hickory forest area to make space for food. The area was developed in the 1800s as a farming and market district, and the area of German Yorkville grew around the New York and Harlem Railroad's purchased area around its now-demolished 86th Street station. Many rich men began purchasing farmland here, and in the 1870s, James Lenox (for whom Lenox Hill was named) began major economic development in the area, constructing Lenox Library on 5th Avenue and donating the block between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue from 70th to 71st Streets for Presbyterian Hospital. The stretch along 5th Avenue became a hotspot for stylish townhouses and even some mansions during the early 20th century, most notably those of Andrew Carnegie and his assistant, Henry Clay Frick. Later, numerous rich individuals continued to reside up here, including members of the politically active Kennedy, Roosevelt and Rockefeller families.

Alongside the high-rise development of the 1950s came the demolition of the Third and Second Avenue Els (elevated lines), leaving the IRT Lexington Avenue Line with the   4     5     6   trains as the only form of transportation in the neighborhood aside from the crowded bus network. This had an adverse effect on the entire East Side, but especially the Upper East Side. The newest advancement, however, came with the construction in the 2010s of the Second Avenue Subway, served by the   Q   train with three stations at 72nd Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street, along with the newly renovated Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station. This raised real estate prices in the area even further.

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ]

Every avenue from 5th to York except for Park Avenue has at least one bus route. Madison Avenue (northbound) and 5th Avenue (southbound) are served by local M1, M2, M3, and M4 and limited M1, M2, and M4 buses (limited buses stop only at major intersections, such as transfer points for crosstown buses). 3rd Avenue (northbound) and Lexington Avenue (southbound) are served by the local M101, M102, and M103 buses and, during rush hours only, limited M98 and M101 buses. 2nd Avenue (southbound) and 1st Avenue (northbound) are served by the local M15 and the express M15 Select Bus Service, the latter of which instead has ticket machines at the bus stop rather than requiring payment on the bus itself, and runs along exclusive bus lanes.

In addition, a crosstown bus serves each major street. Along 57th Street, the M57 runs the length of the line, along with the M31 which doubles as the York Avenue bus. 66th and 68th Streets are served by the M66, 72nd Street by the M72, 79th Street by the M79, 86th Street by the M86 Select Bus Service (with identical features to the M15 Select Bus Service), and 96th Street by the M96.

Fares for all these buses are $2.75 and are purchased by inserting the MetroCard at the front of the bus when boarding, except in the case of Select Bus Services (including the M15, M79, and M86), which require that you purchase a bus ticket from the ticket machines at the stop before you board your bus. Makes sure to keep your ticket, as cops periodically board Select buses to check for fare-beaters, and if you are caught without a ticket, you will be fined $100.

Some express buses from the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens serve this area during rush hours. Unlike regular buses, they are not useful for getting around the neighborhood but serve residents of the outer boroughs, and they are useful for getting into the neighborhood from far-flung areas of the city. These include the BxM1, BxM6, BxM7, BxM8, BxM9, and BxM10 along 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. These buses cost $6.50 rather than the typical citywide transportation cost of $2.75.

By subway [ edit ]

The primary subway service to the Upper East Side is via the   4     5   express lines and   6   local line, which run under Lexington Avenue. All three lines stop at 59th Street and 86th Street, with the 6 also stopping at 68th Street–Hunter College, 77th Street, and 96th Street. 5th Avenue is only three blocks west of Lexington Avenue. These trains can get very crowded during rush hour, as this is the only north-south line running the full length of Manhattan on the east side. Another option is the newly-built   Q   line, which runs under 2nd Avenue and has stops at 96th Street, 86th Street, 72nd Street, and Lexington Avenue–63rd Street.

Serving the very southern end of the neighborhood is the   F   line, which stops at Lexington Avenue–63rd Street, and the   N     R     W   lines, which run along 59th Street, stopping at 5th Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Both Lexington Avenue stations have a free transfer to the   4     5     6   lines at the 59th Street station (the   F     Q   station is a free out-of-system transfer, meaning you have to walk 4 blocks south to 59th Street from 63rd Street). You can access the subway with a MetroCard. Each entry costs $2.75.

By ferry [ edit ]

Limited ferry service is available at the Yorkville NYC Ferry stop at East 90th Street and York Avenue within Carl Schurz Park. The Soundview ferry provides service every 30 to 35 minutes during rush hours, every hour during middays and evenings, and every hour and a 40 minutes on weekends. The Soundview ferry runs from Soundview in the Bronx , a riverside residential neighborhood, and travels down the East River, providing service to Yorkville along with service at the East 34th Street Ferry Landing in Gramercy and Pier 11 at Wall Street in the Financial District , where you can connect to a variety of other ferry services throughout the city.

An adult one-way ticket on the ferry costs $2.75, while a 30-day adult pass costs $121. Bringing a bike, which is certainly an option with the extensive bike paths in the neighborhood, brings a $1.00 surcharge (or a $141 price with a 30-day pass). Children under 44 inches (112 centimeters) can ride for free and reduced fares are available for the elderly and those with disabilities. Tickets can be purchased on the NYC Ferry app, the ticket machines at the landings, or a ticket agent (present only at Pier 11/Wall Street).

On foot or by bicycle [ edit ]

From the Upper West Side, a walk or bike ride to the Upper East Side through Central Park is very pleasant in good weather. Exclusive bicycle lanes are featured on 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, while Carl Schurz Park features multiple beautiful pedestrian paths and bike lanes, some of which extend up and down the FDR Drive.

There are multiple, public CitiBike stations all around the neighborhood that have a $3 per trip single ride, a $12 day pass with unlimited 30-minute rides, or a $169 annual pass with unlimited 45-minute rides. One can easily take out a bike for a quick ride through the quaint streets or to visit some of the neighborhood's famed destinations.

See [ edit ]

The stretch of Fifth Avenue alongside Central Park in the Upper East Side is commonly referred to as "Museum Mile" between 82nd Street to 105th Street, though museums and galleries are also to be found off this particular beaten track. Note that the Metropolitan Museum of Art , the primary museum in this area, is covered under the Central Park page. Additionally, the El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York are on Fifth Avenue just to the north in Spanish Harlem .

Do [ edit ]

The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum and are among the many venues in the neighborhood that host concert series.

Buy [ edit ]

Madison Avenue is the center of New York's haute couture, full of small shops selling fabulously expensive clothes, accessories, and housewares to people who can afford not to look at the price tag. Even if it's out of your price range, it's worth a visit just to gawk. Dozens of shops selling a variety of different items are present around the neighborhood as well.

Eat [ edit ]

The Upper East Side is a very expensive neighborhood — though less so east of Lexington Avenue — and this is reflected in the categorization of a restaurant that serves a $32 goulash as "mid-range." However, if you're willing to pay up, there's a wide selection available, from delicious French pastries to steaming Korean comfort food.

Budget [ edit ]

• 40.771511 73.956072 1 Boqueria , 1460 2nd Avenue ( At East 76th Street; Subway:   6   to 77th Street or   Q   to 72nd Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 77th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 79th Street (southbound) or M79 Select Bus Service to East 79th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-343-2227 , [email protected] . Modern, Barcelona-style tapas are served in a warm environment alongside many other meat and seafood dishes with fresh, Spanish ingredients and authentic meals. Fairly modest prices. Charcuteries are usually $20 to $35, while lunch dishes are in the $10 to $20 range, and tapas cost $35 per person. Most other items such as seafood don't cost more than $20 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.7825 -73.9536 2 Lex Restaurant , 1370 Lexington Avenue ( At East 91st Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & Lexington Avenue or M101, M102, and M103 to 3rd Avenue & East 91st Street (northbound) or Lexington Avenue & East 92nd Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 212 860-5903 , [email protected] . Daily noon-11PM . Restaurant with an array of classic, cozy Italian-American cuisine. Classic dishes such as French onion soup, penne alla vodka, seafood risotto and spinach and ricotta ravioli, are all delicious at this restaurant. While some dishes here can be a bit expensive, with pasta and special salads reaching up to $20.95, there are also hearty yet cheap dishes such as crab cakes, salads, and soups for $16 at most . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.775543 -73.947805 3 Hometown Dumpling , 1619 York Avenue ( At East 85th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M31 or M86 Select Bus Service to York Avenue & East 86th Street ), ☏ +1 917-388-3824 , [email protected] . Cozy Korean comfort food is sold at Hometown Dumplings, in the eastern pocket of Yorkville. Simple grilled meat and dumplings are served here that make for a delicious and quick meal. Cheap, great meals. $6 to $10 for appetizers, $10 to $12 for noodles and soup, $13 to $20 for grilled meat and vegetables, and $10 to $15 for signature dumplings . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.777439 -73.949266 4 Mokja , 1663 1st Avenue ( at East 87th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 and M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 646-707-0991 . M-F noon to 4PM, 5-10PM; Sa Su noon-10PM . Counter-served Korean cheap comfort food, featuring an array of dishes including bibimbap, kimchi rice, and noodles in a contemporary, quaint setting. Various options of customization are featured which makes the dishes even more full of Korean flavor. Prices here are very cheap, so expect to be filled up for only a few bucks. The bibimbap which consists of eggs, meat, rice, and vegetables, costs only $15 ($18 with ahi tuna) while box meals cost $17 to $24, and most sides such as dumplings and jab-chae noodles only $8 to $16 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.77714 -73.952614 6 PQR , 1631 2nd Avenue ( Between East 85th Street and East 84th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 646-449-0889 . Daily 11AM-11PM . Delicious Roman pizzeria with light dough and square pizza and a variety of toppings, ranging from the classic margarita to extravagant toppings. Even the simplest of slices are garnished with care and fresh ingredients. If pizza isn't your thing, then you can even order rice balls. One slice costs $6.50 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.776523 -73.953056 7 Williamsburg Pizza , 1617 2nd Avenue ( At East 84th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 646-876-1061 , [email protected] . M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-4AM, Su 11:30AM-10PM . Fresh, classic New York pizza slices. ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.77765 -73.95177 8 Two Little Red Hens , 1652 2nd Avenue ( between East 85th Street and East 86th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-452-0476 . M-Th 7:30AM-9PM, F 7:30AM-10PM, Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM . A great bakery specializing in American pastries and cakes. They make one of the best cheesecakes in New York; but don't pass up their other offerings, such as the various squares (lemon, lime, Linzer, etc.) along with many custom cakes. Not exactly an eat-in cafe, but they have a few small tables, so you can have a snack there. 6-inch classic cakes can serve 8 people for $38, while 8-inch cakes can serve 16 for $52 and 10-inch large cakes serve 25 for $119. Prices like these are usually consistent with their other cakes, and cupcakes are fairly cheap as well – they're usually around $15 to $25 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.776978 -73.952798 9 Van Leeuwen Ice Cream , 1625 2nd Avenue ( Between East 85th Street and East 84th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 917-472-7531 . Su-Th noon-midnight, F Sa noon-1AM . Upper East Side branch of this increasingly large New York chain of ice cream shops, albeit pretty good ones that have vegan flavors as well as regular soft-serve. They also sell coffee. Fairly expensive compared to other ice cream shops . ( updated Dec 2019 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 40.78116 -73.9601 11 Café Fledermaus & Café Sabarsky , in the Neue Galerie, 1048 5th Avenue ( at East 86th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street; Bus: M1, M2, M3, and M4 to Madison Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 5th Avenue & East 87th Street (southbound), or M86 Select Bus Service to East 84 Street & 5th Avenue (eastbound) or East 86th Street & 5th Avenue (westbound) ), ☏ +1 212-288-0665 . M W 9AM-6PM, Th-Su 9AM-9PM, closed Tu . Café Sabarsky is in a beautiful room with wood furnishings on the ground floor, across from Central Park, and Café Fledermaus has tiled floors and is inspired by the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna but is in the basement and has no view; however, the two cafes have the same lunch/dinner menus. These cafes are not cheap, and part of what you're paying for is the location and the decor/atmosphere, but you also get value, in the form of genuine Viennese cuisine and pastries. These cafes are a good option if you're visiting the Metropolitan Museum and prefer to eat something nearby that's better than the merely OK food at the Met's Snack Bar. You may have a significant wait for a table at peak hours, but it's worth a try. Breakfast (9-11AM) : $3-20 for single dishes; $28 for a prix fixe menu, $38 with a glass of Sekt; Cold beverages: $5-13; Viennese coffee specialties: $6-8; Savory dishes (11AM to closing): $16-32 (less expensive ones are soups); Sausages: $14-20; Hot beverages: $8-12; Desserts: $7-13; Salads: $18-28; Sandwiches: $19 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.779171 -73.95396 12 Churutto , 1534 3rd Avenue ( At East 86th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 3rd Avenue or M98, M101, M102, and M103 to 3rd Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or Lexington Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 212-828-8809 . Su 11:30AM-10PM; M-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11:30PM . Low-key space with traditional Japanese art installations features a variety of dumpling, poke, ramen, and sushi dishes in an authentic yet comfortable environment with an endless array of customization. The food is fresh and is accompanied by authentic drinks and choices of sides such as fried chicken and takoyaki. Typical Churutto ramen costs about $13 to $17, while the poke bowls cost $12.50 and other sides, such as dumplings and hand rolls, cost no more than $6 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.774904 -73.95109 13 Felice 83 , 1593 1st Avenue ( At East 83rd Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-249-4080 , [email protected] . Daily 11:30AM-11PM . Felice 83 isn't just another Italian restaurant, but instead provides delicious and rustic Tuscan cuisine with fresh dishes, particularly carbonaras and omelettes, and a bounty of wine. Be sure to get there early as it's a favorite among locals, and for good reason, with the classicly romantic atmosphere Felice 83 has cheap costs for such a classical and romantic space – prices usually don't go above $20 for food and drinks, so you can expect great food here for modest prices, especially for NYC. . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.77747 -73.95191 14 Heidelberg Restaurant , 1648 2nd Avenue ( at East 86th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-628-2332 , [email protected] . M-Th Su 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM . German-style schnitzel and beer at an authentic 1936 beer garden in Yorkville, the historically German neighborhood of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Gulasch, sauerbrauten, sausage, schnitzel, and schweinebraten can be found here. You can expect Heidelberg to be on the higher end in terms of pricing. Starters are around $10 to $15 but can get up to $23, while entrees and the signature Schnitzel are absolutely delicious but pricey ($19 to $40). Sides come at $7.75 and one can also order sausage platters for massive parties that can reach from $25 to a whopping $162 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.777358 -73.955261 15 Levain Bakery , 1484 3rd Avenue ( At East 84th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 917-464-5578 . M-Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 8AM-9PM . Levain is chock full of classic desserts such as double chocolate cookies and banana bread with chocolate chips. However, don't expect your average bakery here, as specialty yet finger-licking items are sold for fairly moderate prices here. While the prices might seem expensive, the food here can easily fill you up with just a few bucks. Cookies cost only $4 each, while entire cookie boxes are sold from $27, while the loaves and other pastries cost $10 to $20 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.772189 -73.955654 17 Uva Winebar , 1486 2nd Avenue ( between East 77th Street and East 78th Street; Subway:   6   to 77th Street or   Q   to 72nd Street; Bus: M15 and M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 79th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 79th Street (southbound or M79 Select Bus Service to East 79th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-472-4552 . M 4PM-1AM, Tu-F 4PM-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM; Su 11AM-1AM . An Italian winebar that has excellent Italian food including house made pastas. The special wines are worth a try and the wait for the table. Also well worth going to for special Meatball Mondays and delicious, fresh pasta dishes on other days with all sorts of meats, noodles, sauces, and rich desserts. Fairly cheap prices and decadent food. You can expect brunch and dinner items such as chicken, eggs, pancakes, and salad to be only $7 to $15, while entrees can get up to $27 with intricate pasta dishes. Dessert is also a comfortable $9 with $4 or $5 coffee . ( updated Dec 2019 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 40.765464 -73.965677 18 Barbaresco , 843 Lexington Avenue ( At East 64th Street; Subway:   4     5     6     N     R     W   to Lexington Avenue-59th Street or   F     Q   to Lexington Avenue–63rd Street; Bus: M101, M102, and M103 at 3rd Avenue & East 61st Street (northbound) or Lexington Avenue & East 62nd Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 212-517-2288 , [email protected] . Daily noon-11PM . Classic, elegant Italian restaurant that lures locals and tourists alike with brick-lined walls and delicious Italian pasta dishes. Prices here are expensive and on par with similar Italian restaurants. Most pastas cost $15 to $24, while risotto costs $26, and many sides such as antipasto and lentil soup cost $8 to $15. Pietanze costs at the minimum $19 but usually up to $25 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.77563 -73.96238 20 Lady M Cake Boutique , 41 East 78th Street ( At Madison Avenue; Subway:   6   to 77th Street; Bus: M1, M2, M3, and M4 to Madison Avenue & East 77th Street (northbound) or 5th Avenue & East 78th Street (southbound) or M79 Select Bus Service to East 79th Street & Madison Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-452-2222 , [email protected] . M-F 10AM-7PM, Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM . It's a very refined (bordering on pretentious) bakery, but the deserts are exceptional, with excellent cheesecake, and decadent crêpe cakes and eclairs to give this bakery its own flare. If sweets aren't your style either, then you can certainly try the flavorful salads and sandwiches, of which there are many choices. Prices here are some of the most expensive you'll find in the neighborhood. Crêpe cakes here are usually $50 to $60 but can soar up to $95, while salads and sandwiches are usually $10 to $20, so be sure to come prepared with money . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.76307 -73.95958 21 Maya , 1191 1st Avenue ( at East 65th Street; Subway:   4     5     6     N     R     W   to Lexington Avenue-59th Street or   F     Q   to Lexington Avenue–63rd Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 67th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 68th Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 212-585-1818 . Brunch: Sa Su 11:30AM-4:30PM; dinner: M-W 5-10PM, Th F 5-11PM, Sa 5-11PM, Su 5:30-10PM; bar and lounge: daily 3PM-midnight . Fine Mexican, creative, seafood-laden menu, turning classic Mexican dishes into elegant, vibrant dishes full of meat and spices. Expect expensive prices here, but not for no reason. Even small sides and starters like antojitos, bacon, and guacamole are $15 to $18, while main dishes like enchiladas and tacos can reach up from $20 to $30. . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.77244 -73.96061 22 Orsay , 1057 Lexington Avenue ( at East 75th Street; Subway:   6   to 77th Street or   Q   to 72nd Street; Bus: M79 Select Bus Service to East 79th Street & Lexington Avenue or M101, M102, M103 to 3rd Avenue & East 75th Street (northbound) or Lexington Avenue & East 77th Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 212-517-6400 . Brunch: Sa Su 11AM-3:30PM; lunch: M-F noon-3PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9:30PM . Classic French restaurant with elegant beef and fish dishes garnished with fresh ingredients and sauces. Prices are similar to most other elegant restaurants throughout the neighborhood. Sides and starters are $10 to $20 while mains, consisting mostly of chicken, fish, and red meat, ranges from $20 to $45. . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.7657 -73.9655 23 Sel et Poivre , 853 Lexington Avenue ( At East 65th Street; Subway:   4     5     6     N     R     W   to Lexington Avenue-59th Street or   F     Q   to Lexington Avenue–63rd Street; Bus: M101, M102, and M103 at 3rd Avenue & East 61st Street (northbound) or Lexington Avenue & East 62nd Street (southbound) ), ☏ +1 212-517-5780 . Su-Th noon-10:30PM, F Sa noon-11PM . A French restaurant with Spanish waiters serves international food. The bar has a good choice of wines alongside a unique mix between classic choices such as mashed potatoes and beef with new, modern takes meaning this restaurant is an ideal choice for any diner who likes to splurge a little. Prices are similar to most other elegant restaurants throughout the neighborhood. Sides and starters are $10 to $20 while mains, consisting mostly of chicken, fish, and red meat, range from $20 to $45 . ( updated Jan 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

The Upper East Side is primarily a land of sports bars and Irish pubs, though a few exceptions can be found. Generally, 2nd Avenue contains the highest concentrations of bars and restaurants in this part of the city.

• 40.777162 -73.951849 1 Bondurants , 303 East 85th Street ( At 2nd Avenue; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 929-279-1884 . M-Th 4PM-2AM, F 3PM-4AM, Sa 11AM-4AM; Su 11AM-2AM . Delicious, rustic brunch spot by day and unique cocktails draft beers by night, this spot is ideal for everyone. The food here is based on classical dishes such as steak and eggs but is specialized with delicious garnishes that make this place unique and a great spot for anyone looking for either a relaxing place to rest during the day or a crazy party at midnight. Expect delicious food here for a cheap price. Sides and snacks are usually around $5 and don't cost above $12, while specials and mains range from $9 to $15 at the very most. Specialized cocktails are $11 to $13 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.777078 -73.952658 2 Ethyl's Alcohol and Food , 1629 2nd Avenue ( At East 85th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 86th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 86th Street (southbound) or M86 Select Bus Service to East 86th Street & 2nd Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-300-4132 , [email protected] . M-W 5PM-2AM, Th 5PM-4AM, F Sa 4PM-4AM, Su 4PM-2AM . A 1970s-themed bar with specialty drinks and quick yet delicious bites, Ethyl's certainly isn't a place to miss if you're into funky dancers, live music, and DJs. Fairly cheap prices here. Happy Hour until 7PM everyday features $5 food and $5 drinks, and at other times, prices still remain somewhat low . ( updated Dec 2019 )

Sleep [ edit ]

As the Upper East Side is the legendary location of the Park Avenue duplexes of the super-rich, the expensive boutiques of Madison Avenue, and the gorgeous doorman buildings of 5th Avenue, you would figure to be hard-pressed to find inexpensive accommodations there, unless you have a friend you can stay with. If you want to try your luck with apartment-rental websites, you are more likely to find relatively cheaper accommodation east of Lexington Avenue than further west. Otherwise, fortunately, the Lexington Avenue subway line is generally quite good, though crowded, and will speed your way downtown from Harlem and the Bronx or uptown from areas further south if you would like to take an afternoon trip to this neighborhood.

• 40.78048 -73.94632 1 Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Upper East Side , 410 East 92nd Street ( At 1st Avenue; Subway:   4     5     6   to 86th Street or   Q   to 86th Street; Bus: M15 or M15 Select Bus Service to 1st Avenue & East 97th Street (northbound) or 2nd Avenue & East 96th Street (southbound) or M31 and M86 Select Bus Service to East 92nd Street & York Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-410-6777 , toll-free: +1 800-321-2211 , fax : +1 212-423-1236 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . Free high-speed Internet & large work desk in each room, along with an exercise room open 24/7 with a wide range of equipment and services for everyone. A steam room is also present. The hotel is in walking distance of many close-by vibrant destinations along with quaint spots for any tourist. Member rate $117 per night; regular rate $119 per night . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.78474 -73.95586 2 Hotel Wales , 1295 Madison Avenue ( At East 92nd Street; Subway:   6   to 96th Street; Bus: M1, M2, M3, and M4 to Madison Avenue & East 91st Street (northbound) or 5th Avenue & East 92nd Street (southbound) or M96 to East 96th Street & Madison Avenue ), ☏ +1 212-876-6000 , toll-free: +1 866-925-3746 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM-midnight , check-out: 11AM-noon . European style boutique hotel with numerous accommodations, free WiFi, paid parking, and elegant rooms with careful designs even for the cheapest traveler. Hotel Wales also prides itself on being an LGBTQ+ friendly hotel and has historically contributed to the movement. 1 adult: Classic Rooms: $230 to $250; Junior Suite: $270; Suite: $270 to $300 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 40.76445 -73.97277 4 The Sherry-Netherland , 781 5th Avenue ( Between East 59th Street and East 60th Street; Subway:   4     5     6   to 59th Street,   F     Q   to Lexington Avenue–63rd Street, or   N     R     W   to 5th Avenue–59th Street ), ☏ +1 212-355-2800 , toll-free: +1 877-743-7710 , fax : +1 212-319-4306 . Check-in: 3PM-midnight , check-out: noon . Full concierge assistance, elevator attendants, and beautifully furnished rooms are all present at this fairly small but decadent hotel that has beautiful views and is within walking distance of both many bustling destinations along with Central Park. Amazing for visitors who have a bit more cash to spend. Interior rooms are generally cheaper; around $700 per night for a room and $1,400 to $1,500 per night for a suite. City View rooms are more costly, costing around $800 per night for rooms and over $1,500 for suites. . ( updated Dec 2019 )

Connect [ edit ]

Free wireless hotspots are available all over the city, but especially in the Upper East Side, with hotspots such as the LinkNYC machines spread all throughout the city that have advertisements, emergency services, special facts about New York City, updates on things such as New York City Subway service and the weather, and USB charging ports. These machines are quite common and can help any lost traveler get back on track within minutes. Many establishments, such as cafes and restaurants, also have free WiFi so you can pop in and get a snack while also having ample access to the Internet. Many restaurants and stores also have charging ports for electronics.

Stay safe [ edit ]

While most of New York City remains fairly safe, the Upper East Side is one of the safest neighborhoods in the entire city, and potentially the whole region. It's patrolled by the NYPD 19th Precinct which is ranked 14th safest out of 69 precincts throughout the area for per-capita crime, and the incarceration rate of 71 per 100,000 people is the lowest in the entire city. Many areas, especially subway stations and more crowded areas, have a high police presence, and be sure not to forget about LinkNYC, which has quick emergency access, a USB charging port, secure WiFi, updates on subway service and other events, and factual New York City tidbits. To ensure your safety, however, don't walk in dimly lit areas alone at night, including most minor streets east of 2nd Avenue and especially in Carl Schurz Park. Abide by the typical rules of safety: be aware of your bags and don't let go of them at anytime in public, leave your valuables in a secure place (preferably at your hotel), and don't flaunt expensive clothing, items, or jewelry. However, don't be anxious, as this part of the city is known as one of the safest.

Three New York City Fire Department (FDNY) stations serve the Upper East Side: Engine Co. 39/Ladder Co. 16 at 157 East 67th Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue, Engine Co. 44 at 221 East 75th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Engine Co. 22/Ladder Co. 13/Battalion 10 at 159 East 85th Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Alongside LinkNYC, fire services more than blanket the entire neighborhood.

The Upper East Side is also one of the healthiest neighborhoods in the city, too. Lenox Hill Hospital is at 100 East 77th Street between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue, next to the 77th Street   6   station. The New York Presbyterian Hospital, the best in the state and 5th best in the country, is at 425 East 61st Street between 1st Avenue and York Avenue, and is one of the largest hospitals in the world with a plethora of medical and scientific research. Weill Cornell Medical Center, an Ivy League medical school and part of New York Presbyterian, is close by at 525 East 68th Street next to York Avenue. Other hospitals in the Upper East Side include Hospital for Special Surgery Main Hospital and Rockefeller University Hospital Memorial next to Weill Cornell, Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Outpatient Center at 205 East 64th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and the Urgent Care Center at 425 East 67th Street between 1st Avenue and York Avenue. Health throughout individual Upper East Side residents is great, with a far lower amount of preterm births, smokers, teenage births, uninsured residents and those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity than the rest of the city, and the eating choices here are generally very healthy. The air quality isn't the best here, with 0.0083 milligrams of fine particulate matter per cubic meter, higher than the city average.

New York City has its share of odd and uncomfortable people, and the Upper East Side is a hotspot for these ones. Whether it's advertisers, the homeless, the mentally ill, pan-handlers, religious preachers, don't feel pressured or threatened by these people. Most New Yorkers simply breeze by or apologize and walk off, so don't feel guilty for doing the same, especially when these people are potential pickpocketers.

Since the Upper East Side is fairly close to the main United Nations Headquarters at East 42nd Street in Murray Hill, many diplomatic missions are present here, especially in the 50s and 60s. Virtually every country on Earth has a diplomatic mission here, and these missions often double as consulates.

Consulates [ edit ]

Due to the Upper East Side's proximity to the United Nations Headquarters at 1st Avenue & East 42nd Street along the East River, there are many consulates in and around the neighborhood acting as diplomatic missions to the UN, even if those countries do not have diplomatic relations with the United States. Consulates or embassies are always closed on holidays in the United States and holidays in the respective country of the consulate or embassy. There are 117 diplomatic missions in the city, and there are 9 that act as the official embassy to the USA. If you are a foreign citizen of one of the many countries that have consulates here, they can be help you especially in health emergencies, legal situations, or violence.

Go next [ edit ]

The most obvious place to go next is Central Park . The Upper West Side is on the other side of the park, accessible by walking, bike riding, taking a crosstown bus at 96th, 86th, 79th, or 66th Streets or using a taxi or private car. Also, Midtown and the bright lights and ritzy department stores of 5th Avenue in the 40s and 50s are just south of the Upper East Side. East (Spanish) Harlem is a lively neighborhood that starts just north of 96th Street, though the Upper East Side has increasingly been bleeding into the southern reaches of the Barrio. Roosevelt Island and Queens are on the other side of the East River.

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Upper East Side

Despite the storied mansions and outrageous per-capita income, the Upper East Side isn't just liveried door staff guarding marble lobbies in Park Ave condominiums – professional twentysomethings and young families share high-rise rentals east of commercial Lexington Ave, while middle-class seniors hang on to their highly coveted rent-stabilized apartments. High-end boutiques line Madison Ave, while architecturally magnificent Fifth Ave, which runs parallel to the leafy realms of Central Park, is home to the so-called Museum Mile – one of the most cultured strips in New York (and possibly the world).

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

What started with a handful of paintings brought over from Europe or donated by a coterie of philanthropically minded robber barons in the 19th century…

Guggenheim Museum

A New York icon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, more commonly known as the Guggenheim, is an internationally-renowned art museum and one of the most…

Frick Collection

This spectacular art collection sits in a mansion built by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, one of the many such residences lining the section of Fifth Ave…

Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

Part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, this is the only US museum dedicated to both historic and contemporary design. Housed in the 64-room…

Neue Galerie

This restored Carrère and Hastings mansion from 1914 is a resplendent showcase for Austrian and German art, featuring works by Paul Klee and Ernst Ludwig…

The newest branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened in the landmark former Whitney Museum building (designed by Marcel Breuer; there's an…

Temple Emanu-El

Founded in 1845 as the first Reform synagogue in New York, this temple, completed in 1929, is now one of the largest Jewish houses of worship in the world…

Museum of the City of New York

Situated in a Georgian Colonial Revival–style building at the top end of Museum Mile, this local museum focuses solely on New York City’s past, present…

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8 Incredible Lunch Spots on the Upper East Side (+ Map)

Author --> May 1, 2024

Whether you like Greek dishes, French bistro classics, authentic German fare, or something else, there are great lunch spots on the Upper East Side that you can go to.

The Upper East Side is a neighborhood with a lot of things to do, and while exploring it, it’s great to get some delicious food for lunch. You can get all kinds of dishes at the places in the neighborhood, such as burgers, bagel sandwiches, pasta dishes, pitas, bowls, and much more.

I made this list of incredible restaurants you can visit for lunch on the Upper East Side to help you decide where to get food!

Best Lunch Spots on the Upper East Side

Heidelberg restaurant.

Why you should go here: You can get delicious authentic German food at this place, such as the “Apfel Omelet”, which is an apple pancake that’s served with vanilla ice cream, and the “Schnitzel Reuben Sandwich”

Heidelberg Restaurant is one of America’s oldest family-run restaurants, and you can find this place on 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side. This place is more than 100 years old, and Heidelberg Restaurant’s interior is the same as when it was founded

You can enjoy delicious authentic Old-World German food for lunch at this place.

The lunch menu of this place includes a variety of delicious entrees.

For example, you can get the “Schnitzel Reuben Sandwich”. This sandwich is made with rye bread, chicken or pork schnitzel, 1000 Island dressing, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese.

You can also get the “Apfel Omelet”, which is a German apple pancake that is served with vanilla ice cream.

Another delicious item on the lunch menu is the “Eggs Bismarck”. This is a potato pancake that comes with fried egg, smoked salmon, and hollandaise sauce.

The “Sausage” is great to get as well. This is a dish that consists of one sausage, sauerkraut, and potato salad.

This is also one of the best restaurants on the Upper East Side .

Address: 1648 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Tony Dragon’s Grille

Why you’ll love Tony Dragon’s Grille: This is a food truck where you can get great Greek and Mediterranean dishes for lunch, including sandwiches and pitas

Tony Dragon’s Grille is a food truck that you can find at the intersection of 62nd Street and Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. At this food truck, you can get delicious Greek and Mediterranean food for lunch.

Tony Dragon’s Grille’s menu features all kinds of bowls, sandwiches, pitas, hot dogs, burgers, salads, and other types of dishes.

One of the best sandwiches is the “Chicken + Portobello Mushroom”. This is a sandwich that is made with fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and a balsamic glaze.

You can also get the “Mediterranean Veggie Pita”, which comes with feta, romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, and vinaigrette.

There are 4 types of burgers to choose from. One of these is the “Tony Burger”, which is made with American cheese, tomato, romaine lettuce, onion, mayo, and ketchup.

There are many types of bowls to choose from. These are all served with rice pilaf and a choice of a “Garden Salad” or “Arugula Salad”. An example of a great bowl is the “Pork Souvlaki”.

Must-try: The “Grilled Octopus in Pita”, which comes with hummus, bell peppers, and more

Sea Salt is one of the best lunch spots on the Upper East Side where you can enjoy delicious, authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes made with high-quality and fresh ingredients.

There is a lunch prix fix menu and there is an à la carte menu.

For lunch, one of the best dishes to get is the “Creamy Chicken Pasta”, which is made with fettuccine, spinach, chicken, and mushroom.

The “Saltburger” is a great dish too. It is made with tomatoes, caramelized onions, and arugula, and it is served with fries.

You can also get the “Kofte Plate”, which comes with char-grilled minced beef and lamb that is seasoned with Turkish spices, and Fontana and Kashari cheese. This place is served with fries.

The “Grilled Octopus in Pita” is also a great option to get for lunch. This pita comes with shallots, bell peppers, hummus, shallots, and capers.

Sea Salt is also one of the best brunch spots on the Upper East Side .

Address: 1123 1st Ave., New York, NY 10065

Highlights: You can get incredible burgers at JG Melon and there’s a great outdoor area where you can enjoy your food

JG Melon is a restaurant that is known for its burgers and its iconic exterior design on the Upper East Side. The restaurant’s outside features the colors white and green, and you can see these colors inside the restaurant too.

The restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your lunch.

JG Melon’s menu features several different types of burgers. You can choose between a hamburger, a baconburger, a cheeseburger, a turkey burger, and a bacon cheeseburger.

In addition to that, you can get all kinds of sandwiches as well. For example, you can get a “Grilled Cheese, Tomato & Bacon” sandwich.

The menu also includes an omelet, which is made with a choice of two fillings. You can choose between mushrooms, spinach, cheese, ham, bacon, tomato, red pepper, and onion.

There are also various salads, entrees, and desserts.

One of the best entrees is the “Broiled Fish of the Day”. It is served with rice and salad.

Two of the best desserts to get at JG Melon are the “Chocolate Chip Cake” and the “Key Lime Pie”.

Going to JG Melon is also one of the best date ideas on the Upper East Side .

Address: 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021

EJ’s Luncheonette

Highlights: You can get great comfort food for lunch at this place and the restaurant was designed to look like the 30s and 40s

EJ’s Luncheonette , which was established in 1992, is a place where you can get delicious comfort food for lunch. The restaurant has a lovely design which was designed to look like the 30s and 40s.

The luncheonette features all kinds of pancakes, omelets, waffles, sandwiches, and other types of dishes.

One of the best dishes to get is “EJ’s Famous Crunchy French Toast”, which is challah bread with egg, crunchy cornflakes, and toasted almonds.

You can also get the “Greek Omelette”, which is an omelet with tomato, spinach, and feta.

There are many different types of sandwiches and wraps to choose from. These are all served with cole slaw and picked. An example of a great option is the “Blackened Salmon Sandwich”. This is a brioche roll with tomato, lettuce, and basil mayo.

You can also get a burger, such as the “Cheeseburger Deluxe”. This burger comes with a choice of cheese, and you can choose between cheddar, mozzarella, American, blue, and Swiss cheese.

The “Vegetable Quesadilla” is a whole wheat tortilla with peppers, sauteed onions, mushrooms, a three-cheese blend, spinach, salsa, and guacamole.

Address: 1271 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021

Why you need to go here: At Tal Bagels, you can get amazing bagels that are made in-house

Tal Bagels is a bagel shop with three locations throughout Manhattan. Two of these locations are situated on the Upper East Side.

You can get all kinds of bagels for lunch at Tal Bagels which are made in-house with high-quality ingredients.

You can choose from a lot of different types of toppings, including different types of cheese, fish, meat, and spreads.

One of the best bagels to get is one with pepper-smoked turkey.

Some other toppings you can choose from include pepper jack cheese, grilled chicken, baked salmon, lox spread, and cream cheese.

Tal Bagel also serves different types of homemade hot soups. For example, you can get a delicious lentil soup.

There are also lunch specials. For example, you can get the “Turkey and Cheese Panini Lunch Special”, which is a flatbread with turkey breast, tomato, and Swiss cheese.

Tal Bagels is also a great place for breakfast on the Upper East Side .

Address: 1228 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028

Yia Yia’s

Why you will love this place: Yia Yia’s serves delicious Greek food, such as the “Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich” and the “Greek-Style Burger”

Yia Yia’s is a restaurant where you can have delicious homemade, authentic Greek food for lunch on the Upper East Side.

The menu of Yia Yia’s features many types of starters, soups, salads, souvlaki sandwiches, gyro plates, burgers, and other dishes.

One of the best souvlaki sandwiches is the “Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich”. This is a wrapped pita with chicken, onion, tomato, tzatziki, and lettuce.

There are different salads to choose from that are great, such as the “Roasted Beet Salad”, which is made with red and golden roasted beets, tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumber, onion, and olives.

The “Greek-Style Burger” is a delicious option on the menu as well. This is a Greek-flavored beef patty that is served on a pita with American cheese or feta. The burger is served with fries.

Address: 404 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021

Jacques Brasserie

Why you should go to this place: At Jacques Brasserie, you can get classic French food for lunch, such as the “Croque Monsieur”

Jacques Brasserie is a French restaurant where you can have all kinds of classic French dishes for lunch. The restaurant, which is located on East 85th Street on the Lower East Side, has a cozy dining room and you can have lunch at this place from Monday through Friday.

The lunch menu of Jacques Brasserie features various starters, cheese plates, sandwiches, and lots of other types of dishes.

A great, classic dish is the “Croque Monsieur”, which is a sandwich with Madrange ham and Swiss cheese.

The “Pappardelle” is another great dish to get. This is a wide flat pasta dish that is made with truffle oil, parmesan, and wild mushroom cream sauce.

Another classic dish that is delicious is the “11 oz Steak Frites”. This dish comes with either an Au Poivre sauce or a Bernaise sauce on the side.

The lunch menu features various types of “Moules Frites”. This dish is made with 1.25 pounds of Prince Edwards Island Mussels. For example, you can get the “Provencale”, which comes with garlic, tomato, and basil.

Address: 206 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028

More Manhattan Articles

Museums on the Upper East Side

Brunch spots on the Lower East Side

Things to do at night on the Upper East Side

Best things to do in Tribeca

Best restaurants in the Financial District

Lunch on the Upper East Side Tips

If you want to have food at a lunch spot on the Upper East Side, you can explore some of the sights of the neighborhood before or after that. I recommend finding out if one of the restaurants is near a sight you want to visit and to make this easier, you can use the map that I added to the article.

For example, you can get delicious food at Tony Dragon’s Grille and see animals at the Central Park Zoo, which is one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side , afterward. The zoo is only a 5-minute walk from Tony Dragon’s Grille.

Upper East Side Lunch Spots Map

Thanks for reading my guide. I hope you liked these lunch spots on the Upper East Side!

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I Can't Walk on the Upper East Side Without Seeing This Elegant Staple

W ithout fail, there's always a point in late spring when it becomes easy to spot the same few staples on the streets of every major metropolitan city. Sandals ? They're a given. Sunglasses? An obvious choice. I'd argue that the most universally worn items aren't necessarily those seasonal accessories we've come to associate with warm weather. Rather, it's a simple staple: the white dress . Maybe it's just me, but this item has become the staple that embodies spring and summertime. Whether you are meandering through the Upper East Side in Manhattan or strolling by the Seine in Paris, you're bound to spot someone wearing a white-dress outfit. What exactly makes this type of dress so alluring? In short, it's an effortless way to look elegant because it's not another fleeting trend . It's timeless.

It doesn't matter whether you're wearing a dress from an affordable fashion brand or luxury house because it's a piece you can wear to instantly look like you own a penthouse overlooking Central Park, even if you don't. On top of that, it's arguably one of the most versatile items you can add to your wardrobe, as it can be styled with just about anything for any occasion. If you're dubious that one "basic" dress can do all of that, you'll want to keep reading. Ahead, you'll find 16 white-dress outfits from women in New York, Paris, Copenhagen, and other cities that prove that point. Plus, I've included styling tips and shopping recommendations so that you can make this staple feel stylish this season. Consider this your master class on how to wear a white dress like a wealthy Upper East Sider.

What you'll need: white minidress + white slingbacks + gold earrings + white handbag

Styling notes: What's a surefire way to make this simple staple feel stylish? Wear all white. Pair an off-the-shoulder minidress with matching slingbacks, statement earrings, and a structured handbag for an effortlessly elegant ensemble.

Perfection.

Small but mighty.

What you'll need: white slip dress + matching cardigan + gold jewelry + thong sandals + raffia bag

Styling notes: No matter what types of dresses are trending, slip dresses remain stylish season after season, making them the perfect way to wear a white dress, IMHO. There's no other outfit formula as timeless as a slip styled with a matching cardigan, gold jewelry, thong sandals, and a raffia bag.

Eighties-inspired earrings are making a comeback.

You'll wear this slip all summer.

Toot, toot! Beep, beep!

What you'll need: white slip dress + cream trench coat + cream shoulder bag + white pointed pumps

Styling notes: While white slip dresses are the perfect summer dresses, they're not necessarily work-friendly —until now. Use the outfit above as your blueprint by styling your slip with a beige trench coat, a shoulder bag, and pointed pumps.

Worth the investment.

Our editors can't get enough of Freja's shoulder bags.

Minimalists, apply here.

What you'll need: white dress + cropped tan trench + white pumps + black crossbody + sunglasses + earrings

Styling notes: If it's far too hot outside to wear a longline trench coat, you'll want to try the ensemble above. A cropped lightweight jacket styled with a cotton poplin dress is the perfect way to stay cool and covered.

It's not summer without a pair of signature shades.

I'm obsessed with the bodice on this dress.

These earrings will pair well with everything in your closet.

What you'll need: white dress + cardigan + shoulder bag + socks + Mary Janes

Styling notes: The secret to making your white dress functional for transitional temps is wearing light layers. Always have a light knit cardigan on hand in case of wind gusts. If that's not warm enough, consider styling your Mary Janes with socks for extra warmth.

Cashmere is always a good idea.

You can dress this up or down depending upon your mood.

Preppy perfection.

What you'll need: white voluminous dress + black blazer + black pumps

Styling notes: Another way you can incorporate layers into your white-dress outfit is by adding a blazer. Layering a tailored blazer over a voluminous white dress and finishing off the look with quirky pumps will make the dress work for various temperatures and occasions.

The waist on this blazer is so snatched.

Please stop scrolling for a second to admire this dress.

Secure the Tabis.

What you'll need: white maxi dress + sweater + chunky sandals + layered jewelry + bucket bag

Styling notes: Although a blazer can make a white dress work for office settings , it's not the only way you can make this item more modest. Enter maxi dresses into the chat. By opting for a longer hemline, you can rest assured your ensemble errs on the side of elegance.

You won't regret packing this for your next vacation.

Peak summer.

Warning: You won't want to take these sandals off because they're so comfy.

What you'll need: white knit dress + matching duster cardigan + slingbacks + sunglasses

Styling notes: Besides opting for maxi hemlines, you can avoid being cold during those transitional months by paying attention to materials. When it's not too hot outside, style a knitted white dress with a longline duster cardigan to ensure you're fully protected from the elements.

Although this duster is in a tan shade, it will still look good with any white dress.

Trust me—this is the most flattering dress you'll ever own.

Cap-toe flats are a cult classic.

What you'll need: white midi dress + choker + red socks + loafers

Styling notes: While it's typically easier to style white dresses with other neutral colors, it's not always the most exciting. Pops of color will make your dress feel daring without doing too much. By incorporating something as small as red socks, you're able to dip your toes into the color wheel without distracting from your dress.

Spice up your little white dress with a statement necklace.

The way this dress just told me to book a summer vacation.

Loafers are an Upper East Side essential.

What you'll need: white strapless dress + hoop earrings + chain + rimless sunglasses + sandals

Styling notes: When it's too hot out to wear socks, the next best way to incorporate brighter shades into your white-dress ensemble is through other accessories. Try pairing a strapless frock with a pink shoulder bag and matching rimless sunglasses for a colorful yet chic look.

Why not match the color of your shades with your shoulder bag?

The drop waist on this dress is divine.

The interior of this bag is super spacious, so you can carry all the essentials.

What you'll need: white maxi dress + ballet flats + sculptural jewelry + slouchy bag

Styling notes: If you're a devout minimalist, you don't have to incorporate colors into your look to make your white maxi dress stand out. For the same effect, style it with interesting accessories such as sculptural jewelry, an oversize bag, and ballet flats .

A girl can dream.

The embodiment of quiet luxury is right here.

While the outfit above features leather ballet flats, I'd personally swap them out for mesh ones, as they're a bit more trend-forward.

What you'll need: white dress + mesh flats + shoulder bag

Styling notes: Keep your look ultra-minimal by narrowing down your color palette, silhouettes, and accessories. Opt for a simple spaghetti-strap dress styled with a black shoulder bag and black ballet flats. In this case, less really is more.

She's cute.

Obsessed with the square neckline on this dress.

These are sure to sell out.

What you'll need: white dress + flip-flops + raffia bag

Styling notes: In order to strike that fine balance between simplicity and statement items, it's important to pay attention to the silhouette of your dress. A white dress with interesting details (e.g., a drop waist or a tie-up bodice) will stand out from the sea of other frocks. Plus, when paired with other classic summer items such as flip-flops and a raffia bag, it's downright chic.

Summer wardrobes are incomplete without a woven bag.

Such a pretty dress!

Flip-flops have never been more polished.

What you'll need: white cover-up + swimsuit + sunglasses + crescent bag + black sandals

Styling notes: Consider this your reminder that white dresses can be worn everywhere, even by the water ! Make this style resort ready by wearing a sheer white dress with a swimsuit, sunglasses, sandals, and a suede bag.

Put this Black-owned eyewear brand on your radar!

Perfect for a day by the sea.

NGL, I dream of this bag daily.

What you'll need: white blazer dress + baseball cap + strappy sandals

Styling notes: While white dresses definitely embody that out-of-office energy, they can be work-friendly. The key is to find a white dress that's professional, such as a blazer dress. You can always make it feel a bit more business casual by styling it with a baseball cap and strappy sandals.

Just in time for sunny season.

Corporate, but make it cool.

Ideal for wedding season.

What you'll need: two-tone dress + scarf + sunglasses + ballet flats

Styling notes: By now, I've hopefully proved that white dresses are an elegant choice for every occasion, including a summer vacation, a day at the office, and a stroll on the Upper East Side. If you're still not sold on the power of this staple, consider a version that incorporates another color. A two-tone dress is the perfect way to make this classic item feel a bit cooler. Plus, it's easier to match with contrasting ballet flats and a silk scarf.

Add visual intrigue to your outfit with a printed silk scarf.

Why choose between black and white when you can have both?

The woven detail on these flats is luxurious.

Elektrostal in Moscow Oblast Destination Guide Russia

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Elektrostal in Moscow Oblast, Russia

Safety Score: 4,4 of 5.0 based on data from 9 authorites. Meaning please reconsider your need to travel to Russia.

Travel warnings are updated daily. Source: Travel Warning Russia . Last Update: 2024-05-08 08:04:21

Discover Elektrostal

Elektrostal in Moscow Oblast with it's 144,387 citizens is a town in Russia about 32 mi (or 52 km) east of Moscow, the country's capital city.

Current time in Elektrostal is now 10:55 PM (Wednesday). The local timezone is named Europe / Moscow with an UTC offset of 3 hours. We know of 8 airports near Elektrostal, of which two are larger airports. The closest airport in Russia is Bykovo Airport in a distance of 19 mi (or 31 km), South-West. Besides the airports, there are other travel options available (check left side).

There are several Unesco world heritage sites nearby. The closest heritage site in Russia is Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye in a distance of 31 mi (or 51 km), West.

When in this area, you might want to pay a visit to some of the following locations: Ramenskoye, Orekhovo-Borisovo Yuzhnoye, Moscow, Vostochnoe Degunino and Cheremushki. To further explore this place, just scroll down and browse the available info.

Local weather forecast

Todays local weather conditions & forecast: 6°c / 42 °f.

Thursday, 9th of May 2024

2°C (36 °F) -2°C (29 °F) Rain and snow, moderate breeze, overcast clouds.

Friday, 10th of May 2024

10°C (49 °F) 6°C (42 °F) Light rain, moderate breeze, overcast clouds.

Saturday, 11th of May 2024

3°C (37 °F) 2°C (36 °F) Light rain, gentle breeze, overcast clouds.

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Attractions and noteworthy things

Distances are based on the centre of the city/town and sightseeing location. This list contains brief abstracts about monuments, holiday activities, national parcs, museums, organisations and more from the area as well as interesting facts about the region itself. Where available, you'll find the corresponding homepage. Otherwise the related wikipedia article.

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