Tree-lined streets, elegant brownstones and a plethora of museums, galleries and boutiques make the Upper East Side one of the most coveted postcodes in New York. Dine at award-winning restaurants, stroll along glitzy Madison Avenue and relax in a flower-filled riverside park.
Things to do in Upper East Side
Museum Mile is dotted with some of the most iconic cultural institutions in the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Discover almost seven hectares of exhibition space and admire treasures from around the world. Highlights include paintings by Dutch masters, centuries-old musical instruments and colourful embroidered silk kimonos. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum occupies a striking building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and champions contemporary art.
From designer boutiques to luxury department stores, Upper East Side offers some of the best shopping in NYC. The section of Madison Avenue between 60th and 82nd is known as the “platinum corridor” and is lined with designer stores like Hermes, Prada and Ralph Lauren.
Start your day with locally roasted coffee and flaky pastries at a trendy bakery. Enjoy lunch at a farm-to-table café and save room for a lavish high tea at a five-star hotel. For dinner, take your pick of chef-driven restaurants. Finish your day with live music and martinis at one of the neighbourhood’s famous piano bars.
Central Park is the city’s signature green space but it’s worth venturing off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Riverside Carl Schurz Park is an urban oasis filled with tulips and cherry blossoms. Enjoy a picnic on the grass and watch ferries cruise along the East River.
Getting around Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is well-serviced by the NYC Subway, with stops including 59 Street-Lexington Avenue, 86th Street and 96th Street. Ferries depart from the East 90th Street Pier in Carl Schurz Park. John F. Kennedy International Airport is a one-hour drive away or 1.5 hours by subway.