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There are numerous intriguing activities to partake in on the Upper East Side, so if you haven’t visited it yet, be sure to add it to your itinerary. It’s one of the areas in Manhattan that must be seen!
This affluent region houses some of NYC’s wealthiest residents, and famous families like the Rockefellers have lived here. With its beautiful location and significant landmarks, it’s not surprising that the Upper East Side attracts the most prominent people in the city.
Of course, the UES is a wonderful place to explore as a tourist or person from outside the area, and you can find obscure gems on the Upper East Side that cannot be seen anywhere else. Ranging from historical attractions and cultural institutions to the lovely views of the East River and Central Park, there is something for everyone.
Spend some time browsing luxury retailers, dining on gourmet cuisine, and discovering the top 10 areas on the Upper East Side with this guide as you explore.
Table of Contents
1. Walk through The Met, one of the best things to do on the Upper East Side
To start, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the premier museums located in New York City and throughout the country. It’s an enormous museum holding over two million works of art, so you can`t see everything in a single visit. If it`s your initial time here, check out the Egyptian and Roman galleries, which boast some of the most impressive pieces and artifacts worldwide.
The Met’s art collection spans the globe, and it has temporary exhibits throughout the year. Along with paintings by masters like Pablo Picasso, George O’Keeffe, and Edward Hopper, you can also see a costume gallery and an extensive collection of medieval art.
Moreover, the museum is open late on Fridays and Saturdays for after-hours events. It’s one of the bestdate spots on the Upper East Side, with live music and talks accompanied by wine.
General admission to The Met can be included with the New York Pass, or you can obtain a skip-the-line ticket here.
2. The Guggenheim Museum, one of the best places in the Upper East Side
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Inside the museum, a continuous ramp winds its way up through various galleries appearing on each higher floor, with the entire rotunda bathed in natural sunlight from the ceiling skylight. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the best examples of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s 20th-century designs.
In addition to its renowned architecture, the Guggenheim houses prime samples of modern art and the most significant artistic movements of the 20th century. Here, you can explore the abstract compositions of Vasily Kandinsky shaped by his expressions, works from the post-Impressionist era of Van Gogh, and a beautiful collection influenced by impressions with pieces from Monet, Degas, and others.
Visiting the Guggenheim is one of the top attractions on the Upper East Side, so if you want to go, I suggest securing your ticket ahead of time or utilizing the New York Pass.
3. Visit other institutions along the Museums Mile
If you’re interested in other galleries in Manhattan, then take a stroll along theExhibition Mile, a 1.2-mile stretch along 5th Avenue. Starting from Central Park’s southeast corner, walk up 5th Avenue and pop into any museum that looks interesting.
For instance, The Frick Collection is contained within an exceptionally decorated Gilded Era mansion and homes a collection of Renaissance fine art and early twentieth century sketches, paintings, and decorative crafts. Continue past The Met and the Guggenheim, and you’ll find the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, which is inside the Andrew Carnegie Mansion.
Next door, the The Jewish Museum is another great institute which protects and promotes appreciation for Jewish cultural heritage through a notable selection of sketches, paintings, photos, and other displays.
The Museum of the City of New York is also worth visiting as it provides one of the best free museum experiences in NYC. Here, you can learn about the history and growth of the iconic city through art exhibitions and dioramas. I also recommend El Museo del Barrio for its outstanding collection of Latin American and Caribbean art, with a special focus on Puerto Rican artists. It`s included in the New York Pass, so don`t miss checking it out.
Other museums worth exploring in NYC’s UES include the National Academy Museum and School and the Neue Galerie, which features German and Austrian artwork.
4. Central Park, one of the most beautiful places on the Upper East Side
Central Park is one of the finest places on the Upper East Side since guests can enjoy it throughout the year. There are so many activities in Central Park, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead what you want to do before arriving here.
Naturally, the spacious green areas greatly draw both locals and visitors. Whether one wishes to enjoy a picnic, get some exercise, or simply observe people, this is the place for it. The prominent Great Lawn and the Sheep Meadow are two popular spots, although stopping by The Lake is also worthwhile. This waterway is surrounded by some of the park’s most famous landmarks, like Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon memorial site.
If visiting with children, check out one of the playgrounds or take a ride on the Central Park Carousel. All ages will enjoy the Conservatory Garden and Wollman Rink, which is open for ice skating during the winter months.
During springtime, you can view the blooming cherry blossoms from Belvedere Castle, and in summer, watch a Shakespeare in the Park performance. There are also several delicious eateries on the outskirts of the park, rendering this an additional one of the best date spots on the UpperEast Side.
If making a decision about what to do is difficult, or guidance from a local is welcomed, consider either this walking scenic route or a guided excursion by bike.
5. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram, something to do in the Upper East Side as a family
Experiencing a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is a fun enjoyable activity to partake in NYC as a family, and offers a superb way to observe and see all of the Upper East Side neighborhoods from above.
This aerial transportation across the East River connects the borough of Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. While most travelers use this to enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, one can also explore the island, where sights include a visitor center, lighthouse, public park, and historical structures such as the Blackwell House.
Also, if you are interested in experiencing a different view of the city, on the return trip to Manhattan, you can travel by the New York Ferry. Otherwise, if you are unsure about activities on the Upper East Side, the tram ride is a convenient and affordable option. It operates daily, usually every 15 minutes, and costs the same as transportation on the New York City subway system.
6. Carl Schurz Park, a little-known place on the Upper East Side
One of the excellent hidden gems on the Upper East Side is Carl Schurz Park. Spanning 15 acres along the East River, this public park presents a nice alternative to Central Park. Here, visitors can take advantage of fewer crowds, a waterfront breeze, and beautiful vistas.
This park was named for Carl Schurz, who held the position of Secretary of the Interior in the early twentieth century. Nowadays, it provides a welcoming green area and a nice change of pace from the busy streets and imposing buildings of Upper Manhattan. Additionally, thanks to its location, you`ll get a lovely view of Roosevelt Island, Randalls Island, and the Triborough Bridge.
This park located on the Upper East Side is also home to the official residence of the New York Mayor known as Gracie Mansion, which welcomes tours every Wednesday. Additional enjoyable activities here involve picnic dining and observing people, strolling or cycling along the East River Greenway, and catching a ride on the 90th Street Ferry. The park also accommodates two dog recreation areas and a playground, rendering it highly family-friendly.
7. Randalls Island, another cool place to visit on the Upper East Side, NYC
While you can see Randalls Island from Carl Schurz Park, taking a swift trip to the island is another engaging activity on the Upper East Side.
Back in the mid-19th century, the island was generally used as a location for various psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Today, it has sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a golf course. It’s also home to Icahn Stadium, an Olympic training center for track-and-field athletes.
Another area for recreation here is Randalls Island Park, which has scenic paths for biking and jogging along the East River waterfront. At the southern end of the park, you can cross the Little Hell Gate Bridge, which goes over a saltwater wetland. It’s a unique marsh environment where you can see crabs, ducks, and herons.
If seeking an Upper East Side activity that diverges from the beaten path, one could cross the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, take the subway, or ride the 35th Street Ferry to Randalls Island.
8. Grab a hot dog at Papaya King, a popular thing to do on the Upper East Side
While enjoying all the activities on the Upper East Side, be sure to stop somewhere for a bite. While great restaurants are in the area, don`t miss stopping at Papaya King, a legendary Manhattan establishment.
This is where you can try a New York-style hot dog, one of the best foods in NYC. While there are hot dog carts all over the city, the most famous dogs are at Papaya King at E. 86th Street and 3rd Avenue, which first opened in the 1930s.
While Papaya King initially offered tropical fruit smoothies and drinks when it first opened, the shop later shifted its focus and menu options to meet the preferences of German immigrants who had recently arrived in New York City. Although selling frankfurters from a stand seems like an unusual pairing with its name, Papaya King added sausages to its offerings to cater to the new demographic in the area.
Numerous other food vendors subsequently emulated Papaya King’s pattern, but the original remains a crowd pleaser and provides some of the finest cuisine on the Upper East Side. Along with several varieties of hot dogs and specialized franks, the shop also offers curly fries and knishes, so it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon snack.
9. Stop by Levain Bakery and other sweet shops on the Upper East Side
With many delicious bakeries located on New York City’s Upper East Side, you must obtain a sweet treat during your visit. One of the finest is Levain Bakery, which has terrific black & white cookies, a staple of New York. The bakery resides at 83rd Street and 3rd Avenue and, in addition to cookies, it offers cakes, pastries, freshly baked bread, and vegan and gluten-free selections. You can also stop in here for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to revive you as you explore the UES.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is another one of the top places on the Upper East Side to obtain dessert. Situated on 2nd Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets, this ice cream shop provides dairy and dairy-free flavors, like unique creations such as malted milkshake & fries, marionberry cheesecake, and honeycomb. The shop takes pride in utilizing the freshest ingredients and making its ice cream French-style, with lots of eggs for extra richness.
Finally, if you’re unsure of where to dine in the Upper East Side, the Lexington Candy Shop at 83rd Street and Lexington Avenue is my top recommendation. Contrary to its name, this establishment is actually a luncheonette, so you can fill up on a satisfying and delicious meal here. Established in 1925, the restaurant is like a time machine that transports you back to the days of soda fountains and NY egg creams. Take a seat in a booth or on a barstool and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or an ice cream sundae.
10. Park Avenue Armory, an interesting place on NYC’s Upper East Side
Finally, the Park Avenue Armory is a unique attraction on the Upper East Side that you should check out. This multifunctional building is one of the last remaining privately-built armories in the country, serving the U.S. National Guard.
The Armory was constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. While its external structure is aesthetically pleasing, exploring the interior is worth the effort. In addition to being utilized by the New York Army National Guard and several veteran organizations, the Armory functions as an alternative art venue showcasing diverse forms of art and their creators.
Throughout the year, the Armory facilitates dances, one-act plays, art installations, and other performances. It’s also a gallery area for various artworks, furnishings, and other decorative arts. Currently, the Armory is accessible for public excursions which you must reserve beforehand here.
A guide will lead you through the performance areas, the National Guard practice room, and historic period rooms, which reflect the building’s former use as a social club. Without question, it’s an intriguing activity to participate in on the Upper East Side if time allows.
Where to stay on the Upper East Side, NYC
The UES in NYC is one of the top areas to reside in New York City, thanks to its affluent residents, elegant structures, and scenic views of Midtown Manhattan. These are my prime recommendations if you want to stay in this region:
- The Pierre – one of the best hotels in NYC with 5-star amenities and views of Central Park.
- The Lowell – this luxurious New York City hotel referenced in the link has spacious suites, a lounge area with a fireplace, and an upscale restaurant.
Upper East Side New York map
To finish up, here is a map of the Upper East Side, New York to help you plan your trip. It includes all the attractions I mentioned, as well as my recommended hotels.
If you have any inquiries about the prime attractions located in the Upper East Side, or wish to propose an activity, please leave a comment below. I would be happy to hear from you! I hope you enjoy your time in the UES!
