The Museum Of Modern Art
Home to world-renowned paintings like Vincent van Goghs The Starry Night, Claude Monets Water Lilies and notable works by Warhol, Basquiat and Dali, its no wonder MoMA is constantly crowded with happy visitors.
You dont have to be an avid art connoisseur to appreciate the real-life paintings you grew up studying in school. The painting are well curated and displayed in a modern and airy environment for an experience anyone can enjoy.
Must see at MoMA: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhols Campbell Soup Cans, Frida Kahlos Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, Monets Water Lilies, The Persistence of Memory by Dali, and Picassos work.
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
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, youll 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.
Fun fact:
Lexington Candy Shop boasts being the oldest family-run luncheonette in New York! Its also one of the !
Best Things To Do On The Upper East Side Nyc
Looking for fun things to do on the Upper East Side NYC?
Then youre 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 Im here to show you there is so much more to the neighborhood than what youve seen on TV. Because while the Upper East Side is an incredible place to live, it also shouldnt be missed by visitors to NYC.
Youll see why in this in-depth Upper East Side guide.
As a resident of the Upper East Side for over four years, I want to help you discover the best that the neighborhood has to offer.
So, along with sharing recommended experiences in this guide, youll learn about the history of the neighborhood as well as logistical information that can help you plan the perfect Upper East Side itinerary!
Here are my top Upper East Side picks for:
Strike a post: The Upper East Side is a popular spot for private photo tours and photoshoots hosted by my company NYC Photo Journeys
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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. Dont wear headphones after dark, avoid dark streets as much as possible, and consider investing in some travel safety gear like a personal alarm.
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, well go over exactly what youre 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:
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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 youre thinking I just want a local to plan my trip to NYC I also offer custom travel planning services. Keep in mind, Im 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 Yorks Upper East Side.
Walk The East River Greenway
If youre 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. Its 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.
Speaking of which
Don’t Miss: Children’s Museum Of Alamance County
Upper East Side Museums
- Upper East Side
This elegant addition to the citys 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 and Egon Schiele outside Vienna. Youll also find a bookstore, a chic design shop and the Old Worldinspired Café Sabarsky, serving updated Austrian cuisine and ravishing Viennese pastries.
- 4 out of 5 stars
The Americas Society exists to provide public programming and forums to encourage ideas, discussions and debates about issues throughout the Western Hemisphere.
- 4 out of 5 stars
Since it was founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators has promoted the work of artists around the world through events and exhibitions in the former carriage house of William P. Read, attorney to J. P. Morgan, on the Upper East Side.
- Upper East Side
- 4 out of 5 stars
Have A Frozen Hot Chocolate At Serendipity 3
This decadent dessert shop opened in 1954 is loved by locals and celebrities alike. Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, and First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis were frequent diners.
Serendipity 3’s signature drink is the Frozen Hot Chocolate. It is exactly what it sounds like and it is oh-so-good.
Several films and TV series have featured scenes in Serendipity 3, including, of course, the 2001 comedy Serendipity.
Naturally, Serendipity 3 makes an appearance in the quintessential series about being a teen in New York City, Gossip Girl.
Serendipity 3 is at 225 East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
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Cool Down With Some Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen actually has locations around NYC, but its 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, youll 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 doesnt feature artificial flavoring, but instead showcases pistachios sourced from Mount Etna in Italy.
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 youre traveling in a group as well as if youre looking for the best things to do in NYC by yourself.
Recommended Reading: National Museum Of Industrial History
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.
Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum
Home to a remarkable collection of military vessels of the sea and sky, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a must-see for any military enthusiast or history buff.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is considered one of the 10 best aviation museums in the world, reason alone to visit.
More than 1 million visitors per year choose to visit this important New York City museum to explore the exciting collection. Expect to find authentic WWII fighter planes, aircraft carriers, a submarine used during the Cold War, supersonic jet and the NASA space shuttle Enterprise.
Allow up to 2-3 hours for the plethora of interactive displays and exhibits, this is not a NYC museum experience youll want to rush.
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
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Upper East Side Neighborhoods
Lets kick this Manhattan travel guide off by going over the different Upper East Side neighborhoods.
Yes, you read that right. Manhattans Upper East Side is actually a large neighborhood comprised of multiple sub-neighborhoods, including:
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:
Try Some Incredible Beers
Next on our epic list of things to do on the Upper East Side, its visiting City Swiggers.
If you havent heard of City Swiggers, let us tell you about it! This place has over 8000 beers you can choose from .
This is the ultimate drinking location for beer lovers. And its a great choice for things to do on the Upper East Side.
Read Also: Museums To See In Nyc
Find Out What’s Happening In Upper East Sidewith Free Real
Meanwhile, Church of the Heavenly Rest will be hosting its popular “Block90 on Museum Mile” event during the same time, on East 90th Street just off Fifth Avenue, with food, art balloon figures and a marching band performance.
At the Met, festivities will include a 6 p.m. kickoff performance by Slavic Soul Party at the David H. Koch Plaza near East 80th Street, followed by puppet shows, art workshops, paper lantern construction, more music, and a chance to take a quiet tour of some museum galleries.
Upper East Side Nyc Sightseeing Passes
To explore the UES using your passes, youll want to look for The Met, Guggenheim, Museum of the City of New York, and the Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour.
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass – Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass – 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
Top of Upper East Side NYC Neighborhood Guide
Recommended Reading: Houston Children’s Museum Promo Code
Restaurants In The Upper East Side
Upscale restaurants are the star of the Upper East Side. However, there are plenty of family-friendly options too. Check out our recommendations for restaurants in the Upper East Side, including
- JG Melon: This laid-back pub is known for its delicious American burgers. A favorite with locals, this place can get busy, but its worth it. Please note that JG Melon is cash only.
- San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina: Pizza fans have to head to San Matteo for wood-fired pizzas and casual, affordable dining.
- Up Thai: This Thai place is known for its extensive menu, good value and is vegetarian-friendly. Its popular, so it can get busy, so make sure to reserve ahead of time.
- Candle 79: Vegans visiting the Upper East Side have to visit Candle 79. Its a little pricier but has tons of delicious vegan options. Head here for brunch, lunch or dinner!
If you dont want to take too much time out of your day, the Upper East Side also has plenty of fast-food restaurants. You could eat at fast-food favorites like Chipotle, Taco Bell, Shake Shack, McDonalds and Subway.
Greenwich Village & Noho
Our Greenwich Village NYC Guide provides insight into one of NYC’s most cherished neighborhoods. The Village is full of history, celebrity, politics, landmarks and so much more. The NYU campus, Washington Square Park, gorgeous brownstones and cobble stone streets, amazing restaurants, tons of trees and much more make this area a local favorite.
- To Do: Washington Square Park, NYU Campus, Astor Place, Shopping, Restaurants
Read Also: National Museum Of The Usaf
People Will Throng Fifth Avenue For Free Art Music And Activities At The Met The Guggenheim And Six Other Museums Here’s What To Know
UPPER EAST SIDE, NY After going virtual for two years during the pandemic, the Museum Mile Festival will be back in grand fashion on Tuesday, with eight museums offering free art exhibitions, activities, and performances along dozens of blocks of Fifth Avenue.
The evening event will run from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday between East 79th and 110th streets. Participating institutions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, El Museo del Barrio, Neue Galerie, the Guggenheim Museum, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Africa Center.
The doors to all eight museums will be open during the event.
Asia Society And Museum
Next on our list of things to do on the Upper East Side, its the Asia Society and Museum. If youre looking to learn more about Asian culture, then this is a great place to visit.
The Asia Society and Museum is essentially an Asian cultural center, and they offer a wide range of seasonal events, professional talks, cultural performances and art exhibitions too!
Its a really diverse museum and its a fantastic choice for things to do on the Upper East Side.
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Best Museums In New York City
- Save this for later.
The sheer number of museums and cultural institutions in New York can boggle the mindit doesn’t have just world-class museums spanning neighborhoods from the Upper East Side all the way to the Lower East Side it has entire neighborhoods, like Chelsea, dedicated to smaller galleries. With specialties ranging from Chinese, Hispanic, and Jewish art to photography, natural history, and cutting-edge contemporary, theres truly something for any interestall you have to do is decide what that is. We’ve got you covered no matter what you’re interested in with our list of the best museums in New York City.
Gardens Suites Hotel By Affinia
The all-suite Gardens Suites Hotel by Affinia is a home away from home for any NYC visitor. I actually know several New York families who choose this hotel for long term stays when they are renovating their apartments. East 64th gives you easy access to Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park, Museum Mile and all the attractions in Midtown. The suites have modern furnishings, full kitchens and living areas and some have terraces with views.
The room size was nice & spacious for our party of 6 3 adults & 3 children. We absolutely love the full sized kitchen that had a complete set of pots & pans and adequate kitchenware.
“Amazing, Melissa. This is my second copy! Congratulations for this always excellent guide. I have been living in this area for 18 years, but I still leave the guide as a treat when people come to visit me by their bed. So comprehensive!”
Also Check: American Museum Of Natural History Sharks
Things To Do On The Upper East Side: Levain Bakery
Next on our list of the best things to do on the Upper East Side, we have Levain .
Levain is among our favorite bakeries in NYC, and well usually stop by for breakfast or a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
But its honestly the cookies that are worth the trip.
Theyre HUGE and are usually oozing with delicious chocolates or packed with nuts for the ultimate crunch.
Whatever you order, you certainly wont regret adding Levain to your list of things to do on the Upper East Side.
To be honest, youll probably find yourself returning for seconds!
