Upper East Side

The Basics

Long associated with New York’s wealthy, the Upper East Side has been a haven for business moguls, politicians, celebrities, socialites, and cultural and fashion leaders for more than a century. The neighborhood’s heritage is exemplified in the mansions overlooking Central Park from Fifth Avenue, most of which were built during the United States’ early-20th-century Gilded Age. Thanks to its high-end stores and a plethora of museums along the aptly named Museum Mile, the Upper East Side is also a shopping and cultural hot spot.

For an easy, illuminating way to get a feel for the Upper East Side, join a NYC tour. Explore Central Park and admire the neighborhood’s architecture on foot, by bike, or by pedicab; spot locations from movies such as Gossip Girl; capture the ultimate pics with a pro photographer; or try out the best restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Upper East Side attracts culture, history, architecture, and shopping aficionados.

• The streets are generally accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Several public restrooms are located on Fifth Avenue, bordering Central Park.

How to Get There

The Upper East Side is framed by 97th Street, 59th Street, Fifth Avenue, and FDR Drive. Handy subway stops include Fifth Avenue, 59th Street, and 86th Street. Alternatively, take the subway to 81st Street and walk to Museum Mile through Central Park. Buses also run along every north-south avenue.

When to Get There

Head to Madison Avenue for daytime shopping before enjoying a drink at a plush hotel such as the Carlyle. Museum Mile biggies such as the Metropolitan and the Guggenheim are open from 10am to 5:30pm, closing later on select weekdays and Saturdays.

Shopping in the Upper East Side

You’ll find luxe shopping haunts—such as Ralph Lauren and Chanel—on Madison Avenue. Other big-name stores congregate around Fifth Avenue south of 59th Street. Even if your budget doesn’t allow buying, feel free to browse and window-shop at the likes of Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.

What is New York’s Upper East Side known for?

This affluent and storied Manhattan neighborhood is known for its old money and expensive ways. It’s also known for its Museum Mile, historic brownstones, and high-end shopping. It runs from 59th to 96th streets and is bordered by Central Park to the west and the East River to the east.

What museums can be found on the Upper East Side of NYC?

The Upper East Side’s Fifth Avenue is home to so many museums that the city blocks even boast the name “Museum Mile.” The most famous are the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but you’ll also find the Jewish Museum, the Neue Galerie, and half a dozen lesser-known institutions.

When is the best time of year to visit the Upper East Side?

New York City is best in spring and fall. (Manhattan summers are sweltering and its winters can bring snowstorms.) The same holds true for the Upper East Side, although the holiday season is another popular time to visit. Department stores along Fifth Avenue toward Midtown decorate their windows with incredible Christmas displays.

Are there any family-friendly activities on the Upper East Side?

Yes—most of the Upper East Side’s museums offer kid-targeted programming, from special concerts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to art workshops at the Jewish Museum. You can also get an old-timey coke float from a soda fountain at Lexington Candy Shop, and then run around Central Park’s Ancient Playground.

Is New York City’s Upper East Side expensive?

Yes and no—the Upper East Side is a famously wealthy enclave, but, as they say, the best things in life are free, and the same holds true for visitors. A walk down Fifth Avenue or Central Park will cost you nothing, and children under 12 can enter the Metropolitan Museum of Art for free.

Where are the best places to shop on the Upper East Side?

New York City’s Upper East Side is best known for its old-school department stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman, concentrated along Fifth Avenue next to a mix of other chain retailers. Plus, you can also find luxury boutiques and designer brands on Madison Avenue.

Ways to explore

For an easy, illuminating way to get a feel for the Upper East Side, join a New York City tour. Explore Central Park and admire the neighborhood’s architecture on foot, by bike, or by pedicab; spot locations featured in famous movies; capture the ultimate pics with a pro photographer; or try out the best eateries with a food tour. Hop-on hop-off bus tours give you more flexibility to sightsee at your own pace, or you can strike out independently with a self-guided audio tour of the neighborhood and its top sights.

Accessibility

This area has well-maintained sidewalks and is generally accessible to people using wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water bottle, picnic supplies for Central Park

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, clothes for walking, sunscreen

Not allowed

The UES historic townhouses on the Upper East Side are private property, so respect residents’ privacy.

Amenities

Central Park has several public restrooms.

Address

The Upper East Side is framed by 97th Street, 59th Street, Fifth Avenue, and FDR Drive. Many of the city’s top attractions are within easy walking distance of this historic area, including top museums, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center.

Driving

New York City driving is always a challenge, but the limited—and expensive—parking on the Upper East Side makes driving in this area particularly stressful. Do as New Yorkers do and ditch the car for public transportation.

Public transportation

The 4, 5, and 6 trains run north-south through the Upper East Side. The F and N, R, Q, and W lines also have stops in the neighborhood. Get off at 86th Street for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Buses also run through the neighborhood.

Best times to visit

Go in the daytime for Madison Avenue shopping, nighttime for drinks at a plush hotel such as the Carlyle. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed on Wednesdays, and the Guggenheim is open daily.

Best days to visit

The shops and museums on the Upper East Side are particularly busy on weekends, so visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are the best months for an architecture stroll, while the indoor museums are ideal destinations to escape the summer heat and winter chill.

Special events

This neighborhood hosts concerts, exhibitions, food festivals, street fairs, and other cultural events in its museums, churches, music venues, and clubs.