The Upper East Side, New York Guide

By Seren Morris
Published: May 16, 2024

The Upper East Side is a neighborhood in Manhattan between 59th street and 96th street to the east of Central Park. The New York neighborhood is famous for its high-end stores and upscale restaurants. However, there are tons of budget-friendly attractions to enjoy in the Upper East Side. Art fans will especially love the Upper East Side, as it’s home to plenty of galleries and museums. Check out our list of New York City attractions in the Upper East Side, including...

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The Guggenheim
  • The Met Breuer
  • Neue Galerie
  • Central Park
  • And more!

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Galleries in the Upper East Side

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or ‘the Met’ as it’s also known, is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. It is the largest art museum in the United States and home to art spanning over 5,000 years. So whether you enjoy Medieval art or contemporary photography, there is sure to be something to inspire the whole family. As well as its permanent collection, the Met is always exhibiting exciting temporary collections. Currently, they are showing “Camp: Notes on Fashion” (until September 8, 2019), and Alicja Kwade’s “Parapivot” at the gallery’s roof garden (until October 27, 2019). So even if you’ve visited before, there is always something new to see. A visit to the Upper East Side would be incomplete without a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Getting in: Admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is just as famous for its striking architecture as it is for the art it contains. The museum’s modern, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed exterior stands out among the classic 5th Avenue buildings. But you have to step inside to truly appreciate the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim Museum exhibits temporary collections as well as its permanent collection, so check ahead to see what’s being displayed during your visit. Currently, there are exhibitions such as Basquiat’s “Defacement: The Untold Story,” (until November 6, 2019), and “Implicit Tensions: Mapplethorpe Now,” (until January 5, 2020). Even if you visit for the architecture alone, the Guggenheim should be on your Upper East Side itinerary. Getting in: Admission to the Guggenheim Museum is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

The Met Breuer

The Met Breuer is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but this gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art. Head here if you’re interested in exciting, contemporary pieces that unlike any art in traditional art museums. Explore a sculpture collection inspired by nature in Mrinalini Mukherjee’s “Phenomenal Nature” (until September 2019), or “Home is a foreign place,” which is a collection highlighting contemporary art from Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as art by American artists, (until June 21, 2020). Getting in: Admission to The Met Breuer with an audio tour is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

Neue Galerie

If the art lover in your group is still not satisfied, head to Neue Galerie. The Neue Galerie is an art museum focusing on early twentieth-century art by German and Austrian artists. See work by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, (until September 2, 2020) plus the Neue Galerie’s permanent, collection featuring a range of art from paintings to sculptures. Take a guided tour around the museum at 3:30 PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to make the most of your visit. Or, take an audio tour which is free with admission. Getting in: Admission to Neue Galerie is not included with the New York Explorer pass and tickets must be purchased separately. Admission is half price until September 2, 2019. Please note: children under 12 are not admitted.

Central Park

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Pond, Water, City, Tree, Fir, Scenery, Landscape, Urban, Vegetation, Cityscape, Grass, Metropolis, Grove, Land, Woodland, As the Upper East Side is adjacent to Central Park, there are plenty of fun attractions and landmarks to visit in the park itself, including...

  • The Central Park Zoo: Kids will love visiting the zoo. They’ll get to see snow leopards and red pandas up close – not what you’d expect from a trip to New York City!
  • Alice in Wonderland statue: Visiting the Alice in Wonderland statue is a must for families visiting Central Park. Kids get to climb, play, and interact with Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit. It’s a great photo opportunity too.
  • Balto statue: The Balto statue commemorates a sled dog who delivered medicine to save children in Alaska. Erected in 1925, Balto is still standing proudly.
  • Gapstow Bridge: The Gapstow Bridge is a must-visit Central Park location. It offers great views of the skyline and The Pond. Plus, it has featured in a few movies, like Home Alone 2 and The Devil Wears Prada.

Getting in: Admission to Central Park is free. You must purchase tickets to the Central Park Zoo separately. Admission to the Central Park Walking Tour is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

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 it’s 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. It’s 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. It’s a little pricier but has tons of delicious vegan options. Head here for brunch, lunch or dinner!

If you don’t 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, McDonald’s and Subway.

In summary

Why not add a few of these Upper East Side attractions to your New York itinerary? Check out our top tips for visiting New York City.

Seren Morris
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in March

We love New York all year round, but the city especially shines at the beginning of springtime. Though the weather is still a little chilly this time of year, the area offers a wide array of fun activities and exciting events for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to its fullest, catch a first-rate classical music performance, or taste some of the best pizza in the city, you’ll find that there are countless reasons to love the Big Apple. So, if you’re looking for a great spring vacation, make sure to read through our guide for things to do in the city during this time of year. With Go City, see more for less. Get Festive   Those who are visiting during St. Patrick’s Day might want to check out the city’s annual parade. Recognized as both the oldest and largest celebration of its kind, the New York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade offers a wonderful traditional experience for you and your loved ones. Attracting about 2 million spectators each year, the extravagant event features enormous floats, fun marching bands and captivating dancers. In addition, visitors should be able to find special events and lively activities at bars and restaurants across all five boroughs.   New York City has always been known for its vibrant arts scene. To get your fill of some of the area’s top performers and emerging talents, head over to Brooklyn Dance Festival. At the event, attendees can enjoy original choreography and beautiful storytelling across a wide variety of styles. As captivating as it is magical, the event is the perfect way to soak up the culture of the city.   Whiskey connoisseurs - pay attention! Kicking off towards the end of the month, the NYC Craft Distillers Festival offers attendees a chance to sample some of the industry’s premium spirits at a lower price point. Recapturing the magic of the Roaring Twenties, the event also presents aerial silk performers and burlesque artists just to help you get into the swing of things. Both elegant and lively, the festival provides something a little different from the usual bar experience. Find Fun Activities If you’re looking to avoid the chilly weather, why not book tickets for the Museum of Ice Cream? Yep, you read that right. This delightful and playful institute is entirely dedicated to one of our favorite childhood treats. Providing a fun and unique experience, the museum offers over 13 multi-sensory installations for you to sink your teeth into. Snap some pictures, play in a ball pit of giant sprinkles, or taste some of the establishment's signature flavors - what’s not to love?   New York City is well-recognized as a cultural and creative hub. Standing as one of the biggest international art fairs that the city has to offer, the Armory Show NYC offers the perfect quiet and relaxing alternative to a busy day of touring. The event showcases pieces from over 200 galleries and 30 countries with a focus on contemporary and modern art. A thoroughly interesting and engaging experience, you won’t want to miss out on this one! For a long time, visitors have flocked to New York to admire its architectural integrity – but did you know that the city also offers a museum for those who are especially curious about the constructural background of this vast vertical metropolis? Located in Battery Park City, the Skyscraper Museum focuses on the area’s structures as incredible products of design, objects of technology, and places of work and residence. Upon entrance, visitors can learn more about designers, builders, and investors who contributed to the city’s rich architectural heritage. With so much to see and learn, we highly recommend saving this one for a dull March afternoon.   Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March is attend the New York Peace Film Festival. Kicking off towards the end of the month, the event seeks to bring social and political awareness through the art of filmmaking. Screening a wide variety of fantastic feature-length films, short narratives, and documentary pieces, there’s a little something for everyone here. A perfect activity to fill those rainy March afternoons, this unique cultural event should be at the top of everyone’s itineraries! Experience the Culture of the City New York is a world capital of live music. Standing as a fantastic example of the city’s contributions in creativity and innovation, the NY Philharmonic is recognized as one of the most revered symphony orchestras in the country. Presenting world-renowned performers in a grand space, the event provides a profound musical experience for you and your loved ones. Offering an incredible atmosphere and unforgettable experience, you don’t have to be a classical music aficionado to enjoy this one.   One of the best ways to experience New York is through its food. Super scrumptious and deeply fascinating, the Little Italy Food Tour provides a terrific way to sample some of the area’s greatest culinary offerings whilst learning more about the vibrant culture of the city. As you walk, you’ll be able to hear more about the history of the mafia and visit movie site locations from The Godfather. Discover the best pizza in the city and unlock the secret history of this charming neighborhood. Since New York is celebrated for its culture in diversity, it's no surprise that the city offers a wide array of interesting events throughout the spring. Ushering in the spring with much enthusiasm and vibrancy, Holi in the City is an annual festival of colors which celebrates the Hindu holiday of Holi. Though throwing colored powder is the main activity of the festival, attendees can enjoy musical performances, dancing, and delicious food. Be sure to wear white and have your phone at the ready for those great photo opportunities! We love New York in March. The air is crisp, the lines are shorter, and the beginning of the springtime brings a whole host of seasonal activities. Whether you want to party at Holi festival, watch sensational dance performances close up, or hop into a pool of sprinkles at the Museum of Ice Cream, you won’t want to miss what’s going on in the city in March. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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Is New York Safe?

In many ways, New York is the perfect place for recreation and exploration. From its fantastic cultural amenities and historical landmarks to great bars and restaurants, the city has it all. Still though, like any entity that reaches an immortal level of fame, the city has amassed quite the reputation. Rumors began to fly. So, it only makes sense for a person to wonder, ‘’is New York safe to visit?’’ Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes! But, if you still need more convincing, or are perhaps looking for tips for how to stay safe during our visit, have a read through our guide to navigating the concrete jungle! How Safe is New York? There’s nowhere quite like the Big Apple. The city is one of the most visited destinations in America – and with good reason! Still, New York is not without its flaws. A fairly common issue for visitors to the city is petty crime, coming in a wide variety of forms. From bag snatching and pickpocketing to phone grabbing and mugging, it can sometimes seem like there’s much to look out for. A lot of the time, criminals prey on new visitors because they stand out and seem like they don’t know their surroundings. To avoid becoming an easy target, we suggest that you dress conspicuously and keep an eye out for suspicious activities wherever you go. Things to be Aware of When visiting New York, you might feel excited to buy tickets for some of your favorite events – and who wouldn’t be? Still, it’s important to stay especially cautious when looking at tickets, due to the rising prevalence of fraud. To ensure that you’re paying for what you get, we advise you to avoid buying tickets which are marketed on social media, instead purchasing directly from well-established companies and websites. This way, you’ll know for sure that your tickets are legitimate and won’t have to miss out on something truly special! Is New York Safe at Night? Forever bold and buzzing with life, New York is well-recognized for its great nightlife. Though a night out in the big city is a lot of fun, it can also present some risks. Whilst spiking and attacks are irregular incidences, they can and do happen – so it's important to take precautions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. First off, we recommend going out in a group - remember, there’s always safety in numbers. Still, if this isn’t possible, then it’s best to let somebody know where you’re going for the night. In addition, you should drink in moderation and politely decline any beverages offered to you by strangers. We also suggest taking a taxi back to the hotel over other modes of transport, since walking or taking public transport at night could be dangerous. Though going out in New York might sound like a big deal, it doesn’t present any bigger issues than partying somewhere else in the world – plus it’s twice the fun! Is Transport in the City Safe? Another common concern of visitors to New York is if it's dangerous to travel around the city. The Big Apple presents many different methods of transportation, all of which are time-efficient, cost-effective and, yes, pretty darn safe! Still, of course, we suggest that you keep super vigilant of your surroundings and apply good ol’ fashioned common sense when exploring the city. For those who are planning to use public transport to get around, it's important to keep a close eye on your belongings and not show any cash. Also, be sure to plan your trip beforehand – this way, you won’t get lost, or potentially end up in a dangerous neighborhood. If you’re going opt for a taxi, you should steer clear of any unmarked cabs – you'll note that all NYC cabs are clearly display the cab driver's medallion number. Uber and Lyft are also a great cheaper safe alternative. If you want to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of the city, we suggest sticking to daytime hours and busier areas. How to Stay Safe in New York A common misconception about the city is that it can be dangerous to visit – however, if you stay in safer areas, you’ll have little to worry about. Some of the better areas of the city include Midtown, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and the Upper West Side. Still, if you decide to venture into one of New York’s grittier neighborhoods, it's important to pay attention to your surroundings. The best thing to do is stay sharp and keep your wits about yourself whilst exploring the area. If you need to stop for directions, we suggest going into a local shop and asking an employee. Though discovering a new area can be quite daunting, there’s no reason not to if you take the right measures. Solo and Female Travelers Generally, New York is welcoming to all of its visitors. Still, with its sprawling cityscape and big reputation, it seems understandable that some would think it could pose a threat for solo travelers and women. Although we think New York is a great vacation spot, we still want to emphasize how important it is to be properly prepared for your trip. If you’re a solo traveler, make sure to research your destination ahead of time. When you arrive, you should keep in touch with friends and family back home so that they know what you’re up to. For female travelers, it's important not to share too much personal information about your itinerary or where you’re staying with strangers. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, don't feel scared to make a call or talk to someone in the vicinity. As with any city, New York can present its dangers, but if you’re careful and make smart decisions, you’ll get along just fine. Enjoying Your Time in the City Safely There are endless things to see, do and experience in New York. The list of remarkable attractions and cultural institutions run the gamut. Just think: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Grand Central Station. Still, every city has its issues, so it’s important to follow basic precaution measures whilst visiting. Though New York has a pretty strong safety record, we advise you to be cautious to avoid any incidents or inconveniences that could occur. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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