The Upper East Side, New York Guide

By Seren Morris

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.

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The Edge
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The Best New York Travel Tips

NYC is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the U.S., and it’s on nearly every travel wishlist. It’s also one of the most eclectic, diverse, and jam-packed cities in the country, and a visit here can be a bit of a challenge for those unfamiliar with this particular concrete jungle. If a visit to New York City is on the cards for you, you’ll love our best New York travel tips. Use the following NYC tips to help you plan your vacation, whether it’s your first time to the city or you just need a refresher. Tips for getting around New York Whatever you do, don’t try to drive in New York. Traffic is atrocious and parking fees are absurd. Try to figure out mass transit. The MTA is a lot more affordable than Uber or Lyft and you won’t have to deal with traffic. To that end, get an unlimited ride Metro Card for 7 days. Even if your trip isn’t quite that long, it’s going to be a lot cheaper than paying per trip fares. Hop-on hop-off buses are a great way to see the sites and you'll learn about the city as you travel from one attraction to the next. Just be aware that traffic in NYC can be bad if you need to get somewhere quick. If you need to look at a map, do so discreetly on your phone. Pulling out a paper map is an invitation for trouble. Walking is another time-honored way to get around the more concentrated areas of Manhattan. Just remember to not walk more than two abreast and don’t gaggle in large groups. Hotels & places to stay in New York Avoid choosing touristy areas like Times Square for your hotel, as you’ll pay a high premium for an increasingly limited benefit. At the same time, don’t stay too far out of the city or you’ll spend all of your time on the train waiting to get into Manhattan. You’ll regret the hour it took you just to get from Jersey City when you’re running out of time at the Met. For some recommendations on our favorite hotels, check out the best hotels in NYC for 2019. Use sites like Trivago, Hotels.com, or TripAdvisor to book your hotel and save on lodging costs. Or, if you’re a member of a rewards program at your favorite hotel, check to see if they offer special discounts or packages. Book as far in advance of your trip as possible to get the best rates. Tips for dining in New York Avoid eating at chain restaurants or in places like Times Square. NYC is a culinary capital and it’s worth exploring local restaurants. Check out sites like Time Out New York or Yelp for restaurant recommendations, and use Open Table to make reservations if necessary. The restaurant industry is fully modern these days, so take advantage of the tech! If you can time your visit to match up with NYC Restaurant Week, it will save you a bunch of money on delicious food at some of the city’s best restaurants. There's usually one in the summer and one in the winter. Tips for things to do in NYC Explore beyond Times Square and Manhattan. Try the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Yankee Stadium, or DUMBO. Take in a game at one of the city’s legendary arenas or ballparks. Often you can even score cheap walk-up tickets if you wait until game-day. Trying to choose between the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock? Many prefer the Top of the Rock for more unobstructed views, but the Empire State Building is more iconic. Check out our post that compares the two to help you decide. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are worth your time, but try to take an early ferry or you’ll be deluged by crowds. If you want an idea of what to do on a short trip to NYC, check out our one-day itinerary. There are also options for two and three days in NYC. Tips on saving money in New York Save up to 50% on admission to top NYC attractions with a New York City Explorer Pass. Who said you can't do New York on a budget? Avoid buying souvenirs at tourist traps and pick out something special at a museum or other cultural institution. Sporting venues are good places for unique gifts and treats, too. Look into sites like Groupon to see if you can save on activities, restaurants, shops, and more. These sites offer rotating deals and plenty of specials on a wide variety of experiences.
Katie Sagal
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Things to do in Flushing   

New York, New York. A city with such strong cultural prowess and popularity, it was named twice – and with absolutely no explanation needed. Though people tend to fall in love with the city, they stay for everything that the state has to offer. Whilst the surrounding areas might receive less attention, they present a wide array of interesting things to see and do. Known for its fascinating history and diversity in culture, Flushing is one of our favorite places to visit outside of the city. Whether you’re looking to view the oldest house of worship in the country, try out some of the best Chinese cuisine in Flushing, or see an installation of the whole of New York, you’ll find many reasons to love the area. We’ve spent a lot of time in Flushing and are sharing some of our favorite attractions and points of exploration here. So, grab a notebook and get ready to jot some things down! Whatever you choose to do, we promise that you won’t leave disappointed. And when you're done discovering why Flushing should be next on your NYC bucketlist, discover how Go City can help you discover the best of NYC and help you to save on your sightseeing! Explore the Area Without a doubt, New York is widely recognized for its cosmopolitan nature and the great history, culture, and of course, food that comes along with it. In an area as sprawling and diverse as New York, many Chinatowns exist, but trust us – Flushing’s is the real deal! Standing out as the largest Chinese enclave in the state, this place has great shopping, spas, and an endless array of exciting restaurants to choose from. But the best part? The food here is beyond affordable. Dig into a generous plating of chow mein, try all-you-can eat dim sum, and after all is said and done, have a mooncake – the choice is yours! Another one of our favorite things to do in Flushing is visiting the Lewis Latimer House Museum. A modest Victorian house with sweet brick red accents, this place once served as a home to the African-American inventor until his time of death. Today, you can visit to learn about Latimer’s life and greatest achievements, as well as other black scientists. Walking around the museum is a great privilege, and you can feel the history living well within the walls of this humble home, where some of the great influential discoveries and inventions of humanity were made. As fascinating as it is enjoyable, the museum provides a great educational experience for those of all ages. Get Cultured There’s nothing quite like catching a play with friends or family after a long day of exploring. Luckily, Flushing presents no shortage of great performance spaces to satisfy all of your artsy needs! Adapted from the New York State Pavillion, the Queens Theatre has been recognized as the area’s primary playhouse for quite some time. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from classical plays and famous stand-ups to musical and dance performances all under the same roof. For lovers of the performed arts, this place is sure to deliver on all counts. New York is known for its fantastic cultural institutions, with Flushing being no exemption to the rule. Founded in 1972, the Queens Museum is home to a great collection of global contemporary art across a wide variety of styles. Upon entrance, you'll be immediately drawn in by artworks ranging from the ultra-modern and avant-garde right through to the totally bizarre. Still, the institution’s main draw is the Panorama of New York City, a room-size installation of the entirety of NYC in miniature, which is continuously updated. Other highlights include a massive map of the city's water supply system, a collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass, and memorabilia from the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Breaking away from the typical art gallery experience, the institute offers something a little quirkier and more fun for all of its visitors. Check Out Some of the Landmarks Those drawn to Flushing for history and culture will be in luck. Standing out for its fascinating background and undeniable beauty, the Hindu Temple Society is a total must-see for history lovers and architecture buffs alike. Built in the 1970s, this traditional house of worship is known as one of the first establishments of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors will no doubt be wowed by its impressive granite façade - but of course, that’s not all there is to see. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to view intricately carved stone columns and religious shrines. Whilst you’re there, we strongly recommend grabbing a bite at the canteen basement, which is known for serving up some of the finest Indian cuisine in the area. If you’re planning to make the visit, we recommend wearing modest dress as a mark of respect. If you’re looking to explore the history of the area – don't worry, we’ve got you covered! Established way back in the 1600s, Flushing is home to many beautiful venerable structures. Still, one of our favorite cultural treasures to visit in the area is the Old Quaker Meeting House for its unique background and the fascinating story that it tells. Built in 1694, the building is known as the oldest establishment of its kind in New York, and remains a house of worship right up to this very day. Inside, you’ll notice that the handcrafted floorboards and dark wooden benches reflect the modest nature of Quaker culture. Though it might seem simple and unassuming, we love this place for the wonderful history that it speaks. Explore further with Go City®. Ready to explore Flushing and New York's other vibrant neighborhoods? Discover the best bits with Go City. Our passes give sightseers the freedom to do what they want, when they want, whilst making incredible savings. Our passes include top attractions, as well as New Yorks hidden gems, all handpicked by our local experts.
Sarah Harris
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Visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art: your must-see list

The Metropolitan Museum of Art – or the Met – is one of the world’s most famous art museums, containing a world-class collection of art from ancient to contemporary times. The Met’s permanent collection is always on view, and visitors can take a trip through time by walking through the architecturally impressive rooms. Surrounded by the stunning location of Central Park, the Met is both easy to access and majestic to behold. Check out our helpful guide for visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art, packed full of tips for visiting, places to eat nearby, and ways to save on a bunch of other popular area attractions. Tips for visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art   Make a plan: The Met is large, and it's really easy to get lost or off track when exploring. If you’re trying to take in the whole place in one visit, start with one of the side wings (Greco-Roman off to the left, or Egyptian off to the right.) Not only will this lead you through to other rooms, but you’ll also get to experience a historical timeline of cultural production from around the world. Stick around: The Met makes it easy for visitors to stay for an extended period of time, so don’t try and rush through. You’ll probably need 3-5 hours just to see the permanent collection, so take advantage of the many resting spots – found in just about every room – which can give your feet a break and let you take in the surrounding atmosphere. Download the app: The Met’s app is a handy way to make sure you see everything you want to without having to worry about pulling out your map every few steps. You can also access the audio tour for free on a smartphone by visiting the museum’s site and clicking on “Audio Guide.” Visitors can still rent devices at the museum if they wish. See the Cloisters: Further uptown, the Cloisters are all about the art and architecture of Medieval Europe. With a ticket to the Met, you’ll also be able to visit the Cloisters on the same day. Children under 12 receive free admission. Save at the store: Show your Explorer Pass to save $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at The Met Store and to save $1 on the Audio Tour. When's the best time to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Weekends are always a busy time for NYC museums, so if you can, try and visit the Met during the week to cut down on crowds. For a special treat, on Friday and Saturday evenings the Met serves cocktails with light snacks and live music on the Great Hall Balcony Bar, which overlooks the majestic lobby entrance. Every year the Met installs a new work by a contemporary artist on the rooftop, which during the warmer months provides incredible views of Central Park, Midtown, and Upper Manhattan. Visitors during these seasons will have access to a rooftop cafe and bar.   What should I bring to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?   Camera: You’ll see some of the world’s most famous works of art, from ancient times to the Renaissance to modern masters. There are ample opportunities for memorable photos, particularly with interactive exhibitions like the Temple of Dendur. Keep in mind the Met won’t let you use selfie sticks, so bring a friend if you’re looking to document your trip in portraits. A bottle of water: You can’t bring outside food and drink into the museum, but you can bring bottles of water. You’ll be spending a lot of time inside, so you’ll appreciate not having to track down a water fountain. A sketch pad: For the creatively inclined, sitting in one of the galleries and sketching the artwork can be a truly unique way to remember your trip. The Met frowns on materials that can make a mess or potentially harm the artwork (no pens), and asks visitors to do their drawing with pencil and paper. And that's it! With the Met’s security procedures, you won’t be able to bring much else with you. Visitors with backpacks or large bags will be required to check them, although purses are okay to be carried around. You’re better off leaving large items to avoid the long bag check lines. What to see and do at the Metropolitan Museum of Art There's so much to see, you could spend your entire day here. We've highlighted some of the best and most famous exhibits to help you create a game plan for your visit. Greek and Roman art Here visitors can take in ancient Greek and Roman pottery, sculptures, and artifacts like jewelry and furniture. There are more than 17,000 works in this exhibition hall, dating from the Neolithic Era (4500 B.C.) to the time of Constantine's Roman Empire (312 A.D.). As you peruse the works, you'll be able to follow along with somewhat of a timeline and history told by these unique and expertly-preserved artifacts. Egyptian art You'll find 26,000 different artifacts and artworks in the Egyptian wing. In addition to the paintings, sculptures, and jewelry of the ancient Egyptians, the Met also houses the Temple of Dendur, a structure dating to before 10 BC. The Sackler Wing, the new home of the Temple, has an incredible installation with an indoor river, trees, and other related elements. This arguably one of the best exhibits as the museum, as it features giant ceiling-to-floor windows that look out onto the city's bustling streets. Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas This area covers an extensive history of tribal cultures from around the world. Visitors can view ancient artifacts like masks, ritual accessories, and a significant amount of textile work. With over 11,000 pieces, you'll get a better idea of the culture of ancient South America, sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and more. East and Southeast Asian art This is a huge area of the museum, as it contains examples of work from all over Asia, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and spans all the way back to ancient times. The oldest artifact in the building dates back to the third millennium BC. It's one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Asian artwork in the entire Western Hemisphere. Medieval art The Met’s collection is home to a number of medieval pieces of art, both religious and secular in nature. For those who want an extra dose of the era, a visit to the Met’s uptown Cloisters will be memorable for history buffs. European exhibits Sculpture and decorative art For those looking for classic examples of Renaissance sculptures, this wing is home to famous sculptors such as Rodin and Bernini. Visitors can also experience rooms that are dedicated to certain periods and styles, fully furnished in their original manner. Whether you are an art lover or not, the Met’s European paintings wing contains some of the world’s most recognizable artworks and artists from history. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Botticelli and others are represented in these strikingly designed rooms. To continue through Europe's art history, more recent masters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, Matisse and many more are represented in this area. Some of the most famous artists, such as Monet and Cézanne, have galleries dedicated to solo presentations of their work. The American Wing These rooms pay homage to American artwork, design, and architecture spanning from the 17th century to the early 20th century. Walk through staged rooms, halls of sculptures, and important examples of domestic art by artists of the past and present. Modern and contemporary art While the Met’s galleries are home to important artwork throughout history, they also have a wing dedicated to modern and contemporary works. Today, the exhibit hall holds 12,000 paintings dated from 1900 to the present day. You can see masterpieces by Dalí, Pollock and Warhol, and works by contemporary artists such as Kiki Smith and George Condo. Rooftop If you visit during the summer, be sure to head up to the roof to take in views of the park and a rotating installation by contemporary artists. It's an awesome place to grab a drink, a quick bite, or just enjoy the view. The Costume Institute The Met’s annual celebrity-filled gala supports the Costume Institute, which brings temporary exhibits celebrating some of the world’s most important historical and contemporary fashion. Items from the permanent collection are also displayed throughout the year, and include pieces dating back to the 15th century. For any fashion-lover, this is a can't miss. Special exhibits The Met hosts special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, each explotring a medium or artist in depth. Consult the website before your visit to see which special exhibits you'd like to catch. See the attractions that are near the Met Uptown Manhattan is home to some of New York’s top cultural destinations, and visitors can easily find access to nearby attractions. The Met Breuer If the main building of the Metropolitan Museum of Art hasn't satiated all your art desires, head over to the Met Breuer, a satellite location just a few blocks away. This museum covers a wide variety of mediums, from painting to sculpture, to photography, textiles, and prints. American Museum of Natural History To take in even more history, a walk through Central Park will put visitors right at the American Museum of Natural History, one of New York’s most famous landmarks. This museum is one of the largest of its kind and is most famous for its collection of dinosaur fossils and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. From a 563-carat Star of India sapphire to a planet-eating dinosaur that roamed the earth 65 million years ago, the American Museum of Natural History has it all. Guggenheim Museum If you haven’t seen enough art after the Met, a trip to nearby Guggenheim can give you a totally different experience of contemporary art. Housed in a landmark structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, visitors can walk the museum’s circular path to see exquisite examples of contemporary works. Central Park Bike Rentals Since you're right on the park anyways, you might as well explore it. Rent a bike and conquer all the paths, trails, and green spaces of the largest public city park with Central Park Full Day Bike Rentals. Where to eat near the Metropolitan Museum of Art? What restaurants are near the Metropolitan Museum of Art? There are three dining areas in the Museum itself, as well as the seasonal café on the rooftop during the summer. However, there are also a number of places to eat close to the Museum. Grazie (Italian) 26 East 84th Street For diners looking for a sit-down meal outside of the museum, Grazie is a favorite for locals, and their brunch is one of the Upper East Side’s best. Nectar Café (Diner) 1090 Madison Ave For a more casual option, Nectar gives a classic New York diner experience, with ample offerings for breakfast and lunch. Le Pain Quotidien (Café) 1131 Madison Ave Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a coffee boost before or after the museum, or just want some light fare, Le Pain Quotidien always has a selection of pastries, salads, and sandwiches, and visitors can decide whether to take the items to go or to stay. Need to Know Main Building Hours Sunday–Thursday, 10AM – 5:30PM Friday and Saturday, 10AM – 9PM Galleries are cleared 15 minutes before closing Closing: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and the first Monday in May Directions & Address 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street New York, NY 10024 Driving: From Lake Shore Drive, exit at 18th Street. Follow Museum Campus Drive around Soldier Field. Signs will indicate visitor parking. Shedd Aquarium is just north of the parking garage and the Field Museum. What subway stop is the Metropolitan Museum of Art? The closest subway stop is 86th Street. Public Transportation: 4, 5 or 6 trains to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue; From the West Side take the 1, B or C trains to 86th Street, then the M86 crosstown bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue.
Lindsay Eagan

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