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!

Save on admission to New York attractions

The New York Explorer Pass provides admission to many popular New York attractions. You could save up to 50% on admission vs gate price.

Galleries in the Upper East Side

Image of Shop, Shopping Mall, Handrail, Building, House, Housing, Staircase, Person, Handbag,

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

Continue reading

Big Bus Vs The Ride: NYC Tours Compared
Blog

Big Bus Vs The Ride: NYC Tours Compared

Two epic ways to see NYC—classic sightseeing or theatrical thrills?
Blog

New York in July

New York really comes alive in the summertime. With interesting activities and exciting events cropping up all over the city, you’ll find many reasons to love the area this time of the year. Whether you’re looking for fun ideas for Independence Day, or something a little more off the beaten track, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re planning a great summer vacation, make sure to check out some of our best things to do in New York during the month of July. Get Festive Travelling on Independence Day? You might want to consider checking out Macy’s July Fireworks Spectacular. Attracting a large crowd and broadcast live on NBC, the department store’s legendary display is noted as the largest in the country. Each year, thousands of fireworks shoot from four barges on the East River, granting mesmerizing views of the city skyline as you’ve never seen it before. As if that wasn’t enough, the event also features powerful performances from some of your favorite musical megastars. As exciting as it is magical, you won’t want to miss this one. If you’re looking to view the brilliant display in comfort and style, you might want to think about booking an evening cruise. While sailing across the Hudson River, guests can enjoy the light summer breeze, a delicious sea-food centric dinner and unbeatable views of famous landmarks. In addition, the cruise offers a live DJ playing your favorite party hits and all-you-can-drink beer and wine. Don't forget to take some snaps of the fireworks illuminating the night sky! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of July in New York is visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Standing out as two of the most popular attractions in the city, these outstanding monuments tell the profound story of how America became a nation. A total must for history buffs, Ellis Island provides a great educational experience for those of all ages - take a walking through the Immigration Museum, check out the historic hospital, or cruise around the city’s most notable landmarks - the choice is yours! And of course, a trip to Ellis Island wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Statue of Liberty. Not only a photo opportunity, this majestic statue stands as a beautiful symbol of hope and freedom. Get Cultured Are you looking to try out some of the city’s best culinary offerings? Well, look no further! Situated in a state park across the East River waterfront, Smorgasburg fest provides a total treat for the senses. With over 100 artisanal vendors serving up pretty much every speciality under the sun, you can feast on Korean rice hot dogs, rainbow empanadas, and souffle pancakes. Order a beer, grab a bite, and enjoy the sunset – what's not to love? Summertime in New York can only mean one thing – music festivals! Combining the stunning backdrop of Central Park with an incredible lineup of world-famous artists and emerging talent, Summerstage festival provides the quintessential New York experience for music lovers. Previous performers have included Patti Smith, the Indigo Girls, and Galactic among others. In addition, the event produces free dance, theater, film and spoken word programs for those who are interested. Summertime in New York brings a whole host of wonderful outdoor events. Held annually against the backdrop of Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park gives travellers the opportunity to enjoy prime theater under the beautiful night skies. Notable past performances have included Meryl Streep in The Taming of the Shrew, Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice. This magical, one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! Find Fun Activities to Do Those who are looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city might want to head over to Little Island. Floating high above the Hudson River and entirely admission free, this attractive urban landscape would make the perfect day trip for you and your loved ones. The perfect place for kicking back on a sunny July’s afternoon, this stunning green space is home to a wide variety of wildlife and provides magnificent views of the city skyline. On top of it all, the park serves as a venue for a whole host of great outdoor events and first-class musical performances. Take a lazy summertime stroll, watch your favorite side-splitting comedians in action, or catch a drag show– the choice is yours! Though New York is well-recognized for its renowned cultural amenities and fabulous towering structures, the city’s history-rich neighborhoods really shine in the summertime. Situated at the Southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island provides the perfect way to catch some rays complete with a lively beach, wooden boardwalk, and dozens of attractions and rides. Whilst you’re visiting, make sure to check out the most famous hotdog stand in the world, which has been operating since 1916. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! Want to amble through vast fields of purple and experience the natural beauty of New York State in all of its glory? Well, now you can! Known as one of the largest lavender farms in the United States, Lavender By The Bay provides the perfect relaxing retreat from the city. Here, visitors can take walking tours to admire the breathtaking sight of over 80, 000 colorful shrubs. July is the perfect time to amble through the preservation since the lavender should be in full bloom. Thoroughly Instagram-worthy and relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summery July’s afternoon! There’s nothing quite like New York in the summer. With so much to see, do, and explore, it’s impossible to be bored in this sprawling metropolis. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the fourth of July to its fullest, amble through some lavender gardens, or watch Shakespeare under the stars, the city presents a wide array of exciting activities for every traveller. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Blog

New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes   The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor New York attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here.   The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities   Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry!   Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest!   New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our New York attraction pass options as you can use an All-Inclusive pass or an Explorer pass to see more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.