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

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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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Little girl on a traditional Easter egg hunt.
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What to do on Easter Weekend in New York City

Easter is a great time to visit New York, as the east coast shakes off its winter chill and the city bursts into colorful, vibrant life with a riot of tulips, cherry blossom and forsythia. Then, of course, there’s the Big Apple's annual Easter Parade, when a flamboyant forest of the biggest, boldest (and downright wackiest) bonnets you’ve ever laid eyes on weaves its way through Midtown Manhattan. Egg hunts, too, make for a cracking Easter day out for kids aged three to 93 and, who knows, you might even get a chance to meet the Easter bunny herself. So, pack your spring layers, brace your sweet tooth for joy, and read on for our eggs-pert guide to all things Easter in NYC. The Big Apple in Bloom If flowers float your boat and plants set your heart aquiver, there may be no better time to visit New York than over the Easter weekend, when many of spring’s best-loved blooms will be out in force. Central Park is as good a place as any to start your olfactory odyssey. Hit up the Bridle Path at 90th Street, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the aptly-named Cherry Hill at 72nd Street for your cherry blossom fix – the pretty pink blossoms opposite the fairytale folly that is the park’s Belvedere Castle make for some of the finest spring selfie opportunities in town. If the weather plays ball, rent a bike to explore all of the park’s hidden nooks, or take a rowboat out onto the tranquil lake. The brief but beautiful annual cherry blossom explosion continues over at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where 26 species ensure good coverage from March through May. Meanwhile, the New York Botanical Garden adds a fragrant themed display of thousands of blooming orchids to the 200-or-so flowering cherry trees within its 50-acre forest. Want more? Take a spring stroll along the High Line (with a tour guide, if you so wish), where colorful wildflowers meet hip outdoor art installations and picnic spots are alive with the sound of birdsong and chattering squirrels. You’ll spot pretty Lady Jane tulips, Sunburst witch hazel and Virginia bluebells along this elevated former railway line on Manhattan’s west side. Or tiptoe through the tulips on Park Avenue: tens of thousands of the colorful blighters burst into bloom along the boulevard every spring. New York Easter Parade Put a great big hat-shaped marker in your diary for Easter Sunday, the eggstraordinary pinnacle of Manhattan’s Easter calendar. For today is the day that New Yorkers from across the state converge at 49th Street to follow the short Easter Parade route along Fifth Avenue, clad in some of the most outlandish headgear you’ll see in this galaxy, or any other. Yes, we’re talking about the annual festival of Easter bonnets, in which you can expect to see people in everything from period costume (a hat-tip to the parade’s 19th-century origins) to iconic New York landmarks in hat form (you may well lose count of the Empire State Buildings and Statues of Liberty), flamboyant flower-festooned fashion statements, and – for the very brave – pyramids of carefully balanced (real) eggs pointing precariously skywards. There are no prizes to be won, just the fawning admiration of your peers as you strut your stuff along Fifth Avenue in your eggstravagant Sunday best. It’s free to join and you can spend all day mingling with behatted fellow revelers along the half-mile route, with somewhere in the region of 30,000 people expected to turn up most years, weather permitting. Easter Egg Hunts in NYC Whether you’ve got kids or not, there’s surely no better way to spend your Easter weekend than mingling with the Easter bunny, having your face painted in a rainbow of colors and, of course, getting your sticky paws on some sweet, sweet Easter candy. You’ll find plenty of events taking place in parks and playgrounds across the Big Apple over Easter weekend. Note that while there are dozens to choose from, NYC Easter egg hunts are extremely popular so book ticketed events well in advance and turn up early for free hunts to avoid disappointment. Hit up East Harlem for the admirably punny annual NYSoM Easter Eggstravaganza, a free event that includes timed egg hunts, plus egg painting, a street fair and photo opportunities with the Easter bunny and pals. Over on Governer’s Island, there are hunts tailored by age group, with a whopping 10,000 painted wooden eggs to be found across 120 acres. Expect magic shows and puppetry as well as arts and craft stalls and a beer garden for the grown-ups. You can even make it educational. CMoM (the Children’s Museum of Manhattan) runs a fun Easter Egg scavenger hunt that’s included with your admission ticket. Set your little bunnies loose to seek out the cute critters hiding in eggs around the museum. There are prizes for successfully completing the challenge and Miffy – a close relative of the Easter bunny – may also make a guest appearance on the day. Easter Brunch in NYC Brunching is practically a religion in New York so, if the above activities sound just a little too taxing for a relaxing Easter weekend break, feast your eyes on these beauties for some of the finest Easter brunches in town. And remember to book in advance! The Dutch NYC. This SoHo stalwart promises long boozy brunches fueled by some of the best pre-noon cocktails in Lower Manhattan. Pair heaving platefuls of cornmeal blueberry flapjacks and avocado toast with a reviving Matcha Sour, or a punchy Oaxacan Sunset, with tequila, mezcal, hibiscus, lime and cassis. Jacob’s Pickles. Hit the dive bars a little too hard last night? This Upper West Side diner has you covered, with comfort food classics including heart-stopping biscuit-and-egg breakfast sandwiches and fluffy pancakes with buttermilk fried chicken. Wash down with a Bloody BLT – vodka, bacon and a jalapeño-pickled egg. Balthazar. The Oyster Marys at SoHo’s Balthazar are worth the entry price alone, but stick around for the divine eggs florentine and uber-comforting corned beef hash. The Garden @ The Standard. This East Village garden lets you tuck into oysters, steaks and mimosas in your own private yurt. There’s even an adult Easter egg hunt, with prizes including an overnight stay at The Standard. Ideal if you’ve overindulged in cocktails and chocolate eggs. Wynwood. For a family friendly option complete with epic brunch buffet, egg hunt and Easter bunny photo opportunities, make for Wynwood on Staten Island. Grateful grown-ups get a mimosa or bellini on arrival. Save on things to do on Easter weekend in New York City Save on admission to NYC attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Statue of Liberty in close-up with the New York skyline beyond.
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Empire State Building Vs Statue of Liberty NYC Comparison

Ask your average Jane or Joe to name as many top New York attractions as they can in 10 seconds and it’s fairly likely the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building will be first out of their mouths. But how do they measure up? Which has been around the longest and which has stolen the most blockbuster movie scenes? We got up close and personal with these two titans of the Manhattan skyline to find out. History The Statue of Liberty arrived on US shores in 1885, a gift from the people of France. This beautifully rendered copper giant was designed by celebrated sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with a metal framework by his engineering pal Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on Liberty Island in October 1886, where she has stood ever since, her gorgeous patina earning her the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. Still the definitive emblem of American freedom after more than 140 years, the statue attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year. The Empire State Building joined the party a little later, and will reach its centenary year in 2031. Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco building on the planet, it stands at 1,453ft and was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. No other building has held the record for that long, just one of many accolades held by this monolithic Manhattan masterpiece, which attracts around four million visitors a year, primarily for the birds’ eye views afforded by its observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, some 1,250ft from terra firma. At the Movies The iconic status of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building mean both have featured in countless movies, TV shows and music videos over the years. How many can you think of? The image of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building, clinging to his beloved Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and swatting away airplanes like flies before succumbing to their gunfire, is one of the most recognizable in movie history. It’s the Empire State’s mic drop moment, but the Green Goddess is no cinematic slouch either, having appeared on the silver screen many hundreds of times, even as far back as the silent movie era, when she made what is thought to be her debut alongside Charlie Chaplin in 1917’s The Immigrant. As a proud symbol of American freedom, Lady Liberty has also done innumerable stints in disaster movies, representing hope – or the fall of humankind. We’re talking the haunting image of the statue half-buried in sand in the closing scenes of Planet of the Apes as well as appearances in – deep breath – Independence Day, Deep Impact, The Day After Tomorrow, Cloverfield and, um, Sharknado 2. What can you do at the Statue of Liberty? A trip out to the planet’s most famous torchbearer takes in both Liberty Island (where the statue is located) and its near-neighbor Ellis Island, home of the National Museum of Immigration. And it’s well worth visiting both while you’re here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of New York and the USA itself, there’s no better place to start. Photographs, heirlooms and a database of searchable historical records track the history of immigration in the US, and you can even peep into the baggage rooms and dormitories once used by ‘the huddled masses’ who arrived in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course, the statue herself is the main event, and there are various options depending on what you want to see. You can book to climb to the top of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands, or go the whole hog and climb the 162-step spiral staircase inside the statue for epic views from right up inside her famous crown. Tickets for these experiences are available via the Statue City Cruises website, while a pass from Go City includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums, as well as dozens more New York attractions including the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and – yep – the Empire State Building. What can you do at the Empire State Building? Really the only downside of visiting the observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is the fact that those crazy views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Instead, soak up some of the best selfie opportunities in town with backdrops that include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other icons of the New York skyline. The 86th floor is in pole position for photo opps thanks to its open air platform, while the top floor is higher up (obvs) but fully enclosed. You can pimp up your visit with a range of direct ticket options that includes skip-the-line tickets, premium champagne packages and guided tours of the building, including the incredible Art Deco lobby. Or go straight for the 86th floor with an attraction pass from Go City. How to get to the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty’s location on Liberty Island means the only way of getting there is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. All passengers are required to undergo a security screening before boarding, so we’d recommend arriving 30 minutes or so before your planned departure, to avoid missing the boat. The Staten Island Ferry is another option if you just fancy a close pass (with stacks of great photo opportunities of both the statue and Manhattan skyline) but without actually physically visiting the attraction. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty here. How to get to the Empire State Building Getting to the Empire State Building is an absolute cinch. It’s right in the center or the Big Apple and you really can’t miss it; it’s visible from just about everywhere. The nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central, and make the 10-minute walk from there. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Empire State Building here. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And that concludes our deep dive into the world of the Empire State Building vs the Statue of Liberty. We hope, in the unlikely event that you choose to visit only one of these big attractions, that in some small way our guide can help you make your decision. If not, and if indecision continues to dog you, remember you can easily visit both and save money thanks to Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes for New York. So what are you waiting for?
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Dusk view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock observatory
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The Best Time to Visit The Top Of The Rock

The Rockefeller Center – aka 30 Rock – is the iconic Art Deco centerpiece of Rockefeller Plaza, a glorious, skyscraping work of art that, at a whopping 850 feet high, ranks as one of the Big Apple’s tallest buildings. It’s no wonder then that the uppermost floors (67, 69 and 70, to be precise) have been given over to observation decks collectively known as the Top of The Rock. We’re talking 360-degree views across the entire city to Long Island, New Jersey and even – on clear days – as far as Connecticut. And (spoiler alert!) if visually stunning 1930s Art Deco treasures are your bag, you’ll also enjoy uninterrupted close-up views of the Empire State Building from up here. Read on for our guide to the best times to visit the Top of The Rock. Opening hours Top of The Rock is open every single day of the year including holidays from 9AM to 11PM. Come rain, hail or shine, you can whiz heavenwards in the glass Sky Shuttle elevator, reaching the 70th floor in less than a minute. Guests can visit the observation decks for as long as they like during operating hours, but the latest entry to Top of The Rock is at 10:10PM. Check the Top of The Rock website for the latest opening hours before making your booking. A Go City attraction pass gives you access to the Top of The Rock’s three observation decks with their uninterrupted views of the Big Apple. The 67th floor deck has a large indoor space plus north and south-facing outdoor terraces. Floor 69 has yet more outdoor space, but it’s the fully outdoor 70th floor, right on top of the building, from where you’ll enjoy the clearest views of NYC icons including Central Park, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building and the Hudson. Best time to visit the Top Of The Rock As with many of the Big Apple’s most popular attractions, the best times to visit Top of The Rock tend to be early in the morning or late in the evening if, that is, your primary objective is to beat the crowds. If, on the other hand, it’s heart-soaring sunsets you’re after (and quite frankly why wouldn’t it be?), you'll need to head to the Top of the Rock about an hour before dusk, and expect lines. 3PM–9PM tends to be the busiest time of day for precisely that reason. Just after the 9AM opening is when you’ll get the most private experience, as the morning sun glints and gleams on the Empire State Building and across the skyscrapers of Midtown. Crowds also tail off after sunset meaning that beyond 9PM is the best time to see the city lights illuminating the Manhattan skyline. Beautiful though this time of day is, do note that unlit areas like Central Park will be visible only as large dark patches on the ground after nightfall. Generally speaking, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the quietest days. Holidays and weekends (especially Saturdays) are when Top of The Rock is at its most busy. Visit during the festive season to pair your visit with a pilgrimage to the enormous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is displayed on the plaza (but not visible from the Top of The Rock itself) from mid-November until early January. Getting to the Top Of The Rock There are oodles of ways to get to the Top of The Rock with ease. Most straightforward are the multiple subway services that call at the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station (B, D, F and M trains) as well as additional trains to 49th, 50th and 51st Street stops. Discounted parking is also available at Rockefeller Center SP+ garage which you’ll find at 25 West 48th Street. Enter 30 Rock on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Tickets Pre-book tickets direct on the Top of The Rock website to avoid having to wait in potentially long lines at the box office on the day. There are a few different ticket options available, ranging from general admission to the three observation decks to a VIP skip-the-line experience that includes a guide and a peek into 30 Rock’s glitzy Rainbow Room restaurant, a favorite with New York’s rich and famous for nearly a century. You can save money with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions, which includes entry to the Top of The Rock in addition to many more landmark attractions across the Big Apple. These include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Where to eat Dining options at the Rockefeller Center are plentiful and run the gamut from family favorites to fine dining. There are grab’n’go sandwich bars and those with a sweet tooth can get their fix from any number of bakeries, cookie stores and ice cream vendors. Check the Rockefeller Center website for the most up-to-date list of restaurants and to find out how to book. We love Le Rock for chic Art Deco style and French fine dining. Or choose Ace’s Pizza on the center’s rink level for Detroit and Sicilian-style slices to share with family and friends. In brief... Want to beat the crowds? Visit as close as possible to opening time (9AM) or come after 9PM to experience the best of the glittering Manhattan skyline after dark. Book tickets online in advance to avoid having to wait in line at the box office and you’ll be speeding skyward in that lightning-fast glass elevator before you know it. Uninterrupted 360-degree views await on the 70th-floor open-air observation deck right at the top of the building. Get the Go City attraction pass to make great savings when visiting this and other popular New York City attractions! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for New York Visit the Top of The Rock with Go City Official Top of The Rock website
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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