Official Guide on Things to Do in the Upper East Side

by Nichole Sesti January 11, 2024

Whether you're a local or a tourist, there are plenty of fun things to do in the Upper East Side. From world-renowned museums to scenic river walks and unique shopping experiences, the Upper East Side has something for everyone. Here's a detailed list of all the fun things to do in the Upper East Side as told by an Upper East Sider.

Take a Stroll Along the Riverwalk

The East River runs alongside the Upper East Side and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Take a leisurely walk or sit by the riverside and soak up the city's energy. A new expansion is set to open in early 2024 so there is even more to explore.

Admire the Architecture

The Upper East Side is known for its stunning architecture. Take a walk through the neighborhood and admire the beautiful brownstones and grand mansions that line the streets. Maybe even squeeze in an Insta picture with beautiful New York streets as your background. Check out this blog post for the most Instagrammable spots on the UES. Our favorites include East 76th between Fifth and Madison, and all along 81st Street!

Find a Fresh Market

On Saturday’s, enjoy the 82nd Street Greenmarket! This year round farmers market located on 82nd St between 1st Ave & York Ave, is best known for their fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, locally caught fish, and so many more mouth watering treats.

Shop Secondhand and Vintage Treasures

The Upper East Side is home to some of the best secondhand and vintage shops in the city. Check out popular spots like The Niche Shop, Housing Works (2 locations), Designer Revival, Michael’s Consignment, Thrift NYC and UES Thrift to name a few, for unique finds and affordable fashion. This blog covers a more in-depth debrief of where to go.

Explore Museum Mile

Located along Fifth Avenue, Museum Mile is home to some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of the City of New York. Spend an entire day wandering through these incredible institutions and discover priceless artwork and artifacts from around the world. A lot of museums offer free or discounted entry to New Yorkers. Check out this complete guide by nyc-arts.org for more info!

Visit Central Park

No trip to the Upper East Side is complete without a visit to Central Park. No matter the time of year, take a stroll and admire the natural beauty of the city. Lucky for us, Central Park is the Upper East’s nextdoor neighbor! Pack a picnic or rent a bike to explore even further. A few of our favorite spots include The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Conservatory and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

Take a Tour of the History

Did you know that the Gracie Mansion is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in all of Manhattan? The Gracie Mansion Conservancy is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City and sits directly in Carl Schurz Park. Take a public or private tour of this historic building and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Get a Taste of NYC's Culinary Scene!

The Upper East Side is home to some of the best restaurants in the city and that is not an exaggeration. You can eat your way around the world in just a few square miles. We tried to include as many as we could on our list but there are SO many we aren't even scratching the surface.

For coffee and breakfast, here’s a few of our favorite spots: Greenlane Coffee, Hutch & Waldo, Madame Bonte, and Kafe Neo for crepes, acai, and salads. Start your morning at Le Moulin, a french cafe for the very best croissants and make a reservation for their nighttime bistro.

For Italian food, we recommend La Pecora Bianca, Elios, Campagnola or Fumo.

For American food, JG melon is know for their burgers. Hoexters is another great option! Our favorite grab & go spot for burgers is 7th Street. If you're looking for something more casual, try Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar. It's been featured on Food Networks popular show, Diners Drive-ins and Dives!

For Asian food, If you’re looking for good ambiance and even greater food, we recommend Nichole’s personal favorite restaurant NR. It's best known for mouth watering Japanese food and unique cocktails. eservations can be hard to come by so make sure to plan ahead!

Chinese food try New Chinatown

Thai Food Up Thai, Thep Thai

Indian Food, The Drunken Monkey Bombay Chowk

Omakase & Sushi, Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar, Sushi Ren, Sushi Noz

For Eastern European or Middle Eastern food, Oda House, Budapest cafe, albadawi and Lashevet.

Laugh the Night Away at a Comedy Show

Head to one of two of the best stand-up comedy clubs in the city, Comic Strip Live or the newly opened Rodney's ! Laugh the night away 7 days a week. Check the schedule's for future shows. Tickets can be purchased through their websites!

Hit Some Balls

Five Iron Golf is a golf simulator that offers a dynamic, entertaining, and inclusive way to experience golf! For serious golfers or a crew just looking to have a good time, they offer unique event spaces, a full-service bar, locally-crafted food menus, table games like ping pong and shuffleboard, and widescreen TVs perfect for watching your favorite game.

End the Night with a Cocktail or Dessert

You did it! You made it through the Upper East Side! Sit back, relax, and have a cocktail and lucky for you there are endless places to do so!

End the day at a local favorite for over twenty years, the Auction House. Their iconic red velvet drapes give the restaurant a regal and intimate feel. The perfect setting for an espresso martini!

Jeremy's is a sophisticated vibrant cocktail bar with a vibrant energy and amazing cocktails. It is the essence of New York and Viennese cultures coming together in one bar to make for a completely unique experience.

Melody's Piano Bar has cocktails, small bites, and live jazz music. They are open 7 days a week and don't take reservations so we recommend if going on a weekend getting there early to secure a seat.

If you’re craving something sweet; try Anita Gelato, handmade, homemade ice cream and gelato. If you see a line wrapped around the block, you’re probably close! Try the caramel cheesecake gelato, we recommend it!

Relax by the Pool

Enjoy a day relaxing by the pool! John Jay park public pool is a refreshing treat to any hot summer day. Plus it's free to visit! They don't allow you to take any bags or electronics in you make sure you bring a lock to store everything away safely in their locker rooms. They close daily between 4-5 pm for pool cleaning so plan accordingly!

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