The Niche Shop's Guide to: The Ultimate Uptown Day!
A One-Day Guide to Bouncing Between the Best of the Upper West & East Side.
We mapped out the ultimate New York City day uptown, with vintage finds, coffee stops, museums, and sweet treats sprinkled in. Whatever your niche is, this guide is a choose your own adventure!
Let’s get into it:
Stop 1: The Niche Shop (UWS – 79th & Broadway)
Start your day with a little outfit magic. Our Upper West Side location is where vintage meets neighbourhood charm. Think Italian charms, buttery leather bags, and Y2K halters whispering your name. Come say hi, and maybe grab a gift for a friend while you’re at it!
Stop 2: Westsider Rare & Used Books
Next up: bookworm heaven. This tiny, stacked-to-the-ceiling shop has that slightly-chaotic, treasure-hunt energy. Whether you're into first editions or random vintage cookbooks, you’ll find something special (and probably under $10). It’s giving You've Got Mail, but cooler.
Stop 3: Frame Coffee
Just a short walk away, this local coffee shop is the kind of place where the barista remembers your order and your coffee looks like it belongs in a film still. Grab a lavender oat latte and a pastry for the road. Bonus points if you bring a book and linger for a bit.
Stop 4: Grand Bazaar NYC (Sundays only)
If it’s Sunday, you have to stop at the Grand Bazaar. It’s an open-air market full of vintage vendors, indie brands, and quirky home decor. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best vintage pieces outside of The Niche Shop (just sayin’).
Stop 5: American Museum of Natural History
Before you cross the park, make time for a quick dino detour. The Natural History Museum is an Upper West Side icon—whether you’re here for the towering T-Rex, the glittering gem room, or just some solid AC and a wander. It’s educational, it’s nostalgic, it’s very “main character on a rainy field trip.”
Stop 6: Central Park (Mid-Park Meander)
There are countless ways to make your way across Central Park—walk or bike if you're craving a nature break, or pause for a full-on picnic if time allows. If you're on the go or the weather isn't ideal, the crosstown buses at 79th or 86th will take you right through!
Stop 7: The MET Museum
You're right there—go. Even if you’ve been a hundred times, the Met always hits. Whether you wander into the Costume Institute, spend too long in the period rooms, or just go for the gift shop it is the perfect pit stop and if you are a New York resident you can pay what you want!
Stop 8: BonBon NYC
Let’s make things even sweeter. This Scandinavian candy shop is a must-stop for a mix-your-own bag of chewy, salty, sour magic. Trust us—fill up now and snack for days.
Stop 9: Hutch & Waldo (UES)
Time for brunch (or a very late lunch or a mid-day treat). Hutch & Waldo is your cozy Aussie café dream. Think smashed avo, turmeric eggs, and iced lattes that hit just right. Casual, bright, and the vibes are immaculate.
Stop 10: The Niche Shop (UES – 311 E. 81st)
Full circle moment. End your uptown day where vintage meets cool-girl energy on the east side. Our UES shop is stocked with summer staples, charm bar magic, and plenty of new arrivals you didn’t see on the west side. It’s the perfect place to wind down, try on something fun, and maybe make a new friend.
And that’s a wrap on our ultimate guide to the perfect uptown day! Whether you’re exploring museums, strolling through Central Park, grabbing coffee, or shopping your way through the city,, there are endless things to do on the Upper West Side and Upper East Side.
If you don't trust us have a look at some of fav NYC influencers guide to the perfect uptown day: