Upper East Side

Where to Stay

The neighborhood offers some of Manhattan’s most elegant hotels, ideal for visitors who want easy access to museums, the park, and fine dining.

• The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel thecarlyle.com– A legendary hotel known for its classic art deco style, celebrity guests, and live jazz at Café Carlyle.
• The Mark Hotel (themarkhotel.com) – A modern luxury stay on Madison Avenue featuring spacious rooms, a Jean-Georges restaurant, and a stylish, contemporary design.
• For travelers seeking a more understated experience, the Loews Regency New York Hotel (loewshotels.com) offers classic comfort and convenience near Park Avenue.

Dining on the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side has a reputation for both refined dining and casual neighborhood charm. Whether you’re craving world-class cuisine or a quiet bistro, there’s something here for every palate.

• Daniel (danielnyc.com) – Chef Daniel Boulud’s Michelin-starred flagship on East 65th Street serves contemporary French cuisine in an elegant setting.
• J.G. Melon (jgmelon-nyc.com) – A beloved neighborhood institution famous for its classic New York burger and old-school pub vibe.
• Café Sabarsky (neuegalerie.org/cafe-sabarsky) – Inside the Neue Galerie, this Viennese café serves pastries, coffee, and schnitzel in a setting reminiscent of early 20th-century Europe.
• Sistina (sistinanyc.com) – A long-standing Italian restaurant offering upscale dining with a refined, intimate atmosphere.Flex Mussels (flexmussels.com) – A seafood favorite known for its creative mussel dishes and lively bar scene.
• For casual bites, Two Little Red Hens’ bakery is a local gem for cupcakes and pies, while EJ’s Luncheonette brings retro comfort food to the heart of the East Side.

Museums and Culture

The East Side is home to the world-famous Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue that hosts some of the most celebrated art institutions in the world.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) – One of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in existence, with over two million works spanning 5,000 years of history.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece houses a world-renowned collection of modern and contemporary art.

Neue Galerie (neuegalerie.org) – A gem dedicated to early 20th-century German and Austrian art and design, featuring works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

The Frick Collection – Housed in the Gilded Age mansion of Henry Clay Frick, this museum offers an intimate look at European masterpieces.

Bars and Nightlife

While the Upper East Side is often quieter than downtown neighborhoods, it offers a sophisticated nightlife scene filled with classic cocktail lounges and modern wine bars.

• Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle (rosewoodhotels.com) – A quintessential New York piano bar famous for its martinis and murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of Madeline.
• The Penrose (penrosenyc.com) – A lively gastropub on Second Avenue with craft cocktails, local beers, and comfort food.
• Heidi’s House by the Side of the Road – A cozy wine bar serving small plates, mac and cheese, and fine wines in a warm, intimate setting.
• The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites (thejeffreynyc.com) – Near the East River, it’s a great stop for local brews and outdoor seating.

Central Park: The Green Heart of the East Side

Central Park forms the western boundary of the Upper East Side and serves as the neighborhood’s natural oasis. Visitors can stroll along the Reservoir running path, visit The Central Park Zoo, or enjoy the peaceful Conservatory Garden at 105th Street, one of the park’s hidden treasures. During the warmer months,rowboats at Loeb Boathouse add a romantic touch, while the fall foliage brings unmatched beauty to every trail and vista.