This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, when you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Have you ever landed in a neighborhood in NYC the place the streets are as polished because the individuals who stroll them? Likelihood is you’ve discovered your self within the Higher East Aspect – NYCs dazzling and prosperous neighborhood.
It’s the place the rich and the well-known stay, from the Rockefeller household to Mariah Carey, and is thought for its plethora of museums, high-end buying, and late Victorian and Revival structure.
However you don’t must have a fats pockets to take pleasure in Higher East Aspect NYC, there are many issues to do right here for any traveler with any funds. My daughter and I spent a day exploring the Higher East Aspect as we chased down Gossip Lady movie places.
Whether or not you’re searching for one of the best place to sip lattes whereas discussing the newest artwork exhibit or take leisurely strolls previous the houses of the wealthy and well-known, listed below are a few of the finest issues to do in Higher East Aspect NYC!
Issues to do in Higher East Aspect NYC
Get cultured at The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Artwork)
One of the world-renowned museums in NYC is the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, additionally merely often called The Met.
The Met is likely one of the largest and most prestigious artwork museums on the planet and options over 2 million items of artwork spanning greater than 5,000 years.
The Met really has three places: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Cloisters, and The Met Breuer (which focuses on fashionable and up to date artwork).
The Met Fifth Avenue within the Higher East Aspect space is the museum’s foremost constructing, and it’s right here that you simply’ll discover a huge array of artwork from historical Egypt, European work, and American ornamental arts.
Some notable items on this part embody the unique The Starry Night time by Vincent van Gogh, The Water Lily Pond by Claude Monet, and Kajikazawa in Kai Province by Hokusai.
The Met Museum is excellent and a NYC attraction even our teenagers beloved. It’s on Kalyra’s wishlist to see the Met Gala robes on show, however we all the time maintain lacking it!
We used our NYC CityPASS to go to the Met Museum.
Stroll by means of Central Park to the Higher East Aspect
Central Park is NYC’s most recognizable inexperienced area, but it surely’s additionally over 3.4km lengthy, and the north facet of the park is a bit dodgy, so that you gained’t wish to discover your complete park in your go to to NYC.
Luckily, the Higher East Aspect is the proper entry level to a few of the prime sights within the park, equivalent to Belvedere Fortress, the Nice Garden, and The Lake. I like the view from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Stroll throughout Bow Bridge and snap pictures in entrance of the fountain at Bethesda Terrace like they did in Gossip Lady, cycle by means of The Ramble, and see the long-lasting Alice in Wonderland sculpture. These are all situated within the Higher East Aspect area of the park.
Breakfast at Blue Stone Lane on fifth Avenue
Blue Stone Lane is a sequence of Australian espresso outlets they usually have a number of branches throughout NYC, so that you won’t assume that is something particular, however hear me out.
This Blue Stone Lane espresso store is exclusive in that it’s set inside a former church. Sit amongst the sandstone arches or out on the road and really feel the ability of the non secular ambiance soothe you as you sip a cup of one of the best flat white in NYC.
When you’re feeling hungry, their menu is health-orientated (after all, that is how these celebrities keep trim!), so you may indulge with out feeling responsible. I notably love their Gluten Free Banana Bread, and as Aussies, we’ll all the time advocate vegemite on toast, adopted by a lamington! Their breakfast menu is especially good, with tons of choices to go well with any palette.
Learn extra: 19 Greatest Espresso Outlets in NYC the Locals Love
Go on a Gossip Lady Movie Areas Tour
Maybe the present that made the Higher East Aspect well-known is Gossip Lady, a TV present about NYC’s prep faculty elite youngsters and the dramas of their lives.
When you’re a fan of the present, then you definately’ll discover all the long-lasting units on this neighborhood. From Serena van der Woodsen’s house to the character’s favourite eating places to the long-lasting marriage ceremony venues, they’re all right here on the Higher East Aspect.
You are able to do a self-guided strolling tour of those Gossip Lady places (like we did), or you may be a part of a non-public tour the place you may study some secret tales in regards to the present and its manufacturing.
Experience the Roosevelt Island Tram
Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was initially from New York, is the person through which Roosevelt Island was named after. Adjoining to the Higher East Aspect within the East River, Roosevelt Island is thought for its inexperienced areas and skyline views of Manhattan.
There are numerous methods to get to Roosevelt Island, however The Roosevelt Island Tramway is certainly probably the most enjoyable! This distinctive aerial tram system connects Roosevelt Island to the Higher East Aspect in Manhattan, giving passengers an incredible view of town skyline and East River as they trip the 4-5 minute journey.
As you trip throughout the river in a cable automotive, you may see NYC landmarks such because the United Nations Headquarters and the Queensboro Bridge.
The tram departs from 59th Road and Second Avenue and arrives on the Roosevelt Island station. As soon as on Roosevelt Island, you may discover the island’s iconic parks and historic websites, such because the Franklin D. Roosevelt 4 Freedoms Park and the ruins of the Smallpox Hospital.
Discover Madison Ave
Madison Avenue is likely one of the most notable streets in NYC and runs the size of Manhattan from West Village to Harlem. It was named after James Madison, the fourth President of america, and is thought for being a industrial hub, notably well-known for its affiliation with the promoting business.
Within the Higher East Aspect finish, you’ll discover Madison Avenue flanked by high-end buying shops. From East 57th to East 86th Road, you’ll discover shops promoting world-class trend, galleries that includes up to date artwork, and plenty of superb eating eating places.
In addition to buying, Madison Avenue has a variety of architectural types which might be symbolic of New York Metropolis. See quite a lot of types built-in with one another, from neoclassical to postmodern.
Have tasty burgers at JG Melon
Discovering a place to eat in NYC is all the time a problem, particularly in case your pockets isn’t bursting on the seams! JG Melon was one in every of our favourite eating places within the Higher East Aspect as they’ve yummy and filling burgers for an affordable value (effectively, for NYC requirements!).
In addition they have a stunning outside seating space, attentive service, and a laid-back ambiance. Their cottage fries are additionally out of this world!
They’re a cash-only restaurant although, so deliver some paper {dollars} with you. There’s an ATM throughout the road when you overlook.
Admire German and Austrian artwork at Neue Galerie New York
The Neue Galerie is a small but important artwork museum within the Higher East Aspect devoted to early Twentieth-century German and Austrian artwork and design.
It was based in 2001 by artwork sellers Ronald S. Lauder and Serge Sabarsky and is about inside a fantastically restored historic townhouse that’s simply as stunning because the artwork inside it.
The Neue Galerie was impressed by the founders’ ardour for the artwork and tradition of the German-speaking world, notably the creative actions of the early 1900s.
See notable items by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Max Beckmann, John Heartfield, and Rudolf Schlichter! One of many museum’s most iconic items is Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” a surprising gold-leaf portray that exemplifies the artist’s revolutionary fashion.
Loosen up in Carl Shultz Park
The Carl Schurz Park is a picturesque public park stretching alongside the East River from 84th to ninetieth Streets.
It was named after the German-American politician and journalist Carl Schurz, to commemorate the massive German neighborhood within the Yorkville space. He was stated to have been monumental in Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 election marketing campaign.
The park has stunning waterfront views overlooking Roosevelt Island and gives a mixture of landscaped gardens, strolling paths, and grassy areas the place you may loosen up and browse a e book.
It additionally hosts seasonal occasions, equivalent to outside film nights and concert events in the summertime.
Tour Gracie Mansion
When you’re in Carl Schurz Park, try Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York Metropolis since 1942.
In-built 1799 by Archibald Gracie, a rich service provider, the mansion is a superb instance of Federal-style structure.
You’ll be able to take a guided tour of the mansion and study extra about NYC’s governance, in addition to discover the fantastically restored interiors.
A number of the most stunning rooms embody the grand entrance corridor, the eating room, and the library, every crammed with artifacts that inform the story of town and its leaders.
Go to the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum is devoted to the examine and exhibition of design in all its kinds.
It was established in 1897 because the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Ornament, it grew to become a part of the Smithsonian Establishment in 1967 when it was renamed Cooper Hewitt.
The museum, which is housed within the historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion, is a surprising instance of Beaux-Arts structure which provides to the attraction!
Inside is a big assortment of over 215,000 objects, spanning 30 centuries of design historical past.
Be taught at The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum is likely one of the oldest and most complete establishments devoted to Jewish tradition, historical past, and artwork in america.
It was based in 1904 as an extension of the Jewish Theological Seminary and has since advanced into an interesting museum with over 30,000 objects that span 4,000 years of Jewish historical past.
Notable artists represented within the assortment embody Marc Chagall, Amedeo Modigliani, and Andy Warhol, reflecting the wealthy contributions of Jewish artists within the worldwide artwork world.
Have a Nutella churro at Boqueria
Boqueria is a Catalonian tapas bar recognized for its implausible boozy brunches (the sangria is a must-try) and most famously, its churros.
The Nutella churros are impeccable, tremendous delicate on the within with a pleasant crunch, and are every made to order.
Is it socially acceptable to go to a flowery restaurant only for dessert? I’ll allow you to resolve.
Admire the structure of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is well-known for its revolutionary structure, characterised by its white, natural curves contrasting sharply with the encompassing city panorama.
It was designed by the famend architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened as a museum in 1959 the place it reveals influential items of recent artwork.
In its everlasting assortment are items by world-famous artists equivalent to Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock.
The museum focuses on fashionable artwork actions, together with Impressionism, Submit-Impressionism, and Summary Expressionism, from the late nineteenth century to the current.
I personally discovered the Guggenheim very underwhelming as did my teen daughter. It appeared to be extra spinning round and round getting dizzy than artwork I may admire.
We used our NYC CityPASS to go to the Guggenheim Museum. Listed below are extra tips about saving cash in NYC.
Discover Albertine
Whereas on our approach to Central Park, we came across this beautiful French bookstore which is presumably the prettiest bookstore within the metropolis!
As quickly as you stroll into Albertine, your eye is instantly drawn to the ceiling, which has been embellished with an iconic gorgeous mural of constellations.
There’s additionally a cushty seating space and all kinds of youngsters’s books and graphic novels.
Though a French bookshop, there are various French books translated into English, so that you don’t must know French with a view to go to right here.
Espresso at Hutch and Waldo
Nestled close to Central Park, is Hutch and Waldo, a captivating Australian espresso store in NYC that’s excellent for a fast cease whereas exploring the Higher East Aspect.
They serve beneficiant cups of espresso and have a stunning outside seating space, very best for having fun with a heat summer time day in NYC while people-watching. Or, get your espresso to go and drink it whilst you wander round Central Park.
When you’re feeling peckish, the breakfast burrito and breakfast sarnie are delish, and when you’re within the temper for one thing lighter, there’s a pleasant number of recent pastries.
Take pleasure in consolation meals at Serendipity 3
Serendipity 3 is a historic restaurant opened by three pals in 1954, who needed to supply consolation meals below a roof crammed with quirky and eccentric decor.
They’re notably well-known for his or her desserts, particularly the Frrrozen Scorching Chocolate!
It’s not unusual to see celebrities eating right here too! Everybody desires a style of this iconic NYC restaurant’s over-the-top menus!
Strive NYC’s finest cookies from Levain Bakery
Throughout our weekend getaway to NYC with our teenager, we made it some extent to cease by Levain Bakery to pattern a few of the metropolis’s most interesting cookies.
This bakery gained reputation on TikTok, and regardless of not being a giant fan of cookies myself, I discovered their famend gooey, outsized treats exhausting to say no to!
In addition they supply gluten-free and vegan decisions.
Last Ideas
Since we’ve visited New York a number of instances and carried out all the most important sights, it was fantastic to have this extra neighborhood expertise within the Higher East Aspect. With its location on Central Park and the Museum Mile there loads of issues to do in addition to alternatives to wander the streets, absorb the vibe, and revel in good meals.
I benefit from the persona and vibe of the Greenwich, West Village neighborhood of New York extra, however the Higher East Aspect is price visiting for many who love artwork, buying, and somewhat little bit of XOXO.