Top 4 Things to Do in the Upper East Side

New York City’s Upper East Side is a world of its own, with upscale shopping, fine dining, and beautiful art galleries. With an air of sophistication and class, the Upper East Side feels attuned to the current moment and connected to all the latest trends in fashion, culture, and cuisine.

 

If you’re considering real estate on the Upper East Side, know that available properties match the neighborhood’s style and elegance perfectly. To get to know the area before you buy, take a look at these top things to do on the Upper East Side.

All along 5th Avenue beside Central Park is the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile. Visiting this unique stretch of the neighborhood brings residents to institutions like the Jewish Museum, which houses both art and cultural artifacts, and the historic Carnegie Mansion. With a mix of museums and art galleries, Museum Mile is one of the quintessential things to do on the Upper East Side.

Along Museum Mile is the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. Opened in 1939, the Guggenheim has been part of Upper East Side culture for generations. Its iconic architecture and innovative interior design invite visitors to open their minds to new possibilities.

 

The Guggenheim features an impressive permanent collection with over 8,000 pieces of art. In addition to the resident pieces, the museum also hosts seasonal exhibits in styles ranging from impressionism to abstract art. Themes range from inclusion and social commentary to presenting works that push the limits of a particular medium or style. The Guggenheim Museum opens at 11 am throughout the week and is closed on Tuesdays.

Another incredible feat of architecture, this time in a Ruskinian Gothic style, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the country. Opening in 1870, the museum was the dream of a group of Americans in France who wanted to create a national art gallery back home in the States. More than 150 years later, the Met still serves as a top cultural institution and the host of some of the most glamorous events of the year, like the Met Gala. The collection at the Met surpasses two million and spans 5,000 years of history. The Met opens at 10 am every day and is closed on Wednesdays.

No list of things to do on the Upper East Side would be complete without showcasing a handful of the neighborhood’s stunning eateries. Daniel is one such restaurant, owned and operated by Daniel Boulud and specializing in sophisticated French cuisine. Avra Madison Estiatorio is a great spot for Greek fare, known for selling fresh fish by the pound. For Italian eats, Sant Ambroeus is one of the most luxurious options in the area, or there’s Caravaggio. No matter what you’re in the mood for, the Upper East Side has an upscale option that can’t be beaten.

A top reason why so many visit the Upper East Side each year is the high-end shopping that exists along Madison Avenue. Though Midtown is often thought of as New York City’s retail therapy destination, the Upper East Side has an impressive array of upscale brands alongside some of New York City’s most iconic storefronts.

One of those iconic storefronts is found at Bloomingdale’s, a beloved New York City department store that got its start in the 1860s. With that kind of history, it's no wonder residents love to visit the striking location on 59th and Lexington.

 

Bloomingdale’s is a great place to shop for the entire family, with a collection of women’s and men’s fashion as well as options for the kids. Visitors can explore the latest from brands like Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton as well.

Speaking of designer names, the Upper East Side seems to have them all. Those in need of the most luxurious retail therapy can find stores like Valentino and Prada on Madison Ave. Also on Madison are signature names like Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, and Oscar de la Renta. Dressing in style is part and parcel of living the full Upper East Side lifestyle, and the neighborhood sets its residents up well to do exactly that.

The Upper East Side provides residents with the perfect opportunity to make the most of New York City’s largest green space. Spanning 840 acres, Central Park is an urban oasis with its own attractions to enjoy. Though residents can travel to sights like the American Museum of Natural History or the New York City Historical Society, the following are two of the top sights to see closest to the Upper East Side.

The Central Park Zoo is minutes from Upper East Side real estate and a great place for all ages to visit. The zoo was built in 1934 and covers just over six acres, welcoming visitors to explore enclosures for species from penguins and sea lions to grizzly bears and snow leopards. The zoo features indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as a petting zoo, children’s rides, and interactive feedings.

Adjacent to the zoo is Wollman Rink, a fabulous outdoor skating rink that opens in late October every year. Not only a great place for recreation, but the rink also puts on a variety of events throughout the year, including performances by the New York City Opera. Whether visitors want to take to the ice or sit and people-watch, the rink is a staple of wintertime activity on the Upper East Side.

If the Upper East Side sounds like the perfect place to call home, work with a real estate team with ample experience helping clients navigate the unique neighborhood market. The Casagrande Team brings expert real estate professionals together to offer clients the utmost in honest, efficient, and detailed service. To get started with The Casagrande Team today, reach out via their website.