The Upper East Side is synonymous with classic New York sophistication, but this huge swath of the city actually encompasses many diverse lifestyles. Stately mansions and designer boutiques west of Lexington Avenue give way to a much younger, more affordable scene in Yorkville.
When many people think of the Upper East Side, they think of a quiet, tree-lined urban expanse filled with posh residents and purebred dogs. There’s some reality behind the neighborhood’s old-money image: The blocks between Park and Fifth avenues are home to some of Manhattan’s wealthiest residents, many of whom dwell in stately co-ops or sleek new condos overseen by stiffly collared doormen. But there’s a lot more happening on the Upper East Side. Museum Mile throngs with tourists, street artists, and lovers of the arts, drawn to its abundance of high culture. And the eastern side of the neighborhood, toward Yorkville, exhibits a less rarefied character. Second Avenue is home to sports bars, pubs, and some excellent restaurants. A trendy renaissance is in the offing here, sparked by young professionals drawn by some surprisingly good housing prices (for Manhattan). The avenues and commerce-lined thoroughfares can be hectic, but many streets on the Upper East Side are blessedly quiet — just one more way in which this oft-stereotyped neighborhood can be a surprise.
Biggest Downside
If you crave warm sunlight, this may not be your place: The UES is home to many newer high-rise buildings, which can cast long shadows over the neighborhood's breezy streets.
The Mood
Close to many tourist destinations, the UES is always lively, but the historic architecture, clean sidewalks, and manicured flowerbeds give it a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
Heart of the Neighborhood
Central Park is the Upper East Side's crown jewel. From jogging around the reservoir to sprawling on the Great Lawn, the range of activities here appeals to both tourists and locals.
Neighborhood Quirk
Fifth Avenue was once lined with huge mansions built by the oligarchs of the Gilded Age, like the Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts.
Best Perk
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, the Upper East Side feels a lot like Paris: cosmopolitan, refined, and set apart from the chaos of the rest of the city.
Biggest Downside
If you crave warm sunlight, this may not be your place: The UES is home to many newer high-rise buildings, which can cast long shadows over the neighborhood's breezy streets.
The Mood
Close to many tourist destinations, the UES is always lively, but the historic architecture, clean sidewalks, and manicured flowerbeds give it a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
Close to many tourist destinations, the UES is always lively, but the historic architecture, clean sidewalks, and manicured flowerbeds give it a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
Heart of the Neighborhood
Central Park is the Upper East Side's crown jewel. From jogging around the reservoir to sprawling on the Great Lawn, the range of activities here appeals to both tourists and locals.
Neighborhood Quirk
Fifth Avenue was once lined with huge mansions built by the oligarchs of the Gilded Age, like the Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts.
Best Perk
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, the Upper East Side feels a lot like Paris: cosmopolitan, refined, and set apart from the chaos of the rest of the city.
Biggest Downside
If you crave warm sunlight, this may not be your place: The UES is home to many newer high-rise buildings, which can cast long shadows over the neighborhood's breezy streets.
The real estate along Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue is some of the most expensive in the city, but as you move farther from the park, prices become much more moderate —especially for co-ops and rentals.
Central Parks's reservoir, boathouse, and Great Lawn are all easily accessible from the Upper East Side.
The Upper East Side remains synonymous with classic New York sophistication.
Museum Mile is a major tourist destination: The Frick Collection, the Met, the Neue Galerie, and the Guggenheim are all within 10 blocks of each other.
The Upper East Side boasts safe streets and countless playgrounds.
With tons of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, schools, supermarkets, libraries, and cultural sites, there’s rarely a reason to leave.
View Gallery 10 photos
Food & Drink
The quality of restaurants on the Upper East Side varies widely, from incredibly fancy on Park Avenue to casual comfort food in Yorkville.
