The Upper East Side
Check out my tour of the Upper East Side!
Filled with history, world-class museums, beautiful architecture, and amazing restaurants, this neighborhood is one of the most iconic in the whole city. It has also been my home for the past 12 years. Come with me as I take you on a tour of some of the Upper East Side's most famous landmarks and my favorite restaurants and bars. Look out for the famous steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the scenic greenery in Central Park, and a classy piano bar that just might serve the best martini in the city.
The Upper East has a fun social vibe and is also home to many families (due to the great schools and parks). It has a true neighborhood feel. From 20 somethings to 40 year old professionals to older couples who have lived there forever, it’s definitely an interesting mix.
Where.
The Upper East, which is north of 59th Street, south of 96th between 5th Avenue and the East River is a broad area. It’s because of this that there is such a large inventory of apartments at any given time.
I think it’s also worth noting that there is a rivalry between Upper East Siders and Upper West Siders on which hood is better. I’m a die hard Upper East Sider but have a solid appreciation of the Upper West.
Attractions.
I personally love the Upper East for its assortment of museums (like The Met and Guggenheim) and other upscale art galleries. You’ll always have something to do. There are also so many green spaces for picnics, walks or exercise.
Transit.
The neighborhood recently got upgraded with the Second Avenue Subway (Q Train), making it very easy to get to. These new stations are awesome too with controlled climate and people keeping them very clean. It makes a huge difference when headed to work in 90 degree weather! The Q Train also goes over to the west side once it gets below 63rd Street, which is a total game changer.
The Upper East is also home to the 4/5/6 Trains which run a beeline straight up and down Lexington Avenue, making it very easy to get downtown fast.
The Central Park… NYC’s Green Oasis
The Central Park.
Oh, speaking of things to do… Central Park and Carl Schurz Park! If you choose to live on the Upper East then most likely Central Park was part of that decision. Boasting 844 acres, it is New York City’s largest green space and a needed oasis in our concrete jungle. If you’re active in any way then Central Park is going to be your playground. It’s also fantastic for picnics or even a great place to read a book.
Carl Schurz Park.
If you live closer to the East River then Carl Shurz Park might be your go to. It’s not even close to the size of Central Park, but it is still a beautiful green space with amazing river views. The main promenade is a great place to sit and people watch but in my opinion the dog watching is far superior. Residents in that area take their dog breeds seriously!
Food & Drink
Let’s talk food. The Upper East never gets the street cred it deserves as far as restaurants go. The place has hundreds of places to eat, many of them very good! The section of the neighborhood known as Yorkville used to be a German enclave back after WWII, so there are still old school German restaurants like Heidleburg and Schaller & Weber that are certainly worth going to.
History & Architecture
A true neighborhood.
One of the main reasons I love the Upper East Side is the history behind its development. It has experienced as much diversity as any other neighborhood in the rest of the city which I find unique based on how far north it is.
Up until the late 1800’s the Upper East was mostly vast areas of farmland with a large concentration of German immigrants to the far east in an area known (even today) as Yorkville. Many breweries sprung up here as a result. Then, wealthy New Yorkers started migrating north and building mansions along Fifth Avenue. Keep in mind Park Avenue’s railroad tracks still hadn’t been conversed up so it was an eyesore and loud and dirty. In 1911, once the tunnel was finished, Park Avenue high rises began to be developed.
To this day, take a walk from Fifth Avenue to the East River and you can encounter old mansions and mighty highrises followed by pubs and german sausage shops, it’s amazing!