Welcome to the Upper East Side
Manhattan’s most glamorous, high-profile enclave
The Upper East Side, or UES for short, has long been the reigning king when it comes to New York City luxury. There is no other neighborhood on the island of Manhattan that holds as much prestige as this one.
The Upper East Side stretches from 59th Street up to 97th Street, with the East River and Central Park’s Fifth Avenue border as its boundaries. Within this expansive neighborhood are three smaller enclaves: Lenox Hill, Yorkville, and Carnegie Hill. And while you may think the Upper East Side is solely posh and luxurious, each neighborhood in this zip code has its own down-to-earth bodegas, special touches, and historic relics.
Before the Park Avenue Tunnel was covered around 1910, fashionable New Yorkers decided to build stylish mansions and townhouses on the large lots along Fifth Avenue, facing Central Park, and on the adjacent side streets. The latest arrivals were affluent Pittsburghers Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick, whose names still remain well-known throughout the city. Throughout the years, members of New York's upper-class families have made residences on the Upper East Side, including the Rockefellers, the Roosevelts, the Kennedys, the Whitneys, and the Dukes.
Stepping onto the manicured streets just east of Central Park will make you feel this area’s vibrant history and storied luxury. This zipcode is highly sought-after and owning here is an unparalleled investment.
What to Love
- World-class culinary catalog, retailers, and nightlife
- A chic, stylish atmosphere of sophisticated residents
- An uptempo lifestyle with amenities at your fingertips
Local Lifestyle
Upper East Siders are known worldwide for their distinguished reputation. Well-read, art-forward, and cultured, residents in this Manhattan neighborhood can often be found strolling through Central Park, browsing the shops on Fifth Avenue, and perusing the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
For some of the best high-end retailers and gourmet eateries in all of Manhattan, you’ve come to the right place. Avra Madison Estiatorio’s Mediterranean menu is the pinnacle of fine dining on the Upper East Side while Sandro’s is an intimate neighborhood spot serving up robust Roman-style cuisine — you’ll want to try their unbelievable cacio e pepe or bucatini amatriciana! Book a table at Daniel for a world-class fine dining experience: headed by Daniel Boulud, this two Michelin star establishment is known for its refined European cuisine and impeccable hospitality. The Penrose brings the energy of downtown to the Upper East Side and offers craft beers, creative cocktails, great light bites, and a buzzy weekend brunch.
From Madison to 3rd Avenue, there is no shortage of dazzling retailers. Here you’ll find designer names like Tom Ford, Chanel, Celine, and Alexander McQueen, as well as Bloomingdale’s department store, athletic brands, and home decor hot spots.
Things to Do
Although the neighborhood is appreciated for being a peaceful slice of life, there are still plenty of things to do on the Upper East Side. With Central Park as your backyard, there’s no better place to be on a sunny day. Jog around the reservoir, bike through the many paths, or relax and enjoy a picnic on the grass. Every summer, Summer Stage on Rumsey Playfield in Central Park features a fantastic lineup of emerging and established singers, bands, and solo acts to get your live music fix. If you’re living further east, John Jay Park, Carl Schurz Park, and East River Promenade serve as great alternatives.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of this neighborhood and explore Museum Mile, home to several of the city’s prominent museums. See some of the world’s best art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with extensive collections spanning all time periods and the home of the MET Gala every spring. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is an architectural marvel and has both modern and contemporary art on display. For a smaller museum, check out the Frick Collection with artwork by Henry Frick, the Neue Galerie with German and Austrian artwork, and the Cooper Hewitt Museum, which focuses on historical and contemporary design. And of course, for a taste of luxury and to experience a true New York icon, there is no other spot like The Plaza for a martini, a special dinner out, or a stay-cation.