Welcome to the Upper East Side
Refined residential oasis.
Manhattan’s Upper East Side spans most of the eastern border of Central Park from 59th to 96th Street. It is further divided into three sub-neighborhoods: Carnegie Hill, Lennox Hill, and Yorkville. The Upper East Side (often abbreviated as “UES”) has been regarded as an affluent section of Manhattan since the early 1900s after aristocrats like the Rockefellers, Kennedys, and Roosevelts developed residences there. Teeming with history and character, the Upper East Side has effortlessly changed with the times while attracting new residents from all over the globe.
Though more popularly known for its magnificent mansions and ornate townhouses near Central Park, renters can find affordable real estate by moving their search closer to the East River. Whether you’re looking for a well-maintained pre-war gem or a high-rise building with a doorman, Pinnacle City Living has options for you.
What to Love
- Architectural eye candy
- Designer shops and independent boutiques
- Endless assortment of casual and fine dining in thoughtfully curated atmospheres
- Sprawling Central Park keeps residents active
- Museum Mile with world-class rotating art exhibits
Local Lifestyle
The Upper East Side combines residential bliss with city convenience. You can run all your errands without leaving the neighborhood and meet a friend for drinks afterward. While the avenues running north to south are bustling, the Upper East Side has plenty of peaceful pockets. Residents can find solace in Central Park with leisurely walks, running, or biking. On snow days, families will take advantage of the hills for sledding. Central Park has many activities that residents can participate in to connect with the community while appreciating their city. Events worth checking out include Shakespeare in the Park, the summer film festival, and Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla. Concert-goers will also appreciate the park’s history as a music venue.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Lovers of international cuisine have abundant options in the area. Mission Ceviche, a Peruvian eatery, focuses on gourmet ceviche in a casual setting. For Spanish fare, Boqueria UES serves innovative Barcelona-style tapas with a brunch and happy hour locals rave about. Vegan and gluten-free foodies can enjoy THEP Thai Restaurant for its evolving menu of contemporary curries in a stylish, vibrant setting.
If a celebrity sighting over a romantic cabaret appeals to you, then Café Carlyle will be a frequent haunt. This UES staple has operated since 1955 and has maintained its alluring ambiance. When you want to enjoy an intimate nightcap, Bemelmans Bar’s gin-gin mule pairs well with a self-guided tour of the Art Deco murals that line the establishment's walls.
For dessert, locals have the luxury of proximity to Lady M's concoctions, famous for its Mille Crêpes cake consisting of 20 thin layers of crepes alternated with cream. Over on 84th Street, the oversized, gooey cookies from Levain Bakery have been highly sought after by locals and tourists alike for over two decades — and for good reason! Outposts for caffeinated beverages are also plentiful for Upper East Siders. Ralph’s Coffee, situated in Ralph Lauren’s Flagship store on Madison Avenue, offers an upscale atmosphere to sip on the fashion house's signature brews.
While on Madison Ave., browse the 150+ luxury designer stores between 57th and 86th Streets. This retail district owes much of its success to the advertising industry. It is the East Coast’s bastion of consumerism, a fixture in movies and instantly recognizable for elegant fashion and jewelry. Even if only window shopping were allowed, Madison Ave. would be one of the country’s ultimate retail destinations. Step into urban fashion houses representing brands like Bottega Venetta, Celine, and Vera Wang — then hop over to Central Park just a block to the west.
Things to Do
Manhattan has culture around every corner, and there is no shortage of museums to visit on your days spent out of the office. Sotheby’s Art Gallery displays contemporary art and aids local and international artists in selling their work. The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum is another option to find contemporary art while supporting the robust local art scene. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an essential piece of the neighborhood mosaic and home to one of the world’s largest fine art collections. Celebrities, politicians, and trailblazers in the fashion industry gather here for the annual Met Gala charity event in support of fundraising for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. You can also find premier entertainment, like the New York Historical Society, which features exhibits that explore New York City’s multifaceted history.
Schools
The Upper East Side has some of the finest academies in the city. Find the best preparatory school for your family.
