The Upper East Side is an area in Manhattan, New York, nestled between Central Park and the East River. It is renowned as an ultra-luxurious residential district. In particular, Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue along Central Park are home to wealthy families who have lived there for generations.
The Upper East Side retains an elegant and classical atmosphere, featuring apartment buildings with marble lobbies and doormen at the entrance. It also gained fame from the drama series "Gossip Girl," where viewers got a glimpse of the glamorous and graceful lives of the elite.
1. Museum Mile
Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side is known as “Museum Mile” because it is lined with nine museums, including world-renowned ones such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Every June, the Museum Mile Festival is held, featuring a variety of events. During this time, Fifth Avenue becomes a pedestrian-only zone, with many programs also planned for children. If you happen to be in New York during this period, be sure to visit and enjoy the experience.
In addition to the above, the Museum Mile also includes institutions such as the Goethe-Institut, the National Academy Museum, the Neue Galerie, the Jewish Museum, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. Visiting each one can take a considerable amount of time, but for lovers of art and museums, this is an irresistible area.
2. Madison Avenue
If you want to enjoy shopping surrounded by a luxurious atmosphere in the Upper East Side, Madison Avenue is highly recommended. Compared to the famous shopping area on Fifth Avenue, this area has a quieter and more relaxed ambiance. Although it features similar brand-name stores as Fifth Avenue, the reduced number of tourists allows for a more leisurely stroll.
World-renowned luxury brand boutiques such as Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin, and Dolce & Gabbana line the street, and even just gazing at their breathtaking window displays can make you feel immersed in glamour. Between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue on East 59th Street, you'll also find the famous department store Bloomingdale’s, where you can indulge in a celebrity-like shopping experience.
We also recommend stopping by Ladurée, known for its macarons, and Two Little Red Hens, a beloved spot for cupcakes.
3. ‘Gossip Girl’ Filming Location Tour
If you want to explore the Upper East Side, joining a ‘Gossip Girl’ filming location tour is highly recommended. You’ll get to visit must-see spots for fans, such as the Russian Orthodox Church featured in Season 1 and the Plaza Hotel, used in one of the confession scenes.
In addition to walking tours, there are also half-day bus tours available. These tours screen famous scenes inside the vehicle to help set the mood. Highlights include the high school the main characters attended, the Empire Hotel and the Palace Hotel where they lived, the luxury department store Henri Bendel, and Central Park, where the main characters get married. There’s plenty to see.
◎ Summary
Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side is home to the famous Trump Tower. This area also features many long-established shops that have been loved by locals for decades, offering a residential neighborhood atmosphere that's distinct from typical tourist destinations. Papaya King, known for its hot dogs, Lexington Candy Shop, a classic diner, and Schaller & Weber, famous for sausages, are all shops that have been around since the 1930s. These are casual places where you can stop by easily, so be sure to give them a try.
If you'd like to enjoy a view of the Upper East Side from above, we recommend taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island.