Museum Mile
Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Street holds the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Neue Galerie, the Cooper Hewitt and the Jewish Museum, all facing Central Park. If your trip is weighted towards art, no other area comes close for walking access.
Quiet, formal and expensive
These are the calmest streets in central Manhattan, with limestone apartment buildings, doormen and very little nightlife. Madison Avenue holds the traditional luxury shopping. It is elegant rather than exciting, and prices reflect the address.
Transport has improved
The Upper East Side was poorly served for decades until the Second Avenue Subway opened in 2017, adding the Q line along 72nd, 86th and 96th Streets. The Lexington Avenue 4, 5 and 6 remains the main north-south route and is heavily used at rush hour.
Who it suits
Is Upper East Side right for your trip?
Book here if
- Museum-led trips
- Central Park
- Quiet, traditional stays
- Travellers who dislike crowds
Look elsewhere if
- You want nightlife or a lively street scene
- You are on a budget
- Your trip is centred on Broadway or downtown
Getting around
The 4, 5 and 6 run along Lexington Avenue, and the Q on Second Avenue serves 72 St, 86 St and 96 St. Crossing the park to the Upper West Side is quickest on foot or by bus.
Hotels in this area
1 hotel reviewed in Upper East Side
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
A grand 1930 hotel on Fifth Avenue for travellers who want traditional service, large rooms and Central Park outside.
- Best for
- Classic luxury, Central Park and museums, special occasions
- Subway
- Fifth Av-59 St and Lexington Av-59 St
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask about Upper East Side.
Is the Upper East Side too quiet?
For some travellers, yes. There is little nightlife and dinner options are traditional rather than exciting. If you want museums by day and calm by night, it is close to ideal.
How far is it from the theatres?
Around twenty minutes on the subway. It is a straightforward journey, but it is a journey, so travellers seeing several shows usually stay further south.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.