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Lifestyle, Feature,

Your Ultimate Guide To The Upper East Side

By: Lauren Brocato By: Lauren Brocato | March 22, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature,

Look no further for the top spots to eat, play, stay and more on NYC’s elegant Upper East Side.

PHOTO BY: ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY
Photo by Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Where To Eat

RALPH’S COFFEE

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888 Madison Ave. / 212.434.8000 / Website

Ralph’s is a primo spot for grabbing an iced latte on slow mornings. Pull up a seat outside and people-watch the day away.

CAFÉ BOULUD

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100 E. 63rd St. / 212.772.2600 / Website

This NYC institution from chef Daniel Boulud has reopened on the Upper East Side. Dine over the chef’s beloved French cuisine crafted with seasonal specialties.

JG MELON

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1291 Third Ave. / 212.744.0585 / Website

A UES staple since 1972, this cash-only spot serves some of the city’s best burgers thanks to the griddle-cooked patties and warm toasted buns.

LADURÉE

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864 Madison Ave. / 646.558.3157 / Website

Stop by Ladurée for heavenly macarons, loose-leaf tea and pâtes de fruits. Everything at Ladurée is stunning, from the packaging and decor to the service.

DANIEL

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60 E. 65th St. / 212.288.0033 / Website

Since 1993, Daniel has been a pillar of the NYC dining scene thanks to its refined European cuisine courtesy of chef/owner Daniel Boulud. The restaurant sits in the original site of Le Cirque and serves a seasonal menu highlighting some of the finest ingredients from around the world.

JOJO

A tempting dish from JoJo PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRAND
Photo courtesy of brand

160 E. 64th St. / 212.223.5656 / Website

Jean-Georges’ first restaurant, JoJo, is named after the chef’s childhood nickname. The eatery boasts a modern and fresh design alongside a farm-to-table menu full of organic and local ingredients.

WHERE TO SHOP

THE REALREAL

The RealReal’s chic Upper East Side boutique. PHOTO: BY ORI HARPAZ
Photo by Ori Harpaz

870 Madison Ave. / 212.203.3139 / Website

The RealReal’s flagship location on Madison is an evolving mecca of fashionable resale finds. Shop (or sell) top luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more.

L’OBJET

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950 Madison Ave. / 929.989.4797 / Website

Peruse L’Objet’s elegant and eclectic decor, dinnerware, objects and more at its whimsical Upper East Side space.

THE ROW

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17 E. 71st St. / 212.755.2017 / Website

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row is a stunning three-story townhouse-turned-boutique full of fine and vintage jewelry and gorgeous ready-to-wear pieces.

WHERE TO RELAX

VALMONT SPA

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35 E. 76th St. / 212.660.7560 / Website

Tucked away inside The Carlyle lies a luxe fountain of youth—the U.S.’ debut flagship for Swiss skincare brand Valmont and its jewel-box Valmont Spa on the third floor of the iconic hotel. The sophisticated space sparkles with equally luxe decor to match—think custom Murano glass lighting fixtures from Venetian artist and longtime Valmont collaborator Aristide Najean, mixed with works by contemporary American artists.

CENTRAL PARK

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W. 72nd St. / 212.310.6600 / Website

Whether strolling along wooded paths, watching model boats sail or lounging on Pilgrim Hill, a few hours in Central Park is always well spent.

WHERE TO STAY

THE CARLYLE

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35 E. 76th St. / 212.744.1600 / Website

A local landmark, The Carlyle is an Upper East Side institution celebrated in countless films and novels—as well as in the hearts of New Yorkers. Since opening in 1930, The Carlyle’s stylish suites have hosted presidents, royalty and Hollywood stars.

THE MARK

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25 E. 77th St. / 212.744.4300 / Website

The famed Mark Hotel is another UES hospitality icon. This A-list favorite is especially buzzy when many celebs check-in for the Met Gala.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Spend a day perusing the Met’s exhibits. PHOTO BY: WDSTOCK/ISTOCK
Photo by WDSTOCK/iStock

1000 Fifth Ave. / 212.535.7710 / Website

It’s hard to miss the grandiose museum sitting in Central Park with its red banners and iconic steps constantly graced by tourists and locals alike. We suggest setting aside a day to take a peek at all of the exhibits.

SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

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1071 Fifth Ave. / 212.423.3500 / Website

The Guggenheim is a classic picture of experiential architecture. Its one-path spiral ramp guides visitors through exhibits at their own pace, leading up to the bright skylight. Look for famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s initials on a red tile outside the building.


Photography by: ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY; courtesy of JoJo; by Ori Harpaz; by WDSTOCK/iStock

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