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 Images
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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