Check Off These 8 Things to Do on the Upper East Side During Your First Year

There is no shortage of Upper East Side things to do. Living on the Upper East Side means you’re in close proximity to some of the best restaurants, shops, and attractions in all of New York City. How can you possibly know where to start when you are new to the area? This article will tell you about a few of the can’t-miss Upper East Side things to do. You’ll want to cross each of these items off your list soon after you arrive in town.

This is an obvious recommendation, but it bears repeating. When you live on the Upper East Side, you are close to one of the most famous parks in the entire world. There’s always something new to see and do in Central Park, especially when you’re new to the area. Check out the Hallett Nature Center or the North Woods if you want to go for a hike and take a break from the concrete jungle that is New York City. You can also pack a picnic lunch and find a spot to sit and relax near Turtle Pond. You’ll enjoy one of the best views in the entire city if you find a spot where you can see the Belvedere Castle in the background. Before you leave the park, stop by Shakespeare Garden. You’ll see various plants on display along with several quotes from Shakespeare’s writings.

Hex & Co. is known for its thousands of board games, in addition to its wide selection of craft beers and its tasty bar food and cocktails. It’s a great place for you to meet people and make friends if you’re new to town. They offer outdoor seating and you don’t need to make a reservation ahead of time. You’ll find popular games such as Settlers of Catan in addition to games you didn’t even know existed. They serve delicious brunch dishes such as a hot honey panini bagel and chicken and french toast waffles. Come later in the day and you can enjoy the steak and cheese panini or the “Chef Ty” wings complete with their homemade secret sauce.

Contrary to popular belief, Central Park isn’t New York City’s only park. Carl Schurz Park is a popular choice among Upper East Siders who want a more secluded experience that isn’t as popular among tourists. There are plenty of lawns and gardens inside the park where you can stretch out and enjoy the surrounding nature and the fresh air. You can also take advantage of the waterfront promenade with a view into Queens and Roosevelt Island across the East River. This is also where you’ll see Gracie Mansion, or the traditional New York City mayoral residence.

The best way to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique art and cultural scene of the Upper East Side is to make your way through Museum Mile. This is where you’ll find local institutions such as the Museum for African Art, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. Perhaps the most notable museum on Museum Mile is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The “Met” contains millions of works that represent over 5,000 years of history. It attracts over five million visitors each year and takes up over 17 acres of gallery space.

The East River Greenway is a path that connects Harlem to lower Manhattan. It stretches over nine miles and provides tremendous views of Brooklyn, Queens, the East River, and some of New York City’s best bridges as you travel. Taking a walk on the greenway won’t cost you a thing, and you’ll get plenty of Instagram-worthy shots as you bask in the glory that is New York City. The Greenway also takes you by Randall’s Island, a park with miles of walkways and bikeways along the riverfront.

Uva is perhaps as popular for its rustic patio and its outdoor garden as it is for its delicious Italian dishes. Their uniquely designed restaurant is made to resemble a remote Tuscan farmhouse. They first opened as a wine bar in 2005, and expanded their menu shortly after because of their tremendous early success. They continue to take pride in offering guests the best possible wine choices. They also have an impressive dinner menu with plenty of tasty choices. The restaurant is open daily for dinner, and they also serve lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They also stay open until at least 12am every night. Visit their website in advance of your meal to make your reservation.

Treadwell Park is a craft beer enthusiast’s paradise. You’ll find over 20 rotating taps behind their bar. If beer isn’t for you, they also offer cocktails and spiked ice cream floats. They serve delicious chicken wings, smoked in-house, along with burgers and massive soft pretzels. If you come on the weekend for brunch, you can enjoy their build-your-own French Toast board, or you can choose from one of their made-to-order dishes like the herbed goat cheese and spinach omelet. When you’re done eating, you can see what games are playing on their big-screen TVs or you can get some friends together for a game of ping pong or pinball. They open at 4pm Monday through Friday and 12pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you still aren’t sure about where you want to live in the Upper East Side, reach out to Rebecca Blacker & Arlene Reed. They have spent years helping people shop for their dream home in the area. They know about all of the best Upper East Side things to do and they can recommend ideas for you based on your interests and preferences. Reach out to their team when you’re ready to begin shopping for a home in the area.