There are so many things to see and do on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, it would take a week to do it all.There is something going on 24/7 365 days a year. If you come to New York, you have to shop atBloomingdale’s. (Lexington Avenue and 59th Street). People have been known to just get a brown Bloomie’s bag and carry merchandise from other stores in it, just so people will think they shopped at Bloomingdale’s but the store is so big, and it is such a pleasure just to stroll through, it is hard not to buy something.
And then there is Museum Mile. It actually extends a bit North of The Upper East Side, from 82Street to 105th Street, and if you like art of any type, you will find it here. Let’s take a walk along Museum Mile and see what we can find. One thing to remember when you visit a place like a museum, most of them will not allow you to bring in a suitcase or a large bag. Ever since 9/11, security at practically everything in New York is at a high level. There is only one more level higher, and they enforce the rules at all times, so if you are going to do the museums, do them on days you are not shopping elsewhere.
We Start with the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 82nd Street. Here you can stroll though cool corridors, looking at exhibits in glass windows, or go to the Egyptian Room and then see knights in shining armor. Or if you like take in the Asian art or Islamic art. They do give tours that are free with admission Check with them to see if there is one the day you will be in New York.
Next one in the line is The Goethe-Institute New York at 83th Street. Back at the turn of the 20th century, Yorkville was the haven for German immigrants, many of whom worked in the breweries that were once located here. Today the neighborhood still reflects the German heritage with many nice small restaurants that server the best sauerbraten anywhere. The Goethe-Institute focuses on modern Germany with a series of exhibits and lectures on modern German, while 3 blocks North at 86th Street, Neue Galerie will take you back to that earlier time with its focus on German and Austrian Art of the early 20th Century.
If you like modern art, the next one up the line at 89th Street, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is the place for you. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum is a work of art in it self. If you can make it for the first Friday of the month, they have great events going on. Check with them to see what it is when you are in New York.
At 89th Street you can visit The National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts and see their collection of American Art.
If you are Interested in Design, then you must stop at The Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum at 91st Street. Try and catch o ne of their lecture series.
Next one up the line is The Jewish Museum at 92nd Street. They always have something special going on.
The last two are not really in the Upper East Side, but they belong here since they are a part of Museum Mile. The Museum of the City of New York has something for everyone from a history of New York starting with the first Dutch Settlers, to an exhibition of photos showing skate boarding in Brooklyn. Also they have an exhibition volunteer firefighters and something for the little girl in everyone, a fantastic doll house display.
And last, but certainly not least, at 104th Street is El Bario, a museum dedicated to everything Latin and Carribean
Three is one more museum to check out. It is not on Museum Mile, it is the Whitney Museum of American Art on Madison at 75th Street.
We are not through yet. That is only a part of the Upper East Side of New York. There is Gracie Mansion, home of New York City Mayors, located at 88th Street, right by the East River in Carl Shultz Park They only have tours on Wednesday so be sure to check. The house was first built in 1799, so you can imagine the history that went on here. And the park is a perfect place to relax on a hot summer’s day and enjoy the New York breezes off the river.
For a nice relaxing day, there is New York Citiy’s John Jay Park by the East River between 76th and 78th Streets It is more than 3,000 acres and has a swimming pool.
Looking to shop? There are stores on every block from the biggest like Bloomingdale’s to tiny boutiques and gift shops
Looking for a place to eat? Well, you have quite a choice. There are no less than 22 bagel shops, 37 coffee shops, 5 juice bars, 65 pizza parlors, more than 600 restaurants, 65 delicatessen and 27 ice cream parlors.
So there you have it. A quick look at the Upper East Side of New York, just one of the neighborhoods that make New York unique.
