Although there is something for every type of traveler in New York City, staying on the Upper East Side offers a refined and relaxing experience more insulated from the tourist-laden hustle and bustle of other parts of the city. Manhattan is full of famous landmarks, but visitors can enjoy a full New York City experience without ever leaving the Upper East Side.
Its well-maintained tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and proximity to Central Park make it an excellent place for a stroll. The neighborhood borders the famed "Museum Mile," home to world-renowned institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, Cooper Hewitt, and the Smithsonian Design Museum.
With a mix of culture, history, delicious dining, and world-class shopping, the Upper East Side offers countless reasons to visit. We've curated a collection of must-see spots to make the most of any stay.
Where to Stay
The Loews Regency New York Hotel offers a prime location for a luxurious stay in the city, just steps from Madison Avenue and Central Park and only minutes from many of New York's top attractions. Spacious by any measure, but especially by New York standards, the rooms and suites are large enough for the entire family, including four-legged companions. Guests can choose from various uniquely furnished suites offering exceptional city views.
For those looking for relaxation, the hotel offers one of only two Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spas in the country. A favorite of locals, the salon and spa offers over 100 beauty and wellness treatments.
See & Do
Visitors looking for a quintessential New York adventure can enjoy a stroll down Madison Avenue and explore the flagship stores of some of the most sought-after luxury brands. Known as one of the premier shopping destinations in the city, Madison Avenue has preserved much of its historical charm due to rules governing exterior building facades. The Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) helps maintain the area and manages many events involving over 800 businesses.
One of the newest tenants on Madison Avenue is the famed French crystal house, Lalique, which just opened Maison d'Artiste in the historic Chopard Mansion. Inspired by artists and collectors, the flagship boutique offers several curated spaces, including an exclusive invite-only bar, lounge, and VIP area. Ralph Lauren, one of the first to move its flagship location to the area in the 1980s, has a significant presence with multiple stores and its famed cafe, Ralph's. Shoppers can walk through a converted home to explore the brand's expansive offerings, including home decor.
Housed in a landmark bank building and two historic townhomes, the Hermès flagship on Madison Avenue is one of the largest in the world. The light-filled boutique spans multiple floors, showcasing an extensive collection of luxury offerings, including rare, one-of-a-kind samples that never went into production. Although special guests are ushered to the invite-only lounge, all shoppers can enjoy the rooftop garden with views of the Upper East Side.
Made famous by Sex and the City, Spanish brand Manolo Blahnik's boutique is part shopping experience and part museum. The outpost's walls are full of original signed designs from the luxury shoe designer himself.
Sip & Savor
Visitors can keep the luxury vibes going from breakfast through dinner at several unique restaurants on the Upper East Side. The Regency Bar & Grill at Loews Regency New York Hotel introduced the famed "Power Breakfast" in the 1970s when the city's movers and shakers would gather for early morning meetings over breakfast. Guests can still get in on the action at a more leisurely pace with classic breakfast fare.
Coffee aficionados will enjoy Ralph's Coffee on Madison Avenue. What started as a simple coffee shop by Ralph Lauren became a must-try destination for artisanal coffee and pastries. Fashion meets fine dining at Le Café Louis Vuitton. The all-day cafe offers dishes including Sliders 1898, Pomme Mousseline Louis Vuitton, and La Caesar 57th, all artfully presented, and some even adorned with the iconic LV monogram.
Diners will enjoy French cuisine and art-deco interiors at L'Avenue at Saks. Guests can stroll down a corridor with floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows to enjoy a main dining room or the cozy bar and lounge, Le Chalet, offering après-ski-inspired decor.