Upper East Side: New York’s Upscale Neighborhood

What to Know About the Upper East Side

• The Upper East Side is a neighborhood in the northeast of Manhattan. It’s bounded by the East River to the east, Harlem to the north, Midtown to the south, and Central Park to the west. Specifically, the Upper East Side stretches from 59th Street to 96th Street on Manhattan’s east side. The neighborhood’s name comes from its location: the upper (northern) east side of the city. You’ll often see it abbreviated as UES in local publications.
• The Upper East Side is an affluent residential neighborhood. It’s home to an estimated 207,000 residents, according to data from the NYU Furman Center, a research institute at New York University. The area is generally wealthy, with a median household income exceeding $138,000 per year. The poverty rate stands at 10%, well below New York City’s average of 18%. The neighborhood is home to many prominent American and international families.
• The neighborhood is home to some of New York’s most prestigious luxury hotels, including The Pierre, The Mark, and The Carlyle—three legends of New York hospitality. The Upper East Side also boasts numerous luxury boutiques, including the iconic department store Bloomingdale’s. This New York landmark sits at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 59th Street.

What to See in the Upper East Side

• The Upper East Side is home to some of New York’s most famous museums. At the corner of Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s largest museum. This vast collection takes you on a journey from ancient Egypt to Impressionism.
• Another major New York museum is the Guggenheim Museum, located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 88th Street. The museum stands out for its striking spiral architecture and its collection assembled by businessman Solomon R. Guggenheim. The Guggenheim is one of the most remarkable museums in the world.
• Fifth Avenue is also home to the Neue Galerie New York, dedicated to German art, at 86th Street. Also worth visiting: the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, a design museum at 91st Street. Special mention goes to the Frick Collection, a beautiful private museum housed in a mansion at 70th Street. The Frick Collection is particularly worthwhile for its elegant setting and eclectic collection.
• Beyond the museums, take time to stroll through the neighborhood’s streets and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll spot dog walkers with purebred dogs and doormen in crisp uniforms guarding the entrances to luxury residences. It’s a world unto itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who lives in the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side is home to many celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and business. Notable residents have included directors Woody Allen, Spike Lee, and Martin Scorsese; singers Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Lady Gaga; actors Sean Connery and Robert Redford; fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger; author Stephen King; artist Jeff Koons; former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; and businessman Roman Abramovich, who owned Chelsea Football Club until 2022.

How do you get to the Upper East Side?

Two subway lines serve the Upper East Side: the green line (4, 5, 6) and the yellow line (Q). You can also reach the neighborhood by bus, including buses running along Fifth Avenue. However, the subway is by far the fastest option.

Upper East Side in Photos

Neighborhood Map