Exploring the Upper East Side of Manhattan
The Upper East Side, a neighborhood in the heart of New York City, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and holds a special place in the hearts of those who have grown up there. This high-class district is blessed with the vast green space of Central Park and is home to a variety of restaurants, bakeries, museums, and parks that make it a must-visit destination.
Central Park spans the entire length of the Upper East Side, from Fifty-Seventh to Ninety-Sixth Street. Some of the sights located on the east side of the park include the Central Park Boathouse, Zoo, and Alice in Wonderland statue. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Carl Schurz Park offers a tranquil haven, connecting to the East River Esplanade for a nice walk or run.
Food enthusiasts will find a plethora of culinary delights on the Upper East Side. Maman, a restaurant known for its casual yet delicious food and simple but beautiful ambience, is a popular spot. Orwashers, a bakery established in 1916 by a Hungarian immigrant family, offers a variety of baked goods, with their oatmeal raisin cookies, donuts, black and white cookies, and pretzels being some of the best. For Mexican cuisine, La Esquina is a favourite, while Heidelberg Restaurant serves authentic German fare, known for its schnitzel and sausages.
For a sweet treat, Anita La Mamma del Gelato offers high-quality ice cream, although it comes at a premium. If you're in the mood for a movie, the AMC theater on Eighty-Sixth Street provides a convenient option.
Shopping enthusiasts will find a variety of stores on Eighty-Sixth Street, including Lululemon, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Target, Old Navy, H&M, and Steve Madden. The beloved Barnes & Noble has also returned to its original location, just a block and an avenue away from Eighty-Sixth Street.
The Upper East Side is also a cultural hub, with several museums located on Fifth Avenue, collectively known as "Museum Mile." These include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and Cooper Hewitt museums. New York residents and NY, NJ, and CT students can pay what they like (with a minimum of one cent per ticket) at the MET.
For those seeking a quick bite, Eighty-Sixth Street is the busiest place on the Upper East Side, with a long list of recognizable fast food places such as Chipotle, Tal Bagels, Cava, Panera Bread, Chick-fil-a, Shake Shack, Krispy Kreme, Paris Baguette, McDonald's, and many pizza shops.
The four, five, and six trains run on Lexington Avenue, with stops at Eighty-Sixth Street, providing easy access to other parts of the city. The Q train, which runs on the yellow line, is a favourite among Upper East Side residents due to its speed. It has three stops on the UES: Seventy-Second Street, Eighty-Sixth Street, and Ninety-Sixth Street.
A stroll along 2nd Avenue offers an amazing selection of cuisines, from casual Mexican at La Esquina to authentic German fare at Heidelberg Restaurant. For a taste of France, Bridget Galwey mentioned Dominique Ansel Bakery in her article about the Upper East Side. Tony de Napolis, an Italian restaurant known for its sharing-style menu and huge strawberry shortcake for dessert, is another popular spot.
Lastly, Jupioca, a juice store offering smoothies, acai bowls, and bubble tea, adds to the diverse food scene of the Upper East Side. Whether you're a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or a shopaholic, the Upper East Side has something for everyone.
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