Rank 1The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Museum
4.8 out of 5Price level $$
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a activities in Central Park described by visitors as outdoor-focused, american, high-energy atmosphere. Based on 10 reviews.
- Fun
- Social
Polished. Cultural. Money talks quietly.
Best Activities & Experiences in Upper East Side, Manhattan
184 activities & experiences in Upper East Side (UES), ranked by rating and reviews, with vibes and insider tips.
Upper East Side in a line
Museum Mile, Madison Avenue, and brunch that requires a reservation
Insider tip
2nd Avenue is the real UES dining scene. Forget Madison — that's for shopping, not eating.
Top ranked Activities & Experiences in Upper East Side
Moodap picksCurated from Eater, Infatuation, TimeOut, Michelin & our own research, February 2026.
Rank 2Gagosian
Gallery4.4 out of 5, 21 reviewsGagosian is a gallery destination in Upper East Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Rank 3The Frick Collection
Museum4.6 out of 5The Frick Collection is back! Get closer to more of our masterpieces than ever before in our newly renovated home. Following a major renovation completed in spring 2025, the museum invites you to rediscover its unique atmosphere and collections in its historic home at 1 East 70th Street—a place to slow down and get closer to objects of beauty and awe.
Insider tip: Timed tickets required (except for members). Members visit free, with no reservations! If you would like a refund your tickets, please contact admissions@frick.org. Frick Art Research Library: No appointment necessary, with advance registration.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Rank 4The Jewish Museum
Museum4.4 out of 5Price level $$The Jewish Museum is a entertainment in Upper East Side described by visitors as food-focused, budget-friendly. Based on 10 reviews.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Rank 5Neue Galerie New York
Museum4.4 out of 5Price level $$$Explore Neue Galerie New York, a museum of Austrian and German art and design from the early 20th century.
Insider tip: Visit the museum free of charge on select Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
All Activities & Experiences in Upper East Side
Ranked by rating and how many reviews back it. Open any venue for hours, photos, and reviews.
Tourist attraction
St. Jean Baptiste Church
4.9 out of 5St. Jean Baptiste Church is a activities in Upper East Side described by visitors as relaxed atmosphere. Based on 10 reviews.
- Fun
- Social
Gallery
Kate Oh Gallery, LLC
5.0 out of 5, 126 reviewsFounded in 2017 by Kate Oh, the gallery is devoted to supporting artists who work in a range of media including works on paper and paintings to sculpture, performance, and installations. The mission of the gallery is to advocate for the work of both well-known as well as emerging artists through exhibitions and introduce them to collectors and the general public.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
- 4.8 out of 5Price level $$
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a activities in Central Park described by visitors as outdoor-focused, american, high-energy atmosphere. Based on 10 reviews.
- Fun
- Social
Tourist attraction
Church of St. Ignatius Loyola
4.8 out of 5980 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Fun
- Social
- 4.8 out of 5Price level $$
2 E 79th St, New York, NY 10075
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
Roosevelt Island Tramway
4.7 out of 5Roosevelt Island Tramway is a tourist attraction destination in Upper East Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Museum
Society of Illustrators
4.7 out of 5Society of Illustrators is a museum destination in Upper East Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Spellman Gallery
5.0 out of 5Spellman Gallery is a activities in Upper East Side described by visitors as known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
Temple Emanu-El
4.7 out of 5Join a welcoming community rooted in tradition, connection, and care. Join Temple Emanu-El for Purim events across NYC, with inclusive programs, family celebrations, learning and festive gatherings for all ages.
- Fun
- Social
Museum
Czech Center New York
4.8 out of 5Czech Center New York is a museum destination in Upper East Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Historical landmark
The Sherry-Netherland
4.7 out of 5Price level $$$$781 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Museum
The Frick Collection
4.6 out of 5The Frick Collection is back! Get closer to more of our masterpieces than ever before in our newly renovated home. Following a major renovation completed in spring 2025, the museum invites you to rediscover its unique atmosphere and collections in its historic home at 1 East 70th Street—a place to slow down and get closer to objects of beauty and awe.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Park Avenue Armory
4.6 out of 5Park Avenue Armory supports unconventional works in the performing and visual arts that cannot be fully realized in a traditional proscenium theater, concert hall, or white wall gallery, enabling a diverse range of artists to create, students to explore, and audiences to experience epic, adventurous, relevant work that cannot be done elsewhere in New York.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
- 5.0 out of 5Price level $$
Morning Calm Gallery has been a staple in the UES neighborhood for over 30 years, offering quality custom framing at affordable prices with excellent service. We provide solutions to all framing needs and have established long-lasting relationships with the local community, businesses, artists and galleries.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
Shady Ladies Tours
4.7 out of 5, 89 reviews1202 Lexington Ave #262, New York, NY 10028
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Alexander Berggruen
4.9 out of 5, 37 reviewsAlexander Berggruen is a activities in Upper East Side described by visitors as an entertainment venue, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Tourist attraction
The Sheffields’ House (The Nanny)
4.7 out of 5The Sheffields’ House (The Nanny) is a tourist attraction destination in Upper East Side, Manhattan. A must-visit spot for fun and culture.
- Fun
- Social
Gallery
Di Donna
4.8 out of 5Surrealist | Modern | Post-War Art Exhibitions Art Fairs Artists Publications News Private Sales Gallery Sélavy
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Skarstedt Gallery
4.7 out of 5Skarstedt Gallery is a activities in Upper East Side described by visitors as outdoor-focused. Based on 10 reviews.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Acquavella Galleries
4.7 out of 5Acquavella Galleries is distinguished for its expertise in the fields of 19th, 20th and 21st century art. The gallery, founded by Nicholas Acquavella in the early 1920s, is now a three-generation, family owned business.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
White Cube New York
4.9 out of 5Marguerite Humeau introduces her exhibition 'scintille' at White Cube New York. Sparked by her visit to a cave in West Papua and the lifeforms she encountered there, Humeau has created a new body of work that draws upon her research into the intricate ecosystems of caves and their inhabitants.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Streetcar Kids Studio
5.0 out of 5Streetcar Kids Studio is a activities in Upper East Side described by visitors as known for excellent service.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Gallery
Questroyal Fine Art
4.9 out of 5Questroyal Fine Art is a activities in Upper East Side described by visitors as american, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Artistic
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Historical landmark
Senior Steps
4.8 out of 5Public education with extraordinary intellectual and creative opportunities for gifted New York City elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Cultural
- Inspiring
- Quiet
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Upper East Side?
Moodap's top-ranked things to do in Upper East Side, curated from Eater, The Infatuation, Time Out, Michelin and our own research in February 2026, start with The Metropolitan Museum of Art (4.8 stars), Gagosian (4.4 stars) and The Frick Collection (4.6 stars). They're at the top of this page.
What kinds of activities are there in Upper East Side?
Moodap lists 184 things to do in Upper East Side. The most common kinds are Gallery (119), Historical landmark (29), Museum (19), Tourist attraction (12) and Farmers' market (3).
Where can I find affordable things to do in Upper East Side?
119 of the 184 things to do listed in Upper East Side are budget-friendly ($). The best-ranked of them are Kate Oh Gallery, LLC, Spellman Gallery and Park Avenue Armory.
How is the full list of things to do in Upper East Side ranked?
By star rating, weighted by how many reviews back it: a place with hundreds of strong reviews ranks above a perfect score from a handful. Places with few or no reviews come after well-reviewed ones. Not sure which fits your plans? Find Your Vibe™ picks one for your mood in about 25 seconds.
Find your spot in Upper East Side
Answer a few quick questions and Moodap narrows it down to places that fit your mood.
Find Your Vibe™