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Welcome to the Big Apple! 🍎✨
If you’re planning a trip to New York, you’ll hear people talk about the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side a lot. They sit on opposite sides of Central Park, just a short walk apart, but each has their own separate vibe and things to see.
First-time visitor in New York? This is usually one of the classic dilemmas on your first trip. Do you go for the museum culture of the East, or the laid-back feel of the West? Let’s take a walk (virtually for now) through both sides and see which one might just be your New York match.
Where are these two neighborhoods in NY?
Aerial view of New York, with Central Park in the middle, Photo Credit: Thomas Griesmann on Unsplash
Separated by Central Park, these two uptown neighborhoods stretch roughly from 59th Street to 110th. The Upper East Side lies between Fifth Avenue and the East River, while the Upper West Side sits between Central Park West and the Hudson River. Both areas are residential, scenic, and full of history, but they cater to different moods.
The Upper East Side is known for its classic, refined side of New York. You’ll see pre-war apartment buildings, quiet streets lined with trees, and upscale shops along Madison and Lexington Avenue. It’s the neighborhood that often shows up in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Across Central Park, the Upper West Side has a more relaxed, everyday feel. It’s a favorite among families, students, and locals who like things a little more laid-back. With brownstones, neighborhood cafés, and weekend markets instead of high-end boutiques, things are a bit more cozy here.
Both are incredibly walkable, and both connect easily to Midtown and downtown via the subway, but the vibe on each side of the park sets the tone for your trip.
If you’re planning to see a few of New York’s biggest sights while staying uptown, grab the Klook Pass New York City early on. It covers popular spots like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and can save both time and money during your trip.
Klook Tip: Plan your mornings smartly. Museums open around 10 a.m., so start your day early with a stroll through Central Park before diving into exhibits.
A peek into history
The Upper East Side rose to prominence during the Gilded Age, when industrial titans and socialites built their mansions along Fifth Avenue. Many of those grand homes still stand today, though most have become cultural institutions. This is where you’ll find the city’s most famous art museums and galleries, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Across the park, the Upper West Side developed a little differently. It became home to artists, performers, and intellectuals drawn to its proximity to Lincoln Center and Columbia University. Its atmosphere feels more “neighborhood” and homely.
What to do in the Upper East Side
Classic yellow taxis along a street in the Upper East Side, Photo Credit: Joseph Bobadilla
The Upper East Side covers the stretch of Fifth Avenue known as Museum Mile, home to world-renowned institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). To explore as smoothly as possible, consider joining this Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour, which gives you skip-the-line access to one of New York’s most popular museums.
Just an 8-minute walk away is The Guggenheim Museum, another architectural marvel and art lover’s must-see. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, its spiral galleries make even walking through it feel like art in motion. Spend your afternoon wandering from painting to painting, or enjoy a coffee at the museum café overlooking Fifth Avenue’s leafy stretch.
What to do in the Upper West Side
Brownstone houses, one of the icons of New York, in the Upper West Side
On the Upper West Side, you can find one of the city’s top family-friendly stops: the American Museum of Natural History, where you can find dinosaur skeletons and a planetarium. These alone make it worth half a day!
After the museum, check out Riverside Park (just an 11-minute stroll away!) or head back east into Central Park, which is right beside it. Looking for an outdoors experience? This Central Park Picnic in New York with Full Day Bike Rental is well worth considering. You get a picnic basket (choose from Healthy, Signature, or Vegan) and explore at your own pace. Did we mention you can keep the bikes until closing time? 👀
What nearby New York attractions are there?
Both neighborhoods are also in close proximity to Manhattan’s biggest icons. From the Upper East Side, you can easily reach Midtown for an evening at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, one of the city’s most breathtaking observatories. Watching the sunset from 1,000 feet up gives you a spectacular perspective of the very streets you’ve been exploring.
Meanwhile, the Upper West Side gives you effortless access to Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center, and the Hudson River waterfront. You can hop on the New York Big Bus Tour from here and get a scenic overview of the city’s neighborhoods, hopping off whenever something catches your eye.
Where to stay
If you prefer a premium stay, the Upper East Side has some of Manhattan’s most elegant hotels. Think classic names like The Carlyle and The Pierre. It’s ideal if you’re after a quiet, upscale base near major museums and Madison Avenue shopping.
The Upper West Side, by contrast, offers a more relaxed range of accommodations from stylish boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses. If you need easy subway access, this one’s for you.
No matter where you stay, both sides make excellent bases for exploring broader Manhattan—and both are well connected to the Empire State Building, just a short subway ride away. If you plan to visit, grab your tickets on Klook in advance for the best views without the queue.
Deciding where to stay between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens for your New York vacay? Check out our guide below to explore your options from a wide range of prices!
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When’s the best time to visit?
Spring and fall are ideal for exploring these uptown neighborhoods.
- Spring (from late March to May): Temperatures range between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C), perfect for walking tours and seeing cherry blossoms around the Central Park Reservoir in full bloom by April.
- Fall (late September to early November): The air turns crisp with highs around 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C), and autumn colors hit Central Park at full force.
- Summer (June to August): Brings highs of 77°F to 90°F (25°C to 32°C) and plenty of humidity.
- Winter (December to February): Can be chilly, with highs around 40°F (4°C) and lows near freezing. Don’t forget your thick winter coats, scarves, and boots!
For show lovers visiting in winter, nothing beats catching a Broadway performance to beat the cold. From either side, you can reach the theater district easily. You can already secure your tickets to popular shows including Wicked and Lion King online.
How to get there and around
Manhattan Bridge from a distance, Photo Credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
Both neighborhoods are roughly 30–40 minutes from JFK Airport, depending on traffic. If you’re landing at LaGuardia, you’ll be even closer. The subway is your best friend in navigating the city. Three lines serve the Upper West Side so it's easier to get around, while just two lines serve the Upper East Side. Cabs and rideshares are also available!
If you need reliable mobile data while navigating subway maps or booking last-minute activities, you can grab a USA eSIM before flying out. This is installed via QR code, so there’s no need to go through the hassle of swapping out a physical SIM card or bringing around a bulky portable device.
Klook Tip: Use MetroCards or OMNY tap-to-pay. It’s faster and cheaper than hailing taxis for short distances.
East or West: Which one’s for you?
If you like art and something a bit more upscale, the Upper East Side is a good fit. Now if a more casual atmosphere is up your alley, the Upper West Side might suit you better. Both offer different versions of life in New York.
The best part? You can walk from one to the other in about 20 minutes through Central Park. If you have the time, why not explore both and see why these are beloved parts of Manhattan? 😉
FAQs about the Upper East Side vs. Upper West Side
Which side of Central Park is better for museum lovers?
If you’re all about art and history, head to the Upper East Side. It’s home to the Museum Mile, where you can spend hours exploring world-class institutions like The Met, the Guggenheim, and the Cooper Hewitt. The Upper West Side has its cultural gems too—like the American Museum of Natural History—but the East Side definitely wins for sheer variety of museums.
What is the main difference in lifestyle between the Upper East Side and Upper West Side?
The Upper East Side feels more classic and refined, with elegant architecture, high-end shops, and a quiet residential vibe. In contrast, the Upper West Side is livelier and a bit more down-to-earth: think cozy cafés, weekend farmers’ markets, and an easygoing, community feel.
Is the Upper East Side or Upper West Side more family-friendly?
Both neighborhoods are great for families, but the Upper West Side has a slightly more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. It’s close to Central Park playgrounds, the Children’s Museum, and great schools. The Upper East Side offers a polished lifestyle and safety, but it leans a bit more upscale and formal.
Which neighborhood has better subway access?
The Upper West Side tends to be more convenient for subway travel. The 1/2/3 and B/C lines make it easy to reach Midtown, Downtown, and even Brooklyn. The Upper East Side has improved thanks to the Second Avenue Subway, but it’s still catching up in terms of direct routes and connections.
Is the Upper East Side more expensive than the Upper West Side?
Generally, yes. The Upper East Side has long been one of Manhattan’s most prestigious addresses, so rent and property prices tend to run higher. That said, both areas offer a range of options depending on how close you are to Central Park or major avenues.
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