Things to do in East Side

Activities, attractions and tours

Panoramic view of Central park and skyscrapers of New York from the top of the Rockefeller Center.
Panoramic view of Central park and skyscrapers of New York from the top of the Rockefeller Center.
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Amazing panorama view of New York city and Brooklyn bridge
Amazing panorama view of New York city and Brooklyn bridge
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Top places to visit

1. Grand Central Terminal

Just one glance at the imposing neo-classical façade of Grand Central Terminal evokes the spirit of adventure and romance. A priceless Tiffany clock made from opulent stained glass sits above the entrance, crowned by the classical figures of Mercury, Hercules and Minerva. When it was built, this was the largest sculptural group in the world – an apt frontispiece for such a grand building.
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Grand Central Terminal which includes a city, heritage elements and heritage architecture

2. United Nations Headquarters

For some people it is synonymous with power, for others the United Nations Headquarters is simply a beautiful place to walk around. Next to the East River and just across the water from Brooklyn, this is an area filled with sights.
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United Nations Headquarters which includes a city

3. Gramercy Park

Don’t be put off by the fence surrounding Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan. In a city increasingly overrun with retail chains and glassy modern buildings, this park and the sleepy neighborhood that shares its name represent a slower pace of life and a slice of 19th-century grace, even seen from afar.
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Gramercy Park which includes a statue or sculpture and a park

4. Chrysler Building

Visit the stunning 77-floor Chrysler Building, one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. Take the chance to appreciate not only the impressive art deco architecture, but the history of the great tower and what it stood for when it was built almost a century ago.
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Chrysler Building showing heritage elements

5. Union Square Park

Hop on a bus or subway – or just take a stroll to Union Square in Lower Manhattan – and discover the echoes of New York’s radical past.
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Union Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a city and a square or plaza

What to do in East Side

Popular places to visit

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

4.5/5(1,554 reviews)

With sweeping marble staircases, world-renowned artworks and chandeliers gracing its elegant colonnades, Grand Central Terminal is more than just a train station.

Grand Central Terminal
United Nations Headquarters which includes a city

United Nations Headquarters

4/5(31 reviews)

A riverfront gathering place for the world’s most powerful political leaders, this building is also home to a surprisingly diverse array of tourist attractions.

United Nations Headquarters
Gramercy Park featuring street scenes

Gramercy Park

Though entrance is generally restricted, looking in on Manhattan’s last remaining private park reveals 19th-century glamour and big city neighborliness.

Gramercy Park
Chrysler Building featuring a city and heritage elements

Chrysler Building

4.5/5(522 reviews)

Venture into one of the world’s most iconic buildings, which harks back to a time of industrial growth and art deco flair.

Chrysler Building
One Vanderbilt - New York City

One Vanderbilt

One Vanderbilt is just one of the places to see in New York, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

One Vanderbilt

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

If Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of New York.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center

If NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of New York.

NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center

Lenox Hill Hospital

If Lenox Hill Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of New York.

Lenox Hill Hospital

Irving Plaza

After visiting Irving Plaza, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in New York. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Irving Plaza

Areas of East Side

Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay

While you're in Turtle Bay, take in top sights like Chrysler Building and jump on the metro at Lexington Av.-53 St. Station to see more of the city.

Turtle Bay
Gramercy which includes street scenes

Gramercy

Quiet elegance is key in this residential neighborhood on Manhattan’s east side, with leafy streets, historic architecture and notable arts venues and restaurants.

Gramercy
Kips Bay

Kips Bay

Kips Bay is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Holographic Studios or Asser Levy Recreation Center.

Kips Bay
Skyline of buildings at Midtown Manhattan, New York City, NY, USA

Sutton Place

While visiting Sutton Place, you might make a stop by sights like Sutton Place Park and Bridgemarket.

Sutton Place
View over Upper East Side Yorkville New York City

Yorkville

If you're spending time in Yorkville, check out sights like Gracie Mansion or The Promise Theatre and hop on the metro to see more of the city at East 86th Street Station or 96 St. Station (2nd Av.).

Yorkville
Tudor City

Tudor City

While Tudor City isn't home to many top sights, Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tudor City

 

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New York showing boating, a bridge and a city

New York

Gazebo and sunrise at Mascot Pier, Patchogue, Long Island, New York

Long Island City

Brooklyn Bridge Park which includes a bridge, a city and skyline

Brooklyn

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