Things to do in East Side

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc
Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc
Union Square featuring a square or plaza and a city
Grand Central Terminal which includes heritage elements and interior views
Grand Central Terminal showing interior views and heritage elements
Grand Central Terminal which includes heritage elements and interior views
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Top places to visit

1. Grand Central Terminal

Approximately 750,000 commuters come and go through this station every day; but don’t let that get in the way, as this architectural masterpiece is definitely worth a visit. Its shops, dining areas and bistros make this venue one to remember. Sit back in one of the cafes and watch the world roll by your window in this palace of gothic majesty.
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Grand Central Terminal which includes heritage elements, night scenes and a city

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 featuring a city and heritage elements

5. Union Square Park

In previous years, this humble plaza has been the rallying point for many public demonstrations, including the campaign for women’s rights and protesters against the Vietnam war in the 1960s. As such, the square is one of New York’s most precious public spaces, adored by locals and loved by visitors.
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Union Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a city and a park

What to do in East Side

Popular places to visit

Grand Central Terminal featuring a city, heritage elements and a bridge

Grand Central Terminal

This glorious, buzzing hub for commuters is an absolute must-see for history and architecture lovers.

Grand Central Terminal
United Nations Headquarters

United Nations Headquarters

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

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

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

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 scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

One Vanderbilt
Webster Hall

Webster Hall

You can make plans for a show at Webster Hall during your stay in New York. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Webster Hall
Sutton Place Park

Sutton Place Park

Explore the great outdoors at Sutton Place Park, a lovely green space in New York. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Sutton Place Park
Tompkins Square Park

Tompkins Square Park

You can take time to visit Tompkins Square Park during your travels to New York. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Tompkins Square Park

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Though Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of New York while you are here.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Areas of East Side

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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
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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
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Yorkville

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

Yorkville
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Kips Bay

Kips Bay is known for its great bars, and you can make a stop by Holographic Studios and Asser Levy Recreation Center while in the area.

Kips Bay
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Sutton Place

If you're spending some time in Sutton Place, Sutton Place Park and Bridgemarket are top sights worth seeing.

Sutton Place
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Tudor City

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tudor City and surrounding area, you can visit Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center.

Tudor City
New York

New York

MoMA PS1 showing outdoor art

Long Island City

Brooklyn Bridge Park featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a city

Brooklyn