Upper East Side New York, NY

People began to settle in the Upper East Side in the early 19th century when businesses started to open around the only train station in the neighborhood. Toward the middle of the 19th century, the area's culture began to change as wealthy families started building mansions and townhomes throughout the neighborhood. By the early 20th century, the mansions were being replaced with lavish apartments to make more room for the city's wealthiest residents. The Upper East Side is home to many world-renowned museums. Dubbed "Museum Mile," the stretch of Fifth running from the low east 80s to the low 100s is home to the Cooper Hewitt, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and, of course, the Met. Residents also enjoy the neighborhood's art galleries, theaters and the St. Patrick's Day parade that's held annually in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

An abundance of restaurants line the northern portion of the Upper East Side, giving residents several excellent dining options. From fast-food- and street-vendor fare to French cuisine and Asian Fusion, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Il Salumaio serves the best authentic Italian sandwiches in the Upper East Side, or so the locals say. Made fresh, the pasta and appetizer specials arrive full of flavor, and you won't find a better Panini than the massive Salumaio sandwich, which comes topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and an olive-oil and basil vinaigrette.

Even though it's a fine-dining establishment, The Simone manages to maintain a cozy, neighborhood vibe that's perfect for an intimate date night. The restaurant serves traditional French dishes, including a light and airy goat cheese souffle, and flavorful duck and lamb dishes that satisfy you without being too heavy. If you're looking for classic American food, head to International Wings Factory, located at 91st Street and 92nd Street. Locals can't get enough of the restaurant's meaty chicken wings, juicy burgers and crispy sweet-potato fries. The Upper East Side's nightlife has a lot to offer. Locals enjoy everything from music venues and dance clubs to bars and pubs in this area. Head to Bondurants if you're looking for a laid-back atmosphere. A lively mix of people and a variety of craft beers make it one of the Upper East Side's best bars. If you prefer to dance the night away, head to Saloon. Bartenders at the small club serve beer, shots and bacon margaritas while the DJ plays music to keep the dancers amped up all night long.

While the traffic isn’t as congested as it is in Midtown, it certainly isn’t light. The heavy traffic and high price of public parking, which ranges between $15 and $25 per day, keep many locals from driving. If you’re staying close to home, walk or ride a bike to your destination. Even though the only designated bike lane runs along First Avenue, the streets remain bike-safe. Several bus lines and one subway line provide public transportation to the area. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi. Sometimes hailing a cab proves difficult during rush hour when the majority of the city’s cabs drive between Midtown and Downtown, but Uber puts you in touch with nearby drivers if needed. Highways don’t run through the Upper East Side, but if you need to drive out of Manhattan, the FDR and the Queensboro Bridge provide access to the Interstate.

One of several free play areas in Central Park, Ancient Playground sits near the 58th Street park entrance. Alternatively, you can take the kiddos to Ruppert Park on Second Avenue. If you’re looking for a good, dog-friendly park, head to one of the Carl Schurz locations, the Carl Schurz Dog Park on York Avenue or the Carl Schurz Small Dog Run on 86th Street.

The best option for daily exercise, Central Park offers plenty of space for jogging, walking, and biking. For something a bit more adventurous, slip on some ice skates or cross-country skis, play basketball or handball, and swim. Central Park features different events throughout the year, both free events and those that charge a fee, including the annual holiday lighting at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center.

In general, Manhattan’s cost of living is higher than that of the other four boroughs, but the Upper East Side remains one of the island’s pricier locations. The median rent for one-bedroom apartments sits around $3,800 per month.

Some of Manhattan's best shopping venues feature Upper-East-Side addresses. Although the high-end department and designer stores are generally concentrated below 79th, the northern portion of the Upper East Side houses plenty of shopping gems. Blue Tree, a boutique owned by Phoebe Cates Kline, sells an eclectic array of women's clothing and jewelry. Corner Bookstore, located on Madison Avenue, features a good selection of fiction, travel and children's books. Its laid-back atmosphere draws in the locals, who also recommend Crawford Doyle Booksellers - another bookstore on Madison Avenue. Aspiring chefs find a wonderful selection of cookbooks at Kitchen Arts and Letters on Lexington Avenue.

Several grocery stores serve the area, including Fairway Market, Agata & Valentina, Dean & Deluca, and the Whole Foods Market on 3rd Avenue. U Don't Know Nothing Produce, located on York Avenue, has a fantastic selection of organic produce, and it's typically cheaper than the produce at Fairway Market. Local farmer's markets open during the summer and fall. Both the 92nd Street Greenmarket and the 82nd Street St. Stephen's Greenmarket sell fresh produce that shouldn't be missed.