The Upper East Side is both ritzy and welcoming. Enjoy an extremely pleasant day out amid the leafy streets and lovely architecture of this elegant uptown district. Visit the Upper East Side to see some of the world’s finest museums, take a lakeside walk in Central Park or shop along Madison Avenue.

No part of New York City offers more cultural options than the park-side stretch of Fifth Avenue known as Museum Mile. The jewel is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has vast collections of art and archaeology including paintings, textiles and artifacts from all over the world. Admire the Greek and Roman sculpture court, see classic artworks by van Gogh and Vermeer and explore a complete relocated Egyptian temple.

Study the fine and decorative arts of early 20th-century Germany and Austria at the Neue Galerie, with prominent paintings by artists such as Gustav Klimt plus a gorgeous Viennese-style café. Experience the distinctive, curving form of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Appreciate paintings by French impressionists, abstract art from Wassily Kandinsky and photography by Robert Mapplethorpe.

Local history comes alive at the Museum of the City of New York, a popular institution dedicated to everything that makes the Big Apple unique. Visit El Museo del Barrio next door to admire its collection of Caribbean and Latin American art. Explore Jewish art and culture stretching to the ancient past at the Jewish Museum.

Indulge in luxury shopping on Madison Avenue, with many of global fashion’s biggest names. Look for celebrities as you peruse designer boutiques and resale shops. Treat yourself at one of the area’s diverse restaurants and bars.

The Upper East Side is on Central Park’s eastern side, north of Midtown and south of Harlem. Travel here by subway, bus or taxi uptown. Visit most major attractions easily on foot. After a long day of culture, relax with a stroll around Central Park’s lake.