Things to do in East Side

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc
Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc
Union Square New York featuring a city and a square or plaza
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal
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Top places to visit

1. Grand Central Terminal

Covering 19 hectares and catering to over 750,000 people every single day, Grand Central Terminal plays an integral part in the lives of New York City citizens. In terms of numbers of platforms, it is the largest train station in the world, boasting a whopping 44 platforms, and also has 67 tracks running alongside.
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Grand Central Terminal showing heritage elements, central business district 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 which includes a city and heritage elements

5. Union Square Park

Union Square has long been an important venue for protests on important social issues, such as the campaign for civil rights, women’s movement rallies and demonstrations against the Vietnam War. In the present day, the square has retained its vibrancy, and is now a hub for gastronomic activity.
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Union Square New York showing a city, a statue or sculpture and a monument

What to do in East Side

Popular places to visit

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

Visit this magnificent and bustling train station and take in its stunning design and regal scale.

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 which includes 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 galleries and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

One Vanderbilt
Webster Hall

Webster Hall

You can enjoy a show at Webster Hall on your trip to New York. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre 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 theatre 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

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

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

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
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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
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Sutton Place

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

Sutton Place
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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
New York

New York

Astoria

Astoria

MoMA PS1 which includes outdoor art

Long Island City

Brooklyn Bridge Park showing skyline, a city and a river or creek

Brooklyn

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