What to do in East Side, NY

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.
New York Manhattan - Skyline Panorama wide angle NYC afternoon cityscape panoramic view manhattan downtown moody sky mood early evening cloudy sky inner city rooftops early morning morningshot clouds
Amazing panorama view of New York city and Brooklyn bridge
Amazing panorama view of New York city and Brooklyn bridge

Places to Visit in East Side

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in East Side, New York while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best East Side attractions from NZ$4, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group East Side tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1011 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular East Side. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Grand Central Terminal

This bustling transport hub serves over 750,000 visitors, both commuters and tourists alike and is an absolutely must-see venue when visiting New York. Designed by the firms Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore, this magnificent building’s architectural style is a triumph, and it houses a large number of shops and restaurants.
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Grand Central Terminal featuring night scenes, 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 which includes heritage elements

5. Union Square Park

Historically the sight of many campaigns for civil and women’s rights and protests against the Vietnam War, Union Square is one of New York City’s most important public spaces. Located in Downtown Manhattan, just above the trendy 14th Street, it is now home to a thriving commercial scene built around good food.
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Union Square featuring a monument, a city and a square or plaza

Recommended things to do in East Side

Number of things to do
1011
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo United States Package: NZ$4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in East Side

Discover the most popular places to visit in East Side

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

Experience the energy of New York’s transport hub in the grand and romantic setting of this majestic building.

Grand Central Terminal
United Nations Headquarters which includes a city

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 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 showing heritage elements and a city

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 - 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

Explore 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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from East Side

New York showing boating, a bridge and a city

New York

Astoria which includes landscape views

Astoria

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

Long Island City

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

Brooklyn

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