Discover Hidden Gems in Upper East Side NYC
megan li
ART BEAN Genuinely might be my favorite cup of coffee in the city. I can’t believe their pandan and Ube lattes are so yummy because this is def on the list of must visits every time I go to NYC!
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Planet Playskool is officially open, and it is a must-visit! Planet Playskool is a game changer for family entertainment. It’s the perfect mix - a nostalgic (beloved!) memory for parents, and an innovative new way to play for kids. The design is brilliant and beautifully created, with over 20,000 square feet of fun! The larger-than-life attractions are inspired by your favorite Hasbro toys: Play-Doh, PJ Masks, Mouse Trap, Spirograph, Tinkertoy, Transformers, and more. (I still can’t get over the giant Mouse Trap!). Here’s a few favorites: •Build your own Tinkertoy car and race it down a track •Climb, crawl and slide through a life-size version of Mouse Trap •Hop on a bike for a wild ride with Transformers •Mold your own figure and watch it come alive at the Play-Doh Theater •And SO MUCH MORE Hungry? There’s even an Easy Bake Cafe on site for a yummy bite! It’s a fun way to keep you and your kids entertained for hours (trust me, they will not want to leave!).
Secret NYC
Located in Brooklyn, The Prospect Park Zoo and its 12-acre facility features more than 125 species of animals and family-friendly exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages. Check out fun exhibits like the Sea Lion Court, where you can observe these majestic mammals in their true element or the The Hall of Animals, which showcases some of the smallest, yet most exciting animals in the zoo, such as the poison dart frog or fennec fox. Or maybe even end your trip with The Discovery Trail, a walkthrough of everything from red pandas to dingos. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out other attractions too like the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Museum!
Time Out New York
Find Little Paris on Centre Street, between Broome and Grand Street. Even the stars of Emily in Paris have hung out in this neighborhood, and if it's Chef Gabriel-endorsed, you know it's legit. Interestingly, the lack of a specified space for Francophiles in Manhattan wasn't always the case. In the late 19th Century, Soho had its own French Quarter, as chronicled in an 1879 issue of Scribner's Monthly: "The people are nearly all French. French too is the language of the signs over the doors and in the windows." Ready to dive into the Paris-within-Manhattan? Here are a few French businesses in Little Paris to check out whether you're celebrating the Paris Olympics or just saying "oui" to a French experience without crossing the pond.
New York City Dreamland
Prima Brooklyn Wine Bar: coffee and wine in Clinton Hill And the people who make Prima! Our weird and wonderful little café wine bar first date solo date group date chess knit natural dye poetry reading chef pop up Caribbean lively leaky wholesome wild whirlwind of a place.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Elsie Rooftop really brings a slice of fashionable 1920s cocktail bar to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Set on the 25th floor of an office building near Bryant Park, the rooftop comes with an upscale and glamorous indoor lounge, surrounded by a wraparound terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyscrapers. The rooftop bar serves progressive mixology cocktails, along with wines, champagne and an upscale seasonally focused light fare menu.
newyorkcity.explore
Discover the vibrant umbrella installation at Hillel Place Plaza! 🌂🌈✨ 💡 Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the colorful umbrellas at Hillel Place Plaza create a stunning and whimsical canopy that transforms the space into a lively and artistic oasis. This installation not only adds a splash of color to the urban landscape but also provides a unique backdrop for photos and a joyful atmosphere for visitors. Whether you're strolling through the plaza, relaxing under the umbrellas, or enjoying the surrounding shops and cafes, this installation brings a sense of fun and creativity to the neighborhood.
See also
Dining in Great Neck: Discover Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Spots Near NYC
Secret NYC
Explore an incredible 15,000-square-foot museum filled with Banksy-inspired art! Calling all Banksy-heads and street art lovers: embrace the legacy of one of history’s greatest street at NYC’s Banksy Museum filled with the largest collection of work inspired by his creations! Uncover his unique pieces of work and get a deeper look into the mysterious artist. The production available at the museum is unauthorised and unaffiliated with the artist.
Mingomatic
🏮 Explore the Vibrant Chinatown in Manhattan! 🏮 Step into a world of rich culture, history, and amazing flavors in Chinatown, Manhattan. From bustling markets and colorful storefronts to delicious dim sum and traditional tea houses, there's something magical around every corner. 🏙️✨ Stroll through the vibrant streets, visit unique shops, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this iconic neighborhood. Don’t forget to check out landmarks like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and Columbus Park! 🕍🌳
Discover Local Hotspots in the Upper East Side: Hidden Gems
When it comes to uncovering the most authentic and offbeat corners of New York City, the Upper East Side provides a wealth of opportunities. To help you navigate this treasure trove of experiences, Kikihub offers anonymous chats where you can get real opinions and insider tips straight from the locals. Here, we bring you some of the hidden gems that make this neighborhood a scintillating adventure for both residents and travelers alike. Discover local hotspots that are favorites among those in the know.
Explore Carl Schurz Park
Tucked away between East End Avenue and the East River, Carl Schurz Park is one of the lesser-known green spaces that offers a quiet escape from the city's hustle and bustle. While Central Park might steal the spotlight, Carl Schurz Park is a local favorite for its charming gardens, scenic riverfront views, and the historical Gracie Mansion, which is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City. For those in the know, this park offers a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll, a serene picnic, or an invigorating jog along the East River Promenade.
Hidden Art at the Museum Mile
The Upper East Side is home to the renowned Museum Mile, featuring cultural institutions like The Met and the Guggenheim. However, beyond the major landmarks lies a series of smaller, hidden art galleries and unique exhibits. The Neue Galerie, for example, is a hidden gem specializing in early 20th-century German and Austrian art. Just a short walk from 5th Avenue, this museum is a delightful and intimate venue to discover lesser-known works by legends like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Trust the local whispers on Kikihub to guide you to these unassuming, yet enriching art experiences.
Savor Culinary Delights at Local Favorites
For food enthusiasts, the Upper East Side is packed with dining options that go beyond the well-trodden paths. Jones Wood Foundry, a cozy British gastro-pub on East 76th Street, serves mouth-watering homemade dishes that locals rave about. If French cuisine is your jam, Orsay on Lexington Avenue offers a delightful Parisian-style bistro experience with classics like escargot and steak frites. To satisfy your sweet tooth, a stop at Two Little Red Hens, a bakery on 2nd Avenue famed for its cheesecakes and cupcakes, is an absolute must.
Shop like a Local
While the Upper East Side is synonymous with luxury boutiques and designer stores along Madison Avenue, the neighborhood is also dotted with smaller, unique shops that offer an alternative shopping adventure. The Corner Bookstore on Madison and 93rd Street is a beloved independent bookstore where you can find a curated selection of new releases and literary classics. Fans of vintage and antique finds will appreciate the eclectic collection at the Antique Garage on 2nd Avenue. It's these hidden shopping spots that provide a more personal and unique take on the Upper East Side's retail landscape.
Nightlife: Anonymous Insights on the Best Local Spots
When the sun sets, the Upper East Side transforms into a lively playground for night owls. Hidden among its quiet residential streets are some of the area's most cherished bars and lounges. Local whispers on Kikihub often highlight Auction House, a speakeasy-style bar with vintage decor and an intimate atmosphere on East 89th Street. For a more upscale experience, the glamorous lounges at Bemelmans Bar in Hotel Carlyle offer classy cocktails accompanied by live piano music, a quintessential New York experience. If you're seeking a more casual night out, Dakota Bar on Columbus Avenue serves up craft beers in a laid-back setting, often frequented by locals.
