Things to do in East Side

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East Side Attractions

Discover what makes East Side tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Browse through our top {980 fun activities in East Side fun activities in East Side}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

NYC: Museum of Modern Art

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

$30
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket

$43
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket
Top of the Rock Timed Admission

Top of the Rock Timed Admission

$50
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Top of the Rock Timed Admission
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

$35
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise
The Lion King On Broadway

The Lion King On Broadway

$148
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
The Lion King On Broadway
NYC 60 Min. Sightseeing Cruise

Statue of Liberty & Manhattan Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

$25
per adult
Statue of Liberty & Manhattan Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
Picture 1 for Activity NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour

NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour

$24
per adult
NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour
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East Side must see attractions

1. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.

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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A city skyline with prominent buildings including a historic skyscraper and modern glass structures.

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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A statue of Edwin Booth in a park surrounded by trees and red foliage.

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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The Chrysler Building's spire against a clear blue sky.

5. Union Square Park

One of New York’s great public spaces, Union Square was a meeting point for impassioned activists who campaigned for civil and women’s rights and protested the Vietnam War. Today it’s alive with activity of a more commercial kind.
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A statue of a man on horseback, surrounded by lush greenery and a large cylindrical monument.

Recommended things to do in East Side

Number of things to do
980
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
New York: Unlimited USA Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in East Side

Free Things to Do in East Side

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's a cinch to have a blast in East Side without handing over a cent.

Tramway Plaza - Appreciate the innovation and design of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Beekman Tower - Swing by this historic site and discover a few things about the cultural heritage of the area.

Seagram Building - Look up your guidebook and discover why this place deserves a spot on your to-do list.

Saint Peter's Church - Inject a bit of spirituality into your getaway with a stop at this sacred site.

Sutton Place Park - If you like digging around the garden, this attraction will appeal to your green thumb.

Things to Do in East Side with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in East Side. Here are a few family friendly experiences to enjoy together that are bound to make your escape memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in East Side? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular East Side attractions

A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.
Photo by NYC & Company, Inc
Open Photo by NYC & Company, Inc

Grand Central Terminal

9.0/10 (54,227 reviews)
Step beneath the celestial ceiling of Grand Central Terminal, where Beaux-Arts grandeur meets bustling city life. Listen for whispers in the acoustic gallery or savor gourmet offerings at the historic food market.
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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.

 

 

Popular day trips from East Side

A red boat on a river with a bridge and a city skyline in the background.

New York

A coastal street lined with houses and buildings, with cars parked along the road and a view of the water in the distance.

Astoria

A waterfront promenade with benches and a city skyline in the background.

Long Island City

A bridge with an American flag, a city skyline, and a waterfront park.

Brooklyn

Frequently asked questions

What to do in East Side on a sunny day?
What to do in East Side on a rainy day?
Are there cheap things to do in East Side?
What can you do in East Side for free?
You'll hardly have time to grab your wallet out of your backpack with so many terrific free attractions:

  • Gramercy Park
  • Bloomingdale's
  • Beekman Tower
  • Central Synagogue

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