Upper East Side Historic Architecture

New York, New York

2 hours

1 - 12 People

2 Reviews

Details

Recognized as an exclusive residential community for more than 100 years, the Upper East Side has one of the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S. There are residential hotels, private clubs, houses of worship, a Moorish inspired Synagogue, and a prototypical Armory. There are 5 historic districts that contain great examples of styles such as Italianate, Federal, Gothic, Modern, Art Deco and Italian Renaissance. We will walk by some of the best shopping in NYC. I will point out any notable shops and stop for the best Macaroon in NYC and the Plaza Food Hall. We can do any of a variety of districts up to 2 hours. Other dates/times by appointment.

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Itinerary

Hotels that were built primarily as residential establishments with luxury suites. At the turn of the century, it was customary for members of the Vanderbilt family to present their children with expensive townhouses as wedding gifts. One daughter got an extraordinary Beaux-Arts style townhouse, and her sister's has the finest oak doors with ornate carved moldings.

Industrialist Henry Clay Frick wanted a house that could be converted into a museum for his collection. He intended for it to be opened to the public after he and his wife died. A 1915 census showed the couple, their daughter, and 27 servants resided in this former-house on Fifth Avenue.

The Joseph and Kate Pulitzer house is one of New York's finest urban mansions. Window shopping along Madison Avenue includes; Graff Diamonds, David Yurman, Maubossin, Jimmy Choo, Roberto Cavalli, Longchamp, Soigne K, Jo Malone, Vacheron Constantin, Oscar De La Renta, Fred Leighton, J Crew, Carolina Herrara, and Ralph Lauren.

Reviews

Jeffrey.tastes

Michael took us on a tour through the Upper East Side. Even though I live in Queens and work in Manhattan, I neeeever go to the UES. It was cool to see all the historic buildings and houses, see where the richest of the rich bought houses for their children's wedding present (which they never even lived in). Michael lives in the neighborhood, so having a local is great for guideship.

Lisa G.

A great tour not to be missed! Michael Hirsch, architect, historian and preservationist, does an incredible job of walking us through the many remarkable gems on the Upper East Side that have beem predominantly but unintentionally overlooked by other guides. The Upper East Side is a neighborhood often walked by many but Michael is terrific at highlighting what we might see every day but not fully appreciate without his knowledge of the archetypal building styles and the people and organizations that have inhabited them over the years. I highly recommend this to everyone interested in an educational and entertaining walk!