Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists on the Upper East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists on the Upper East Side
1. Central Park Loop
Pedal the famed 6.1-mile Central Park drive for smooth, car-free laps skirting the Upper East Side from 59th to 96th Street. Expect gentle rollers, leafy shade, and postcard views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s NYC’s most iconic training circuit with reliable pavement, predictable traffic patterns, and easy bailouts to Fifth Avenue for coffee or culture stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round (sunrise to 9 am) for the lightest crowds; spring and fall offer crisp air and peak foliage.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter from Fifth Ave at E 90th St to start near the flatter eastern side; water and restrooms are just off the drives at multiple playgrounds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists rave about the rhythm of continuous laps, respectful rider etiquette, and scenery that never gets old.
2. East River Esplanade
Cruise the waterfront path from roughly E 60th to E 96th Street with river breezes, skyline views, and pier-side pauses without car traffic.
✓ Why Go:
A flat, scenic spin perfect for recovery rides or family cruising, with quick links to neighborhood streets and parks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and golden hour; avoid narrow sections at peak jogger dog-walk times.
✓ Insider Tip:
Access at E 90th St near East End Ave; restrooms nearby at Carl Schurz Park and John Jay Park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders appreciate the calm, the views, and how close it sits to coffee, snacks, and bike-friendly benches.
3. Carl Schurz Park
Glide to this waterfront gem wrapping around Gracie Mansion for a slow-roll cooldown or photos along the promenade above the East River.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a serene UES finish line with shade, water, and restrooms—ideal after laps in Central Park or a spin on the Esplanade.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning through sunset; sunrise rides get quiet paths and golden light on the river.
✓ Insider Tip:
Yield to pedestrians on the promenade and dismount on signed sections; refill bottles at park fountains.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists love the mellow vibe, tidy paths, and classic Mansion backdrop for a quick breather.
4. Queensboro Bridge Bike Path
Climb the East River crossing at 59th/60th Street for a short, punchy effort and sweeping views toward Midtown and Long Island City.
✓ Why Go:
A local benchmark climb and a key connector to Queens’ bike network—perfect for expanding your route beyond the UES.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings and mid-days to avoid commuter surges and windy afternoons on the span.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Manhattan entrance at 1st Ave and E 60th St; keep right, announce passes, and expect a steady grade.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders praise the adrenaline of the ascent and the reward of big-sky views at the top.
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Roll down Museum Mile and park your bike for a world-class culture stop on the edge of Central Park.
✓ Why Go:
Combines a scenic approach on Fifth Avenue with an unbeatable mid-ride museum break and shaded steps for people-watching.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings or late afternoons; shoulder seasons mean lighter crowds outside.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up on E 83rd or E 84th St just off Fifth Ave; bring a compact lock and remove removable lights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists value easy access, reliable nearby racks, and the thrill of mixing miles with masterpieces.
6. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Spin to Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral landmark at 88th and Fifth for a striking architectural pause along Museum Mile.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a compact, photogenic stop with quick in-and-out potential and benches facing Central Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning light for the best facade photos; weekdays to minimize sidewalk congestion.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use racks along E 88th St; if you pop inside, stash your helmet in a small backpack.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders admire the dramatic exterior and easy integration into a Central Park lap.
7. Asphalt Green
This UES athletic complex doubles as a meetup hub for cyclists, with bottle refills, stretch space, and a friendly plaza near E 90th St.
✓ Why Go:
Great for pre-ride warmups or post-ride recovery, with easy access to the Esplanade and nearby snacks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekends for groups; weekday mid-days for quieter facilities.
✓ Insider Tip:
Top off water in the lobby area and use nearby E 90th St ferry pier as a breezy cooldown spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists appreciate the welcoming vibe and location right by popular UES routes.
8. Roosevelt Island Tramway
Hop the tram at 60th Street with your bike for a soaring, 4-minute glide over the East River and an easy spin on Roosevelt Island’s perimeter path.
✓ Why Go:
A unique multi-modal add-on that turns a neighborhood ride into a skyline adventure without leaving the UES core.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-day or early evening to avoid commuter crowds; clear days maximize views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bikes are permitted; roll in off-peak and stand near the cabin doors for easier handling.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders call it a fun, unexpected highlight that widens their route options.
9. Conservatory Water
Detour to the model boat pond just off Fifth at E 74th for a tranquil, tree-lined breather between laps.
✓ Why Go:
Shady seating, reflective water, and quick access back to the park drives make it a perfect micro-stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through fall; mornings for calm water and fewer crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dismount on pedestrian paths; refill at nearby park fountains and rejoin East Drive at E 72nd or E 79th.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists love the peaceful pause and easy re-entry to the park loop.
10. Orwashers Bakery
Refuel like a local at this century-old UES bakery known for crusty loaves, babka, and espresso—ideal mid- or post-ride carbs.
✓ Why Go:
Quick service, reliable outdoor perches, and bike-friendly staff make it a go-to pit stop near popular routes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays to avoid lines; weekends before 10 am for the freshest haul.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up on E 78th St; try a seeded baguette or black-and-white cookie for easy pocket snacks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders praise the quality bakes, friendly service, and perfect location for topping off energy.
