Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans on the Upper East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans on the Upper East Side
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Musical Instruments
A world-spanning collection of instruments from lutes and sitars to Stradivari violins, displayed with context that links craftsmanship to iconic recordings.
✓ Why Go:
Record collectors will love connecting the sounds behind their favorite albums with the instruments that made them, many of which inspired legendary sessions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or late afternoons outside major exhibition openings for quieter galleries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seek out the André Mertens Galleries for Musical Instruments and check the calendar for occasional in-gallery performances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe the galleries as transportive and meticulously curated, a calm counterpoint to Midtown’s pace.
2. Café Carlyle
An intimate supper-club room where jazz greats and cabaret stars perform just a few feet from your table, steeped in Old New York glamour.
✓ Why Go:
For crate-diggers who cherish live recordings, this is the kind of room where timeless sets happen and stories are told between songs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Tuesday–Saturday; book well in advance for marquee artists.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to request bar seats for close-up sightlines without the prix fixe commitment.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about hushed acoustics, attentive service, and a classic New York vibe worth dressing up for.
3. Bemelmans Bar
A storied hotel bar wrapped in Ludwig Bemelmans murals, with nightly live piano standards and cocktails mixed like a craft.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a living liner-notes moment: sip, listen, and imagine the torch-song sides that defined mid-century New York nightlife.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weeknights to avoid lines; later sets on Sundays are relaxed and local-feeling.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a banquette along the muraled walls for the best blend of sound and people-watching.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons call it cinematic and nostalgic, with music that turns conversation into a soundtrack.
4. 92NY (92nd Street Y)
A cultural hub presenting chamber, jazz, and global music in an acoustically warm hall, plus artist talks that dive deep into creative process.
✓ Why Go:
Collectors who love liner-note details will appreciate conversations and concerts that reveal the stories behind beloved records.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening performances September–June; spring festivals often spotlight rising artists.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check mezzanine seats for value and clear sound; many talks include post-event book or album signings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise thoughtful programming and the feeling of being part of a savvy neighborhood audience.
5. Park Avenue Armory
A grand landmark reimagined as a home for boundary-pushing performance, often blending large-scale sound, installation, and music.
✓ Why Go:
For fans of experimental records and immersive soundscapes, the Drill Hall’s productions feel like stepping inside an album.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings during special commissions and festivals; arrive early to explore the historic period rooms when open.
✓ Insider Tip:
Some shows are site-specific with shifting vantage points—opt for flexible standing tickets if offered.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiences call it jaw-dropping and genre-bending, with production values worthy of a bucket list.
6. Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
A jewel-box theater hosting classical recitals, jazz showcases, and dance with live ensembles in a crisp, intimate space.
✓ Why Go:
Hear the acoustic detail you chase on audiophile pressings—unamplified strings and piano sound exceptional here.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings during the academic year; student ensemble nights are spirited and affordable.
✓ Insider Tip:
Orchestra center offers the warmest blend; balcony front rows give a surprisingly balanced soundstage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors admire the easy access, fair pricing, and strong sightlines free from big-hall distractions.
7. Asia Society and Museum
Exhibitions and programs that often spotlight traditional and contemporary Asian music, from tabla and guzheng to cross-genre collaborations.
✓ Why Go:
Explore the roots of sounds sampled across hip-hop and electronic records and discover instruments you may only know from sleeves.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening programs midweek; daytime visits for exhibitions with audio components.
✓ Insider Tip:
Members get early access to limited-capacity performances—worth it for close-up seats.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests value the thoughtful curation and welcoming staff; performances feel personal rather than polished-to-a-fault.
8. Sotheby’s New York
A gleaming auction house where previews often include music photography, rare posters, and the occasional instrument or memorabilia.
✓ Why Go:
Collectors can browse museum-quality items for free and learn market trends that influence the value of original pressings and ephemera.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays during pre-sale exhibitions; check the auction calendar for pop culture or photography sales.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask specialists on the floor about provenance and estimates—you’ll get mini masterclasses.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the open-door feel and the thrill of seeing pieces they’ve only read about in catalogues.
9. Goodwill NYNJ Store & Donation Center – Upper East Side
A neighborhood thrift where vinyl, CDs, and audio gear occasionally surface amid rotating donations—pure crate-digging luck.
✓ Why Go:
Every collector knows the thrill of the unexpected score; this is a low-cost stop to hunt for out-of-print gems.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays when new carts roll out; stock is hit-or-miss so check back often.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring microfiber wipes and a flashlight app to inspect surfaces; sleeves can hide surprisingly clean discs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers report sporadic but satisfying finds and friendly staff who don’t mind a patient dig.
10. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral hosts modern and contemporary art, with frequent sound, film, and performance tie-ins that echo across the rotunda.
✓ Why Go:
Album-art lovers will appreciate seeing movements that shaped iconic covers; occasional live programs turn the museum into a resonant chamber.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons on weekdays; extended hours on select evenings are atmospheric.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the top and walk down with headphones—pair the art with a favorite playlist for a personal ‘soundtracked’ visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests note the architecture is as memorable as the exhibits, making even brief visits feel special.
