The Upper East Side lures its adherents in a variety of ways, many of which involve art. On display now, for instance, are Anish Kapoor's mind-blowing 24-ton sculpture at the Guggenheim and the first-ever New York showing of Robert Frank's The Americans at the Met. But the real lovers of Museum Mile's cultural offerings know to stick around for a quality meal, a smart cocktail and, of course, the shopping. Madison Avenue is home to the biggest names in fashion, but it also welcomes resale shops where never-been-worn goods from the same big names can be found at nearly half the price. For hungry bellies, comfort food is served with a side of kitsch, and fans of Japanese food will enjoy the neighborhood's remarkable sushi restaurants. Perhaps most alluring, though, is the area's demure nature. The Upper East Side's imperial, late-19th-century architecture emanates serenity, but that isn't to say surprises aren't at every bend.

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