Before it was renamed, Carnegie Hill was known as Prospect Hill, and while it was home to a number of handsome rowhouses, Andrew Carnegie’s decision to move there made the area a coveted address. In the decades after the completion of his house in 1902, other leading figures in the business world followed, building their own mansions in a mix of styles. A number of them have been converted to other uses over time — Carnegie’s home now houses Cooper Hewitt (the Smithsonian’s design museum), while Felix Warburg’s mansion (completed in 1908) is now the Jewish Museum. Those aren’t the only cultural institutions of note: The Guggenheim Museum and the 92nd Street Y, with its celebrated speaker series, are also Carnegie Hill institutions.

Of the several shopping streets in the neighborhood, Madison Avenue is the most frequented. You’ll find some familiar brands like Brooks Brothers and Williams Sonoma, though most boutiques here tend to be independent, selling designer clothes for both kids and adults. Along with the museums, the Corner Bookstore on 93rd and Madison is a neighborhood institution in its own right. Lexington and Third avenues cater more to necessities rather than luxuries. There is a similar split when it comes to restaurants. Special occasion spots, including Paola’s, Table d’Hote and Pascalou, are concentrated on Madison Avenue, while Lexington and Third avenues brim with options if you’re seeking more of a casual grab-and-go.