About this experience
Explore the Lower East Side on a small group, three hour walking tour through one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Take in the sights, sounds, and savory food of an area experiencing more change than anywhere else in Manhattan while visiting 6+ tasting destinations along the way. The route includes Orchard Street, named one of the coolest streets in the world, the First Romanian American Synagogue on Rivington Street, the Tenement Museum, Kehila Kedosha Janina, the first Greek synagogue in the United States, views of the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Seward Park High School complex. Led by a local guide, this relaxed paced tour blends food, history, and culture into an authentic Lower East Side experience.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
What is there to say about this spot which When Harry Met Sally... made even more famous. “I’ll have what she’s having?” You better believe it. The pastrami here is the best on the planet.
Sample delicious Rugelach
Named for the actual orchard that stood here before the tenements did. Pushcart market, then garment district, then bargain strip, and Time Out New York recently called it one of the coolest streets in the world.
Economy Candy has been around since 1937, dishing out chocolates, nuts, gummies and the candy so many generations have grown up on.
Ninety-seven Orchard housed roughly seven thousand people from more than twenty countries before the landlord sealed the upper floors in 1935 and walked away. It's a museum now because of what was still sitting up there when someone finally opened them.
Vanessa's Dumpling House has the most delicious pork dumplings. Happy to substitute to veggie for those who don’t eat pork. You won’t believe how good these are.
The only Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The congregation came from Ioannina in Greece, carrying a tradition that runs separate from both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Judaism and goes back nearly two thousand years in the eastern Mediterranean. Built in 1927, still holding services.
When it opened in 1903 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It also emptied this neighborhood out, carrying a generation of Lower East Side families across the river and into Brooklyn.
Stop and shop (if you wish) at Essex Street market but before you do we visit my friend Saad who gives us a tasting of Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oils at his Essex Olive & Spice shop.
The Pickle Guys pickles almost everything. We try three of their top sellers. They’re sweet. They’re sour. They’re awesome.
Kossar's Bagels - you bet your babka you’ve never tasted bagels or bialys like this before. And the cream cheese? It’s the best I’ve ever had. Ever.
Stroll. Learn. Nosh. Now you can explore an up-and-coming hip neighborhood that's rich in history and stacked with infamously famous eats.
The Doughnut Plant
Russ & Daughters
World famous and award winning Bobbly Flay defeating cake doughnuts - YUM!
Meeting and pickup information
- This NYC institution is the home of the worlds greatest pastrami.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Nice Guy Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Rain or shine
- Dress code is casual
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise when you meet your guide
- Please advise any specific dietary/allergy requirements when you meet your guide
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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