NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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
Economy Candy has been around since 1937, dishing out chocolates, nuts, gummies and the candy so many generations have grown up on.
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.
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.
World famous and award winning Bobbly Flay defeating cake doughnuts - YUM!
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
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(676)
This tour was tons of fun! The lead, Amanda, is adorable and made everyone feel so welcome. She was very knowledgeable and intentional about the stops. Needless to say, the foods we tasted were amazing, and we learned so much about the area.
Thank you!
Amanda was an amazing guide. I'm a born and bred New Yorker but still learned so much history about the lowest east side. Great food stops too! Loved the tour.
Wow! Thank you so much!
Amanda was a great tour guide. Great food and history
Thank you!
Really enjoyed our tour today! Our guide, Amanda,‘was knowledgeable and full of information. Great food stops along the way.
Thank you so much!
Wonderful David was excellent and well knowledgeable. Nice guide tours are extremely professional , wonderful company I would book again with them
Thank you!
This was an amazing food tour. David shared his vast knowledge of the area (and NYC) in a voice we could easily hear and understand. Appreciated that!
Thanks so much for joining us - please consider another of our tours the next time you are in NYC!
A very fun tour!! David knew so much and had a great sense is humor!!!
Thank you very much!
Stops are good and guide friendly and fairly knowledgeable, but orders should have been placed before arriving. We waited almost 30 minutes before eating at our first stop, and there were other stops with long waits as well. The guide knew how many people to order for in advance (we all had paid by the time the tour started!) and so, in my opinion, the waits were unnecessary. Additionally, at Katz's each guest should have been given 1/2 a sandwich rather than make their own -- the size of the sandwich is part of the experience. Neither enough meat nor bread was brought to the table (everything was eaten). Also, guests should be told in advance that there may not be seating at all the stops (or better, seating should have been reserved in advance and timing better adhered to). We knew we were walking, but we were on our feet the WHOLE time. Additionally, I thought it odd to make a stop in a candy store without any candy being included in the tour cost. It wasn't expensive, but didn't make sense. Plus, the tour ended very late. I have taken over a dozen food tours and this the only one where orders had not been pre-made and where there was no seating available. The guide was friendly and pretty knowledgeable, but the tour was poorly organized.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the food stops and found your guide friendly and knowledgeable. Regarding the pacing, we do our best to have food ready upon arrival whenever possible, but because we visit some of New York City’s most popular local establishments, occasional waits can occur, especially during busy periods. We believe the quality and authenticity of these neighborhood favorites are worth it, even when it means a little less predictability than restaurants with more available seating. As for seating, some of our stops have seating available while others do not, and availability can vary depending on how busy each location is that day. Since our tours focus on experiencing iconic local businesses in their natural setting, reserved seating is not always possible. We also wanted to clarify that our tour includes eight stops, with food tastings at six of them. We visit the Essex Street Market as part of the neighborhood experience, and we stop at Economy Candy because it is a true New York institution featuring candies from around the world and nostalgic favorites. Since candy preferences vary widely from person to person, guests are welcome to browse and purchase something if they wish, but candy is not included as one of the food tastings. We appreciate your comments regarding Katz’s and the overall timing of the tour, and we’ll certainly take them into consideration as we continue to improve the experience. With all that being said, if there is something I can do to make it right, please reach out to me directly at 646-883-0310 or dante@niceguytours.com
Amanda was amazing. She knew a lot about our food stops and gave interesting information about food, and neighborhoods. She has a lot of energy too.
Thank you very much!
David was an amazing guide! So engaging and knowledgeable. He set the tone for the group as friendly, curious, and fun. Excellent food and accommodation for dietary needs.
Thanks so much!
