Private Walking Tour: Jewish Lower East Side
Description
A tour through the Lower East Side explores the story of immigrant life following the arrival at Ellis Island for Eastern European Jews. One of the most famous neighborhoods on earth, the Jewish Lower East Side hosted remarkable political, social, artistic, economic, and culinary movements that would help to define the modern American experience. Come learn about the origins of the bagel, pastrami, kosher pickles, socialist movements, iconic department stores, and Hollywood film studios by visiting the Yiddish Forward Building, Eldridge St Synagogue, the Gershwin brothers' childhood home, a historic Loew's Movie Theater, Kossar's Bialys, The Pickle Guys, and a high school that minted many of the U. S. 's biggest movie stars.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll see the stunning architecture as a monument to the wave of Russian Jewish migration at the end of the 19th century.
Here we'll have an option to taste a classic Jewish American nosh!
Bathroom stop and an opportunity to see what the classic Lower East Side pushcarts evolved towards in the form of this market.
Stop to see the best candy store in NYC (more of a candy museum from the Great Depresssion!).
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
Reviews(28)
Jonathan is wonderful, knowledgeable and a great guide. I highly recommend him
It was such a pleasure to explore the Lower East Side with you! I’m so glad you appreciated the Challah dough croissant!
Jonathan is an interesting, knowledgeable yet easy going tour guide. He catered to our group's needs on a very hot and humid summer day by putting us in AC or shade and delivering the different food to us. Excellent customer service and communication to a group of 50-something women. Thank you and I hope to attend future tours with Jonathan
Thanks so much! Looking forward to the next one!
Our group of 14 women had an unforgettable experience touring the Lower East Side with Jonathan. We were captivated by the rich Jewish history he shared, making each stop deeply meaningful. The food tour was a highlight, with delectable noshes from iconic spots like Katz’s Deli, Russ & Daughters, Economy Candy, Michaeli Bakery, Pickle Guys, Kossar’s, and Yonah Schimmel’s—all beyond delicious. Jonathan's friendly demeanor, patience, and extensive knowledge made the day both interesting and fun. We are already looking forward to planning another tour with him as soon as possible. Highly recommended!
Thanks so much! Looking forward to the next one!
Jonathan was our tour guide and he was a wonderful guide to have. It was a really hot day and he managed and guided us to be in the shade and stay cool. The history explanation was comprehensive and enjoyed it all. I look forward to signing up for another tour with him in Brooklyn!
Thanks so much! Looking forward to the next one!
This was an absolutely lovely and delicious experience. No stone was left unturned. We learned so much history and were able to taste the many Lower East Side Jewish delicacies. Jonathon was fantastic and knowledgeable.
Such a pleasure!
Jonathan was a wonderful tour guide. He knew our area of interest and really focused on that. He was very easy to understand, came well prepared and really took good care of us. I look forward to our next tour with him!
Thanks so much! Looking forward to the next one!
We had a great time and learned quite a few things we weren’t aware of. I highly recommend Jonathan! Very knowledgeable and pleasant to be with
Such a pleasure!
Jonathan is such a great guide. Knowledgeable and kind. Just a great guy full of fascinating info. Type of tour where you can’t believe how much you didn’t notice until you visit places with a guide.
Such a pleasure!
BEST TOUR EVER! This was probably the best tour I have been on ever! If you are in New York, you must go on this tour with Jonathan Goldstein. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, has the behind-the-scenes stories, and shows you all the hidden gems. Getting to understand the history of the Jews in the US, the when, the how, the why. Regardless of being Jewish or interested in Jewish history or not, this is a tour you must take while visiting New York. Even for a local, this tour would be magnificent. .
Hi Charlotte! It was such a pleasure to host you in the Lower East Side. Come back any time and hopefully soon in Copenhagen as well!
I have been to the Lower East Side many times throughout my life ( over the last 4 decades), yet there are still so many hidden gems. Our guide was super knowledgeable, articulate, and projected well on the noisy streets. Lots to see and learn, the 2 hr length was perfect. Go on this tour before even more old landmarks get demolished!
