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Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks

5.0(702)New YorkFree cancellationLikely to sell out

About this activity

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.

Highlights

    What's included

    • Local guide
    • Bottled water
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    Itinerary

    1. Roosevelt Island

      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.

      25 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    2. Roosevelt Island

      Sample delicious Rugelach

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    3. 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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission free

    4. Economy Candy

      Economy Candy has been around since 1937, dishing out chocolates, nuts, gummies and the candy so many generations have grown up on.

      15 minutesAdmission free

    5. Tenement Museum

      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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    6. Roosevelt Island

      Vanessa's Dumpling House

      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.

      20 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    7. 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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission free

    8. Williamsburg Bridge

      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.

      Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    9. Essex Market

      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.

      20 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    10. The Pickle Guys pickles almost everything. We try three of their top sellers. They’re sweet. They’re sour. They’re awesome.

      10 minutesAdmission free

    11. Roosevelt Island

      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.

      20 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    12. Lower East Side

      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

      Pass by (no stop)Admission freeSee on map

    13. Roosevelt Island

      World famous and award winning Bobbly Flay defeating cake doughnuts - YUM!

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    Meeting point

    This NYC institution is the home of the worlds greatest pastrami.

    The map shows New York. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

    Pickup

    • Everyone meets at the start point

    Drop-off

    • They beat Bobby Flay in a throw down for good reason. These doughnuts are to die for.

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
    • One per booking
    • • Dress code is casual • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Cancellation and refunds

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    If you cancelRefund
    At least 1 days before100%
    Between 0 and 1 days before0%
    Supplied by
    Nice Guy Tours
    Product code
    9510P3

    Customer reviews

    5.0 · 702 reviews
    5.0
    702 reviews
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    Ratings from Viator 5.0 (130) · Tripadvisor 5.0 (572)

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    $99$91per person