Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
The Lower East Side’s tenements, synagogues and storefronts have, within them, the story of America.
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover how the densest slum in human history became an incubator for comedy, social justice, and entrepreneurship that transformed the nation. You’ll find out how hardship bred both humor and hope in the Lower East Side, from the perspectives of pushcart peddlers, labor organizers, and immigrants dreaming of a better life.
This tour starts at Straus Square, named after a German-Jewish immigrant who rose from selling china plates to owning Macy’s department store. You’ll walk past the building that once housed a daily Yiddish newspaper that championed labor rights, and former synagogues that welcomed thousands of worshippers. Along the way, you’ll discover how mutual aid societies helped newcomers find housing and jobs, and how women led the largest labor strikes of their era.
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation
What to expect
Pass by
We'll pass by the Forward Building, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood.
Pass by
We'll also pass by the Jarmulowsky Building, an early 20th century NYC gem.
Museum At Eldridge Street
Pass by
We'll also pass by the Museum at Eldridge Street, originally a synagogue. However, entry to the Museum itself is not included in this tour.
Tenement Museum
Pass by
We'll also pass by the Tenement Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. However, entry to the museum itself is not included in this tour.
Pass by
We'll also pass by the University Settlement House, the very first settlement house in America. However, entry to the house itself is not included in this tour.
Pass by
We'll also pass by the Russ & Daughters, a classic NYC eatery. However, entry itself is not included in this tour.
Pass by
We'll also pass by the Katz's Delicatessen, a pillar of New York cuisine. However, entry to deli is not included on the tour.
Pass by
We'll also pass by The Angel Orensanz Foundation, the building that housed the first synagogue in the Lower East Side. However, entry to the building itself is not included in this tour.
Economy Candy
Pass by
We'll also pass by Economy Candy, a classic NYC candy shop. However, entry to the shop itself is not included in this tour.
Pass by
We'll end the tour at the Essex Street Market, a mainstay of NYC.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
This tour starts at Straus Square Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
End point
The tour ends at Essex Market.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
