Meet your group on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and follow your knowledgeable guide to a variety of locations during this intimate walking tour. For two centuries, the area has been home to newly arrived immigrants, opening its doors to families from all religions and ethnic backgrounds. You’ll get a real taste for this fascinating New York neighborhood as you explore its history, cultures and food.
Your tour begins at the Forward Building, former headquarters of the city's leading Yiddish newspaper. Hear how the neighborhood has evolved over time as you continue into a small section of Chinatown known as Little Fuzhou, passing a storefront Buddhist temple and the ‘Dragon Fighters’ fire station.
Your next stop is Eldridge Street Synagogue, where you’ll meet a resident historian for an exclusive tour of this historic landmark and its hidden rooms. Admire the building’s ornate interior, learn about the local Jewish community and hear about the still-active Orthodox congregation.
As you walk through the heart of the Lower East Side, your guide points out New York’s notorious tenement buildings, where huge families once lived in cramped quarters, often only occupying a single room. Pass in front of the Tenement Museum and hear about horrific living conditions for an estimated 725,000 immigrants in one of the most poverty-stricken areas of the city.
Then enjoy the opportunity to interact with neighborhood residents as your guide leads you to favorite street-side eateries. Visit The Pickle Guys, the last remaining pickle stand, to chat with staff and sample kosher pickle specialties straight from the barrel. Then try a handmade bialy (a traditional street food similar to a bagel) fresh out of the oven at Kossar's Bialys, and taste the city’s best dumplings at Prosperity Dumplings.
Conclude your tour on Houston Street, home to culinary favorites like Russ & Daughters, and Katz’s Deli.
