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

5.0 (715 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

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715 reviews

5.0

Our tour guides know how to tell a good story. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Step into the vibrant Lower East Side, a neighborhood brimming with history and incredible flavors. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

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.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Culinary Tours Street Food Tours Likely to Sell Out Small Group Viator Plus

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Nice Guy Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide
Included: Bottled water
Included: Lunch

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

25 min

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.
Stop 2

10 min

Sample delicious Rugelach
Orchard Street

Passing by

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.
Economy Candy

15 min

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

Passing by

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.
Stop 6

20 min

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.
Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue And Museum

Passing by

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.
Williamsburg Bridge

Passing by

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.
Essex Market

20 min

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

10 min

The Pickle Guys pickles almost everything. We try three of their top sellers. They’re sweet. They’re sour. They’re awesome.
Stop 11

20 min

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.
Lower East Side

Passing by

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
Stop 13

10 min

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

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Using your ticket

Dress code is casual
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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