Christian's Lower East Side Guidebook
Sightseeing
Founded in 1988 by historian Ruth Abram and social activist Anita Jacobsen, the Tenement Museum explores the uniquely American story of immigration and the rich, diverse landscape it continues to create.
603 locals recommend
Tenement Museum
103 Orchard StFounded in 1988 by historian Ruth Abram and social activist Anita Jacobsen, the Tenement Museum explores the uniquely American story of immigration and the rich, diverse landscape it continues to create.
Celebrated in song, glamorized on celluloid and immortalized in poetry, the postcard-perfect Brooklyn Bridge stands as one of New York City’s most recognizable symbols—not to mention a magnificent feat of engineering.
1505 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge PromenadeCelebrated in song, glamorized on celluloid and immortalized in poetry, the postcard-perfect Brooklyn Bridge stands as one of New York City’s most recognizable symbols—not to mention a magnificent feat of engineering.
A marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. Washington Square Park has served various roles for its community throughout the years, adapting to meet its needs. Well-known for its arch, honoring George Washington, the man for whom the park is named, and its fountain, the arch's elder by 43 years and a popular meeting spot, Washington Square Park also houses several other monuments and facilities.
946 locals recommend
Washington Square Park
Washington SquareA marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. Washington Square Park has served various roles for its community throughout the years, adapting to meet its needs. Well-known for its arch, honoring George Washington, the man for whom the park is named, and its fountain, the arch's elder by 43 years and a popular meeting spot, Washington Square Park also houses several other monuments and facilities.
4 World Trade Center
150 Greenwich StNeighborhoods
It’s hard to believe the ultra-trendy area of Soho (which stands for South of Houston Street) was once a manufacturing district dismissed as ‘Hell’s Hundred Acres’. Today, the neighborhood is home to a booming art scene, top restaurants, and plenty of ‘grammable attractions.
909 locals recommend
SoHo
It’s hard to believe the ultra-trendy area of Soho (which stands for South of Houston Street) was once a manufacturing district dismissed as ‘Hell’s Hundred Acres’. Today, the neighborhood is home to a booming art scene, top restaurants, and plenty of ‘grammable attractions.
The Lower East Side of Manhattan is full of history and culture, so suffice it to say it’s one of the most interesting parts of NYC for a weekend of wandering. Historically a Jewish neighborhood, it was known as a center for anarchism and radical politics throughout the 20th century, and has now been fully gentrified and packed with hipster-baiting cafes, galleries, and shops on every corner.
214 locals recommend
Lower East Side
175 Eldridge StThe Lower East Side of Manhattan is full of history and culture, so suffice it to say it’s one of the most interesting parts of NYC for a weekend of wandering. Historically a Jewish neighborhood, it was known as a center for anarchism and radical politics throughout the 20th century, and has now been fully gentrified and packed with hipster-baiting cafes, galleries, and shops on every corner.
The East Village is full of life. Historically, it’s been a haven for those who were a bit left-of-center, who marched to the beat of their own drum. Now, like most other neighborhoods around it, it’s been gentrified, but it still holds onto some of its gritty feel.
216 locals recommend
East Village
The East Village is full of life. Historically, it’s been a haven for those who were a bit left-of-center, who marched to the beat of their own drum. Now, like most other neighborhoods around it, it’s been gentrified, but it still holds onto some of its gritty feel.
The streets of New York City’s Chinatown are teeming with bakeries, restaurants, boutiques, snack shops, herbal pharmacies, temples, and bars and nightclubs, which retain Shanghai flair, making visitors feel as if they have just stepped foot in a foreign land across the globe. For history enthusiasts, the gorgeous galleries, informative museums, and landmarks within the community capture the Chinese-American experience and tell the story of the immigrants’ history, growth, and successes within our nation.
497 locals recommend
Chinatown
The streets of New York City’s Chinatown are teeming with bakeries, restaurants, boutiques, snack shops, herbal pharmacies, temples, and bars and nightclubs, which retain Shanghai flair, making visitors feel as if they have just stepped foot in a foreign land across the globe. For history enthusiasts, the gorgeous galleries, informative museums, and landmarks within the community capture the Chinese-American experience and tell the story of the immigrants’ history, growth, and successes within our nation.
Oh, the West Village. It feels like an escape even within Manhattan with its picture-perfect townhouses, tree-lined streets, and quaint shops and cafés. It’s perhaps the most desirable neighborhood in NYC, and once you spend a day here, you’ll see why. You’ll eat well, shop well, and feel a world away from the madness of Times Square or the Empire State Building, and you’ll probably never want to leave.
224 locals recommend
West Village
Oh, the West Village. It feels like an escape even within Manhattan with its picture-perfect townhouses, tree-lined streets, and quaint shops and cafés. It’s perhaps the most desirable neighborhood in NYC, and once you spend a day here, you’ll see why. You’ll eat well, shop well, and feel a world away from the madness of Times Square or the Empire State Building, and you’ll probably never want to leave.
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At the southern tip of the great Isle of Manhattan is the oft overlooked and misunderstood Financial District. Easily associated with the hustle and bustle of the Wall Street worker, FiDi has many more restaurants, bars, and attractions for those willing to make the trip down south. As they say, things are hotter down by the water.
90 locals recommend
Financial District
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At the southern tip of the great Isle of Manhattan is the oft overlooked and misunderstood Financial District. Easily associated with the hustle and bustle of the Wall Street worker, FiDi has many more restaurants, bars, and attractions for those willing to make the trip down south. As they say, things are hotter down by the water.
Food scene
For over 100 years, Essex Market has served as a meeting place for the Lower East Side community. We are a public market made up of many smaller vendors who pride themselves on getting to know their customers.
341 locals recommend
Essex Market
88 Essex StFor over 100 years, Essex Market has served as a meeting place for the Lower East Side community. We are a public market made up of many smaller vendors who pride themselves on getting to know their customers.
Sauce
78 Rivington StMr. Purple
180 Orchard StPUBLIC Hotel
215 Chrystie StLa Esquina - SoHo
114 Kenmare St
Speedy Romeo
376 Classon AveKatz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St
Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston StAttaboy
134 Eldridge StScarr's Pizza
35 Orchard StRegina's Grocery
27 Orchard StFaicco’s Italian Specialties
260 Bleecker StBonBon - A Swedish Candy Co.
130 Allen StEconomy Candy
108 Rivington StSupermoon Bakehouse
120 Rivington StPrince St. Pizza
27 Prince StOddFellows Ice Cream Co. The Sandwich Shop
75 E 4th StA full service speakeasy mixology bar located on the 2nd floor above The Burgary, Garfunkel’s is heavily focused on spirit-forward concoctions (both new and old) that whet the palate or stimulate digestion.
14 locals recommend
Garfunkel's
67 Clinton StA full service speakeasy mixology bar located on the 2nd floor above The Burgary, Garfunkel’s is heavily focused on spirit-forward concoctions (both new and old) that whet the palate or stimulate digestion.