Once the most densely populated districts in the world, the lower east side of Manhattan has witnessed numerous changes during the past hundred years. This walking tour is a resourceful glimpse of the past. The tour will focus on a few of the remaining vestiges and surviving buildings and structures of an era of Jewish immigration. The streets were lined with numerous stores and pushcarts including Jewish delicatessens, bakeries, pickle stands, cafeterias to name a few. You will be shown buildings and structures that still exist today as well as those that have been restored, re-purposed, demolished, and abandoned. I will speak about what transformed the neighborhood and conclude with a discussion of several food establishments that still exist today and a brief look at the Lower East Side today. Along the way, we’ll stop at a couple of these to nibble on traditional Jewish food.
- Tour Oahu without the hassle of renting a car
- Welcome leis, bottled water, snacks, masks, and bags will be provided
- Private tour ensures flexibility and personal attention from your guide
- Price is per group of up to six people
What To Expect
Lower East Side
Stroll through this historic NYC neighborhood and sample foods that are a staple of Jewish culture.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Pickle Guys
It was estimated that during the heyday of Jewish immigration (1880-1924) over 60 pickle stores existed. This is one of the few that still remain.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Seward Park
Visit one of the oldest municipal parks in Manhattan. The park named after William Henry Seward, a U.S. Senator from New York, was opened in 1903. See one of the few statues in the U.S. dedicated to Togo, the sled dog who led the most treacherous route of the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hester Street Fair
Experience the street that was one full of peddlers and
pushcarts. Learn what happened to all of the vendors.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Jarmulowsky Building
See the sign of a famous bank of the lower east side and
see what this magnificent building was transformed into.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Essex Street Market
Learn the history of markets like this once were created
and see a modern marketplace today.
This is the ending point for the tour. The tour will end by the subway station (F, M, J) on the South East Corner.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Forward Building
See the site of the oldest Jewish newspaper in New York City and the current site and the find out what’s there now.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Max group – 12
