Things to do and see in the Lower East Side

Lower East Side in New York is a neighbourhood in Manhattan, located between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn and between the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. In this area, old meets new. Here you can find decades-old lower buildings, next to new and very modern high rises. The vibe in the Lower East Side is hip & happening eclectic, so there are several things to do and see. The charm of this part of town lies in the edgy, artistic character combined with newer, more luxurious hotspots.

Things to do and see in the Lower East Side

Rusty fire escapes and ‘dodgy’ alleys only add to the artsy atmosphere of the Lower East Side. You might feel slightly unsafe from time to time, although I would say there isn’t any need to be. However, I don’t recommend visiting the area around the Williamsburg Bridge at night as a tourist. Lower East Side is primarily a school district area, which probably doesn’t sound very attractive, but it does make the area very authentic. For example, there’s the rough Coleman Skatepark below the Manhattan Bridge, quite a contrast to the slick and glassy Midtown skyscrapers.

But there are more reasons to stop here, especially if you’re in town for more than four days. Explore the neighbourhood on foot by following the East Village – Lower East Side walking route, for example, or when taking a break from a bike ride along the East River. Don’t forget, there’s FDR Drive between the bike lane and the river. Definitely make a stop at Pier 35, where you can find four metal porch swings that offer great views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

 

Museums in the Lower East Side

There are some interesting museums to visit in the Lower East Side. For example, you can stop by the Museum at Eldridge Street, which is located in a 19th-century synagogue.

If you are interested in the less ‘fashionable’ history of the Lower East Side, head over to 103 Orchard Street, where you’ll find the Lower East Side’s Tenement Museum. You can join different tours that will give you a glimpse into how people used to live over a century ago. Back then, multiple poor families lived in cramped, old, run-down buildings.

Cruises from the Lower East Side

While most cruises depart from the Hudson River, you also have options departing from the East River! Lower East Side’s Pier 36 is a popular event and exhibition venue that also serves as a departure point for boat trips. One of the perks of this location is that you’ll pass under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which isn’t necessarily something that all cruises offer.

From Pier 36, you can enjoy a Manhattan cruise with dinner, hop on a sailing ship to sail the waters of New York or celebrate a special occasion on the water. For example, you can take a cruise on New Year’s Eve or the 4th of July to watch the fireworks up close.

Lower East Side Walking Tour

Another way to get a taste of Lower East Side culture is to get an actual taste of it! Follow a tour guide in this part of town, along with all of its food stands. With the Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour you’ll walk around the neighbourhood in a small group, hunting for the best food it has to offer. In Lower East Side, dishes come from many different cultures. That’s why you won’t just be eating, you’ll also hear stories about the people who brought those dishes to New York, as well as about the Lower East Side itself. Getting to know a place via your taste buds…, does it get any better?

To experience the nightlife of the Lower East Side, you can join a Speakeasy Tour. Visit several secret bars and uncover more of New York.

Essex Market NYC

Delancey Street in the Lower East Side is the heart of the neighbourhood. Here you find the authentic New York buildings next to newly built complexes, one of which is Essex Market. The market is a collection of small local businesses that all have their own specialities. Essex Market has already existed for over 100 years, but it recently moved to a new, modern building. It’s a great spot to grab a bite during your exploration of the Lower East Side.

Lower East Side shopping

In terms of shopping and fashion, the Lower East Side is quickly becoming pretty iconic. More and more upcoming designers, alternative second-hand boutiques and other shops pop up in former apartments and houses. These are the kind of shops you can browse for hours, finding unique treasures. Bargain fanatics will fall for Orchard Street. If you are into sneakers, the Lower East Side should not be skipped. A few of New York’s sneaker shops can be found here.

Restaurants on the Lower East Side

You simply can’t visit the Lower East Side without visiting Katz’s Deli. In this diner, it’s all about being ‘XL’. Everything is huge: the space, the drinks and the sandwiches (try the pastrami!). This ensures the ultimate New York feeling: big, bigger, biggest! But, to be honest, the main reason Katz’s Deli is so popular, especially amongst tourists, is that it was the filming location of THE legendary scene from When Harry Met Sally. Indeed, Meg Ryan’s fake orgasm occurred at one of these tables. The sign with ‘Where Harry met Sally…hope you have what she had!’ shows you which table exactly.

If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, I recommend going to Russ & Daughters (179 E Houston Street). Russ & Daughters was established in 1914 and has a lot of Eastern European and Jewish products and dishes. The cookies and bagels (with salmon) are the best! Highly recommended.

Hotels in the Lower East Side

If you want to stay in Lower East Side, I recommend booking the colourful citizenM Bowery. It offers a wide range of facilities and even houses a museum! Other great hotel options in the Lower East Side are The Ludlow, Moxy NYC Lower East Side and Hotel Indigo Lower East Side.