This walking route takes you to discover the Lower East Side, one of New York’s most diverse neighbourhoods. Contrast and diversity are at the heart of this area: you’ll find a fascinating blend of old and new, from the neighbourhood’s history to today’s trendy shops and restaurants. Along the way, you might even forget for a moment that you’re in Manhattan. I mapped out and photographed this route myself, and I regularly revisit it to keep everything up to date. Using my Eric’s New York App, you can start the Lower East Side walking tour whenever suits you, entirely at your own pace.
Download the app and buy your walking route for New York here
Eric's Index
Highlights of the Lower East Side Route
The Lower East Side is a neighbourhood of contrasts, and you’ll notice this as soon as you walk around. From the outside, you’ll see the old buildings of yesteryear; inside, you’ll find the shops, cafés and galleries of today.
You’ll walk through streets where the neighbourhood’s history still hangs in the air. This was once the place where millions of immigrants took their first steps in America. The stories give the neighbourhood an atmosphere that you’ll find in few other places in the city.
At the same time, the Lower East Side is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods around at the moment. Where working-class people once lived, you’ll now find unique little shops, cosy restaurants and art galleries. It is precisely this combination of a rugged past and a vibrant present that makes the neighbourhood so special.
At each stop, I’ll tell you what there is to see and why that particular spot is worth a visit. That way, you’ll not only see the neighbourhood as it is today, but you’ll also understand how it came to be this way.
New York’s Immigrant Neighbourhood
No neighbourhood tells the story of New York as a city of immigrants quite as well as the Lower East Side. Well into the 20th century, this was the place where millions of newcomers found their first home in the United States, often in small, overcrowded flats. Anyone who arrived here started at the very bottom, and the neighbourhood grew to become one of the most densely populated places in the world.
There are still many traces of that era to be seen. The old tenements, the narrow blocks of flats where the immigrants used to live, are still standing, and as you stroll past today’s shops and restaurants, I’ll point out the places along the way where the past is still visible. What was once a working-class neighbourhood is now one of the city’s most charming areas, and it is precisely this contrast between then and now that makes this walk so special.
How’s this walking route?
This self-guided Lower East Side walking tour is about 2.5 miles long (4 km) and takes about 2 hours. The route is flat and easy to manage.
There are plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way. The Lower East Side is full of little cafés, coffee shops and restaurants where you can rest your feet for a while. You set the pace, and the route is easy to walk, even with children.
Practical Information
- Starting point: Bowery subway station
- Distance: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles)
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Price: from £2 as part of a package
- Best time: This walk is lovely to do around midday, when the neighbourhood is really bustling.
Pairs well with:
With the package, you can explore every part of New York at your own pace. For example, this route links up nicely with the Greenwich, SoHo, Chinatown & Little Italy route: its starting point is at the end of this walk.
How does the walking route work in the app?
All you need for this walk is my Eric’s New York App. The route works offline, so even without a signal, you’ll know exactly where you’re going. It only takes a few minutes to get everything ready:
- Download the free Eric’s New York App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Tap the ‘Routes’ icon at the bottom, or the menu button in the top right-hand corner of the home screen.
- Select the Lower East Side walking route.
- Tap ‘Buy route’ and complete the payment.
- You’ll now see the full route in the app, with all the points you’ll pass. At each point, you’ll find my stories, tips and photos.
- On the map, click on the green figure to view the route and your own location. That way, you won’t get lost along the way.
If you buy the route before you set off, you can take your time at home to have a look at what you’ll be seeing along the way. Once in New York, you can simply follow the map on the app. Of course, you’re welcome to stop for a coffee or take a detour; after that, you can pick up where you left off.
If you’re on your mobile, you can open this link directly to the walking routes in the app
Tip: Budget-friendly walking routes through New York
Are you planning to follow more than one walking route during your city break? If so, opt for the package in the app. It allows you to buy several routes in one go, which works out cheaper than buying them individually. This way, you can explore the most beautiful parts of New York on foot in just a few days.
View all walking routes and packages in the app
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