NYC: The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture

961 Reviews 4.85 out of 5 stars Based on 961 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA

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This is usually booked 11 (1) days in advance.

3 hours (Approx.)
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Overview

Join this 3-hour New York City walking tour to sample the best ethnic foods in the Lower East Side. But this experience includes much more than sampling delicious foods, as you’ll learn about the history of the dishes, establishments, sites, and people along the way from your guide.

What's Included

  • Learn about the importance of immigration to the city
  • Friendly Local, English-speaking food lover guide
  • Stroll in the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Little Italy on 3 hours food walking tour
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks and additional food
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

7 Elk St, New York, NY 10007, USA

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In front of the African Burial Ground National Monument, across from 7 Elk Street (between Duane and Elk Street), New York, NY 10007

End point

Lower East Side, New York, NY, USA

Your tour ends in the heart of the Lower East Side neighborhood (New York, NY 10002)

Start Times

What To Expect

African Burial Ground National Monument

We discuss the discovery of the burial ground and the building of the memorial and monument, including the significance of some of the design. We also talk a little bit about the early African experience in New York through those that were brought here as slaves and those that were freed.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

New York City Supreme Court

We talk about the history of the surrounding area that was once a poor Irish community and before that a polluted pond. You get to see the building that is now most famous for being featured on most episodes of Law & Order.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Columbus Park

We briefly walk through this park on the edge of Chinatown and talk about what used to be here: the notorious neighborhood of the Five Points. We discuss the Irish immigration and show photos of what the neighborhood used to look like.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chinatown

We walk through part of the neighborhood, discuss Chinese immigration, and visit a dumpling shop that is a local favorite. We also give tips on where else to visit in the large community.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Little Italy

We head up and around Mulberry Street and discuss Italian immigration. We get to see some amazing modern street art, hear stories about organized crime, and visit an historic local Italian food shop for a delicious tasting.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nolita

We cruise through one of the most trendy neighborhoods in New York today and discuss the changing neighborhood. This used to be Little Italy, but today it’s loaded with hip bars and restaurants and we get to see some of the best street art in the city.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

As we walk through Nolita, you get a chance to see the original St. Patrick’s and learn about the hardships Catholic immigrants first suffered when coming to this country.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sara D Roosevelt Park

Learn about the history of this park, named for FDR’s mother, and take a quick stroll through the northern end. We’ll also stop at the M’Finda Kalunga Garden inside the park to discuss Latin American immigration and how this neighborhood has changed throughout the decades.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lower East Side

See the transformation of the neighborhood from an area filled with run-down tenements and poverty to one that is currently being gentrified. See lots of great street art and community gardens. Learn about Jewish, German, and Latin American immigration in this neighborhood and sample some traditional food.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tenement Museum (Pass By)

We share stories about the founding of the museum and its important part in Lower East Side history. Our tour ends very close to the museum and our guides can give you tips on how to get tickets and explore their excellent gift shop.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • This tour was created as well-balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience (Ethnic dishes samples) and features visits to establishments that are not always able to cater to all dietary requirements. Unfortunately, this tour cannot cater for vegans and gluten allergies, intolerances. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time.
  • Experience happens rain, shine, or snow unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
  • This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the adult’s rate. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child between 6 and 11 years old. You can do so in the special requirements box on the checkout page

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5713SUNB

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.85
961 reviews

Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 961 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
876
4 stars
51
3 stars
17
2 stars
11
1 star
6

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 11 (1) days in advance.

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Cancellation Policy

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour’s local time.

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