Lower East Side & Culture Tour in New York City with Expert Guide

New York, US

Included

  • inclusion
    All fees and taxes
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    Iconic places for photoshoot
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    Must see and off the beaten path
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    Cheesy italian tasting
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    Savory jewish baked good
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    Traditional cookie
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    Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
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    Fried chinese dumplings
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    German pretzel
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    Friendly local guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Extra food and drinks
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    Gratuities (optional)

Meeting Point

Meet your guide in front of the African Burial Ground National Monument, across from 7 Elk Street (between Duane and Elk Street)

Meeting point

7 Elk St, New York, NY 10007 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Lower East Side

Today Lower East Side is packed with the bars and clubs with trendy and stylish design and interior. However, before we come to the final destination we will visit the well-known Brooklyn Bridge where the breathtaking view on the Manhattan island will steal your heart forever. Furthermore, the real secrets that Brooklyn Bridge hides will shock you. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge we will come to African Burial Ground National Monument where you would learn more about the history of the African nation in the United States. Our guide will take you through the history of social change for Africans who were brought in The United States as slaves and then freed. This monument is an important symbol of the fight against racism in the USA.

Duration 15 minutes
2

Lower East Side

We will come to the part of our tout when food lovers need to be active. The Chinatown is the place that reflects the people who live in this part of NYC. The area is populated mostly by Chinese and even some of them do not leave this Chinese New York. The chaotic and always dusted Chinatown can show many food varieties such as steamed pork buns and famous Chinese dumplings. So, come hungry to not miss all of the Asian street food. Learn more about Italian culture in one of trendiest districts in the NYC-Nolita. Previously was a part of Litlle Italy, however, now it is the place packed with the best street art in NYC. Enjoy yourself with the modern New York art as well as diverse food choices. Nolita is full with the hip restaurants and bars, where you can try, beloved Italian past with something white or red or if you are more of a night person the stylish bars and clubs of this neighbourhood will be the best option for night-out.

Duration 15 minutes
3

Lower East Side

Finally, our tour finishes on the Lower East Side neighbourhood. This place will show the transformation from one of the worst districts packed in poverty with the run-down tenements. Learn how the Lower East Side became a fairy-tale architecture surrounding with neighbourhood squares of modern art and local food culture.

Duration 15 minutes
4

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge has its history that not every local know. On this tour, the energetic guide will explain to you the real truth behind the steel legendary construction. Interestingly, the Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Augustus Reibling and during the bridge construction, his foot crushed, and he got his left amputated. The construction was continued by his son and the new technique for building this bridge which meant that workers were placing the wooden boxes under the water and filled it with the compressed air which allows them to dig riverbed. This method was called “caissons”. However, this technique has created the problem amongst workers since it created the new disease “caisson disease” when the construction workers were suffering from the decompression sickness, and the desperate consequences are being paralyzed and bedridden. The creation of the Bridge cost 27 lives and $15.5 million made the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest in the world up until 1903.

Duration 15 minutes
5

Brooklyn Bridge

Today the Brooklyn Bridge is the symbol of the NYC. The first place to visit in NYC is the Brooklyn Bridge where with 30 minutes walking tour you will plunge into the history of constructing this bridge and also take some fascinating pictures with the view on Manhattan for your Instagram.

Duration 15 minutes
6

African Burial Ground National Monument

One of the greatest African Monument in NYC is the Burial Ground which represents the importance of the social change in the United States. As a site-building, it holds 419 Africans buried during the 17th and 18th century. This era was one the largest colonial century for people of African descent. However, some historians tend to believe that the real number could hit up to 15,000-20,000 African buried people. This monument is the symbol of «justice» even thigh it was forgotten until 1991 when the General Service Administration discovered the intact graves while constructing a new office building. The monument was pretty controversial since for the African-American community the decent respect for hasn't been shown. However, the monument was built instead of the million-dollar office building to show the importance of reminiscence of the American past. The construction of the monument was sponsored by many universities such as Howard University.

Duration 10 minutes
7

African Burial Ground National Monument

The African Ground National Monument is the significant reminder and respect for the forgotten slaves of the NYC who played a valuable part in the city's development. By 2006, it became the official monument.

Duration 10 minutes
8

Chinatown

The Chinatown worth visit especially for tourists who have not been in much Chinatowns before. It is an expansive and busy neighbourhood with great food, stunning views and affordable shopping opportunities. The streets of Chinatown is packed with the restaurants, bakeries, snack shops, shopping boutiques as well as the nightclubs and bars. Here you can find the iconic Manhattan bridge which is the New York's largest Buddhist templates. One of the most visited places in Chinatown is the remarkable Ice Cream Factory where you can find the unique twist of the American's favourite desserts, but they are introduced in Chinese flavours. If you are a fan of the traditional Chinese food the Jing Fong premiere restaurant is the best option. In that instance, you can taste around 100 dishes such as dumplings, pork buns as well as special rice noodle rolls filled with pork, shrimp, beef and deep into sweet soy sauce. The Jing Fung delicious traditional dim sum is the thrill for your stomach.

Duration 15 minutes
9

Nolita

Our quietest excursion area in New York is Manhattan's Nolita neighbourhood. The Nolita the best place for happy coffee hours where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee with home-cooked baking snacks. Surprisingly, Noilta perfectly combines the cosy morning coffee shops with locally beloved dessert shop Rice to Riches where you can find the unexpected desserts like cheesecakes, hazelnut and desserts with coconut varieties. This neighbourhood also lives energetic nightlife with the number of bars. One of them is the friendly welcoming Oro Bakery Bar with the interesting and unexpected menu with the blueberry polenta cake and ice cream sandwiches when the bar offers you drinks for the early morning and the night owls.

Duration 15 minutes
10

Lower East Side

The Lower East Side has the reputation of the place where the convergence of the art, food and music of New york is happening. The rich mix of must-visit bookstore shops and art galleries that deliver a diverse culture of the neighbourhood. The art culture of the Lower East Side is amongst the trendiest in New York. Take advantage and learn more in the Ramiken Crucible art gallery with budding gallery scenes. Here you can expect the painting, sculptures as well as some experimental downtown space. The Ramiken crucible art gallery allows viewing differently on the art itself without routine gallery experience. One of the most remarkable features of the district is the proper number of bookstores with diverse interior with some snacks and chocolate on the shelves. The Economy Candy is the old-fashioned bookstore with a variety of sweets such as gummy bears, imported chocolate, and halvah

Duration 15 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Friendly Local Guides

What our experts say

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    Try the dumplings at Jing Fong.
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    Visit Economy Candy for unique sweets.
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    Grab coffee at a Nolita café.
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    Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views.
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    Explore art galleries in Lower East Side.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Get ready to explore the vibrant Lower East Side of Manhattan with the Lower East Side & Culture Tour in New York City. This tour offers a unique experience that combines history, culture, and delicious cuisine, all guided by a knowledgeable local expert. Discover the secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge, immerse yourself in the rich African-American history at the African Burial Ground National Monument, and indulge in the diverse culinary delights of Chinatown and Nolita.

What to expect?

During this 180-minute tour, you can expect to be captivated by the fascinating stories behind the city's iconic landmarks. From the awe-inspiring views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to the moving history of the African Burial Ground National Monument, every step of the tour will unveil a new layer of the Lower East Side's past and present. You can also expect to tantalize your taste buds with the mouthwatering street food options in Chinatown and explore the trendy art scene in Nolita. Prepare to be amazed by the diverse experiences that this tour has to offer.

Who is this for?

The Lower East Side & Culture Tour is perfect for curious travelers who want to delve deeper into the history and culture of New York City. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone. It is also ideal for those who prefer a smaller group experience, as the tour accommodates no more than 12 people.

Why book this?

Book this tour to gain a deeper understanding of the Lower East Side's rich history and its impact on the development of New York City. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert, you will be able to uncover hidden gems, explore famous landmarks, and indulge in delicious food. This tour offers a unique combination of history, culture, and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the Lower East Side.

Good to know

This tour includes a visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument, where you can learn about the history of African-Americans in the United States and their fight against racism. It also includes stops in Chinatown and Nolita, where you can try a variety of Asian and Italian cuisine. The tour lasts approximately 180 minutes and starts at the African Burial Ground National Monument. Be sure to come hungry and wear comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy this immersive experience.

Reviews

According to feedback from previous participants, the Lower East Side & Culture Tour offers an engaging and informative experience. Travelers have praised the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the history of the Lower East Side to life. Many have also enjoyed the diverse food options and the opportunity to explore lesser-known neighborhoods. Overall, reviews indicate high levels of satisfaction with the tour, making it a must-do for anyone looking to uncover the hidden gems of the Lower East Side.

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