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

Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Lower East Manhattan. One of the most visited places by tourists in the whole of NYC. On this tour, our local guide will tell all the historical facts about the place and what makes these places unique. Also if you are the Instagram lover, this tour will offer you some great locations such as Brooklyn Bridge, Nolita and Lower East Side which also referred to as one of the trendiest districts in NYC. As well as some plunge into the historical social changes of the United States with the visit to the African Burial Ground National Memorial. Also, our tour allows you to try the different cuisine starting from Italian and finishing with all the Asian types in legendary Chinatown. The small tour with no more than 12 people will help you to personalize the experience and try to be in the shoes of the local New Yorker.

Available options

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

What's included

Iconic places for photoshoot
Must see and off the beaten path
Cheesy Italian Tasting
Savory Jewish Baked Good
Traditional Cookie
All Fees and Taxes
Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
Fried Chinese Dumplings
German Pretzel
Friendly local guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

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.

2
Stop 2

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.

3
Stop 3

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.

4

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.

5
Stop 5

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.

6
Stop 6

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.

7
Stop 7

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.

8

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.

9
Stop 9

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.

10
Stop 10

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

What's not included

Extra food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

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

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
  • LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown
By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls
650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.
370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia
150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

  • Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
  • Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
  • Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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