Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour

New York City , United States of America

Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour

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(59 reviews)

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culinary traditions of the Lower East Side. Explore authentic flavors from Chinatown, Little Italy, and more, celebrating New York City's rich immigrant heritage.

Why You’ll Love This Tour:
Cultural Insights: Discover neighborhoods enriched by immigrants, now trendy culinary hotspots.

Diverse Culinary Stops: Sample dishes like classic cannolis at Ferrara’s Bakery, legendary dumplings at Nom Wah, and Eastern European flavors at Kossar’s.

Support Local and Sustainable Practices: Engage with local businesses and sustainability efforts to preserve cultural and culinary integrity.

Special Offers:
Featured Food Stops: Enjoy traditional Chinese and Italian recipes that celebrate a rich cultural legacy.

Book Your Tour: Secure your spot for a profound journey through one of NYC’s most storied neighborhoods.

Available options

Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour

What's included

Classic NY pizza slice

Fresh fruit smoothie sample and ~surprise gift~ from Essex Market

Mini Cannolis

Take home sweets from famous Economy Candy

Water available at most stops

Succulent roast pork bun (veg alt available)

Fresh bialys with butter and bagels with cream cheese

House-made pickle of choice!

Professional Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Take a stroll through the new version of the famous Essex Market! Let your guide point out the history and some of our favorite vendors! Sample a fresh fruit smoothie and take home a surprise gift.

Sample a pickle of your choice at this local staple, where tradition meets bold, briny perfection in every bite.

Stop 3

Delicious Bagels

Enjoy a sweet treat from the candy store that has been service the Lower East Side for almost 100 years!

Stop 5

Sample a delicious cannoli!

Stop 6

Taste a slice of Little Italy favorite Nolita Pizza.

Stop 7

Hidden gem in Chinatown for dumplings

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

(available to purchase)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

54 reviews

5★

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet your guide at corner of Essex St & Broome St, at the entrance to Essex Market at 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002.

Important notes

We are going plastic free, so please bring a reusable water bottle. You can fill it up along the way. We offer water at a couple of the stops as well but we strongly advise to bring your own. This is a walking tour after all. Stay hydrated!

Tours run rain, snow or shine.

Let’s make some memories! Our tour guides are trained photogs who will take your photo while you are in action! We know all the best photo locations and we email you the photos after the tour (completely free of course!). During the tour, tag us on social media! Our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram handle is @LikeALocalTours. We love to share fun photos and posts with our followers!

Your tour guide works hard for you during the tour, so gratuity is greatly appreciated.

$2 of every ticket sold goes to charity.

Thanks for choosing us!
The Like A Local Team

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