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Offered languages
- English
- English
On this self-guided walking tour of Brooklyn's Williamsburg, you’ll hear about the thriving Hasidic Jewish community that rebuilt itself from the ashes of the Holocaust. You’ll also discover how these Yiddish-speaking religious Jews have created a complete ecosystem that preserves their traditions alongside life in modern New York City. This tour begins at the Williamsburg waterfront facing Manhattan, where Jewish immigrants first arrived via the “Jewish Highway” (the Williamsburg Bridge). You’ll weave through the streets where Hasidic, hipster and Hispanic cultures converge, seeing distinct architectural styles that reflect different cultural values. As you walk, you’ll discover the rhythms of daily life in this unique enclave – from synagogues to specialized shops. You’ll hear how the community balances isolation with adaptation, seeing firsthand how different Hasidic dynasties function as massive organizations.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts on the Williamsburg Waterfront near South 8th Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
This tour end on the corner of Wallabout Street and Bedford Avenue.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Stand at the waterfront facing Manhattan's skyline where Jewish immigrants first arrived in the early 1900s. Learn how the Williamsburg Bridge served as the "Jewish Highway" bringing thousands of families to this neighborhood.
Admission ticket free -
Williamsburg Bridge (Pass by)
Pass by this historic bridge that connected Manhattan's Lower East Side to Brooklyn's promise of affordable housing. Discover how this crossing shaped the neighborhood's Jewish identity for over a century.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hear about the educational complex housed in a former public high school building. Satmar community educates thousands of girls while preserving Yiddish language and religious traditions.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll along the bustling main shopping district lined with specialized stores selling modest clothing and religious items. Experience the heart of daily Hasidic life where Yiddish is the primary language of commerce.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
View the grand synagogue that serves as the spiritual center for the largest Hasidic dynasty in Williamsburg. Learn about the Satmar community's post-Holocaust revival and its influential leadership.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Observe the architectural features designed to accommodate thousands of worshippers during High Holidays and Sabbath services. Discover how this dynasty split into two factions following a succession dispute.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by the educational institution of the Pupa Hasidic sect, recognizable by its distinctive architecture. Hear how different dynasties maintain separate schools and synagogues within the same neighborhood.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
See the Viznitz community's synagogue, representing another major Hasidic group in Williamsburg. Learn how various sects coexist while maintaining distinct customs and leadership structures.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stop at this authentic kosher deli serving traditional Hungarian and Eastern European Jewish cuisine. Enjoy the opportunity to sample classic dishes in a restaurant that's been family-owned for generations.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Visit this local favorite offering fresh-baked bagels and kosher breakfast options. Experience a taste of the community's daily food culture in an unpretentious neighborhood setting.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk along this boundary street where Hasidic Williamsburg meets the gentrified hipster neighborhood. Observe the striking cultural contrast between two communities sharing the same geographic space.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass this public institution that serves the diverse needs of Hasidic, Hispanic, and gentrified communities. Explore how the library offers resources in multiple languages including Yiddish and Spanish.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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