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Offered languages
- English
- English
The Lower East Side’s tenements, synagogues and storefronts have, within them, the story of America.
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover how the densest slum in human history became an incubator for comedy, social justice, and entrepreneurship that transformed the nation. You’ll find out how hardship bred both humor and hope in the Lower East Side, from the perspectives of pushcart peddlers, labor organizers, and immigrants dreaming of a better life.
This tour starts at Straus Square, named after a German-Jewish immigrant who rose from selling china plates to owning Macy’s department store. You’ll walk past the building that once housed a daily Yiddish newspaper that championed labor rights, and former synagogues that welcomed thousands of worshippers. Along the way, you’ll discover how mutual aid societies helped newcomers find housing and jobs, and how women led the largest labor strikes of their era.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Straus Square Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
The tour ends at Essex Market.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
We'll pass by the Forward Building, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll also pass by the Jarmulowsky Building, an early 20th century NYC gem.
Admission ticket free -
Museum At Eldridge Street (Pass by)
We'll also pass by the Museum at Eldridge Street, originally a synagogue. However, entry to the Museum itself is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Tenement Museum (Pass by)
We'll also pass by the Tenement Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. However, entry to the museum itself is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll also pass by the University Settlement House, the very first settlement house in America. However, entry to the house itself is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll also pass by the Russ & Daughters, a classic NYC eatery. However, entry itself is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll also pass by the Katz's Delicatessen, a pillar of New York cuisine. However, entry to deli is not included on the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll also pass by The Angel Orensanz Foundation, the building that housed the first synagogue in the Lower East Side. However, entry to the building itself is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Economy Candy (Pass by)
We'll also pass by Economy Candy, a classic NYC candy shop. However, entry to the shop itself is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll end the tour at the Essex Street Market, a mainstay of NYC.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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