Lower East Side

What to See in the Lower East Side

Located close to Ellis Island, the Lower East Side is known for keeping up that unique multicultural atmosphere that made New York so iconic. The neighborhood extends down into Chinatown, Little Italy, and the East River.

Although it began as a thriving neighborhood, with the arrival of immigrants during the 19th century, it soon became an area where those with low incomes managed to live thanks to the low cost of living.

The most important streets of Lower East Side are Bowery Street and Orchard Street. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum (97 Orchard Street) is a six-floor building where you can still appreciate the living conditions of the first immigrants.

Other Top Attractions

Although the most interesting thing to do in this neighborhood is walk around its streets to get a feel of the area, Lower East Side also offers:

• Katz's Delicatessen (205 E. Houston Street): One of the most famous New York delis. Famous for its delicious dishes and for having been the set for the film "When Harry Met Sally," it's well worth a visit.
• Eldridge Street Synagogue (12 Eldridge Street): This synagogue was completed in 1887 at a cost of US$ 100,000, very high for its time. It's since been turned into a museum, also worth seeing.
• Essex Street Market: This Lower East Side flea market is famous for its grocery stores.