easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for anyone who can comfortably walk 2–3 miles on city streets.
Discover the vibrant history of New York’s Jewish Lower East Side on this immersive walking tour. Explore iconic landmarks, savor local flavors, and connect with stories of immigrant resilience.
Sunday, November 9, 1:30pm ET: In-person
Stroll through the neighborhood's 100-year-old history!
A century ago, the Lower East Side saw unparalleled growth as waves of immigrants settled, prayed, played, worked, shopped, and attended school in this neighborhood as they built their new lives in a new land. Today, there are signs of the past hidden within the modern streets. See how many of these historic places have been transformed, repurposed, or restored.
Highlights:
Join a Museum at Eldridge Street expert guide on Sunday, November 9th at 1:30pm as we walk in the footsteps of these immigrants and tell their stories.
Ticket Price (Includes Museum Admission): Adults $25 Seniors / Students $20 Children 5 and Under FREE Cool Culture Pass / SNAP Benefits $5
REGISTER HERE
This Museum at Eldridge Street Walking Tour is only available to small groups (25 people max). This tour is available to both individual ticket holders and families.
About the Museum at Eldridge Street: The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a magnificent National Historic Landmark that has been meticulously restored. Opened in 1887, the synagogue is the first great house of worship built in America by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, it is the only remaining marker of the great wave of Jewish migration to the Lower East Side that is open to a broad public who wishes to visit Jewish New York. Exhibits, tours, public programs, and education initiatives tell the story of Jewish immigrant life, explore architecture and historic preservation, inspire reflection on cultural continuity, and foster collaboration and exchange between people of all faiths, heritages, and interests.
Image Credit: "A Group of Peddlers (The Ghetto)," color postcard, William A. Rosenthall Judaica Collection Postcards.
Expect several hours on your feet exploring urban streets and historic sites.
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days or longer tours.
Tour happens rain or shine—dress accordingly to stay comfortable throughout.
Subway access makes arriving easy and parking in the area limited and expensive.
The Lower East Side became one of the largest immigrant neighborhoods in the US during the late 1800s, primarily Jewish immigrants escaping persecution in Europe.
Community efforts focus on preserving historical sites and supporting sustainable tourism to maintain the neighborhood’s cultural heritage.
Essential for walking on paved city streets for hours.
Useful to carry water, snacks, and any purchases.
Layers are ideal for variable spring weather.
spring specific
Protection against the summer sun while outdoors.
summer specific