NYC Lower East Side: Ethnic Food and History Tour
4.8
933 Ratings
New York
Embark on a 3-hour walking tour of NYC's Lower East Side to sample the best ethnic foods while learning about their history and the people behind them.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • African Burial Ground National Monument - We discuss the discovery of the burial ground and the building of the memorial and monument, including the significance of some of the design. We also talk a little bit about the early African experience in New York through those that were brought here as slaves and those that were freed.
What's Included
  • Learn about immigration’s role in city history
  • Visit century-old bakeries, churches, and landmarks
  • Explore Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Little Italy on a 3-hour food tour
  • Receive recommendations for other attractions and eateries
  • Enjoy tastings at four historic food stops
  • Guided by a local, English-speaking food enthusiast
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks and additional food
Additional Information

Without the culinary contributions of immigrants, America’s food scene would be quite bland. This 3-hour walking tour around New York City’s Lower East Side is the perfect way to experience the rich diversity of ethnic foods. However, this isn’t just about tantalizing your taste buds with delicious morsels; a knowledgeable guide will educate you about the history of the cuisine, the establishments where it’s served, the sights on your route, and the individuals behind these food stories.

  • Children aged 5 years and younger are welcome at no charge.
  • Maximum group size is 14.
  • This tour was created as well-balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience (Ethnic dishes samples) and features visits to establishments that are not always able to cater to all dietary requirements. Unfortunately, this tour cannot cater for vegans and gluten allergies, intolerances. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time.
  • Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 1.6 km (1 mile) of walking.
  • Experience happens rain, shine, or snow unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
Location
7 Elk St
Elk Street
In front of the African Burial Ground National Monument, across from 7 Elk Street (between Duane and Elk Street), New York, NY 10007
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(933 Ratings)
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Teresa_s
Jun 19, 2024
History and Food - Ace was an excellent guide. She is full of historical knowledge and helped us out with simple things like navigating the subway system. Excellent tour
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_s
Jun 16, 2024
NYC Culture- great info & unique food - Very enjoyable tour- loved hearing the history of NYC and tasting samples of food from different cultures. Our guide, Tavia, also supplemented the tour with photographs and images. A great idea.
Review provided by Viator
J853ywsame
Jun 14, 2024
A must do in New York - Such a fun experience and our tour guide was so great! We got to learn so much about the city and try delicious food. Would recommend everyone check this out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Global50627882499
Jun 10, 2024
Fantastic Tour - I’ve always wanted to take the time for a tour and I’m so glad we did. Our tour guide, Micki (?), was so knowledgeable a shared great stories on the history of the LES and the neighborhoods we toured. Saw parts of the city I’ve never seen. And the food was amazing! I’ll take another tour in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samuel_e
Jun 10, 2024
A must do in New York - Such a fun experience with a stellar tour guide. Food was awesome and it was great to learn so much about the city.
Review provided by Viator
Della_c
Jun 8, 2024
Our tour guide, Erik, was... - Our tour guide, Erik, was wonderful! Very knowledgeable and engaging. I definitely recommend this tour and guide.
Review provided by Viator
Teresa
Jun 6, 2024
Excellent Tour. - Mickey was great, taking us to areas we’d not have visited on our own. She was informative and interesting, the food tasting was a bonus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_b
Jun 3, 2024
Those dumplings! - We had an amazing tour with Tavia! She was personable, accommodating, informative, attentive....the complete package. We are still craving the dumplings, pizza, and knish! And, we spent last night rehashing the different facts we remembered about the history of the tenements that she shared with us. Thank you, Tavia, we feel so fortunate to have had you as our guide!
Review provided by Viator
Kate77005
May 31, 2024
Engaging history! - Well presented history of the immigrant neighborhoods of the Lower East Side. Small group size added to the relaxed but informative tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K9690cschris
May 19, 2024
Great tour! - Wonderful tour! Our guide Ace was super knowledgeable! Learned so much, while having a great time! Would 100% recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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