4 Things to Do On the Lower East Side

Boredom is never an option on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. From classic to trendy dining options, a host of tours, art and culture, and exciting nights out, you won’t run out of things to do on the Lower East Side. Let The Casagrade Team show you how to have a great time in the neighborhood, no matter your mood.

Some of the best finds are the ones you stumble upon in your own wanderings. If you want to experience the Lower East Side like a local, strap on your most comfortable walking shoes and hit the streets. Need some ideas to get you started? Free Tours by Foot offers itineraries for self-guided thematic tours or pay-what-you-wish guided tours. Stroll the East River Promenade for waterfront views and enjoy Pier 35.

There may be no harder decision on the Lower East Side than choosing where to go for your meals. Should you visit historic LES institutions, explore international cuisine, or just randomly stop in the first place you see when the urge to eat strikes? The choice is up to you!

 

While you’re out sightseeing, grab a quick bite at Russ and Daughters, the historic landmark, run by one family since 1914. They have a reputation for the best appetizers and specialty foods in the city. Katz’s Deli uses a slow-curing method for their corned beef and pastrami that will spoil your appetite forever for anything less. If you’ve ever wanted to try a knish, stop by Yonah Schimmel’s for a wide variety of flavors, including many savory vegetarian offerings. Need to satisfy that sweet tooth? Visit Supermoon Bakehouse or Whipped Urban Dessert Labs for delectable treats.

 

If making a decision is simply too overwhelming, consider a foodie tour to sample a variety of cuisine from the Lower East Side’s most iconic eateries. Top Dog Tours NYC offers a “Taste of the Lower East Side” tour that accomplishes two LES experience goals: walking and learning about famous landmarks (and working up an appetite for the foodie stops), and checking out a wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and sandwich shops of NYC fame. Nice Guy Tours also offers a similar LES Food Tour. Clearly, great food is a high priority among things to do on the Lower East Side.

The story of the Lower East Side is one of global reach. In the mid-1800s, German immigrants learned to adapt to their new homeland. Later, the neighborhood became home to a thriving Jewish community. Over the years, many cultural groups have left their marks on the Lower East Side and are preserved in the Tenement Museum.

 

Evidence of cultural diversity and a celebration of the arts abounds on the Lower East Side. Take some time to visit the New Museum, a celebration of modern and up-and-coming artists. The International Center of Photography Museum explores the endless possibilities of this medium, and the Museum of Street Art, which bedecks the 20-floor stairwell of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel revives the work of demolished 5 Pointz, a one-of-a-kind collective of graffiti artists. Enjoy a variety of performing arts from one-act plays to poetry slams at Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe.

 

You may also want to learn about the art and culture of this community from the experts. New York Art Tours offers informative guided talks and a sampling of the 100+ galleries found in the area. After all of this on-foot exploration, you may be ready to relax and see a different side of the Lower East Side. If so, Classic Harbor Line offers a Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise.

A list of things to do on the Lower East Side would not be complete without mentioning a few of the many venues in which you may dine, dance, or simply relax with good friends and a cocktail at the end of the day.

 

Max Fish offers live music and rotating art exhibits. This nightclub has been an institution since the 1980s, and they know how to provide you with a great night out. The Bowery Ballroom also offers live music. Check out their calendar of events and discover a new favorite band. Home Sweet Home offers a cozy and relaxed vibe with rather an eclectic decor. They step up the energy with a DJ and dance on the weekends.

 

For a more relaxing evening out, consider paying a visit to the Metrograph. This nod to Hollywood’s Golden Age offers dining, movie-related merchandise, and a unique array of American and international films. Or, if you’re interested in quiet conversation and beautiful views of the city skyline, take the elevator to the top floor of Hotel Indigo and enjoy the rooftop bar, Mr. Purple.

As you’ve lived life to the fullest, experiencing all the things to do on the Lower East Side, have you felt that little tug luring you back, making it hard to leave? If so, get in touch with The Casagrande Team. They know Lower East Side real estate, and they would love to show you more of the neighborhood they call home. Give them a call today.