12+ Exciting Things To Do in the Lower East Side (You'll Love) (2024)

The Lower East Side (LES) was one of the first neighborhoods to be settled in Manhattan, and over its 400 years has served as a jumping-off point for immigrants arriving in New York City.

As such, the neighborhood is rich in history, flavors, and art that locals can’t seem to get enough of. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the best things to do in the Lower East Side, and this neighborhood guide offers an inside scoop on all the things you will want to take advantage of. Let’s dive in!

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide onWhere to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time?Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC,hands down.

Best Things to Do in the Lower East Side

#1. Order a Pastrami on Rye at Katz’s Delicatessen

Website: Katz’s Delicatessen
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is aniconic NYC restaurantknown for its iconic mile-high pastrami sandwiches. The walls are adorned with photos of celebrities who’ve visited the Jewish deli, and there are constant lines of locals and tourists alike (Katz’s offers no reservations).

The one thing to note is that Katz Deli has a unique ordering system. Upon entry, everyone receives a ticket where the staff will write down everything you’ve ordered. When it’s time to go, take your party’s tickets to the cashier and settle up. Anyonewho loses their ticket is subject to a $50 flat fee.

#2. Stroll the Williamsburg Bridge

Walking the Williamsburg Bridge, an iconic NYC bridge completed in 1903, offers scenic beauty and a taste of history. The 1,600-foot-long bridge boasts vibrant murals on its pedestrian walkway, providing panoramic views of the East River and city skylines.

The trek takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how often folks stop for pictures. The entrance to the pedestrian path is at the intersection of Delancey and Clinton Streets in the Lower East Side, and it ends at Bedford Avenue and Broadway in Williamsburg.

#3. Enjoy a Bagel with Lox at Russ & Daughters

Website: Russ & Daughters
Address: 179 E Houston St (Flagship) & 127 Orchard St (Cafe)

Russ & Daughters is arguably the most iconic bagel shop in NYC; the Lower East Side institution has been a local favorite for more than 100 years!As expected, the bagels at Russ & Daughters are exceptional, but the smoked fish is where they truly shine.They have an impressive selection of smoked fish, cream cheese, and appetizers.

Moreover, they’re one of the fewbagel shops in NYCthat offers caviar, which is all the more reason to visit. Russ & Daughters has two locations in LES. Their flagship on Houston Street doesn’t offer any seating, but their cafe three blocks south on Orchard Street does.

#4. Get Lost in The New Museum

Website: The New Museum
Address: 235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002

The New Museum was founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, who worked as a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art and noticed that new art made by living artists was not as appreciated as it should be. Thanks to their emphasis on art from lesser-known artists, visiting the New Museum has become one of the best things to do in the Lower East Side.

The museum’s new building, which looks like boxes stacked on each other, is an exciting architectural feat, too, which gives all the more reason to swing by. It’s also an affordable activity in the Lower East Side since on Thursday nights between 7 – 9 PM, the museum offers pay-what-you-wish admission (but tickets must be booked in advance).

#5. Visit the Essex Market

Website: Essex Market
Address: 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Established officially in 1940 (unofficially in the 1880s), Essex Market is one of NYC’s oldest food halls. With 30 vendors spread across its three floors, visiting the market is one of the best things to do in the Lower East Side for foodies and history buffs.

Beyond diverse food options, it is a hub for fresh groceries, art galleries, and even haircuts. Choosing where to eat is a delight, with Veselka’s potato pierogi and Cafe Grumpy’s coffee serving as standouts. Just don’t forget to complete the experience at Best Damn Cookies with a sweet finish.

#6. Have a Drink at Attaboy

Website: Attaboy
Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Attaboy was named the#1 best bar in North Americain 2022, which has helped make it one of the most popular attractions in the Lower East Side. Getting in isn’t easy since there are no reservations, but drinks like the Ross’ Penicillin (scotch, lemon juice, ginger-honey syrup) make the wait well worth it.

If you visit Attaboy, pay extra attention to the address since there’s no signage outside the bar. What’s more, once inside, guests won’t even find a menu! Instead, patrons have to talk with the bartender, outlining what they like, and the bartender makes every drink special and catered to each guest.

#7. Learn Something New at the Tenement Museum

Website: Tenement Museum
Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

The Tenement Museum, sometimes called the Immigration Museum, is one of the most movingmuseums in NYCbecause it highlights the stories of countless immigrant families who came to NYC for a better life. It’s housed in two buildings that accommodated 15,000 immigrants from 20 nations between 1863 and 1935.

Founded after discovering personal artifacts in a neglected tenement, the museum aims to foster tolerance and historical understanding of the immigrant experience. Guided tours provide insight into the cramped living spaces, and the passionate guides help make the museum one of the most memorable things to do in the Lower East Side.

#8. Order a Slice at Scarr’s Pizza

Website: Scarr’s Pizza
Address: 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Operating as both a slice shop and a sit-down restaurant, Scarr’s Pizza is one of thebest pizzerias in NYCand a must-stop while exploring the Lower East Side. The Sicilian grandma and classic pepperoni are delectable. The large slices demand to be folded, and the thinly stretched dough (Scarr’s mills their flour on-site) is the ideal canvas for the delightful marinara sauce and quality toppings.

Moreover, in a city where good food sometimes comes at the expense of good service, Scarr’s stands a mile above the rest. They keep the slice shop’s line moving efficiently, and the table service is attentive.

#9. Enjoy an Afternoon at Seward Park

Website: Seward Park
Address: Canal St and, Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Although there are bigger and more well-knownparks in NYC, Seward Park is a bit of a hidden gem. Home to thefirst municipally built playground in the U.S.(built in 1903!), the park is brimming with chipper kids enjoying the colorful play area (and running through the spray-fixtures in the summer). The trees also create a sun-soaked canopy ideal for reading a book, which is perfect considering theNew York Public Library has a branch inside the park.

#10. Try a New Whisky at Copper & Oak

Website undergoing maintenance, here’s their Instagram:Copper & Oak
Address: 157 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Offering hundreds of different kinds of whiskey, Copper & Oak is a popular Lower East Side destination for folks looking to try something new. There are various rare, hard-to-find bottles that connoisseurs will relish, and expert bartenders are ready to introduce newcomers to the world of whiskey. The only caveat is that Copper & Oak is tiny! Thescotch whiskey baronly has eight bar stools available, but there are standing counters where guests can enjoy a drink.

#11. Visit to Economy Candy

Website: Economy Candy
Address: 108 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

The oldest candy store in New York City, Economy Candy is easily one of the best places to visit in the Lower East Side for those with a sweet tooth.The store is filled (practically to the ceiling) with every sweet treat imaginable.Instead of flashy displays, the no-frills candy store focuses on packing every nook and cranny with sugary delights.

Economy Candy is also one of the best places in the Lower East Side to find rare or special candy. The popular Lower East Side candy store has been able to get its hands on both new, trendy candy and the old-school classics throughout its three generations of ownership. You’ll be hard-pressed to find something Economy Candy doesn’t have (there are over 2000 candy varieties).

#12. Try a New Pickle at The Pickle Guys

Website: The Pickle Guys
Address: 357 Grand St, New York, NY 10002

The Pickle Guys is one of the most unique shops in LES, selling various pickled goods. They use a time-tested Eastern European way of pickling, which includes letting the item cure in a barrel. Depending on the item being pickled, the curing process can take anywhere from a day to six months.

The Pickle Guys are kosher so that everyone can enjoy a bite. With options like pickled watermelon, pickled pineapple, pickled Brussels sprouts, and more, the store is worth the stop to try something new, even for those who aren’t fans of classic cucumber pickles.

#13. Try a Bowl of Mr. Taka’s Ramen

Website: Mr. Taka Ramen
Address: 170 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Opening shop in 2015, Mr. Taka Ramen is the second restaurant opened by chef Takatoshi Nagara (the first, Bigiya Ramen in Tokyo, earned a Michelin Star). Responsible for some of the best ramen in NYC, the restaurant has constant lines and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mr. Taka is famous for its miso ramen, that’s made with chicken and fish broth, and the spicy tonkotsu ramen, made with pork broth. If you’re lucky enough to sit at the counter, it’s easy to appreciate the staff’s attention to detail, like the extreme precision necessary to cook pork with a blowtorch.

#14. Have a Drink at Loreley Beer Garden

Website: Loreley Beer Garden
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Home to the largest heated outdoor patio in the Lower East Side, Loreley Beer Garden is a bar and restaurant that doesn’t do anything halfway. Thanks to over-the-top decorations, they’re a go-to destination for most holidays,and they have festive drinks to match.

Loreley’s serves green beer onSt. Patrick’s Day, a pumpkin keg onHalloween, and a variety of holiday co*cktails duringChristmas. TheLower East Side baralways has something going on, so it’s become a top-notch destination for groups looking for fun, festive things to do in the Lower East Side.

Best Things to Do in LES (Post Summary)

1. Order a Pastrami on Rye at Katz’s Delicatessen
2. Stroll the Williamsburg Bridge
3. Enjoy a Bagel with Lox at Russ & Daughters
4. Get Lost in The New Museum
5. Visit the Essex Market
6. Have a Drink at Attaboy
7. Learn Something New at the Tenement Museum
8. Enjoy a Slice at Scarr’s Pizza
9. Enjoy an Afternoon at Seward Park
10. Try a New Whisky at Copper & Oak
11. Take a Trip to Economy Candy
12. Try a New Pickle at The Pickle Guys
13. Try a Bowl of Mr. Taka’s Ramen
14. Have a Drink at Loreley Beer Garden

Lower East Side Best Things to Do (Map)

More Lower East Side Articles

Where to Eat: 15 Flavorful Lower East Side Restaurants in New York City (Everyone Must Try)
Where to Drink: 15 BOOZY Bars in the Lower East Side (Well Worth the Wait!)
The Best Cafes: 15 Essential Coffee Shops in the Lower East Side (You’ll Adore)
Satiate a Sweet Tooth: 15 Breathtaking Bakeries in the Lower East Side (You’ll Love)

More Neighborhoods to Explore

The Best of Greenwich Village: 20 Great Things to Do in the West Village (+Helpful Advice)
SoHo’s Top Things to Do: 15 Fun Things to Do in SoHo (Local’s Guide)
Highlights of the Lower East Side: 15 Exciting Things To Do in the Lower East Side (You’ll Love)
The Best of Brooklyn:
Things to Do in Greenpoint: 15 Great Things to Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Local’s Guide)

And there you have it, folks! My list of the best things to do in the Lower East Side. I hope you found the article useful.

Cheers!