Lower East Side Travel Guide

New York
Lower East Side
Old combines with new and high art meets urban grit in this ever-changing and eclectic melting pot neighborhood with broad appeal.

One of Manhattan’s most interesting areas, the Lower East Side combines a rich immigrant heritage with a bohemian character that still survives today. Contemporary art galleries and fine dining have begun to proliferate. Visit the Lower East Side to experience a unique New York mix featuring a day of cultural exploration, eating, drinking and waterfront walking.

Learn about early immigrant life at the Tenement Museum. In tenement buildings such as these, over 15,000 immigrants lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often working desperately hard to build lives in America. Explore the recreated home and garment shop of a Jewish-American family, encounter personal narratives and try ethnic cuisine in neighborhood structures.

The Lower East Side has been an artistic hub for decades. Delve into the world of contemporary art by visiting the renowned New Museum, appreciating sculptures, paintings and installations from diverse global artists. Admire its unusual design, which resembles a series of unevenly stacked white boxes. Stop at the Sperone Westwater Gallery, housing works from artists such as Helmut Lang and Susan Rothenberg in an award-winning building.

Have a meal at Katz’s Delicatessen, the classic New York deli where a famous scene in When Harry Met Sally… was filmed. Shop for bagels and lox at the family-owned Russ & Daughters Cafe or head to the Essex Market to sample flavors from all over the world in a state-of-the-art food hall.

Beloved for its nightlife, the Lower East Side has an exciting ambiance after dark. Select from dive bars or watch a show at the Bowery Ballroom, an illustrious indie venue with multiple bars and performance spaces.

The Lower East Side is located in downtown Manhattan, immediately south of the East Village. The area is well served by a number of subway lines. Travel by taxi if necessary but traffic is often heavy. Relax with a scenic walk along the East River Waterfront Esplanade, which offers lovely views over the iconic Manhattan Bridge and the East River.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Lower East Side

PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
4 out of 5
215 Chrystie St, New York, NY
The price is ฿8,551 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿8,551
฿11,490 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 6 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,661 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Great smell. Very convenient"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
Moxy NYC Lower East Side
Moxy NYC Lower East Side
4 out of 5
145 BOWERY, New York, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,740 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
฿5,740
฿7,875 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,263 reviews)
"Front desk: Sean helped us out with early check in. He was kind and personable. Made it very easy and convenient at 6:00 after a red eye!"

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Moxy NYC Lower East Side
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,381 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
฿4,381
฿6,277 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,854 reviews)
"I really liked how they were able to check us in early and their welcome was awesome. The conveniece of 3 different restaurants was outstanding, one being a 24 hour diner!"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace
4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave, New York, NY
The price is ฿18,647 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿18,647
฿22,297 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this spa hotel in New York. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,163 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel but rooms are abit old. Excellent location doesn’t get any better in Manhattan. Nice bell boy service ."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Lotte New York Palace
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
The price is ฿7,306 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿7,306
฿10,061 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,448 reviews)
Grand Central Hyatt NYC
"The location is very good, very accessible & convenient."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Hyatt Grand Central New York
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
The price is ฿4,551 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿4,551
฿6,901 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (3,145 reviews)
"Excellent location, unfortunately there was construction on the site making a bit noisy..!!!"

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Paramount Times Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lower East Side

Default Image

East Village

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

If you're spending time in East Village, you might enjoy attractions like Tompkins Square Park and St. Marks Place. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at 1 Av. Station to see more of the city.

East Village
SoHo - Tribeca featuring street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people

SoHo

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in SoHo. Spend some time visiting top spots like Children's Museum of the Arts, and catch the metro at Prince St. Station or Spring St. Station to see more of the area.

SoHo
Default Image

Financial District

4.5/5(112 area reviews)

Enjoy the important monuments in Financial District. Brooklyn Bridge is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Wall St. Station (William St.) or Broad St. Station to see more of New York.

Financial District
Greenwich Village which includes a fountain

Greenwich Village

4.5/5(41 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like 5th Avenue while getting to know Greenwich Village, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Christopher St. - Sheridan Sq. Station or W 4 St. Station to see more of the area.

Greenwich Village
Downtown Brooklyn showing heritage elements and a bridge

Downtown Brooklyn

4/5(23 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Brooklyn Bridge while getting to know Downtown Brooklyn, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Jay St. - Tech Station or York St. Station to see more of the area.

Downtown Brooklyn
Default Image

Williamsburg

4.5/5(44 area reviews)

Noted for its cafes and live music, there's plenty to explore in Williamsburg. Top attractions like Brooklyn Brewery and Music Hall of Williamsburg are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Metropolitan Av. Station or Lorimer St. Station (Metropolitan St.) to see more of the city.

Williamsburg

Lower East Side Travel Guide