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Lower East Side Food Tour: Iconic Eats & NYC History Walking Tour

1,059 Reviews 4.85 out of 5 stars Based on 1,059 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. New York City, USA
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from $49.97 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture
The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture
The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture
The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture
The Story Of Lower East Side's Food Culture
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 11 (1) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Join this 3-hour New York City walking tour to sample the best ethnic foods in the Lower East Side. But this experience includes much more than sampling delicious foods, as you’ll learn about the history of the dishes, establishments, sites, and people along the way from your guide.

What's Included

  • See historic NYC sites, including 100‑year‑old bakeries, churches, and neighborhood landmarks
  • Get insider tips on what else to eat, see, and experience during your stay in New York
  • Explore stories and cultural heritage that shaped these famous neighborhoods
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks and additional food
See 3 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

26 Canal Street
New York, NY 10002, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Lower East Side
New York, NY, USA

Your tour ends in the heart of the Lower East Side neighborhood (New York, NY 10002)

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Little Canal

Your tour begins in front of Little Canal Café, located at 26 Canal Street in the Lower East Side. This modern corner café with large street-facing windows is easy to spot as you arrive on Canal Street. Your guide will meet you right outside the main entrance, where the vibrant energy of downtown Manhattan sets the perfect scene for the cultural journey ahead.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

New York City Supreme Court

We talk about the history of the surrounding area that was once a poor Irish community and before that a polluted pond. You get to see the building that is now most famous for being featured on most episodes of Law & Order
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Columbus Park

We briefly walk through this park on the edge of Chinatown and talk about what used to be here: the notorious neighborhood of the Five Points. We discuss the Irish immigration and show photos of what the neighborhood used to look like.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chinatown

We walk through part of the neighborhood, discuss Chinese immigration, and visit a dumpling shop that is a local favorite. We also give tips on where else to visit in the large community.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Little Italy

We head up and around Mulberry Street and discuss Italian immigration. We get to see some amazing modern street art, hear stories about organized crime, and visit an historic local Italian food shop for a delicious tasting.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Nolita

We cruise through one of the most trendy neighborhoods in New York today and discuss the changing neighborhood. This used to be Little Italy, but today it’s loaded with hip bars and restaurants and we get to see some of the best street art in the city.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

As we walk through Nolita, you get a chance to see the original St. Patrick’s and learn about the hardships Catholic immigrants first suffered when coming to this country.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sara D. Roosevelt Park

Learn about the history of this park, named for FDR’s mother, and take a quick stroll through the northern end. We’ll also stop at the M’Finda Kalunga Garden inside the park to discuss Latin American immigration and how this neighborhood has changed throughout the decades.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lower East Side

See the transformation of the neighborhood from an area filled with run-down tenements and poverty to one that is currently being gentrified. See lots of great street art and community gardens. Learn about Jewish, German, and Latin American immigration in this neighborhood and sample some traditional food.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Tenement Museum (pass by)

We share stories about the founding of the museum and its important part in Lower East Side history. Our tour ends very close to the museum, and our guides can give you tips on how to get tickets and explore their excellent gift shop.
Read more
Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • What happens if the weather is bad? This experience runs rain, shine, or snow. In the rare case that weather conditions pose a safety risk, the tour may be postponed or canceled for guest safety.
  • Is this tour child-friendly? Yes! This tour is suitable for families. Children under 4 years old can join free of charge. A reduced child price applies for children aged 4 to 11.
  • Is this tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels? The tour includes approximately 2.5 miles / 4 km of walking at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Lower East Side Food Tour: Iconic Eats & NYC History Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5713SUNB

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.85
1,059 reviews

Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 1,059 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
964
4 stars
58
3 stars
18
2 stars
11
1 star
8
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 11 (1) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Lower East Side Food Tour: Iconic Eats & NYC History Walking Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • See historic NYC sites, including 100‑year‑old bakeries, churches, and neighborhood landmarks.
  • Get insider tips on what else to eat, see, and experience during your stay in New York.
  • Explore stories and cultural heritage that shaped these famous neighborhoods.
  • Stroll through the Lower East Side, Chinatown & Little Italy.
  • Sample four iconic NYC dishes (may include dumplings, pizza, knish, empanada, and more).
  • Follow a friendly local English‑speaking guide who’s passionate about food and history.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Drinks and additional food.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Lower East Side Food Tour: Iconic Eats & NYC History Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Lower East Side Food Tour: Iconic Eats & NYC History Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • See historic NYC sites, including 100‑year‑old bakeries, churches, and neighborhood landmarks
  • Get insider tips on what else to eat, see, and experience during your stay in New York
  • Explore stories and cultural heritage that shaped these famous neighborhoods
  • Stroll through the Lower East Side, Chinatown & Little Italy
  • Sample four iconic NYC dishes (may include dumplings, pizza, knish, empanada, and more)
  • Follow a friendly local English‑speaking guide who’s passionate about food and history
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks and additional food

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Can dietary requirements be accommodated on this tour? We can accommodate most dietary needs — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, dairy‑free, nut‑free, and other requirements — as long as we are informed at least 24 hours before the tour. Substitutions can be arranged in most cases but may not be available at every stop. Please note that many foods on this tour are not prepared in nut‑free, dairy‑free, or gluten‑free facilities, and cross‑contamination is possible. Guests with severe allergies should use caution.
  • What happens if the weather is bad? This experience runs rain, shine, or snow. In the rare case that weather conditions pose a safety risk, the tour may be postponed or canceled for guest safety.
  • Is this tour child-friendly? Yes! This tour is suitable for families. Children under 4 years old can join free of charge. A reduced child price applies for children aged 4 to 11.
  • Is this tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels? The tour includes approximately 2.5 miles / 4 km of walking at a relaxed pace.
  • This tour is operated by a Certified B Corp™
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

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