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The Best of New York · By neighborhood · Lower East Side

The best things to do on the Lower East Side

Updated September 2026. 14 places.

The Lower East Side was one of the first settled neighborhoods in Manhattan, serving as a safe haven for hordes of immigrants arriving to New York City. Teeming with history and culture, the area is ripe for exploration. Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time searching for the best things to do in the Lower East Side, here’s what I’ve learned so far.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best things to do on the Lower East Side, 2026

  1. AttaboyBar · Lower East SideAttaboy was named the #1 best bar in North America in 2022, which has helped make it one of the most popular attractions in the Lower East Side.
  2. Copper & OakBar · Lower East SideOffering hundreds of different kinds of whiskey, Copper & Oak is a popular Lower East Side destination for folks looking to try something new.
  3. Economy CandyStore · Lower East SideThe 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.
  4. Essex MarketMarket · Lower East SideEstablished officially in 1940 (unofficially in the 1880s), Essex Market is one of NYC's oldest food halls.
  5. Katz's DelicatessenDeli · Lower East SideEstablished in 1888, Katz's Delicatessen is an iconic NYC restaurant known for its famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
  6. Loreley Beer GardenBar · Lower East SideHome 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.
  7. Mr. Taka RamenRestaurant · Lower East SideChurning out some of the best ramen in NYC, the restaurant has constant lines and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  8. Russ & DaughtersBagel shop · Lower East Side
  9. Scarr's PizzaRestaurant · Lower East SideOperating as both a slice shop and a sit-down restaurant, Scarr's Pizza is one of the best pizzerias in NYC and a must-stop while exploring the Lower East Side.
  10. Seward ParkPark · Lower East Side
  11. Tenement MuseumMuseum · Lower East Side
  12. The New MuseumMuseum · Lower East SideThanks 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.
  13. The Pickle GuysStore · Lower East SideAptly named, Pickle Guys specializes in pickled good.
  14. Williamsburg BridgeLandmark · Lower East Side

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Where they are

All in Lower East Side.

Lower East Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 12+ Exciting Things To Do in the Lower East Side.