By neighborhood · Lower East Side · 2026
The best things to do on the Lower East Side.
Every one from my own visits, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Essex MarketMarket · Lower East SideEstablished officially in 1940 (unofficially in the 1880s), Essex Market is one of NYC's oldest food halls.
- Katz's DelicatessenRestaurant · Lower East SideEstablished in 1888, Katz's Delicatessen is an iconic NYC restaurant known for its famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
- 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.
- 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.
- Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · Lower East Side
- 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.
- Seward ParkPark · Lower East Side
- Tenement MuseumMuseum · Lower East Side
- 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.
- The Pickle GuysStore · Lower East SideAptly named, Pickle Guys specializes in pickled good.
- Williamsburg BridgeLandmark · Lower East SideI never get tired of this view.
Attaboy
Bar · Lower East Side · 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
Attaboy 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.
Copper & Oak
Bar · Lower East Side · 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.
Economy Candy
Store · Lower East Side · 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.
Essex Market
Market · Lower East Side · 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.
Katz's Delicatessen
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Established in 1888, Katz's Delicatessen is an iconic NYC restaurant known for its famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
Loreley Beer Garden
Bar · Lower East Side · 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.
Mr. Taka Ramen
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 170 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Churning out some of the best ramen in NYC, the restaurant has constant lines and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Russ & Daughters
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 179 E Houston St (Flagship) & 127 Orchard St (Cafe)
Scarr's Pizza
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Operating 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.
Seward Park
Park · Lower East Side · Canal St and, Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Seward Park is home to the first municipally-built playground in America (built in 1903), the park brims with chipper kids enjoying the colorful play area, or running through the water fixtures come the summer.
Tenement Museum
Museum · Lower East Side · 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
The Tenement Museum, sometimes called the Immigration Museum, is one of the most moving museums in NYC because it highlights the stories of countless immigrant families who came to NYC for a better life.
The New Museum
Museum · Lower East Side · 235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
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 Pickle Guys
Store · Lower East Side · 357 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
Aptly named, Pickle Guys specializes in pickled good.
Best things to do on the Lower East Side, 2026
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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.