Things to Do in the Lower East Side

Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic NYC restaurant known 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. Anyone who loses their ticket is subject to a $50 flat fee.

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.

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 few bagel shops in NYC that 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.

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).

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. The trees also create a sun-soaked canopy ideal for reading a book, which is perfect considering the New York Public Library has a branch inside the park.

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! The scotch whiskey bar only has eight bar stools available, but there are standing counters where guests can enjoy a drink.

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).

Aptly named, Pickle Guys specializes in pickled good. Using a kosher-certified Eastern European pickling method (curing in a barrel), the variety spans the gamut. From pickled watermelon and pineapple to Brussels sprouts and horseradish pickled, the establishment is gorged with an exciting assortment of foods to try.

Opening shop in 2015, Mr. Taka Ramen is the second restaurant opened by chef Takatoshi Nagara (the chef’s first ramen restaurant was awarded a Michelin star). Churning out 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.

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 on St. Patrick’s Day, a pumpkin keg on Halloween, and a variety of holiday cocktails during Christmas. The Lower East Side bar always 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.