The lower east side is usually described as gritty meets trendy. I must admit that this is not a neighborhood I visit very much during the day probably because of how gritty it is. Haha. But I do enjoy going at night for the amazing food and bars. For those who didn’t know, when two million Jewish immigrants arrived in America from 1881 to 1914, a majority landed on the Lower East Side. They are still a few cultural landmarks of that time in the LES like Katz Deli, Russ & Daughters, and The Tenement Museum. If you want to go back in time and get a feel for “old New York” then starting your city tour in the LES might be a great idea. Hope you all enjoy this itinerary filled with great eats and cultural excursions.
xoxo
8:00 AM
I always like to start my day with a workout because it sets the tone for my day – so if you’re visiting this area start your day with a yoga class at Yoga For The People. 12 St. Marks Place, New York, NY
10:00 AM
Sit down for a coffee and croissant at the French cafe Sel Rose. The decor is inspired by 20th-century Paris and it’s beautiful! Just so you know, the cafe is really just an outpost to the restaurant – popular for the oysters and cocktails. So maybe stop by for coffee in the morning and come back for a night-cap! 🙂 1 Delancey Street, New York, NY
12:00 PM
Have lunch at Katz Deli and be prepared for a long wait. Eating at Katz Deli is almost a rite of passage for people who want to call themselves New Yorkers. It’s been around since 1888 and arguably has the best pastrami sandwich in the city. Katz offers typical deli fare like corned beef and matzo ball soup, but what attracts most people is the deli’s world-famous pastrami sandwich. 205 East Houston Street, New York, NY (Clinton St. Bakery could also be a great option for amazing pancakes – very popular brunch spot!)
2:00 PM
Remember museums? Those places we would go to learn instead of going online and reading about them? 🙂 Spend the afternoon learning about New York City’s history by visiting The Tenement Museum. You will learn all about the immigrants who first came to the Lower East Side and how the neighborhood has evolved since then. 103 Orchard Street, New York, NY
Art galleries are also very popular in this area – check out this map for noteworthy ones in the area.
5:00 PM
Book a massage and get your nails at New York City’s first cafe-spa destination, Chillhouse! Entrepreneur rockstar Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is behind Chillhouse and I’ve been following her journey on social even before Chillhouse was a concept for her. She’s truly inspiring and changing the conversation around self-care. 149 Essex Street, New York, NY
8:00 PM
Head over to the French bistro Dirty French for a fancy meal and delicious cocktails! Other options in the area are Freemans or Le Turtle. 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY
10: 00 PM
End the night with a drink at Diego – a bar inside The Public Hotel which right now is super trendy and happening! 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY
Photograhpy by: Paige Campbell Linden
Thanks for finally writing about >A Perfect Day: Lower
East Side – Please, Do Tell <Loved it!