Chinatown, Little Italy & the Lower East Side – History and Food

New York City , United States of America

Chinatown, Little Italy & the Lower East Side – History and Food

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About this experience

Taste the history, resilience, and flavor of three immigrant neighborhoods that helped shape New York City. On this private walking tour, you will move through Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, stopping for hand-folded dumplings, old-school Jewish pastries, and timeless pizza and pickles favorites. Along the way, your guide connects the food to the families, communities, and traditions that kept culture alive in the face of change. We'll also explore the vibrant history and culture of New York City's Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side.

This walking tour offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the transformation of historic buildings into modern spaces. You'll discover the impact of immigration on these neighborhoods and uncover the stories of tenement life. Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes because every stop has something to share.

Available options

Chinatown, Little Italy & the Lower East Side – History and Food

What's included

Snacks

Guided Walking Tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Stroll through Chinatown and sample dumplings.

Columbus Park formerly known as Mulberry Bend Park, Five Points Park and Paradise Park, is a public park in Chinatown, Manhattan, in New York City that was built in 1897

Stop 3

One of the oldest streets in Chinatown dating back to the Dutch period. Site of famous Tong wars.

Stop 4

This is the original St. Patrick’s Church located in Little
Italy. We’ll stop in and see this magnificent Basilica.

See the oldest candy store in Manhattan. You may get to see candy you ate in your childhood.

It was estimated that during the heyday of Jewish immigration (1880-1924) over 60 pickle stores existed. This is one of the few that still remain.

Stop 7

Learn the history of markets like this once were created
and see a modern marketplace today.

This is the ending point for the tour. The tour will end by the subway station (F, M, J) on the South East Corner.

Stop 8

This is the location near the collect pond during the Dutch time. It later became the site of the famous Irish gangs such as the Bowery Boys and the Bad Rabbits. Today, the park is a tranquil area in Chinatown

Stop 9

The oldest brick house in Manhattan which dates back to the late 18th century.

Stop 10

Once the most densely populated areas of the
world, tenements were built to house the masses of immigrants.

One of the oldest in Chinatown that has services
in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin

Learn the history of the famous NYC neighborhood and sample pizza.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the corner of Mulberry and Worth Street. Your guide will be holding a sign

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information