Lower East Side

What was once a destination for immigrants arriving in America and later, the hub of gritty New York City, is today one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods. Visitors will find unique boutiques, small galleries and plenty of character in this part of New York that’s bordered by East Houston, Essex, Canal Street and the Bowery. Travelers venturing into Chinatown, NoLita, SoHo and the East Village should be sure to add a stroll through the Lower East Side to their itinerary. 
Known by locals as Loisaida because of its large Spanish-speaking population, this neighborhood is home to plenty of Latin-influenced cuisine. But travelers will find plenty of diverse flavors, including the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen, made famous in When Harry Met Sally. 
Travelers who want to take a look at Manhattan’s earliest inhabitants can check out the Tenement Museum, which showcases the life of the city’s earliest immigrants. Art lovers can find galleries and live music venues scattered across Ludlow and Orchard Streets. And since a number of trains, including the B, D, F, J and M—as well as local buses—make stops in the Lower East Side, travelers will find it easy to access, though, since streets here aren’t numbered, possibly more challenging to navigate.

Practical Info

Manhattan's Lower East Side is accessible using several subways, including the F, M, B, D and J trains. The M15 bus also travels along Houston street and makes traveling to and from anywhere on Manhattan's East Side a breeze.