Tenement History and Immigrant Life in the Lower East Side
At a glance
Tenement History and Immigrant Life in the Lower East Side is a 2h – 3h small-group experience in New York City, United States, operated by Manhattan Unlocked Historical and Architectural Walking Tours. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 78 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $59 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Local guide, Professional guide.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 5 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 11 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h – 3h
- Group
- Small group, up to 5 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
From the Five Points and Mulberry Bend, through the Italian and Jewish immigrant waves, and finally what is today's Chinatown, this tour explores the development of a rustic landscape of lakes and farms into what became the mostly densely overcrowded neighborhood on earth barely 100 years ago. The incremental step-by-step process of putting the need for adequate housing over the drive for profit to house the immigrant poor, from disease-ridden cellar dwelling in tumble down shanties. to pre-, old- and new-law tenements, this tour uses pictures to show what is no longer there, and finds what continues to stand in the street walls today to tell the immensely rich, tragic and redemptive story of New York's Lower East Side.
What's included
What's included
- Local guide
- Professional guide
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 15m
We begin at the former sites of The Five Points neighborhood and Mulberry Bend, one-time notorious slums in New York City's history. The focus is on the "tenement," the early purpose-built housing for the working class, mostly immigrant poor whose history begins not far from this spot.
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Stop 2 · 5m
Jacob Riis and his seminal work, How the Other Half Lives, helps bring to life the past communities that once occupied the site of today's Columbus Park, between Chinatown and the Court District.
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Stop 3
The heart of the tour is along the blocks of the Lower East Side and the non-stop tenement buildings that proliferated in the Lower East Side from the mid-19th to the early-20th Centuries. Not all tenements were associated with slum communities, though living conditions could be hard. We'll identify different tenements types from different eras, and witness the decades-long process of tenement evolution following advancing laws.
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Stop 4
We will have a stunning view of the Municipal Building and the Woolworth Building East Broadway, one of Chinatowns most vibrant street scenes with hidden-in-plain-sight historic gems.
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Stop 5
One of the most beautiful edifices in the city, The Eldridge Street Synagogue begins discussion of the Jewish experience in the Lower East Side, who, like the massive immigrant waves before them, have their own unique story to tell.
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Stop 6
One of the first parks in the neighborhood. It was so crowded on opening day it was standing room only. Here, an array of photos from Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives brings the past to life.
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Stop 7
A newspaper that was an institution for the Jewish community.
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Stop 8
We pass the back of the museum where they replicate tenement life. Outhouses and clothes line help transport one back in time.
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Stop 9
DeLancey Street was the clothing discount outlet center of the past.
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Stop 10
The Allen Street bath house functioned as such from 1905 until 1975, along with about a dozen in the area. This one lasted the longest and was converted to a church.
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Stop 11 · 10m
We end the tour on the rooftop of Hotel Indigo. Here we'll be be able to see a bird's eye view of the different tenement types, along with a spectacular view of Midtown, a perfect way to end the tour.
Meeting point
Tour starts nearby the sculpture, Triumph of the Human Spirit, at Foley Square
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Snacks and water are recommended to revitalize
- This walking tour is not associated with Tenement Museum
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Tenement History and Immigrant Life in the Lower East Side take?
The experience lasts about 2h – 3h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $59 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Local guide; Professional guide.
Where does it start?
Tour starts nearby the sculpture, Triumph of the Human Spirit, at Foley Square
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 78 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
