East Village Food and History Walking Tour

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Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| New York City, USA

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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

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Offered in: English

Overview

The East Village has always been New York’s rebel neighborhood, loud, creative, and unapologetically itself. This food and history tour lets you experience it like a local, through bold flavors, unforgettable stories, and streets that never quite follow the rules.

On this walking tour, you’ll taste your way through the East Village’s diverse food scene while exploring a neighborhood shaped by constant reinvention. From 19th-century immigrant roots to counterculture movements that changed music, art, & fashion, every block has a story to tell.

Walk in the footsteps of Beat poets, punk rock icons, & underground artists while learning how the East Village became a magnet for creativity and rebellion. You’ll also explore its grittier chapters, including political unrest & the moments that shaped its raw edge.

This is New York that is real, layered, and endlessly fascinating. Come hungry and discover why the East Village remains one of the city’s most exciting places to eat and explore.

What's Included

Lunch We visit 5 of our favorite restaurants and food vendors. There is A LOT of food on this tour, so please have a light breakfast and come hungry!
Bottled water

Gratuities

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

East 8th Street
New York, NY 10003, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

2nd Ave &
East 10th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA

The tour finishes near St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery.

What To Expect

Alamo / Astor Place Cube

Tony Rosenthal's Alamo, 1967, the monumental 15' Cor-Ten steel sculpture, also known as the Astor Place Cube, is without dispute Rosenthal's best-known and beloved public art sculpture, considered a New York and public art landmark, was first installed as part of Doris C. Freedman's Sculpture in Environment installation, sponsored by New York's administration of recreation & cultural affairs.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cooper Union Foundation Building

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, established in 1859, is among the nation's oldest and most distinguished institutions of higher education. The college, founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist, Peter Cooper, offers a world-class education in art, architecture and engineering as well as an outstanding faculty of humanities and social sciences.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

McSorley's Old Ale House (Pass By)

From it’s humble origins as an Irish working man’s saloon — cheese and crackers on the house-beer for pennies to its rediscovery by the mainstream in a 1940’s NEW YORKER magazine profile. McSorley’s is steeped in a cultural cacophony of Americana. Presidents, residents, authors and thieves — the lot of humanity have sat and shared, all abiding by McSorley’s golden rule “Be Good or Be Gone”.

St. Mark's Place

Eighth Street in Manhattan between Third Avenue and Avenue A is known as St. Mark's Place—arguably the East Village’s most notable street and a place bursting with culture via its retail shops, street vendors, restaurants and nightlife. In a city that is gentrifying more and more every day, St. Mark's Place maintains its gritty and authentic feel.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ray's Candy Store

Ray's Candy Shop, an iconic NYC institution since 1974, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With 50 years of history, Ray's is renowned for serving up the best fries, shakes, soft serve, egg creams, deep-fried Oreos, and more. Join the tour to experience firsthand the flavors and nostalgia of this beloved neighborhood gem.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Village Square Pizza

Village Square Pizza, nestled in the heart of the East Village in New York City, offers a unique take on America's beloved classic. With five locations spanning downtown to uptown, they specialize in crafting gourmet New York-style pizza using a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Each slice tantalizes the senses with a perfect balance of crunch, crispiness, taste, sweetness, and savory flavors. Committed to excellence, Village Square Pizza maintains the highest quality standards, ensuring premium ingredients and exceptional customer service at all times.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tompkins Square Park

This popular park in the middle of the East Village is a perfect centerpiece for its eclectic neighborhood, which houses artists, radicals, fashion lovers, and those who have lived in the neighborhood for decades and witnessed its many changes.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Mark's Church In-the-bowery

St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery has 350 years of history! It’s New York’s oldest site of continuous religious practice, and the church itself second-oldest church building in Manhattan.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe

Having recently celebrated its 127th Anniversary, Veniero's Pastry stands as a revered landmark in New York City since its establishment in 1894 by founder Antonio Veniero. Originally a pool emporium and café, Veniero served his delectable baked goods to patrons. Over time, his Italian pastries and cakes garnered acclaim, earning awards in Rome, Bologna, and at the New York World’s Fair. Today, the pastry shop retains much of its original charm, boasting hand-stamped metal ceilings, intricately designed etched glass doors, meticulously polished wood mirrors, and opulent marble floors, painstakingly restored after nearly a century of use.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the East Village Food and History Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025