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Tenement Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Lower East Side

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from $14.99 per person

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120 to 150 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

The Lower East Side’s tenements, synagogues and storefronts have, within them, the story of America.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover how the densest slum in human history became an incubator for comedy, social justice, and entrepreneurship that transformed the nation. You’ll find out how hardship bred both humor and hope in the Lower East Side, from the perspectives of pushcart peddlers, labor organizers, and immigrants dreaming of a better life.

This tour starts at Straus Square, named after a German-Jewish immigrant who rose from selling china plates to owning Macy’s department store. You’ll walk past the building that once housed a daily Yiddish newspaper that championed labor rights, and former synagogues that welcomed thousands of worshippers. Along the way, you’ll discover how mutual aid societies helped newcomers find housing and jobs, and how women led the largest labor strikes of their era.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Straus Square
New York, NY 10002, USA

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

Essex Street
New York, NY 10002, USA

The tour ends at Essex Market.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Forward Building (Pass By)

We'll pass by the Forward Building, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood.
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Jarmulowsky Building (Pass By)

We'll also pass by the Jarmulowsky Building, an early 20th century NYC gem.
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Museum At Eldridge Street (Pass By)

We'll also pass by the Museum at Eldridge Street, originally a synagogue. However, entry to the Museum itself is not included in this tour.
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Tenement Museum (Pass By)

We'll also pass by the Tenement Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. However, entry to the museum itself is not included in this tour.
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University Settlement House (Pass By)

We'll also pass by the University Settlement House, the very first settlement house in America. However, entry to the house itself is not included in this tour.
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Russ & Daughters (Pass By)

We'll also pass by the Russ & Daughters, a classic NYC eatery. However, entry itself is not included in this tour.
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Katz's Delicatessen (Pass By)

We'll also pass by the Katz's Delicatessen, a pillar of New York cuisine. However, entry to deli is not included on the tour.
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The Angel Orensanz Foundation (Pass By)

We'll also pass by The Angel Orensanz Foundation, the building that housed the first synagogue in the Lower East Side. However, entry to the building itself is not included in this tour.
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Economy Candy (Pass By)

We'll also pass by Economy Candy, a classic NYC candy shop. However, entry to the shop itself is not included in this tour.
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Essex Street Market (Pass By)

We'll end the tour at the Essex Street Market, a mainstay of NYC.
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Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tenement Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Lower East Side?

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

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110804P1232


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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool New York City customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tenement Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Lower East Side?
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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it.
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
  • App for Android and iOS.
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • Smartphone and headphones.
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
  • Food and drink.
  • Transportation.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Tenement Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Lower East Side is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Tenement Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Lower East Side will be included in your confirmation email from Cool New York City. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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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).

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