Welcome to the Lower East Side
A trendy, hip neighborhood that offers a vibrant nightlife.
Originally a stretch of farmland, the Lower East Side became a haven for immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and this diverse and ever-changing culture continues to this day.
Once known as Little Germany, the area was home to the third-largest German-speaking population in the world. In the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe formed a thriving community in this diverse neighborhood.
The Lower East Side continues to be a welcoming and eclectic community known for being hip, edgy, and irreverent. It’s the perfect destination for New Yorkers in search of 24/7 excitement.
The majority of buildings in the Lower East Side are classic NYC low-rise brownstones and pre-war walkups. The median price of a home in the Lower East Side is $882K.
What to Love
- Diverse and colorful neighborhood with historic buildings and street art
- 24/7 nightlife and lively bar scene
- A rich and vibrant history
People & Lifestyle
The Lower East Side is a party-goer’s paradise, so don’t expect quiet nights! It’s a bustling, busy area with a diversity of cultures, occupations, and demographics. If you’re in search of excitement, the Lower East Side is a great fit with a lot to offer.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
If you would like to explore the traditional cuisine of the Lower East Side’s historic immigrant communities, you’re in luck. You can head to
Russ & Daughters, a Lower East Side staple since 1914, for their famous bagels and lox.
Katz’s Delicatessen is a classic New York deli that dates all the way back to 1888.
The
Essex Market is a public marketplace that is over 200 years old — truly a New York landmark — and features local vendors. You can explore the Lower East Side’s German-American heritage with a trip to
Loreley Beer Garden, which features German beer, food, and wine.
Freeman’s is a cozy tavern tucked away into an alleyway that serves food inspired by Colonial America.
Dirty French is a modern take on the classic French bistro.
Clinton St. Baking Company blends together cuisine from multiple cultures to make their truly American menu, and
Kiki’s is a traditional Greek restaurant.
And vegetarians rejoice —
Dirt Candy is a restaurant that serves only vegetables (yes, really).
The nightlife here is just as varied and exciting. Those in search of a good time will find it at
The Delancey, an elegant three-level club with rooftop views of the Williamsburg Bridge.
Attaboy is an understated cocktail bar on the list of “World’s 50 Best Bars.” And don’t let the name of
Arlene’s Grocery fool you — it is an intimate and exciting live music bar.
The Flower Shop has a similarly deceptive name — it’s actually a ‘70s-themed American restaurant and bar.
Things to Do
On your days off, you can head over to the
Tenement Museum to learn about New York’s rich immigrant history.
The New Museum is Manhattan’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art.
If you love going to concerts, the Lower East Side is home to the famous
Bowery Ballroom, a live music venue that Rolling Stone named the best club in America.
The Lower East Side is also home to several trendy hotels with luxurious bars and lounges, including
The Ludlow Hotel and
The Indigo Hotel, which has a rooftop bar.
You could also become a member at
The Soho House, a club whose membership includes access to their hotel, bar, restaurant, meeting rooms, spa, and even a screening room for viewing films.
Schools
The Lower East Side is home to
Bard High School Early College, a public school in partnership with Bard College that allows students to receive both their high school degree and an associate’s degree simultaneously.
