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

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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.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Straus Square Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading

End Point

End point

The tour ends at Essex Market.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

English-WRITTEN

Itinerary

1. Forward Building
We'll pass by the Forward Building, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood.
2. Jarmulowsky Building
We'll also pass by the Jarmulowsky Building, an early 20th century NYC gem.
3. Museum At Eldridge Street
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.
4. Tenement Museum
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.
5. University Settlement House
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.
6. Russ & Daughters
We'll also pass by the Russ & Daughters, a classic NYC eatery. However, entry itself is not included in this tour.
7. Katz's Delicatessen
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.
8. The Angel Orensanz Foundation
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.
9. Economy Candy
We'll also pass by Economy Candy, a classic NYC candy shop. However, entry to the shop itself is not included in this tour.
10. Essex Street Market
We'll end the tour at the Essex Street Market, a mainstay of NYC.

Inclusion

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

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Exclusion

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

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