Things To Do in The Lower East Side
The Ultimate Lower East Side Guide
Known a few years ago for the city’s best bagels and exciting bargains, Manhattan’s Lower East Side is currently packed with indie designer boutiques, stylish bars, cafes and countless contemporary art galleries. An area that wasn’t considered safe many years ago has changed dramatically over the years and now has a very different value than it did.
Even though the LES has been through developments and changes it’s true character is still intact. One can still explore the remnants of the old Jewish neighborhoods, which for many years was home to the Marx brothers and George Gershwin. There’s a lot to see on the Lower East Side.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides.
My TOP 5 Things To Do in the Lower East Side
- Please Go Experience Katz Deli – Katz Deli is one of the most iconic delis in all of New York City. There’s no other place like it and has been operating since 1888. (Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, Subway Delancey/Essex Street.)
- The New Museum – It’s basically a museum for new art and new ideas. Take a look at their awesome gallery and exhibitions which brings in emerging media from modern day artists. (Address: 235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, Subway 2nd Avenue, Subway Bowery Station and Subway Prince St.)
- Two Bit’s Retro Arcade – If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to relive your childhood days, then check out this arcade. It has over 20 vintage arcade games such as Pacman and Tetris. It has the classic games that you grew up loving. Oh, and it has alcohol. Lots of it. (Address: 153 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, Subway 2nd Avenue or Delancey Street and Subway to Essex Street)
- Take a Stroll – Walking around is also one of the best things to do in the Lower East Side. The neighborhood has character and it’s own unique vibe. You can tell it was a rough neighborhood at one point but has not turned into a creatives dream. It’s like a miniature Williamsburg to be honest. (Subway Delancey/Essex Street and Subway Bowery Station)
- Visit the Tenement Museum – Here you can learn about NYC’s urban immigrant history. Find out the different challenges immigrants had to face and how they overcame them. (Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, Subway Delancey/Essex Street and Subway Bowery Station)
Where is the Lower East Side located?
The Lower East Side (also called LES) is located at the southwest part of Downtown Manhattan directly on the Hudson River.
How to Get to the Lower East Side
Commuting to the Lower East Side is pretty easy. There are a lot of options:
- Subway: You can take the Train to Delancey/Essex Street. Alternatively, you can also take the Train to Grand Street in Chinatown and walk for about 10 minutes to LES.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 8 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 13 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC.
My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York! - By boat: Take the NYC Ferry, which arrives and departs from Corlears Hook.
🥇 Look no further: That‘s the only New York Travel Guide you need (300+ pages and 700+ reviews on Amazon)
This is our COMPLETE GUIDE that includes 25+ neighborhood guides for every part of the city with New York’s newest attractions like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Edge Hudson Yards & Little Island, our best-of lists, budget tips and the best things to do and see!
The 12 Best Things To Do in the Lower East Side
Lower East Side has become one of the most hip and art driven neighborhoods of New York over the years. During the 1800s, the Lower East Side was a neighborhood filled with immigrants who came here which propped up businesses such as small scale garment factories and also the slums. As the years went on, the area improved and an artistic community has started to thrive.
Today’s Lower East Side is a perfect place to enjoy art, food, and drinks! From a New Yorkers perspective, this is where you typically end up on the weekends if you do not live in the neighborhood. Below we have laid out what we think are the must-see and go-to spots are:
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01
Katz's Delicatessen: Eat one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC
American Restaurant in Lower East Side
An absolute institution in New York is the Katz’s Delicatessen Restaurant in Manhattan, founded in 1888. Cineastes will immediately think of the film scene with Sally’s fake orgasm during “Harry and Sally”. And what should we say? Those were really the best sandwiches (we tested corner beef and pastrami) we ever had.
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02
Enjoy the Clipper City Jazz Cruise
Cruise in Financial District
Picture this: You’re sailing under the twinkling stars, the awe-inspiring New York skyline and the majestic Statue of Liberty framing your view, while the soulful tunes of some of America’s best Jazz musicians serenade your senses. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this could be your reality!
Get ready to swing the night away on this tall ship, the Clipper City. This experience is not just a cruise; it’s a journey into the romantic heart of New York harbor, with the best jazz tunes as your soundtrack.
As you step aboard this iconic tall ship – a replica of the lumber-hauling schooners that powered America’s industry over a century ago – you’re immediately whisked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Jazz legends like guitarist Joe Cohn and saxophonist Avram Fefer will soothe your soul with their cool, smooth sounds. And guess what? This star-studded line-up is personally curated by James Polsky, the founder of Jazz Standard!
As the crew expertly sets the massive sails, you’ll embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers. The Clipper City’s decks are wonderfully spacious, decked out with plenty of comfortable seating and a full bar. And let’s not forget the raised quarter deck back aft – this prime spot offers unparalleled views of the city’s harbor and iconic skyline.
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03
Visit the New Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum in Lower East Side
The New Museum of Contemporary Art is worth a visit for its architecture alone. Its contemporary art exhibitions are among the best in the world. Founded in 1977, the New Museum of Contemporary Art building was designed by the Japanese architectural firm SANAA and is one of the most striking buildings in NYC.
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04
Russ & Daughters
Other Restaurants in Lower East Side
Russ & Daughters has been serving the best bagels in town for more than 100 years. Be sure to try them with the smoked fish platter – you’ll be delighted.
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05
NYC Lower East Side Food and Culture Small-Group Tour
Walking Tour in Civic CenterOur Highlight
This is a really unique walking tour in NYC that will introduce you to the wonderful Lower East Side. The Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour shows you the many lovely little delis, Jewish specialties, bakeries and everything that makes up the soul of the city.
You’ll visit places that are an important part of the community, having operated in the same spot for generations. You’ll get a glimpse of authentic life and become part of the real New York.
With nearly 500 positive reviews, it’s the most popular walking tour in New York of them all!
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06
Tenement Museum
Museum in Lower East Side
Nowhere are the living conditions of the New York migrants of the 19th century more tangible than in the Tenement Museum.
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07
Have a Drink in my favorite bar: The Fools Gold
Bar in Lower East SideOur Highlight
One of the best bars in New York, also known for good burgers. The bar is an absolute MUST-SEE! The burgers are really sensational and they offer really good local beers.
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08
Pier 35
Pier in Lower East Side
On the Lower East Side you will find an often overlooked part of the East River Esplanade. We took a closer look at the route and discovered Pier 35 there, which we think is so great that we have to tell you about it! Because: At Pier 35 you have a great view of the East River and you can swing comfortably!
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09
cloudM Rooftop Bar: Enjoy breath-taking views
Rooftop Bar in Lower East SideOur Highlight
For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
Recommend: The best rooftop bars in NYC
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10
NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour
Walking Tour in Lower East SideOur Highlight
The Lower East Side is still an absolute insider tip among the neighborhoods of New York City and a part of Lower Manhattan that I love to visit. There are countless authentic bars and delis, some of which have been family-owned for more than 100 years and are thus an important part of the community.
The NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour deals exactly with these small spots and stores and is therefore a TOP Thing to do for foodies!
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11
SIXTY LES Hotel: Spend a Night in one of NYC's most beautiful hotels
Hotels & Accommodations in Lower East Side
4 Stars | The highlights of the Sixty LES are definitely the rooftop pool, gym, and spa. The stylish rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. My advice: When booking, definitely ask for a room on one of the higher floors and, with a little luck, enjoy a great view of the Empire State Building.
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12
Speakeasy Bars: Dive into the prohibition era of the 1920s
Bar in Lower East Side
In the Lower East Side you have several to choose from, as there are the bars Please Don’t Tell (PDT), Attaboy and The Back Room.
One of the Attaboy’s specialties is the bartenders: since there is no cocktail menu, you just say what you feel like and in which direction you want the cocktail to go and your personal cocktail will be mixed. The bar is not cheap, but worth every cent – otherwise it wouldn’t have made it into the TOP 20 of the best bars in the world.
Some impressions of the LES in NYC
Attractions in the Lower East Side
Many of New York’s major New York attractions like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the One World Observatory are located in the adjacent Lower Manhattan and are therefore easily reachable from here:
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01 Alexandre Gallery
Alexandre Gallery has two locations. The 25 E 73rd Street location has been around for 20 years, and will stay open for private viewings, and American Modernists from the Stieglitz Circle. It will be appointment only. The late 19th early 20th century is a special focus for Alexandre Gallery. Famous artists such as John Marin, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Joseph Stella have paintings on display at the 73rd Street location.
Alexandre Gallery opened its new location at 291 Grand Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan on September 9, 2021 with Lois Dodd doing a one-person exhibition. The gallery has 2,000 square feet, and was previously used by James Cohan.
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02 bitforms gallery
The bitforms gallery is a contemporary art gallery that features mid-career artists utilizing the latest technologies in New York City. The Bitforms gallery was founded in 2001 with the idea that A world-renowned contemporary visual art gallery, bitforms is home to established artists and those on the rise.
bitforms is a cutting edge gallery that represents established and emerging artists with new technologies in their work. It’s no surprise that technology is recognized an important niche in the market at large. Nowadays we are used seeing images projected onto tablets during live performances but not that long ago this was unheard of.
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03 Bowery Ballroom
The nightlife of the Lower East Side is considered one of the best in the city. And one of the most popular locations for live music is the Bowery Ballroom (address: 6 Delancey St). The former ballroom offers many concerts worth seeing every week. Bruno Mars played here many years ago, when not the whole world knew him.
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04 Derek Eller Gallery
Like many of the famous art galleries, the Derek Eller Gallery relocated from Chelsea to the Lower East Side. It has been around since 1997 and focuses on contemporary artists.
Many of the artists are well established, but do not have the visibility that they need, and several artists are just emerging. This combination makes the Derek Eller Gallery stick out. They showcase their artists works through art fairs, as well as exhibitions.
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06 Foley Gallery
The Foley Gallery, located in New York City, is home to a wide variety of photography, drawing, cut paper, and paintings from some of the world’s most renowned artists.
The gallery features both temporary and permanent exhibitions, as well as a range of public programs that are designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages. One such program is called The Photo Community. It is designed to help professional artists develop their skills in photography, and learn how to integrate them with other forms of art.
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07 GingerBread Lane
Imagine the aroma and whimsical fun of walking through the world’s largest gingerbread village. What if we told you that one actually exists in New York City? If you’re planning on spending Christmas in NYC, then be sure to head over to Manhattan’s Chelsea Market and check out the amazing and delicious creation brought to you by “The Gingerbread Man” Jon Lovitch.
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08 High Noon Gallery
The High Noon Gallery is an art gallery in New York City that was founded in 2017 by Jared Linge. Jared worked in the art space for over 8 years and realized that the talented, and often unrepresented artists, were not getting the exposure they needed to thrive.
The High Noon Gallery works with other non profits, galleries, and museums to help get their artists the visibility they deserve. They work with new talent, as well as mid-career talent.
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09 James Fuentes LLC
James Fuentes LLC is a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of New York City. The gallery was founded in 2007 by James Fuentes in the Lower East Side and specializes in presenting innovative and experimental artwork by both emerging and established artists.
James Fuentes LLC has earned a reputation for showcasing some of the most exciting new artwork on the art scene today. The gallery exhibits include site-specific installations, sculptures, and video work by artists such as Al Souza, Edgar Arceneaux, Jim Radagast, Lou Beach, Toby Buonagurio, Vincent Fecteau, Mike Kuchar, Brooke Shaden, Jules DeBalincourt, and many more.
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10 Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery
The Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City; which is where you will find several art galleries for your perusal.
The gallery was founded in 2004 by Matthew Chase, Ingrid Bromberg Kennedy, Robert Hult, and Sam Wilson.
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11 Krause Gallery
The variety of artforms, and artists presented at the Krause Gallery make this one a must visit. You’ll notice paintings, sculpture, and mostly contemporary art.
The Krause Gallery has entered the world of NFT’s. NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token, and is the latest craze in the art world (a NFT is a digital asset that is unlike any other).
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12 Lowline
Lowline in NYC is the world’s first underground park. It’s located in the Lower East Side.
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate 👉 New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉 New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
Best Guided Tours in the LES NYC
There are a lot of very popular tours where New York guides show you the best parts and the history of this (and neighboring) neighborhood:
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01 Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and learn about the exciting and dramatic history of this world-famous New York City neighborhood, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. On the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge you will discover DUMBO, a newly popular and up and coming part of Brooklyn.
Meeting point is 52 Chambers Street in front of the Tweed Courthouse.
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02 NYC Lower East Side Food and Culture Small-Group Tour
This is a really unique walking tour in NYC that will introduce you to the wonderful Lower East Side. The Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour shows you the many lovely little delis, Jewish specialties, bakeries and everything that makes up the soul of the city.
You’ll visit places that are an important part of the community, having operated in the same spot for generations. You’ll get a glimpse of authentic life and become part of the real New York.
With nearly 300 positive reviews, it’s the most popular walking tour in New York of them all!
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03 NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour
The Lower East Side is still an absolute insider tip among the neighborhoods of New York City and a part of Lower Manhattan that I love to visit. There are countless authentic bars and delis, some of which have been family-owned for more than 100 years and are thus an important part of the community.
The NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour deals exactly with these small spots and stores and is therefore a TOP Thing to do for foodies!
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
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We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!
Best Restaurants in the Lower East Side
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01 Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya is a Japanese-style tavern and a traditional sushi bar with a fine dining experience. This spot is all about bonding together at a fun place to drink with delicious food selections. From small plate options to family-style platters, Blue Ribbon has got you covered. The location of this Lower East Side restaurant is also beautiful and convenient if you want to jump right into the East Village.
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02 Balvanera
Situated at the crossroads of Stanton St and Suffolk, Balvanera offers an Argentinean twist on brunch culture. Serving their brunch food between 11 am and 4:30 pm on weekends, Balvanera’s welcoming ambiance sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Encompassing both traditional and innovative, their menu caters to just about anyone. Wanton to know what I order? The Milanesa a Caballo is a taste of Argentina you simply can’t miss – it’s a rich symphony of textures and flavors that might just redefine your brunch expectations. Enjoy your weekend feast in this charming Lower East Side restaurant and get a taste of Argentinean hospitality at its finest.
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03 Beauty & Essex
Step into the enigmatic Beauty & Essex, located across from Mazaar and Sons of Essex, and you’ll be in for one of the best brunch Lower East Side. But the catch is that they only offer the brunch menu on Sunday morning from 11:30 am to 4 pm.
Beauty & Essex is unique in that it’s hidden behind the facade of a pawn shop. So, prepare to be swept off your feet by the sumptuous decor, from a two-story chandelier and antique perfume bottles to a luxuriously fitted women’s bathroom. They are celebrated for their spectacularly presented Oreo Cookie Pancakes, a unique blend of Oreo crumbs and sweet cream. If pancakes are not your style, opt for the Brunch Pre Fixe and indulge in their Braised Short Rib’ Huevos Rancheros’ – it’s an experience you won’t forget.
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04 BigA Bite
As the name suggests, there are big pizzas here. They can be up to 8 feet long – so BigA Bite is a great experience especially for groups (or for families with big appetites). The pizza dough is very fluffy, tasty and you have a great choice of toppings. Be sure to try the Pizziri to start beforehand. Or the Spicy Burrata!
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05 Casa Mezcal
Casa Mezcal is – as the name suggests – a mezcal bar in New York, more precisely in the Lower East Side. Both from the outside and inside, Casa Mezcal shows the Mexican joie de vivre: everything is colorful and the bar is beautifully decorated. There is a huge selection of mezcals and the atmosphere is just great!
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best Restaurants in the Lower East Side.
Best Bars in the Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is one of the best neighborhoods in NYC for nightlife. Like we previous mentioned, this is typically where a lot of people end up on the weekend to go out:
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01 cloudM New York Bowery
For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
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Double Chicken Please by Emmanuel Rosario02 Double Chicken Please
The Double Chicken Please is a cocktail bar & restaurant in the Lower East Side and definitely worth a visit. The cocktails are incredibly tasty, creative and you’ll love the atmosphere too. Their specialty is cocktails that are inspired by dishes – so there are cocktails like Cold Pizza, Key Lime Pie or Japanese Cold Noodle.
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03 Fools Gold NYC
One of the best bars in New York, also known for good burgers. The bar is an absolute MUST-SEE! The burgers are really sensational and they offer really good local beers.
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04 Copper & Oak
Ui, this is where we as whiskey fans lost our hearts – the operators behind the bar are the same as from the Brandy Library in Tribeca. Like there, the bar is always well attended. No wonder, the bar is not very big and beautiful. Shelves filled with whiskeys, rum and co instead of books, an illuminated bar and super delicious bar food make it one of the bars that is one of the most beautiful for us!
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05 Loreley Beer Garden
Here the Rhine metropolis Cologne meets New York. The owner, Michael Momm, a real “Kölscher Jung”, opened this piece of Germany in the middle of New York in 2003. Here you will find a large selection of German beers (including Kölsch, of course) and good German wines at fair prices, as well as a delicious selection of German dishes.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best Bars in the Lower East Side.
The Art Scene in the Lower East Side
Aside from the street art you’ll encounter, there are numerous galleries that you can look into. Here’s a list of our favorites.
- Canada (Address: 333 Broome Street)
- Eleven Rivington (Address: 11 Rivington Street)
- Miguel Abreu Gallery (Address: 36 Orchard Street)
- Rachel Uffner Gallery (Address: 70 Suffolk Street)
- Sperone Westwater (Address: 257 Bowery)
Shopping in the Lower East Side
One of the best things to do in the Lower East Side and even in NYC in general is shopping. The Lower East Side is more about boutiques and specialty stores, so you won’t find any major retailers. If you’re into hats, definitely check out World Hats. They carry every possible hats you can think of. If you’re into fighting such as MMA or Boxing, check out the fight store Superare. You can find fighting gear, apparel and they even carry their own exclusive brand. Other shops in the area are boutiques with their own distinctive selections, look and vibe.
Best Hotels in the Lower East Side NYC
Are you looking for a nice hotel in the Lower East Side for your next visit to New York? But which one is the most beautiful hotel to stay in? My advice: check out our list of the best hotels in the Lower East Side!
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01 citizenM New York Bowery
4 Stars | The citizenM New York Bowery is my favorite hotel in this area, because it combines a lot of things I like: stylish, bright rooms, a sensational bar and even a rooftop bar with a fantastic view.
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02 PUBLIC Hotel
4 stars | PUBLIC Hotel is one of the newest and, in my opinion, most beautiful hotels in New York. It is located in the Lower East Side neighborhood, right on the corner of Nolita and the East Village, and thus has many trendy bars and restaurants to offer.
The ambience in the PUBLIC Hotel is really nice: harmonious colors, stylish interior and many plants create a very relaxed atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are amazing and you can end the evening in the rooftop bar.
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03 Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York
4 Stars | The Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York is one of my personal hotel tips for you. You are in one of the hottest neighborhoods of NYC, the hotel has large rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows even for New York standards and besides a stylish bar and a really good restaurant even a rooftop pool to offer!
Its location in the Lower East Side is ideal if you want to reach Chinatown, the East Village or the Financial District on foot. The neighborhood is also the new hotspot for art fans: there are many small and large art galleries to discover.
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04 Hotel On Rivington
4 stars | The Hotel On Rivington is seen by many to be one of the best hotels in NYC with a view, because of its floor to ceiling windows that take advantage of its proximity to the NYC skyline. You can take in the beautiful surroundings from almost any room in the hotel!
Staying at this hotel also puts you squarely in the Lower East Side of NYC, which allows you to take advantage of all it has to offer. Ranging from its unique food scene to fantastic nightlife.
And back at the hotel, each room is spacious and comfortable. Overall, this is a great place to stay if you’re in that area of NYC!
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05 Off Soho Suites
2 Stars | Each of the modern suites has a chic living room with a flat-screen TV, a dining area and a sofa bed. For all gym fans among you, there is a fitness centre which you can use free of charge.
Recommended article: The Best Hotels in the Lower East Side NYC.
Neighborhoods Nearby
The Lower East Side is a unique neighborhood with lots of history. With that being said, check out these other neighborhoods nearby.
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Neighborhoods that are Similar
If you enjoyed Lower East Side’s raw atmosphere, here are some neighborhoods that are similar to it.
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