Chinatown & Lower East Side - Walking Tour of Immigrant New York

New York has been a multicultural city of immigrants dating back to its first colonial founding in the 1600's by the Dutch. From the earliest days of urban life below the wall that became Wall Street, to the influx of immigrants in the latter half of the 19th century (when the Lower East Side contained more people than today inhabit the entire island of Manhattan!) we've been a densely populated, diverse community since day one. Join me as we navigate the streets of this culturally rich area of downtown Manhattan. We'll encounter the bustling markets of Chinatown and discuss the forgotten Five Points, once the world's most notorious slum and the birthplace of Tap Dance. We'll also venture north into the Lower East Side proper, learning about its rich Jewish history and perhaps sampling some of its remaining Kosher delis and pickle shops. Growing up just across town, I have a unique relationship to this eclectic area and bring a personal touch I'm sure you'll enjoy.

·We'll start at Centre & Grand Streets, in front of the old police building, a Beaux Arts masterpiece which once housed New York's Finest. ·We'll head past Little Italy & several Italian shops, each more than 100 years old, before heading into Chinatown, where the produce & fish stalls offer exotic products like dragon fruit, dried squid & live eel! ·We'll pass Canal street (once a man-made canal dug to drain a polluted former drinking water source) and into the heart of New York's oldest Chinatown (but far from its only Chinese community) and cut through 'The Bloody Angle', once the site of many vicious street fights. ·We'll head across The Bowery, beyond the newer community of Chinese immigrants into the ever changing neighbourhood of Lower East Side. ·We'll see the birthplace of composer Irving Berlin, many historic synagogues (some converted to private residences) & a 100 year old dress shop that costumed Game of Thrones! ·We'll end at the new Essex Market with many exotic food options for later!