Lower East Side - Manhattan, New York City

Address:New York, New York

Take a stroll through the city and see some of NYC's oldest synagogues while chomping on a hot deli knish and a crunchy pickle. Shop at trendy boutiques and check out the rockin' nightlife of some of NYC's up and coming bands.
A classic blend of old and new often makes for the hippest places, and this is certainly the case with Manhattan's Lower East Side. Traditionally an immigrant and working class neighborhood, the Lower East Side has undergone rapid gentrification in recent years, even prompting the National Trust for Historic Preservation to add the neighborhood to their list of America's Most Endangered Places. But never fear, a walk through this famous neighborhood will still give you a taste of diverse ethnic heritage with a modern flair. Drop in at a famous kosher deli or bakery for a bialy or corned beef sandwich and make one of your stops Katz's, which is also the place where Meg Ryan had her famous fake orgasm in "When Harry Met Sally." While here, don't miss one of New York City's most impressive museums, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, which is housed in a former tenement building and gives a glimpse into life in the neighborhood life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Then, follow up the history lesson with some great shopping. Bargain hunters will love vintage clothing and shoes at great prices at places like Hairy Mary's Vintage & Design. Music lovers will appreciate the Lower East Side as the neighborhood which was once home to music landmark CBGB, where some of the most famous figures in rock 'n roll (like Ramones and Blondie), played back in the day. And thank goodness, the same great nightlife still lives on, especially on weekends, at bars, restaurants and live music venues, which are filled with up and coming alternative rock bands and lesser known acts, as well.