$900
and up
exclusive private tour
Ellis Island Hospital Hard Hat Tour
Behind-the-scenes hard hat tour inside Ellis Island Contagious Disease Hospital, abandoned since 1954, and once also used as an FBI detention center
Private Secrets of the Lower East Side Tour and Tasting
Secrets of the Lower East Side Tour and Tasting
- 2 hours
- $320 and up
- Groups of any size
- Flexible Cancellations
Tour Highlights
- Explore synagogues of the Lower East Side that have been repurposed into art galleries, churches, and event spaces as well as bathhouses, restaurants, movie theaters, and more
- Sample traditional Jewish Food from three places
- Learn about the history of the Lower East Side, once the most densely populated district in the world
- Uncover the history of Jewish Immigration in the area and hear what tenement life was like, find out where immigrants shopped, banked, and how they obtained news of the times
- Stop by significant Lower East Side landmarks including the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Jarmulowsky Bank, Forwards Building, and old Old Loew’s movie theaters
Guests Love This Tour!
About This Tour:
Once the most densely populated districts in the world, the lower east side of Manhattan has witnessed numerous changes during the past hundred years. This walking tour is a resourceful glimpse of the past. The tour will focus on a few of the remaining vestiges and surviving buildings and structures of an era of Jewish immigration.The streets were lined with numerous stores and pushcarts including Jewish delicatessens, bakeries, pickle stands, cafeterias to name a few.
Join long-time Lower East Side resident Richard Soden as he highlights buildings and structures that still exist today as well as those that have been restored, re-purposed, demolished, and abandoned. He will speak about what transformed the neighborhood. The tour will conclude with a discussion of several food establishments that still exist today, some of Richard’s fond childhood memories, and a brief look at the Lower East Side today. Along the way, we’ll stop at a couple of these to nibble on traditional Jewish food.
About Your Guide
Richard M. Soden, O.D., F.A.A.O. is a Clinical Professor and currently the Director of Health Care Development At SUNY College of Optometry. Previously, he served as Vice President for Clinical Affairs at SUNY Optometry for 10 years. Dr. Soden graduated from SUNY College of Optometry in 1979. After graduation, he completed a residency program at the Northport VA Medical Center on Long Island. In addition to primary care optometry, his special interests are in pediatrics, children with special needs and low vision rehabilitation for children and adults. He is recognized as a low vision specialist and has worked with the Commission for the Blind for his entire optometric career. After leaving the VA and private practice, Dr. Soden returned to SUNY College of Optometry as Vice President for Clinical Affairs.
In addition to the above, Richard is also a licensed New York City Tour Guide and a Docent at the Museum at Eldridge Street.
Ear pieces are provided to each guests, ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly, even from a distance!
Cancellation Policy
Meeting Location
How to Get There?
FAQ
Cancellation Policy
100% refund up to 72 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 72 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
Meeting Location
Please meet your tour guide Richard Sodden in front of The Pickle Guys (357 Grand St, New York, NY 10002)
How to Get There?
If traveling by subway:
F to Delancey: Walk two blocks south on Essex street to the corner of Grand and Essex. Location in on the SE corner.
B or D to Grand Street: Walk approximately 5 blocks east on Grand Street to the SE corner of Grand and Essex
FAQ
How long is the tour?
This tour is 90 minutes long
Where does it end?
It ends at the new Essex Market on Delaney and Essex street
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly outdoors.
Any Questions? We're here to help!
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