With old-time neighborhood favorites, beloved nightlife, tons of local businesses and rich history, the Lower East Side is a staple of New York City life. This vibrant neighborhood is constantly evolving, making it one of our favorite areas to spend time exploring the city.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots on the LES, so you can eat, relax, play and learn at the very best of the best.
See also: The Ultimate Guide to NYC's East Village
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127 Orchard St. / 212.475.4881 / Website
This haven of Jewish comfort food has been an NYC staple for over 100 years for a reason. With some of the best smoked meats, fish, bagels, soups and latkes in the game, Russ & Daughters is a must-visit for every local and tourist alike.
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86 Allen St. / 212.228.7732 / Website
Dirt Candy might be known for their vegetarian cuisine, but such delicious and flavorful food is sure to please all types of people. We love their five-course tasting menu, and we always opt for the wine pairing. Cheers to vegetables!
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88 Essex St. / Website
Who doesn’t love a good food hall? This indoor market has tons of culinary options, ranging from homemade soups to traditional Dominican cuisine. We recommend trying small plates from many vendors to get a taste of everything!
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145 Bowery / 212.245.6699 / Website
This brand-new addition to the LES has quickly become a staple of NYC nightlife. All 303 rooms are outfitted with uber-cool amenities, giving you the perfect place to stay after enjoying a tipple at The Highlight Room rooftop bar or an evening of live music at Silver Lining piano lounge.
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180 Ludlow St. / 212.432.1818 / Website
Those who like to travel in style should look no further than the Ludlow Hotel. Known for its glamorous downtown vibe, gorgeous bar and stunning rooms, the Ludlow is a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
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171 Ludlow St. / 212.237.1776 / Website
Home to the trendy rooftop bar Mr. Purple and a stunning rooftop pool, there’s lots to love about Hotel Indigo Lower East Side. Hardwood floors, plush bedding and tons of natural light make these rooms the perfect spot to relax after a day in the city.
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215 Chrystie St. / 212.735.6000 / Website
Great views, excellent nightlife, gorgeous landscaping and beautiful hotel rooms abound at PUBLIC Hotel. Chances are you’ve seen this splashy downtown hotel all over your Instagram feed, and if you’ve yet to experience the hype yourself, consider this your sign.
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Canal St. and Essex St. / 212.639.9675 / Website
One of the largest parks on the Lower East Side and the first permanent, municipally-build playground in the country, Seward Park is a great spot to relax on a nice afternoon. You’ll find a spacious playground, basketball courts, spray showers, volleyball courts and more.
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26 Clinton St. / 646.370.5699 / Website
Cat lovers, this one is for you. Koneko is a cat cafe offering house-made desserts, espresso drinks, beer, wine, sake and adoptable cats so you can enjoy some feline company. Be sure to make a reservation so you’re guaranteed time with the kitties!
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128 Pitt St. / 212.387.7687 / Website
Located in Hamilton Fish Park, this recreation center houses a playground, basketball courts, a cardio room, a fitness room, a billiard room and more. Looking to meet new people? NYC recreation centers can be a great place to do so.
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37 Orchard St. / 646.838.8386 / Website
We love a carefully curated shopping experience, meaning that November 19 is our ideal way to burn through a paycheck. Gorgeous and unique clothing, beautiful homeware and all-around good vibes abound.
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176 Stanton St. / 646.649.5673 / Website
We love to support local, and Only NY’s NYC-inspired pieces are one of our favorite ways to do so. Since 2007, Only NY has been making some of our favorite street, sport and outdoor apparel and accessories with an effortlessly cool style.
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170 Ludlow St. / 212.253.5393 / Website
Vintage designer, unisex pieces and effortless silhouettes are the names of the game at Assembly New York. The store carries its independent label as well as other independent and rare designers for a timeless, well-crafted curation that stays relevant beyond passing trends.
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134 Eldridge St. / Website
You can hardly talk drinks in NYC without mentioning Attaboy, a pillar of the city’s cocktail scene. The winner of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2022, this spot never fails to impress with a flawless drink and great atmosphere.
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37 Canal St. / 646.370.6222 / Website
Martini sippers, celebrity spotters, wine lovers and small plate nibblers alike will love Le Dive, the French Tabac-inspired natural wine bar that joined the LES scene last year. Truly our ideal post-work drink spot, the vibes are always immaculate.
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135 Division St. / 212.358.0722 / Website
Truly a wine lover’s dream, Parcelle is where exceptional wine meets excellent design. Jewel-toned furniture and warm wood tables create an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere perfect for a shared bottle and conversation.
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177 Christie St. / Website
Dive bar savants will love this LES classic serving up a disco ball, pool table, and plenty of beer and craft cocktails. Without fail, every night at Ray’s is a memorable one, though we make no promises about how you’ll feel come the next morning.
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14 Orchard St. / 917.488.0943 / Website
Happy hour until 7PM, live music and DJs, seasonal cocktails and dancing are a recipe for success at Bar Belly. This one might not have you out until the early hours of the morning, but it will have you craving another cocktail.
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191 Chrystie St. / Website
This new addition to LES nightlife combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism for an elevated, uber-cool ambiance that’ll leave you lost in the music in no time. Check out their Instagram for updates on weekly offerings.
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235 Bowery / 212.219.1222 / Website
Founded by Marcia Tucker in 1977, the New Museum of Contemporary Art brings new art and new ideas to the LES. You’ll always leave feeling inspired, making this museum an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
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103 Orchard St. / 877.975.3786 / Website
This National Historic Site consists of two historical tenement buildings. Take an apartment tour through historically recreated tenement apartments and discover how immigrants and migrants lived in NYC during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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146 Essex St. / 212.614.0146 / Website
Quite literally a hidden gem, this sceney restaurant sits behind a pawn shop carrying vintage treasures galore. Guests walk through the shop to encounter a grand spiral staircase and a whole secret world brought to life by Tao Group Hospitality.
With so many incredible businesses and NYC staples to enjoy, you truly can’t go wrong on the LES. We can’t wait to hear your favorite spots, so happy exploring!
Photography by: Filippo Bacci / Getty Images
