The Tenement Museum offers a fascinating, immersive glimpse into the lives of immigrants who shaped the city, with guided tours through preserved apartments that transport you back in time.

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge boasts unbeatable views of the skyline, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. It's an iconic experience, but be prepared for crowds.

Essex Market is a bustling, vibrant market with everything from fresh produce to artisanal foods. We love wandering around, grabbing a bite, and just soaking in the energy of the place.

An iconic institution with deep Jewish roots, Economy Candy is a must if you have a sweet tooth. This old-school shop has been a staple in the Lower East Side for decades, packed with nostalgic and international treats to quirky candies you didn’t know you needed. It's the only place we've been able to find the elusive Cannoli Bar!

The Museum at Eldridge Street is a hidden gem that tells the story of the Lower East Side’s rich Jewish history. Set in a beautifully restored 1887 synagogue, the museum offers a fascinating look at the immigrant experience in New York.

The New Museum is a must if you love contemporary art, and is known for its innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions. Check out their website for info on rotating exhibits.

Pier 35 offers stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll, especially if you're looking to enjoy the waterfront without the crowds.

An NYC institution and one of our favorite spots in the city! We’ve made more trips to Katz’s than we can count, and it never disappoints. Our go-to order? We each get the half pastrami sandwich and half matzo ball soup, then split a plate of fries (because balance, right?). Be prepared to leave very full and very happy.

This iconic appetizing shop has been serving up bagels, lox, and other classics since 1914. The chopped liver is easily Andrea's favorite in all of NYC. You can swing by the original shop on the Lower East Side for takeaway, or head to their café just a few blocks away if you’d rather sit down and linger a while.

Scarr's has that cool, slightly retro vibe, and the pizza really lives up to the hype. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area and craving a classic NYC slice.

Supper is one of our favorite cozy Italian spots in the city. Andrea’s obsessed with their spaghetti al limone (like, dreams about it obsessed), and honestly, it’s hard to order anything else once you’ve tried it. Just a heads up: it’s cash only.

This cozy, cash-only Japanese spot is a favorite of ours. We absolutely love their dip soba noodles, but everything on the menu is delicious—perfect for a laid-back meal.

A great spot for some excellent Chinese food with a bit of a twist. We love the relaxed vibe here, and the dishes are always a hit.

Located in the heart of Little Italy, Ferrara is one of those classic NYC spots we always find ourselves coming back to. They’ve been around since 1892, and it still feels like a bit of a time capsule—in the best way. We like to grab a table, order a cappuccino, and split a slice of their cheesecake (highly recommend). The cannolis are great, too.

We LOVE this Bahraini-owned bakery and can't help ourselves from stopping in when we're nearby. We especially love their feta dill scone—Adam says it's one of the best baked goods he's ever had!

The Back Room is one of the few true speakeasies left in NYC and is tucked away behind an unmarked alley. Once you find the entrance (look for the "Lower East Side Toy Company" sign), you'll be transported into a Prohibition-era lounge, complete with vintage decor and cocktails served in teacups. It's a cool experience and great place to grab a drink.

This small French bakery has a minimal seating area but is well worth the stop. The croissants are amazing, and they make one of Andrea’s favorite chocolate chip cookies in NYC.

Clinton St. Baking Company is renowned for its legendary pancakes. Be prepared for a wait, or try to arrive early or make reservations (via Resy).