Uncover New York City Rich History and Culture On Three Walking Tours

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

​New York City, a vibrant urban center, can be explored by meandering through the city.  By wandering through New York City’s streets, Allen Batista Travel’s licensed tour guides will tell tales about the history and culture of the Mid-Manhattan, Lower East Side, Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown.

In this blog, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. will showcase three distinct neighborhoods known for its rich history, culture and interesting stories.

Mid Manhattan Walking Tour

Mid Manhattan walking tour meanders around New York City’s iconic locations – Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, Bryant Park area, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center Chrysler Building.

Grand Central Terminal, a major transportation center, is one of the city’s great architectural treasures created in the Beaux Arts style.  Times Square is known as “the Crossroad of the World.” The area also has several theaters featuring popular Broadway shows.

Bryant Park, an ideal green space in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, is a destination for movies under the stars, live performances in the summer and ice skating in the winter.  The New York Public Library is a splendid neoclassical structure containing millions of books and establishing itself as a cultural and scholarly hub.

The Empire State Building provides spectacular views of Manhattan especially form the observation deck.  Rockefeller Center is another popular destination for tourists to explore local restaurants and shops, as well as go ice skating in the winter.

Lower East Side Walking Tour

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of New York City’s fastest growing ethnic groups emigrated to the city.  The Lower East Side walking tour is centered on the immigrant identity, the tenement buildings, and cultural landmarks that have shaped the neighborhood’s ethnic mix.

The Tenement Museum is one of the most important landmarks, representing working class immigrants who lived in very small apartments with other families in the 19th century. Visitors can look inside some preserved apartments, as well as learn about Jewish, Italian, Irish, and German immigrants who came through Ellis Island in search of a better life. The museum provides several displays focusing on the struggles and successes of immigrant families.

Founded in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen specializes in Jewish delicacies. The Essex Market is a destination for small business owners selling fish, meat, cheese and specialty produce. The Seward Park Library offers a historical overview of the educational and cultural centers for immigrants.

As visitors meander through the Lower East Side, tourists will discover historic synagogues and churches located near graffiti art, artisan cafes, and cool clothing stores.

Soho, Little Italy, And Chinatown Walking Tour

The Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown walking tour weaves through three iconic culturally rich neighborhoods.

The tour begins in Soho, an area known for its cast-iron buildings and art galleries, and cobblestone streets lined with luxury shops, popular cafes. The neighborhood is an epicenter for a vibrant art scene and there are art galleries displaying masterpieces from artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol.

Little Italy has welcomed many Italian immigrants in the city.  Today, Little Italy is a thriving tourist attraction with many Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops. Mulberry Street is a destination for authentic Italian cuisine, as well as handmade pasta and olive oils from overseas. Built in 1815, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral has been a center for religious and social life for the Italians living in the United States.

The tour proceeds to Chinatown, home to the largest community of Chinese and other Asian immigrants in America. Chinatown is known for its markets selling fresh produce, herbal stores, and restaurants serving authentic Chinese food. The Museum of Chinese in America highlights the Chinese immigrant experience. The Chinatown Gate serves as the entrance to the area of Chinatown.

When visitors walk through these neighborhoods, tourists can observe the impact of different immigrant groups on the city. Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to book a Mid Manhattan, Lower East Side or Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown walking tours.