A proverbial melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, the Lower East Side was originally formed by several immigrant communities whose influences still resonate. Set off by Houston and Canal streets along with the FDR Drive, the neighborhood still posesses old world charm and is possibly the best place to get a great pastrami sandwich, pickles out of a barrel and the world's best bialys. Try Katz's Delicatessen (205 East Houston Street), the oldest and largest deli, founded in 1888.

This multifaceted neighborhood is centered by Orchard Street, once a Jewish wholesale enclave. Today the street is lined with cutting-edge new designers, French cafes and velvet-roped nightspots.

Blue Moon Hotel is a historic boutique hotel that captures the charm of Old New York in a luxury setting. Accommodations are ideal for business travelers, small groups, families and romantic getaways.

Timeline Touring offers insider tours that relate to this historic period by exploring the culture and heritage that existed then and still exist today. Transportation provided. Tours leave from the NYC Visitor Center.

The Lower East Side Tenement Museum interprets the area's immigrant and migrant experiences through tours of a landmark 19th-century tenement, living history programs, neighborhood walking tours, plays and special programs. The first synagogue built by Eastern European Jews in America (1887) is the Eldridge Street Project, now a cultural center and gift shop.

More information about the Lower East Side:
The Lower East Side Business Improvement District has a visitor center at 261 Broome Street and can provide visitors with a shopping directory and information on dining discounts, free parking and walking tours.

The Lower East Side Conservancy is a preservation organization that specializes in tours of this fascinating neighborhood, visiting beautiful and historic synagogues.