Explore New York’s Layered History
Take a Big Onion Walking Tour and discover New York’s rich history through memorable stories and little-known facts.
The Jewish Lower East Side Tour
Walk one of New York’s iconic immigrant neighborhoods
Come join us on a walk exploring the 150+ years of history and architecture of the Jewish East Side. Our tour combines historic and religious sites, politics, and people of what was once the largest Jewish community in the world.
This walk is offered around the Jewish Holidays of Passover & Rosh Hashanah/Jewish New Year. The tour is also available for private bookings.
Stops could include the founding site of the B’nai B’rith, the Jewish Daily Forward building, Hester and Orchard Streets, the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, and sites associated with Sender Jarmulovsky, Jacob Riis, Abraham Cahan, and Lillian Wald.
Tour Info
Cost: $30
$20 Seniors and Full-Time Students
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Tour Schedule
September 2025
Tour Reservations
Big Onion requires all walkers to reserve and pay in advance. Prepayment helps us determine group size and appropriate guide numbers.
NOTE: You will select your date in the next step.
For bigger groups, consider private walking.
Whether you are looking to integrate a tour into your academic curriculum or entertain out-of-towners, a Big Onion walking tour is a great way to experience the city.
For more information or to arrange, please call (718) 499-3001 or email info@bigonion.com.
Meeting Location
Location
Southeast corner of Delancey and Essex Streets, in front of the Essex Market.
Subway Trains
F to Delancey Street, J/M/Z to Essex Street.
FAQS for Walking Tours
Guides
The finest group of tour guides anywhere. Most of us are full-time graduate students researching and writing doctoral dissertations in history, passionate about the history, architecture, and people of New York.
Finding Your Guides
All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Big Onion Walking Tours.”
Time and Distance
All tours last approximately two hours. We start on time and walk between one and two miles at a moderate walking pace, stopping at various sites along the tour.
Rain/Inclement Weather
Big Onion generally presents tours rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, please call our hotline [(888) 606-WALK (9255) ext. 1] to confirm our schedule.
Tips
Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected.
Reschedule Policy
With 24+ hours prior to a walking tour, Big Onion offers a full credit for the value of the booking. Credits will be given as Gift Cards in dollar amounts. Gift Cards are good for two years and can be used on any Big Onion outing. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no-shows cannot be credited.
Walks are held rain or shine but may be canceled for severe weather. In the event of a Big Onion cancellation full refunds or rescheduled tickets will be offered.
More Questions? Check out How it Works for more details.
Helpful Links
Local Weather Forecast
NYC Subway Map
Weekly Service Advisories
Subway Fares