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 Original Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour
A celebration in the multi-ethnic Lower East Side…with food!
Reservations Required. Tour cost includes food.
This tour combines the history of the diverse Lower East Side with a series of small food sampling, or “noshing” stops from local shops and markets. The main focus of our tour is the history of the multi-ethnic Lower East Side, emphasizing the neighborhoods of the Jewish East Side, Little Italy, and Chinatown.
During the course of our walk, we will sample about 10 different items representing the Dominican, Jewish, Italian, and Chinese communities of the Lower East Side. Most of these items are vegetarian or dairy. All food sampling will be done outdoors, and we do not include restaurants on our tour. Our “noshing” tour uses historic and/or unique markets and shops to highlight the history and could be considered a light meal. As we support local shops and markets, Big Onion pays full retail price for all foods.
The Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour cost includes all food samples. Food stops could include: handmade mozzarella, Malaysian beef jerky, pickled pineapple & okra, Chinese ice cream, and plantains…among other items! Napkins are provided. Please email us at info@bigonion.com before the tour with any questions about allergens. If booking a private walking tour the per person cost for food is $15 in addition to our private group tour fees.
We close bookings for this walk one hour before the start of the tour. This allows time for our food vendors to prepare our noshing stops. Please plan accordingly. Please refrain from showing up at the meeting site without a reservation. We may not be able to accommodate non-reserved walkers.
Tour Info
Cost: $45
$35 Seniors, Active Military, and Full-Time Students
Tour price includes food.
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Tour Schedule
July 2025
August 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