Gain understanding of the Jewish immigrant experience, in a historic house of worship, at the Museum at Eldridge Street. View religious artifacts, archival documents, and stunning stained-glass windows. To secure a spot on a docent tour—and avoid lines—opt to purchase tickets in advance. Neighborhood walking tours are also a great way to see the synagogue, but plan to visit independently if you want to see the worship space and exhibits.
History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue—a National Historic Landmark.
For a great value, purchase the a city pass to get free entry to the Museum at Eldridge Street and several other cultural institutions.
To get the most out of a visit, take a docent tour of the museum—multiple times are offered daily.
Check the calendar in advance to book a class or join a lecture.
A neighborhood walking tour may take you past the historic synagogue. To visit and explore the exhibits on your own, plan to walk or arrive by subway. Take the F train to East Broadway, B or D to Grand Street, or 6, N, Q, R, J, or Z trains to Canal Street.
The Museum at Eldridge Street is open Sunday to Thursday from morning to early evening, and on Friday is closes in mid-afternoon. The museum is closed on Saturdays, major Jewish holidays, and national holidays. Plan to visit during the week to avoid crowds, and consider visiting in June for the annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival, celebrating the diversity of the Lower East Side.
Just steps from the Museum at Eldridge Street, you find the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge. Since the bridge is less crowded than the popular Brooklyn Bridge, it's a great choice for those who want to walk to Brooklyn while enjoying views over the East River. Enter at the junction of Canal and Bowery Streets, pass the colonnaded plaza, and stop at the top to snap pictures of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge.
