InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Anybody find the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, but the real New York is in the details. One of those details is the burgeoning neighbourhood of the Lower East Side. Originally an immigrant landing, the area still keeps the charm of its Latino and Asian roots. Until seven o’clock, after which it turns into a nightlife hotspot extraordinaire. Here are a few of the not-to-be-missed insider tidbits in New York’s Lower East Side.

Economy Candy
Stop by this old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind candy store to pick up a bag or bar of your old favourites, including wax lips, Razzles, Squirrel Nut Zippers and more. For those with less of a sweet tooth, their barreled selection of nuts and dried fruits is also astounding.

Dear:55
Dear:55 is a modern twist on the “same old, same old” vintage store. By mixing the old, like classic Vivienne Westwood, with the current, like Comme de Garçon, they’ve given the Lower East Side something chic to be proud of.

Tompkins Square Park
This park is technically located in the East Village, but it’s accessible to the Lower East Side by way of a few minute’s stroll. On Sundays during the fall, grab a hot apple cider from the farmer’s market and enjoy the changing of the leaves.

El Cibao
Located on the corner of Clinton and Rivington, this Latino-American restaurant is so local they don’t have a website. Featuring all of the Dominican traditions, like meats cooked a myriad of ways, soups, and grilled sandwiches. Ask for bistec con pimientos, arroz amarillo, frijoles y maduros. Or, pepper steak with yellow rice, beans and fried bananas. Either way you say it, they’ll serve it up.

Suba
Out of this world tapas, a wine list that is honestly amazing, and an atmosphere to compliment both. Now, top it off with some great service and you have yourself a night to remember. For a special treat, try the garlic watercress.