Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, United States
New York, United States

Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access

Outty Ranking 52 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $80
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access worth booking?

Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access is a 2-hour experience in New York, United States, from $80 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
2 hours
From
$80 per person

Savor the Lower East Side's most iconic flavors on this 2-hour food and history tour. Bypass the famously long queues at Katz's Delicatessen with exclusive skip-the-line access. Enjoy 8oz of legendary pastrami, double the portion of most food tours. Relive its star turn in "When Harry Met Sally. Built by generations of Eastern European Jewish and Puerto Rican immigrants, this storied neighborhood is packed with culinary heritage. Along the way, discover legendary Jewish institutions like Russ & Daughters (appetizing fish and dairy) and Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery. Pass the Gothic Revival Angel Orensanz Center (NYC’s oldest surviving purpose-built synagogue), the Tenement Museum, and the iconic Bowery Ballroom. Cap off the experience with nostalgic sweets from Economy Candy, NYC’s oldest candy store, and a slice of classic NYC cheesecake from Eileen’s Special Cheesecake.

What you get

    About this experience

    Savor the Lower East Side's most iconic flavors on this 2-hour food and history tour. Bypass the famously long queues at Katz's Delicatessen with exclusive skip-the-line access. Enjoy 8oz of legendary pastrami, double the portion of most food tours. Relive its star turn in "When Harry Met Sally. Built by generations of Eastern European Jewish and Puerto Rican immigrants, this storied neighborhood is packed with culinary heritage. Along the way, discover legendary Jewish institutions like Russ & Daughters (appetizing fish and dairy) and Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery. Pass the Gothic Revival Angel Orensanz Center (NYC’s oldest surviving purpose-built synagogue), the Tenement Museum, and the iconic Bowery Ballroom. Cap off the experience with nostalgic sweets from Economy Candy, NYC’s oldest candy store, and a slice of classic NYC cheesecake from Eileen’s Special Cheesecake.

    What's included

    Included

    • Expert tour guide
    • Sweet treats from Economy Candy
    • Savor 8oz of legendary pastrami at iconic Katz's Delicatessen - double the size of other food tours
    • Exclusive skip-the-line access at Katz's Delicatessen
    • Eileen's Special Cheesecake
    • Soft drink

    Not included

    • Additional food and drinks
    • Gratuities (optional)
    • Transportation to/from meeting points

    What you'll see and do

    1. Katz’s Delicatessen is an 1888 icon of the Jewish immigrant era, renowned for their legendary pastrami sandwiches. While the deli is famous for its long lines wrapping around the block, your experience includes VIP skip-the-line access so you can head straight inside without the wait.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    2. A beloved NYC landmark operated by four generations of the same family, Russ & Daughters specializes in world-class smoked fish, rich caviar, and traditional appetizing spreads paired with fresh bagels.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Famous for its warm, traditional potato and kasha knishes, this Lower East Side landmark is the oldest family-owned knishery in America.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Built in 1849 as the Ansche Chesed Synagogue, this striking Gothic Revival landmark is the oldest surviving building in New York City constructed specifically as a synagogue.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. A colorful Lower East Side landmark since 1937, this is NYC’s oldest candy store, packed floor-to-ceiling with thousands of vintage sweets, classic treats, and international chocolates.

      10 minutes here

    6. Tenement Museum

      Admire this historic 1863 tenement building, a preserved icon honoring generations of immigrants whose stories built the Lower East Side and NYC itself.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Built just before the 1929 stock market crash, this iconic venue remains one of New York City's most celebrated historic music halls and indie live music spaces.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Finish on a sweet note at this beloved bakery, famous for serving light, airy, secret-family-recipe cheesecakes that have been a quintessential New York favorite for over 50 years.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Meet your guide on Ludlow Street, near the corner with East Houston Street, down the side of “Il Laboratorio Del Gelato”, opposite Katz's Delicatessen.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour concludes in the vibrant heart of Nolita at Eileen's Special Cheesecake, just steps away from world-class SoHo shopping, historic Little Italy, and convenient subway lines for easy onward travel.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 25 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Empire Tours - NYC

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress accordingly.
    • The walking tour covers around 1 mile (1.6 km) long.
    • The tour can accommodate diabetic and seafood/fish-free diets. It is not suitable for people who are gluten free/vegan/vegetarian.
    • The tour is free for children 6 and under, but does NOT include food.
    • The 8oz portion of pastrami at Katz is double the size of other food tours

    Photos

    Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, photo 2Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, photo 3Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, photo 4Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, photo 5Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, photo 6Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access in New York, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    498charlal · October 2026

    Wonderful Day in NYC

    Jared was a sensational tour guide and we enjoyed every minute of the tour. It was my friend’s first food/walking tour and she is a convert. I have enjoyed several around the world and really liked how this one was organized. Katz Deli is the main food so we were able to fully enjoy it and the atmosphere. Jared was so easy to visit with and accommodated our slower pace. The candy store was a delight and the history along the way was spot on. I learned a lot. The cheesecake at the end was perfection…cool and refreshing on a hot day. I highly recommend this classic New York food tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $80 to $400
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Empire Tours - NYC, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.9.

    See everything Empire Tours - NYC runs

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)9
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access cost?

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    Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access take?

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    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

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    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access?

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    Included: Expert tour guide; Sweet treats from Economy Candy; Savor 8oz of legendary pastrami at iconic Katz's Delicatessen - double the size of other f; Exclusive skip-the-line access at Katz's Delicatessen; and Eileen's Special Cheesecake. Not included: Additional food and drinks; Gratuities (optional); and Transportation to/from meeting points. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access?

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    Meet your guide on Ludlow Street, near the corner with East Houston Street, down the side of “Il Laboratorio Del Gelato”, opposite Katz's Delicatessen. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Katz's Deli and Lower East Side Food Tour Skip the Line Access.

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