New York City Little Italy

The basics

Little Italy is a stop on many hop-on hop-off bus tours, and its restaurants, bakeries, and side streets can be easily explored in a single afternoon. Some walking tours combine this neighborhood with nearby Chinatown, SoHo, and the Lower East Side, while others offer a more in-depth look at the area’s history, including its 19th-century tenement buildings and historic mafia hangouts like the Little Italy - Official Historic District Tour.

Little Italy is one of Manhattan’s top foodie destinations, and food tours that include tastings from pizza to pastries are a popular way to explore the area. Tired of Italian food? No problem. Joint tours of Little Italy and Chinatown are sometimes offered due to the neighborhoods’ proximity, offering an even broader selection of the area’s hidden gems and eateries.

Things to know before you go

• Little Italy is a must for foodies and history buffs.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Little Italy and its surrounding neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

• Bring cash: Some of the area’s smaller eateries do not take credit.

• Visit the MTA’s website for updates on subway detours and weekend transit schedules.

How to get there

Sandwiched between SoHo and the Lower East Side, Little Italy is easily accessible using New York City’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest subway stops are Canal Street on trains N, Q, R, W, J, Z, and 6 and Grand Street on trains B and D. Bus M1 also stops at Centre and Broome streets, a 2-minute walk from the heart of Little Italy. Alternatively, a Citi Bike bike-share dock is located on the corner of Lafayette and Howard streets.

When to get there

As one of Manhattan’s most frequented neighborhoods, Little Italy is almost always buzzing with locals and visitors. To avoid the crowds, go for a morning coffee and pastry and explore before the 1pm lunch rush. Little Italy is best known for its annual Italian-American Feast of San Gennaro festival, held in late September. Crowds flock to Mulberry Street for food, drinks, and the Grand Procession parade. New York City Little Italy tickets aren’t required to enjoy the popular neighborhood; however, festivals and events do require tickets for admission.

Where to find the best cannoli in Little Italy

Cannoli are quintessential Italian-American cuisine, and Manhattan’s Little Italy offers myriad opportunities to sample and compare. Locals and visitors often agree that Caffe Roma, on the corner of Broome and Mulberry streets, has the best cannoli in town, but La Bella Ferrara, just north of Canal Street, is close competition. Decide for yourself during Little Italy’s annual Feast of San Gennaro, when vendors line Mulberry Street selling a selection of the neighborhood’s best pastries.

Ways to explore

Little Italy covers just a few square blocks in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Given its size and vibrant street life, the neighborhood is perfect for a half-day stroll—you can explore the main drag on Mulberry Street and still have time to enjoy a cappuccino or espresso. It’s also close to other walkable neighborhoods like Nolita, Chinatown, and SoHo, with plenty of tours available. Consider booking a walking tour to catch all the highlights, or a multi-neighborhood food tour to savor Italian and Chinese specialties.

Accessibility

Generally, New York City bus tours are wheelchair accessible. Some areas of the neighborhood may have uneven surfaces that could be challenging for wheelchair users.

Age limits

The neighborhood is welcoming for all ages, but some bars may have age limits.

What to pack

Bring a scarf or shawl for visiting St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, an extra bag for souvenirs or market finds, and a healthy appetite.

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, layers, your coolest Italian sunglasses

Not allowed

Open alcohol on the street, wearing a hat inside St. Patrick’s, asking for pineapple on pizza

Amenities

Restrooms in Columbus Park, cafés and restaurants

Address

Little Italy is anchored by Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan, just west of the Lower East Side and north of Chinatown. It’s best to walk there or take the subway, though driving is possible—just be prepared for traffic and limited parking.

Driving

From Midtown Manhattan, head south on Lexington, Fifth, or Park Avenue. Continue onto the Bowery or Third Avenue, then turn onto Grand Street and look for parking near Mulberry Street.

Public transportation

Little Italy is surrounded by subway stations. Spring Street (6), Grand Street (B, D), Bowery (J, Z) and Canal Street (6, J, Z, N, Q, R, W) are all good options.

Best times to visit

Don’t miss sampling the local Italian fare—plan to go at lunchtime or early evening before 8pm, ahead of the tourist crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekends are when the neighborhood is most lively and Italians from the outer boroughs are more likely to stop by.

Best months to visit

Visit during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. Late summer coincides with the popular Feast of San Gennaro.

Special events

Each year in mid-September, NYC’s Italian-American community honors San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, with 11 days of music, parades, games, and food in Little Italy.