Nolita

The Basics

Explore Nolita and Little Italy on a walking tour, which typically cover both neighborhoods. Some tours analyze Nolita and Little Italy’s criminal history and their role as a center for the Italian-American mafia, while other walking tours focus on Nolita’s gastronomic delights and include tastings of typical Italian foods such as mozzarella and pizza; some also explore the gastronomic influences of neighboring immigrant communities in Chinatown and the Lower East Side.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Nolita is a must for food lovers, shoppers, and fans of gangster lore.

• Mulberry Street is Nolita’s main thoroughfare and is where you should begin your explorations.

• There is lots of tempting food on offer here, so plan your visit to coincide with a breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

How to Get There

Nolita is hemmed in by East Houston Street to the North, Broome Street to the south, Bowery to the east, and Lafayette Street to the west. To get here, ride the subway to Spring Street (4 or 6 trains), Broadway-Lafayette St (B, D, F, or M), or Bowery (J).

When to Get There

Nolita is a year-round destination; its hot-ticket restaurants attract diners in all seasons. In summer, many of the cafés and restaurants put out sidewalk seating that’s ideal for watching fashionable crowds milling about.

Where to Eat in Nolita

Nolita’s dining scene is the envy of many a Manhattan neighborhood and attracts hungry New Yorkers from all over town. Sample pizza from the longstanding Lombardi’s, which has been serving wood-fired pies since 1905, or from the by-the-slice Prince Street Pizza, where there’s almost always a line. Parm, meanwhile, dishes out Italian-American sandwiches while Emilio’s Ballato attracts a celebrity clientele with its Italian classics. Italian is far from the only option though; enjoy cuisines that range from casual Middle Eastern falafel at Taïm to Western Chinese dishes at Xi'an Famous Foods and tacos at La Esquina.

What does Nolita in New York City mean?

Nolita means North of Little Italy. Neighbor to SoHo, this Manhattan borough has its own cozy, intimate vibe going on. Visitors come to shop, eat, and people-watch in this picturesque part of New York City. Its celebrity inhabitants have included David Bowie and Martin Scorsese, to name a few.

What can you do in Nolita?

Nolita is home to lovely high-end boutiques, quaint coffee shops, and a hip and happening restaurant and bar scene. You can spend the whole day browsing, followed by a more sophisticated evening out. The active church, the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, is one of the area’s top attractions.

What is Nolita known for?

The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, built in the 1800s, is one of Nolita's top attractions. This Catholic church was once the original cathedral church of the Archdiocese of New York. The neighborhood is known for its cute boutique shops and hip bar scene.

What is the difference between Nolita and SoHo?

Nolita got its name in the 90s, while SoHo, its next-door neighbor, was coined in the 60s. Big luxury designer label shops line Soho streets, while cozier Nolita has smaller boutiques. They are both in Lower Manhattan. SoHo means South of Houston Street, and Nolita means North of Little Italy.

What tours stop in Nolita?

Several tours show you an insider’s take on Nolita, Little Italy, and other parts of New York City's lower Manhattan. Explore the area’s gangster scene and go back in time to the days of prohibition. There are also fragrance-making tours in the area and all sorts of culinary tours.

When is the best time to visit Nolita?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit New York City and Nolita. These are when the temperatures are more moderate—great for being outside, walking, touring, and shopping. There are fewer tourists at these times, too, since most international tourists visit over the winter and summer holidays.

Ways to explore

One of the best ways to experience Nolita is on a walking tour. Because the neighborhood is so small—roughly four blocks wide by four blocks tall—you can easily see its top sites in less than an hour, such as the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Food tours highlighting the area’s eclectic dining scene are especially popular and often include nearby areas, including Little Italy, Chinatown, and SoHo.

Many hop-on hop-off bus tours stop within walking distance of Nolita, often at Little Italy. Plan to disembark around lunchtime to try local favorites like Lombardi’s on Spring Street, widely considered to be the oldest pizza restaurant in the United States.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility in Nolita can be limited due to the area’s historical buildings and cobblestone streets. The closest accessible subway station is at Broadway–Lafayette.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable shopping bags, sunglasses, MTA card

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, layers, latest trends to fit in with the locals

Not allowed

Restrictions vary by tour, but most don’t allow smoking, pets, or outside food and beverages.

Amenities

Public restrooms are available at Sara D. Roosevelt Park and M’Finda Kalunga Garden.

Address

Nolita is located in Lower Manhattan. East Houston Street is to the north, Broome Street to the south, Bowery to the east, and Lafayette Street to the west.

Driving

Driving isn’t recommended due to limited parking and congestion. If you choose to drive, consider using garages near Elizabeth Street or East Broadway, but be prepared to pay a premium price.

Public transportation

The easiest (and cheapest) way to get to Nolita is by subway. Ride the 4 or 6 to Spring Street or the B, D, F, or M to Broadway–Lafayette.

Best times to visit

Time your visit around lunch or dinner to experience Nolita’s famous dining scene, which is jam-packed with pizzerias and restaurants.

Best days to visit

Visit midweek for fewer crowds. If you’re planning a weekend trip, make reservations for tours and restaurants to guarantee availability.

Best months to visit

Nolita shines in early summer when the weather turns warm, cafés put out sidewalk seating, and New York’s trendsetters debut the season’s newest fashions.

Special events

Every September, the Feast of San Gennaro brings vendors, performances, big crowds, and a high-energy buzz to Mulberry Street.