Little Italy
Little Italy is much more than just a few streets in Lower Manhattan: it’s a corner brimming with history and flavor 🇮🇹, a testament to the Italian-American legacy in New York City. Known worldwide for its traditional restaurants, nostalgic atmosphere, and the famous Feast of San Gennaro, this neighborhood offers a charming contrast to the modern hustle and bustle of the city.
Located primarily along Mulberry Street, between Broome and Canal Streets, Little Italy is a must-visit stop for those seeking an authentic experience and a taste of the rich Italian cultural heritage. Although its size has diminished over the years, its spirit endures, inviting visitors to stroll its streets and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Why Visit Little Italy?
Visiting Little Italy means immersing yourself in a living piece of New York City history. It’s an iconic neighborhood that evokes Italian immigration and offers a unique cultural and culinary experience. Here you’ll find family-run restaurants with decades of tradition, quaint shops, and an atmosphere that transports you to another era. 🍝🍷
Its cultural significance is undeniable: it has been the heart of the Italian-American community and the setting for iconic films like ‘The Godfather’. Additionally, its central location in Lower Manhattan makes it an ideal spot to combine with visits to neighboring areas like Chinatown, SoHo, and Nolita.
Little Italy is also a symbol of cultural resilience. Despite the expansion of Chinatown and urban changes, the neighborhood keeps its identity alive, especially visible during the colorful Feast of San Gennaro each September. If you want to feel the history and taste the Italian heritage in NYC, this is your place.
How to Get to Little Italy by Subway?
Main Stations
The nearest subway stations providing direct access to Little Italy are Canal St, Grand St, and Spring St. These stations are strategically located around the neighborhood, allowing easy access to Mulberry Street and its surroundings.
Subway Lines Serving Little Italy
Little Italy is well-served by the New York City subway, with several lines stopping at nearby stations. The lines that take you directly to this destination include:
- J, Z (brown lines) – stop at Canal St
- N, Q, R, W (yellow lines) – stop at Canal St
- 6 (green line) – stops at Canal St and Spring St
- B, D (orange lines) – stop at Grand St
How to Get to Little Italy From:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Central Park or Columbus Circle, you can take the B or D lines southbound (Downtown) to Grand St. Alternatively, you can take the N, Q, R, or W lines southbound to Canal St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, Little Italy is a short trip north. You can take the 6 line northbound (Uptown) to Canal St or Spring St, or even walk if the weather is nice.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can take the B, D, N, or Q lines across the Manhattan Bridge to Grand St or Canal St. If you’re coming from Williamsburg, you can take the J or Z line across the Williamsburg Bridge to Canal St.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
From Long Island City or Flushing, you can take the 7 line to Grand Central–42 St and transfer to the 6 line southbound to Canal St or Spring St. Another option is to take the E line to Canal St and walk a few blocks.
Harlem
From Harlem, in northern Manhattan, you can take the 6 line southbound directly to Canal St or Spring St. You can also use the B or D lines to Grand St.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica station and transfer to the J or Z line to Canal St. From LaGuardia, you can take a bus (like the Q70-SBS) to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the F line (southbound) to Delancey St/Essex St, then walk or transfer to the J/Z to Canal St. From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station and then the subway (A, C, E lines to Canal St, or the 1, 2, 3 lines to Chambers St and walk).
What to Do in Little Italy?
Little Italy is one of New York’s most charming neighborhoods, ideal for strolling, eating, and soaking up its historic atmosphere. It offers a calmer experience focused on culture and cuisine, a respite from the frantic pace of other areas. Every corner has a story to tell. 🇮🇹✨
Enjoy the Atmosphere and Architecture
Strolling down Mulberry Street is the main activity. Admire the facades of the old buildings, many with characteristic fire escapes, the restaurant signs, and the Italian flags adorning the streets. The atmosphere is especially magical at night, with the lights from the establishments creating a cozy ambiance.
Savor the Italian Cuisine
Little Italy is a paradise for Italian food lovers. Here you’ll find everything from historic restaurants serving classic pasta and pizza dishes 🍕, to cozy cafes, pastry shops with cannoli and tiramisu, and artisanal gelato shops. Don’t leave without trying a specialty at one of its many establishments. Enjoy your meal! 😋
Experience the Feast of San Gennaro
If you visit in September, you can’t miss the Feast of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. For about ten days, Mulberry Street transforms into a vibrant street fair with food stalls, games, live music, and religious processions. It’s the highlight of the year in the neighborhood and an unforgettable experience. 🎉
Visit Historical and Cultural Sites
Although small, the neighborhood houses points of interest like the historic St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, used in scenes from ‘The Godfather’. You can also look for the (formerly located here and in the process of reopening) Italian American Museum to learn more about the history of Italian immigration in New York.
Photo Ops and Special Moments
Little Italy is an ideal place to capture charming photos. The famous “Little Italy” sign at the corner of Mulberry and Broome St is a classic. Photograph the colorful facades, the restaurant tables on the street, and the details that evoke the neighborhood’s Italian heritage. 📸
Attractions Near Little Italy
Little Italy is located in a prime area of Lower Manhattan, surrounded by other fascinating neighborhoods and cultural attractions. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to discover the diversity and historical richness of this part of New York City.
Chinatown
Just south and east of Little Italy lies Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese enclaves in the Western world. Walking from one to the other means experiencing a fascinating cultural shift within meters. Enjoy its bustling atmosphere, markets, and authentic Asian cuisine. 🥢
SoHo
To the west of Little Italy extends SoHo (South of Houston Street), famous for its cast-iron architecture, art galleries, designer boutiques, and luxury shops. It’s a perfect place for lovers of shopping and design. 🛍️
Nolita
North of Little Italy (hence its name) lies Nolita, a chic and charming neighborhood known for its independent shops, stylish cafes, and a more relaxed atmosphere than SoHo. It’s ideal for strolling and discovering hidden gems.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
A short distance to the east, this museum offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of immigrant families who lived in the area’s tenement buildings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A highly recommended visit to understand the history of immigration in NYC.
St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Located on Mulberry Street, bordering Nolita, this historic cathedral was the original seat of the Archdiocese of New York. Its Neo-Gothic architecture and historic cemetery make it a place of cultural and architectural interest, in addition to its connection with Italian-American and cinematic history. ⛪
New Museum
Located on the Bowery, near Little Italy, the New Museum is a major museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Its striking building designed by SANAA hosts innovative exhibitions by emerging and established artists from around the world.
Tips for Visiting Little Italy
Although Little Italy is a relatively small and easily walkable neighborhood, some tips will help you make the most of your visit to this historic corner of New York City.
Best Time of Day to Visit
Little Italy is charming at any time. During the day, you can explore the shops and enjoy a quiet lunch. At night, the neighborhood comes alive with restaurant lights and a more romantic atmosphere, ideal for dinner. If you want to experience the neighborhood at its liveliest, visit during the Feast of San Gennaro in September.
Avoiding Crowds
The neighborhood can get quite crowded, especially on weekend evenings and during peak tourist season. Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare, is where most people congregate. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during lunch hours instead of dinner. Expect large crowds during the Feast of San Gennaro.
Safety
Little Italy is generally a safe area for tourists. However, as in any busy area of New York City, it’s important to be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded restaurants or during festivals. Walking its streets is pleasant and safe, both day and night.
What to Bring (and What Not To)
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely combine your visit with walks through neighboring areas (Chinatown, SoHo). Don’t forget your camera to capture the picturesque atmosphere. And above all, come hungry! 😋 It’s a good idea to bring some cash, as some smaller establishments or street vendors (during the festival) might prefer it.
