Little Italy

Little Italy is one of New York’s most emblematic neighbourhoods, located in the heart of Manhattan between Chinatown and Soho. This historic district, once the centre of the city’s Italian community, is now a tourist hotspot, where you can discover Italian heritage and culture through its cuisine, shops and traditions.

The history of Little Italy

Little Italy‘s history is deeply marked by Italian immigration to New York, which began in the late 19th century. The neighbourhood was formed when thousands of Italians, fleeing poverty and political unrest in Italy, settled on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. At the time, Little Italy was a densely populated area where living conditions were often difficult, with modest, overcrowded flats called tenements. Despite this, the Italians recreated a veritable microcosm of their culture, with familiar grocery shops, restaurants and religious celebrations.

A stroll down Mulberry Street, the district’s main thoroughfare, will show you why Little Italy has remained famous for its traditional festivals, in particular the Festa di San Gennaro, a religious celebration in honour of the patron saint of Naples, which enlivens the district every September. Churches such as St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, which you can visit, have played a central role in the spiritual life of the Italian community, while small shops and restaurants have helped to maintain a strong Italian identity.

In the twentieth century, the area became infamous for the influence of the Italian Mafia, although the majority of residents led honest lives. Little Italy then went into gradual decline, with many families leaving the area to settle in the suburbs, while nearby Chinatown expanded.

Today, although Little Italy has lost much of its original population, you’ll still find a unique atmosphere, with historic restaurants, cafés and shops that perpetuate the Italian heritage. The neighbourhood embodies the resilience of Italian immigrants and their ability to shape New York’s history, while offering visitors a lively cultural experience.

Visit Little Italy: 20-minute walking itinerary

Here’s an itinerary optimised to discover Little Italy in a day while enjoying the Italian atmosphere and visiting the main places of interest. It includes gourmet breaks and cultural moments while optimising walking distances.

Canal Street

Start your itinerary by getting off at Canal Street underground station. This station takes you to the gates of Little Italy, right in the heart of Mulberry Street, the district’s main thoroughfare.

Mulberry Street

Start your walk on Mulberry Street, the backbone of Little Italy. This street is packed with Italian restaurants, shops and cafés. Take your time to admire the atmosphere, the historic facades…

Italian American Museum

Continue on to the Italian American Museum (155 Mulberry Street). The museum is close by and will enable you to learn more about the beginnings of Little Italy and Italian immigration to New York.

184 Lafayette St

The Beyond Boundaries mural, created in 2023 by artist Sonny Behan for the FOUR PAWS organisation, condemns the trade in captive big cats in South Africa.

Big City of Dreams

Nearby, the Big City of Dreams mural at 389 Broome Street celebrates New York’s energy and aspiration, capturing the essence of the city as a place where dreams can come true.

176 Mulberry street

The mural near the intersection with Broome Street features a vibrant portrait of Audrey Hepburn, capturing her timeless elegance and paying homage to the film icon in the heart of Little Italy.

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral

At 263 Mulberry Street, this historic church will transport you back to the religious past of New York’s Italian community. You can explore the interior of the basilica.