Explore two unique neighborhoods in New York City on a walking tour through Little Italy and Chinatown. Learn the rich history and cultural shifts that define these neighborhoods. From fading Italian echoes in Little Italy to vibrant Chinese life in Chinatown, this four-hour journey with a licensed guide offers fascinating insights into the tales and transformations of these historic areas. Dive into a world where heritage thrives amidst the urban backdrop of Lower Manhattan, and experience the dynamic legacy that continues to shape New York.
Tour Itinerary & Highlights
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
- Your cultural immersion begins when you meet up with your expert local guide on the corner of Lafayette and Broome Streets in the heart of Little Italy.
- From there you’ll start your Little Italy and Chinatown walking tour on the streets of Little Italy – many of which you have probably heard of as they are synonymous with the area – such as Mulberry Street.
- As you stroll the sidewalks, you’ll notice the abundance of traditional Italian restaurants or trattorias – many with outdoor seating as weather permits – but all serving ethnic favorites like homemade pasta, all styles of pizza, stromboli, calzone and plenty of wine!
- You’ll also see that there’s no shortage of bakeries and gelateries should you be craving something sweet like a homemade cannoli, tiramisu or any flavor of gelato you can think of.
- From the streets of Little Italy, you’ll cross Canal Street – which is infamous for it’s many vendors selling knock-off purses, jewelry and more (of any designer you could think of) – but is also the traditional “dividing line” between Little Italy and Chinatown.
- Walking through Chinatown you’ll notice a different vibe – almost like you have been transported to another country. Here you will hear little English as most speak in their native language that is filled with many different dialects.
- The infamous street in this neighborhood is Mott Street – which starts at Chatham Square and stretches up to Little Italy and into Nolita. Think of it as the “unofficial” Main Street of the area.
- With Mott Street comes an array of new aromas wafting from the doors of its restaurants – which serve some of the best Chinese food you’ll find anywhere in the US!
- And that food? It consists of anything you can think of – plus many dishes that you may have never heard of before. Think dim sum, fried dumplings, chop suey, pork stuffed fish balls and egg tarts to name a few.
- Also prevalent throughout the area are tea parlors, fresh fish markets that sell all types of saltwater creatures and produce stands with many items available that you also might not recognize.
- Other spots of interest you’ll see while learning the history of the Chinese and Italian immigrants who settled here include Five Points, the Mahayana Buddhist Temple – which is the largest Buddhist Temple in NYC, Columbus Park, First Shearith Israel Graveyard and much, much more!
- All stops, timing and inclusions of the tour are dependent on traffic and weather conditions.
Inclusions:
- Experience Little Italy and Chinatown and receive local tips from your savvy local guide
*Gratuity for the tour guide is not included.
More Information:
- The duration of the tour is four hours.
- The starting time and date of the tour are customizable to fit your schedule.
- This tour is offered all year round, seven days a week.
- Restrictions may apply depending on the date and time of the tour.
- You can customize the starting location of the tour to fit your schedule. You can choose to start the tour at your hotel doorstep, at a restaurant where you just finished breakfast or at a custom location of your liking. Pick-up or drop-off locations outside of Manhattan may accrue additional time & cost.
- This walking tour can accommodate up to 12 guests.
- We can customize the tour and stops to fit your needs upon request.