Italian Immigration in NYC Walking Tour

Walking Tour

3 hrs

New York City

With nearly two million residents of Italian descent, New York is the largest city for Italian Americans in the United States. Italians helped shape the city of New York on many levels – impacting local politics, cultural arts, labor laws and of course, cuisine. NYC landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Terminal were created by the dedicated efforts of Italian immigrants.

However, as so many American newcomers did, Italians faced discrimination and banded together into cultural clubs and organizations. From these groups grew the “Casa Nostra” crime ring, which we know today as the Italian Mafia. Our tour will contextualize the story of how this small group came to dominate the stereotypical idea of Italian-American culture.

Tour Itinerary

Our journey begins from the Basilica of St Patrick’s Old Cathedral – a landmark that has witnessed so many incredible moments of Italian-American culture since its inception. Together we'll stroll deeper into Little Italy as we bring to light stories of the nation's first Italian immigrants and the Tenement buildings where they were housed.

We'll encounter several of the city's oldest and most famous restaurants, which have housed their fair share of family dinners and business meetings over the centuries. We'll discover the favored hangouts and haunts of the alleged mafia members, cross-referencing many documentaries and famous photographs that have been taken in this neighborhood.

The Italian-American influence on the nation's early history is critical to understand in its original context. As we stroll along Mulberry and Mott Streets, we'll be able to retrace the footsteps of several key players in the battle for immigrants' rights and fair treatment under the law. As we view the 14th Ward Industrial School, we'll consider the fight for public education as well. Together we'll also pause at the exterior of the former New York Police headquarters–where many members of the mafia have been held overnight.

Our tour concludes at the former Lupo Grocery Store – a popular social spot and market for the neighborhood –as we discuss its storied relationship with the famous Spaghetti Restaurant across the way, which belonged to Giuseppe “The Clutch Hand” Morello.

FAQ

What if it rains?

In New York, we experience all climates. This tour will run in the rain, snow, and unfavorable weather. Dress appropriately as most of the tour and tastings are spent outside.

Can we do this tour without walking?

This is a walking-only tour. Please expect to cover 1 mile more or less and have comfortable shoes on.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
Little Italy
New York City Police Headquarters

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Little Italy Immigration History Tour general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

10 Reviews

Our guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. We enjoyed some of his stories and learned a little bit about the subject matter. It may have been positive to engage more with the kids through challenging questions but overall we enjoyed the tour.

Eyal Nov 1, 2025

Learned about the context for my family’s immigration. Visited Martin Scorcese’s birthplace—on the eve of his 92nd birthday!

John Nov 17, 2024

There was a little information at the beginning of the tour about the Mafia which was informative. However, the second half of the tour was mainly walking through without too much information. In fact the last hour was almost walking with no information at all. In the past we have found they Context Tour guides are exceptionally knowledgable. This tour was not as detailed as the tour guide at the Meteopolitan Museum. This is as our last tour with you

Moira Oct 19, 2023

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Structured, never scripted

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