The Original SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour
Description
Get ready to marvel at the cast-iron architecture of SoHo, explore Little Italy's vibrant heritage, and step into the hustle and bustle of life in Chinatown. You’ll encounter landmarks, tales of bygone eras, and the unique charm of each neighborhood along the way. We've been operating this tour route for over 15 years, the first company to combine the three unique neighborhoods for one traditional New York experience. Walk through SoHo's Cast Iron District, visit Little Italy, home to rich culinary traditions and iconic landmarks like America’s first pizzeria. Wander the lively streets of Chinatown, including bustling Canal and Mott Streets, and experience street vendor culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the architectural charm of SoHo’s Cast Iron District, home to the world’s largest collection of cast iron buildings. These iconic structures, dating back to the late 19th century, showcase intricate facades and expansive windows, making them a favorite among architects and photographers alike.
Marvel at the historic Haughwout Building, a pioneering structure completed in 1857. Known as the site of the world’s first passenger elevator, this landmark blends Italianate design with cutting-edge advancements of its time.
Step into Little Italy, a vibrant neighborhood brimming with Italian-American history. The cobblestone streets, authentic bakeries, and lively festivals create an unforgettable atmosphere that captures the essence of old-world Italy.
No visit to Little Italy is complete without passing by Lombardi’s Pizza, America’s first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, this iconic eatery continues to serve some of the best slices New York City has to offer.
At the intersection of Canal and Mott Streets, you’ll find the cultural crossroads of Chinatown and Little Italy. This bustling area is perfect for exploring the sights, sounds, and flavors of two distinct yet interwoven communities.
Uncover the gritty history of the former Five Points District, the notorious neighborhood depicted in Gangs of New York. Once rife with crime and poverty, this area has transformed over the years, while still retaining echoes of its storied past.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
We were with Renee amazing guide we really enjoyed and learned a lot. She was very pleasant and knowledgeable , answered all our endless questions.
We are delighted that you had the opportunity to take the legend Renee's tour. Thank you for choosing Tours by Foot.
This tour does not include any samples and that was the only reason I booked it so the description is false. The guide is very knowledgeable but does not make the tour fun I wish that we had more time to explore the area and get food. We stopped at a restaurant in Little Italy but you had to purchase the items on your own. They also suggested a restaurant to eat in China Town they said it was the best and it was discussing. We didn't spend much time in Little Italy or China Town just was a stroll through. Most of the time was spent in SoHo. If you are expecting samples like they advertise do not book this tour because none are included and had I know that I wouldn't have booked
Thank you for joining our tour and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re happy to hear you found your guide knowledgeable, but we’re very sorry for the disappointment caused by the incorrect description on Viator’s website. Our tour has never included food samples — this was unfortunately an error in Viator’s listing, which we have asked them to correct. We appreciate your feedback on the pacing and time spent in each neighborhood. Our route is designed to highlight the history, culture, and architecture of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown, but we understand that some guests may prefer more time in certain areas. We truly value your input and hope you might consider joining us again for one of our other tours, where we can ensure the experience matches your expectations from start to finish.
We joined this walking tour with my son and it was the perfect way to explore the heart of Lower Manhattan. The itinerary was well-paced, informative, and full of little gems you might miss on your own. We kicked things off at Spring Street Park, a quiet green spot that set a relaxed tone before diving into the buzz of the city. From there, we spent about 30 minutes exploring Chinatown; a fascinating and flavorful part of NYC that’s packed with history and local life. Our guide was fantastic, sharing stories about the neighborhood’s immigrant roots, changing identity, and hidden spots you’d never find in a guidebook. Next, we paused at the Church of the Transfiguration, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the city. The quick 10-minute visit was just enough to appreciate its unique architecture and rich history tucked away in the middle of bustling streets. Then we stopped at Cannoli King for a quick bite, and the cannoli absolutely lived up to the name. Crispy shell, creamy filling, not too sweet, just perfect. It’s my son’s favorite spot anymore. The tour wrapped up at Columbus Park, where locals were practicing Tai Chi, playing mahjong, or just relaxing in the sun. It was the ideal ending. This walking tour was a great balance of sightseeing, history, and authentic NYC moments. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the city.
Thanks so much for sharing! It's wonderful to hear how the tour captured those little NYC moments and gave you a fresh perspective—even as locals. We hope to see you again soon!
This is my favorite tour! I’ve taken it so many times whenever a friend comes to visit. It is such a fun way to learn about NY beyond Times Square. It’s the perfect mix of history and pop culture.
Thank you for the amazing review! We're so happy to hear this tour has become a favorite, and that it continues to offer a fun and unique experience for you and your friends!
This is my favorite tour. I actually have taken it every time I visit NYC, so about once a year. Its great if you get different guides as their tours are all a little different but so far every one has been amazing! This is a great way to get a sense of NYC outside of the standard tourist sites!
Thank you for your continued support and kind words! We’re thrilled to be your favorite tour, and it’s great to hear you’ve enjoyed each unique experience!
