The Original SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour
Description
Discover three of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods on the tour that started it all. We've been leading this route for more than 15 years and were the first company to combine SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown into one classic New York City walking tour. As you explore, you'll discover that New York's neighborhoods are constantly evolving. Walk through historic Little Italy, much of which is now known as NoLita, see parts of SoHo that have taken on new identities, and learn how Chinatown has expanded over the decades. You'll also visit the site of the former Five Points neighborhood, uncovering the stories of the immigrant communities that transformed Lower Manhattan into the city we know today. With an expert guide leading the way, you'll experience world-famous architecture, fascinating history, vibrant culture, and hidden stories that bring each neighborhood to life.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the architectural beauty of SoHo's Cast Iron District, home to the world's largest collection of cast-iron buildings. Stroll beneath stunning 19th-century facades, admire the intricate craftsmanship and oversized windows that defined a new era of design, and learn how this former industrial neighborhood transformed into one of New York City's most fashionable destinations.
See the iconic Haughwout Building, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture completed in 1857. Admire its elegant Italianate design while discovering why this landmark made history as the home of the world's first successful passenger elevator—a revolutionary innovation that forever changed how buildings were designed.
Explore the heart of Little Italy, where generations of Italian immigrants built a vibrant community that helped shape New York City. Wander historic streets lined with traditional bakeries, cafés, and family-owned businesses while discovering the neighborhood's rich heritage and enduring traditions.
Pass by Lombardi's Pizza, widely recognized as America's first pizzeria. Established in 1905, this legendary restaurant helped introduce New York-style pizza to generations of locals and visitors, earning its place as one of the city's most iconic dining destinations.
Stand at the crossroads of Chinatown and Little Italy, where two of New York City's most distinctive immigrant communities meet. Discover how these neighboring enclaves have evolved over generations, creating a fascinating blend of cultures, traditions, and everyday life.
Discover the fascinating history of the former Five Points neighborhood, once one of the most infamous districts in 19th-century America. Learn how waves of immigration, poverty, and political corruption shaped this legendary neighborhood—made famous by Gangs of New York—and see how it has transformed into a vibrant part of Lower Manhattan.
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(6)
A fun way to explore and learn about NYC.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring New York City with us. It's wonderful to hear you found the tour both fun and informative. We hope to see you again on another one of our NYC tours!
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!
