New York City: Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour w/NYPD

Get set for a deep dive into New York City’s mafia history with a tour that lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Priced at $129 per person, this experience is offered by NYPD Police Tours and features a knowledgeable guide, often an active or retired NYPD officer, who shares firsthand stories and insights. The tour departs from 108 Mulberry St at 5:15 pm and takes you through East Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown, revealing iconic gangland landmarks many visitors miss.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of historical storytelling, authentic local cuisine, and location-specific insights. It is especially suited for crime history enthusiasts, food lovers, and those interested in local lore. The inclusion of a full Italian-American dinner with cannoli for dessert adds a satisfying culinary touch, making the overall experience both educational and flavorful. However, the tour involves walking for several stops and is not recommended for those with walking difficulties.

Key Points

• Authentic mafia history told by an NYPD officer with personal experience
• Includes multiple stops at landmarks like John’s of 12th Street and the Ravenite Social Club
• Tasty Italian dinner with spaghetti, meatballs, eggplant rollatini, and cannoli
• Small group setting with a maximum of 35 travelers for a more intimate experience
• Starts at 5:15 pm at 108 Mulberry St and runs for about 3.5 hours
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start

The Launchpad at John’s of 12th Street in the East Village

The tour kicks off at John’s of 12th Street, a historic NYC “red sauce joint” with a reputation for being frequented by Lucky Luciano and other mafia figures. This 45-minute stop offers a chance to see a restaurant featured in movies like “Boardwalk Empire” and “Sopranos”. The venue’s storied past sets the tone for an immersive mafia experience, and it’s a prime spot for photos and soaking in authentic NYC ambiance.

Exploring East Village’s Mafia Landmarks

After the initial stop, the guide leads you through the East Village, an area that has been a mafia stronghold since 1900. Here, you visit key locations where all five NYC mafia families operated, giving a tangible sense of the neighborhood’s gangland past. The short five-minute walk between stops makes it easy to absorb the atmosphere and learn about the neighborhood’s historical ties to organized crime.

Visiting the Burial Sites of NYC’s Political Elite and John C. Colt

The tour includes a quick visit to the burial site of New York’s political elite and the brother of famed gun manufacturer Samuel Colt, providing context into the city’s layered history. Though brief, this stop adds depth to the understanding of the city’s complex social fabric, including the intertwining of politics and crime.

The Significance of New York Marble Cemetery

At New York Marble Cemetery, the first public cemetery in NYC, the guide explains the importance of below-ground vaults, designed by the city to prevent disease. This one-minute stop offers a quick look at a historic site that’s also open to the public on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a reminder of the city’s evolving approach to health and urban development, set against the backdrop of mafia influence.

The Roots of Cosa Nostra in East Village

A short walk takes you to the neighborhood where Cosa Nostra, or “Our thing,” originated. This one-minute stop helps illustrate the roots of organized crime in New York, linking the past to the present. The proximity of landmarks like the Orpheum Theatre, an off-Broadway venue, adds cultural context to the mafia’s influence on local entertainment.

Charlie Lucky Luciano’s Club 188 and the Genovese Crime Family

At 188 1st Ave, the guide discusses the once-famous Club 188, run by Charlie “Lucky” Luciano, and dives into the Genovese crime family’s control over NYC nightlife from the 1920s onward. This two-minute stop helps convey the scale of mafia influence over local social scenes and the ongoing legacy within the city’s fabric.

Liz Christy Bowery Houston Community Garden

A five-minute walk brings you to the Liz Christy Community Garden, recognized as New York’s oldest community garden established in 1973. This space symbolizes community resilience amid the city’s history of organized crime, providing a contrast to the earlier mafia landmarks. It’s a peaceful spot that also highlights local activism movements.

The Oldest Butcher Shop in NYC – Albanese Meats & Poultry

The tour visits Albanese Meats & Poultry, dating back to the 1800s and welcoming Sicilian immigrants. This five-minute stop celebrates a family-run business that even Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro frequented. It’s also notable as the filming site of Marty Scorsese’s first film, connecting mafia culture with classic NYC cinema.

Historic St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral

The Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral stands as the original cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. This brief stop underscores the religious institutions’ role in the city’s history, sometimes intertwined with mafia activity in the past. The site’s over 200-year history enriches the narrative of NYC’s layered past.

Gambino Crime Family Headquarters at Ravenite Social Club

One of the tour’s highlights is visiting the Ravenite Social Club, once the headquarters of the Gambino crime family and John Gotti. As the most powerful mafia “family” operated from this location, it offers a tangible connection to infamous criminal figures. The 10-minute stop provides insight into the secretive operations of organized crime in NYC.

Chinatown’s Cultural and Crime History

A quick four-minute walk takes you into Chinatown, where Chinese traders and sailors have been present since the mid-18th century. The neighborhood’s history includes transient populations and those who settled permanently, adding a multicultural dimension to the mafia’s story. Its vibrant streets contrast with the more clandestine mafia landmarks visited earlier.

Discovering Little Italy’s Mafia Heritage

Ending the tour in Little Italy, a neighborhood that began developing in the 1840s, the guide narrates its history from Dutch settlers to Italian immigrants. The 45-minute walk through this area showcases its longstanding ties to mafia influence, local families, and cultural traditions. It’s an excellent spot for soaking in Italian-American heritage.

Culinary Delights: Italian-American Dinner and Cannoli

Throughout the tour, hearty snacks are served, culminating in a full Italian-American dinner featuring spaghetti with meatballs, eggplant rollatini, and a Sicilian cannoli for dessert. In addition, a free Sicilian cannoli is included during the 11 am experience. These meals are highly praised for their authenticity and quality, with many reviews highlighting the deliciousness of the food.

Practical Details and Group Size

This experience is limited to a maximum of 35 travelers, ensuring a manageable group where the guide’s storytelling remains personal and engaging. The tour starts at 108 Mulberry St at 5:15 pm and is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking between stops. The use of headphones ensures clear communication even in crowded areas.

Accessibility, Cancellation, and Additional Info

Service animals are permitted, and the tour is accessible via public transportation. Full free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with immediate refunds if canceled within that window. Drinks are not included but can be purchased on the day, and gratuities are not included but are always appreciated.

The Guide: Knowledgeable, Authentic, and Local

Many reviews praise the guide, often an active or retired NYPD officer, for wealth of insider stories, friendly demeanor, and personal connections to the neighborhood. The guide’s storytelling style, combined with headphones, keeps the group engaged and informed throughout.

Summary of the Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

This tour offers unmatched insight into NYC mafia history through storytelling and sight visits, all combined with authentic food. The local guide’s expertise shines, especially with personal anecdotes that bring the city’s past to life. The inclusion of a full Italian meal makes it an excellent value for those interested in both history and cuisine.

However, the tour involves considerable walking and is not suitable for travelers with walking problems. The duration and pace may feel long for some, and drinks are not included in the price, which could add up.

Final Thoughts on the Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour

This experience provides a rich, engaging journey through East Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown, revealing both the secrets and stories behind New York’s organized crime scene. It’s a perfect choice for history buffs, food lovers, and crime enthusiasts eager to explore the city’s underground world with an authentic local guide.

The combination of landmark visits, cultural insights, and delicious Italian fare ensures a memorable outing. For those wanting to understand how mafia influence shaped the city’s development, this tour delivers in both storytelling and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:15 pm at 108 Mulberry St.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is food included in the price?
Yes, a full Italian-American dinner with spaghetti with meatballs, eggplant rollatini, and cannoli is included. A free cannoli is also offered during the 11 am tour.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased separately on the day.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour accessible?
It is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and service animals are allowed. The tour involves walking between stops.

What makes this tour different from others?
The insider stories from a former or active NYPD officer guide, combined with location-specific landmarks and authentic Italian cuisine, make this experience truly unique.