Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Little Italy
1. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Roll up for an old-world espresso and cannoli at this landmark pastry shop—a classic mid-ride refuel right on Grand Street, steps from key east–west bike lanes.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a delicious pit stop with quick counter service and plenty of sidewalk space to keep an eye on your bike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays for lighter foot traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Approach via the Grand Street bike lane and lock up at a CityRack on Grand or Mulberry before joining the pastry queue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists praise the fast service, strong coffee, and reliable place to pause without detouring far from bike routes.
2. Di Palo’s Fine Foods
This family-run Italian grocer is perfect for picking up picnic provisions—cheeses, cured meats, and olives—to enjoy later along your route.
✓ Why Go:
Authentic Italian staples and friendly advice make it a flavorful, efficient stop for riders on the move.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning, Tuesday–Thursday, to avoid peak deli lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small insulated pouch in your handlebar bag to keep cheese cool until your next park break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the old-school vibe and knowledgeable staff who help assemble ride-ready snacks.
3. Italian American Museum
A compact museum telling the neighborhood’s immigrant story—easy to explore without committing a full afternoon, ideal for a cultural pause between miles.
✓ Why Go:
Contextualize the streets you’re pedaling through with exhibits on Little Italy’s past and present.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays right after opening for a quieter visit.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check for short rotating exhibits; you can comfortably tour in 30–45 minutes and be back on the bike.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders appreciate the manageable size and meaningful perspective on the area’s heritage.
4. Church of the Most Precious Blood
Tucked just east of Mulberry, this serene church linked to the San Gennaro tradition offers a cool, contemplative break from the bustle outside.
✓ Why Go:
Architecture, local history, and a quiet moment to recharge mid-ride.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays; avoid mass times if you’re on a tight schedule.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dismount and walk your bike on Baxter Street sidewalks; lock to nearby racks to keep the entrance clear.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as welcoming and peaceful—a grounding pause during a city ride.
5. Mulberry Street Bar
A film-famous watering hole at the heart of Little Italy—great for a leisurely soda or post-ride pint while you people-watch on Mulberry.
✓ Why Go:
Atmospheric interior, loads of neighborhood character, and easy bike access from surrounding lanes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons before the dinner crowd fills the block.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mulberry can be pedestrian-heavy—walk your bike on weekends and park on Grand or Broome to avoid congestion.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists enjoy the classic New York ambiance and friendly staff who don’t mind helmet-toting guests.
6. Caffé Roma
A beloved cafe for cannoli, biscotti, and cappuccino right at the northern edge of Little Italy—ideal for a sweet reset mid-loop.
✓ Why Go:
Old-school pastries and sidewalk seating make it a natural cyclists’ meet-up spot.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning rides from 8–10 AM or late evenings after dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use Broome Street’s bike lane to arrive; snag an outdoor table to keep sight of your locked bike.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the pastries and say it feels like a time capsule with excellent people-watching.
7. Umberto’s Clam House
A classic seafood stop just off the bike-friendly grid—grab a hearty linguine or a quick bowl of chowder to fuel the next leg.
✓ Why Go:
Iconic Little Italy fare in a lively setting that’s easy to reach by bike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch, 2–4 PM, to avoid peak dinner crowds along Mulberry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up on Mulberry where there’s more visibility and foot traffic—safer for bikes than quieter side streets.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists appreciate generous portions and fast service that gets them rolling again quickly.
8. Piemonte Ravioli
This longtime pasta shop sells fresh ravioli and sauces—perfect to stash for a post-ride meal back at your lodging.
✓ Why Go:
A flavorful slice of neighborhood tradition with grab-and-go convenience.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning when counters are calm and selections are plentiful.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small cooler sleeve in your pannier to keep fresh pasta chilled until you finish your ride.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the quality and say staff happily guide first-timers on pasta choices.
9. Old Police Headquarters
The ornate former NYPD HQ is a striking Beaux-Arts building—an eye-catching photo stop a block from Little Italy’s core.
✓ Why Go:
Architecture buffs on bikes can detour for grand facades without straying far from designated lanes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for dramatic light on the limestone and copper details.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use Centre Street for a quick loop; dismount for photos and avoid blocking sidewalks with bikes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders call it a hidden-in-plain-sight gem and a favorite backdrop for bike portraits.
10. Gelso & Grand
A breezy corner spot with ample outdoor seating at Grand and Mulberry—ideal for a carb stop or coffee while your bike stays in view.
✓ Why Go:
Central location, quick kitchen, and cyclist-friendly patio tables.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Brunch hours on weekdays or after 8 PM when the sidewalks thin out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive via the Grand Street bike lane; bring a compact lock to secure to nearby racks without obstructing pedestrian flow.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the lively corner energy and easy in-and-out for riders on a time budget.
