Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Design Lovers in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Design Lovers in Little Italy
1. Police Building
The former NYPD headquarters anchors the neighborhood with a grand limestone facade, sculptural ornament, and a stately dome that telegraphs early-1900s civic ambition.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a textbook study in Beaux-Arts symmetry and proportion—perfect for architecture lovers analyzing classical detailing at street scale.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour, when the facade’s carvings and dome catch warm side light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand at the corner of Centre and Broome to frame the dome against a canyon of tenements for striking photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about its opulent exterior and photogenic dome, noting it’s beautiful to admire from the sidewalk even though it’s a private residence.
2. Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood
A richly decorated Italian parish church with marble altars, devotional statuary, and intimate chapels tied to Little Italy’s immigrant roots.
✓ Why Go:
For design lovers, it’s an immersion in liturgical craftsmanship—ornament, iconography, and stained glass in a compact, contemplative space.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for quiet viewing; mid-September during the Feast of San Gennaro for festive street-and-church ambience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the side chapels near the rear; their layered altars and reliquaries reveal exquisite small-scale detail.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often described as peaceful and authentic; many appreciate the artistry and community feel, especially during feast days.
3. Mulberry Street Bar
A century-old saloon with tin ceilings, a carved wood backbar, and mosaic tile floors—an atmospheric time capsule on Mulberry Street.
✓ Why Go:
Interior-design buffs love the patina and intact period details that showcase classic New York bar craftsmanship.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into dusk, when the interior glows and the street scene outside is lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a corner booth to observe sightlines through the long room—great for sketching or low-light photography.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for nostalgic vibes and cinematic character; some note it can get packed on weekends.
4. Audrey Hepburn Mural
An exuberant, photogenic street-art portrait that layers color, pattern, and pop iconography onto a brick facade.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quick-hit lesson in contemporary mural composition and how street art enlivens historic streetscapes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning before cars and crowds block the view.
✓ Insider Tip:
A moderate wide-angle lens helps capture the full wall and context of Mulberry Street storefronts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequently called an Instagram favorite; visitors love the bold palette and neighborhood energy around it.
5. Di Palo's Fine Foods
A family-run alimentari lined with wood shelving, hanging cured meats, and meticulously labeled provisions—a living study in merchandising design.
✓ Why Go:
Packaging, typography, and product display are as compelling as the culinary offerings, rewarding close observation.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings to browse without long lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff about regional specialties—hearing provenance stories adds depth to the visual experience.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for authenticity and knowledgeable service; expect a wait during peak hours.
6. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
A venerable pastry institution with gleaming glass cases, marble counters, chandeliers, and a classic neon sign.
✓ Why Go:
The interplay of historic interior finishes and confectionary display is catnip for design-minded photographers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for the glow of neon and a lively dessert crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order at the counter to study the pastry case craftsmanship up close before choosing a seat.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Iconic and indulgent; some cite crowds, but most find the atmosphere worth it.
7. Engine Company 55 Firehouse
A landmark firehouse with a richly ornamented facade and period brick-and-stone workmanship that reflects the pride of its era.
✓ Why Go:
Architecture fans can examine masonry patterns, carved details, and letterforms on an active civic building.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning on weekdays; avoid blocking the bay doors since crews are on duty.
✓ Insider Tip:
Step back along Broome Street to appreciate the facade’s symmetry and decorative cresting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors admire the craftsmanship and neighborhood presence; everyone stresses being respectful of operations.
8. Caffé Roma
Old-school espresso bar with hand-painted signs, terrazzo floors, and ceiling fans—unchanged ambience that whispers of another time.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an interior time capsule where typography, materials, and lighting set a distinctive mood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for cappuccino and soft daylight through the storefront windows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand at the marble counter to take in the signage and pastry displays lined along the back wall.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated for authenticity and relaxed pace; a favorite for design-minded sketchers and photographers.
9. Il Cortile
A refined Italian dining room centered on a glass-roofed atrium with greenery, creating a luminous urban garden feel.
✓ Why Go:
The atrium’s materials, light, and spatial rhythm make it a case study in creating intimacy within a large room.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner to catch natural light filtering through the glass ceiling.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a table in the atrium; the interplay of plants and skylight is the design highlight.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for a romantic setting and polished service; some note higher prices but love the ambiance.
10. Caffe Palermo
Dessert stop famed for its neon signage and gleaming pastry cases—classic Little Italy visual flair.
✓ Why Go:
Great for studying how bold signage, color, and light shape a storefront’s identity at night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After dark, when the neon pops and the street scene buzzes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit by the window to photograph the neon with reflections of Mulberry Street in the glass.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fun and festive; visitors enjoy the sweets and vibrant look, even if it’s busy on weekends.
