Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Little Italy
1. Petrosino Square
A small triangular plaza at the seam of Little Italy and Nolita with smooth pavers, public art, and constant downtown energy—ideal as a meet-up and warm-up flatground spot before pushing deeper into the neighborhood.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, open sightlines and a central location make it perfect for practicing manuals and flip tricks while staying steps from cafes, shops, and more skate stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings (7–10am) on weekdays for the emptiest ground; golden hour in spring and fall offers mellow temps and great light for clips.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep sessions low-impact and yield to pedestrians—security and neighbors are chillest when skaters respect the art displays and benches.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters praise the flow and downtown vibe; locals like the people-watching but note it crowds up by midday.
2. Palace Skateboards New York
The London skate brand’s NYC outpost sits a short push from Little Italy, drawing locals and visitors for decks, hardware, and scene-y drops.
✓ Why Go:
Pick up fresh grip, hardware, or a deck between sessions and soak up a skate-forward retail experience that’s part shop, part cultural stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday Tuesday–Thursday to avoid lines; weekends get buzzy fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring your setup—staff are cool with quick fit checks on trucks or grip; keep bags small for faster entry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Hyped but friendly; skaters love the edit-like atmosphere and curated product wall.
3. Supreme New York
An icon of downtown skate culture, the Bowery flagship is a magnet for skaters and style heads and an easy add-on to any Little Italy push.
✓ Why Go:
Window-shop boards and accessories, link with crews in line, and soak in a piece of skate-fashion history steps from Nolita blocks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Avoid release mornings; go Mon–Wed late morning for quicker access.
✓ Insider Tip:
Travel light—security manages a single entry line; know what you want to keep your stop snappy between spots.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Scene-y but quintessential; skaters call it a must-see even if you’re just browsing.
4. Elizabeth Street Garden
A volunteer-run sculpture garden tucked between Prince and Spring offers a rare pocket of calm where skaters can cool down and reset.
✓ Why Go:
Shaded seating, greenery, and neighborhood character—perfect for hydrating, swapping bearings, or planning the next line.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons from late spring to early fall; winter sun on clear days is surprisingly warm here.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wheels and gravel don’t mix—carry your board inside; donate a few bucks if you post up for a while.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved oasis; visitors appreciate the mellow vibe amid busy streets.
5. DeSalvio Playground
A compact neighborhood playground at Spring and Mulberry; outside of peak kid hours, the smooth surfaces make for quick flatground tune-ups.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient, flat, and central—great for practicing consistency on basics before hitting street spots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise to 9am and after dusk on weekdays; avoid weekends and after-school rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep sessions brief and courteous—yield to families and ball games so everyone keeps their spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals value it as a community hang; skaters like the reliably smooth ground during off-hours.
6. Prince Street Pizza
The square slice that launched a thousand lines—thick, crispy-edged Sicilians fuel countless downtown sessions from a Nolita counter spot.
✓ Why Go:
Fast calories between clips; the spicy pepperoni square is a skater favorite for a reason.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon (3–5pm) to dodge peak queues; late-night weekends stay open and lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab slices to-go and post up on nearby stoops—keep it tidy and you’ll blend right in.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but tasty; most agree the crunch is worth the wait.
7. Lombardi's Pizza
America’s original pizzeria sits a block from Mulberry—coal-oven pies that have refueled skaters and creatives for generations.
✓ Why Go:
A sit-down slice of history near Little Italy’s curbs and ledges; great for regrouping with the crew.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early lunch on weekdays to avoid long waits; winter afternoons are cozy and calm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic Margherita and split—fastest way to eat and get back on the board.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic favorite; consistent pies and downtown charm win repeat visits.
8. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
A Little Italy institution since the 1890s; espresso, cannoli, and Italian pastries perfect for a mid-session sugar bump.
✓ Why Go:
Quick caffeine, classic sweets, and ample sidewalk energy for people-watching on Grand Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings before noon or late evenings; weekends get packed post-dinner.
✓ Insider Tip:
Double-shot espresso and a mini cannoli travel well if you’re rolling to the next spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Old-school and proud; visitors rave about the cannoli and lively counter service.
9. Italian American Museum
A compact museum on Mulberry that spotlights the neighborhood’s roots—great context for the streets you’re skating.
✓ Why Go:
Cool off, check exhibits, and connect the dots between Little Italy’s past and today’s downtown culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday afternoons when galleries are open and crowds are light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Strap or carry your board; small footprint inside means being mindful around displays.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Welcoming and personal; guests appreciate the stories and neighborhood pride.
10. Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
Historic brick basilica anchoring Nolita/Little Italy with peaceful sidewalks and striking facades that make stellar photo backdrops.
✓ Why Go:
A quiet pause between pushes plus cinematic architecture for portraits or board shots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning light year-round; avoid service times on Sundays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Respect services and residents—no skating on church steps; shoot from the curb and keep wheels off the stone.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Serene and photogenic; visitors love the sense of history tucked into busy blocks.
