Mafia History in Little Italy, New York City Walking Tour

The Mafia’s influence on the history of Little Italy, New York City is a fascinating topic for those interested in organized crime. This walking tour provides an opportunity to explore the significant locations and infamous figures that shaped the neighborhood’s tumultuous past. From John Gotti’s stomping grounds to the battles over the lucrative liquor trade during Prohibition, the tour offers an engaging and educational glimpse into a bygone era that continues to captivate the public’s imagination.

Key Points

• The tour focuses on the influential role of organized crime in the history of Little Italy, New York City.
• Visitors can learn about notorious Mafia figures like John Gotti and explore iconic film locations related to the Mafia.
• The tour delves into the bootlegging battles during Prohibition and their impact on the local community.
• The tour is suitable for families with older children and provides an in-depth exploration of the area’s organized crime history.
• With overwhelmingly positive reviews and a high recommendation rate, the tour is led by knowledgeable and engaging guides who enhance the experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

As described in the overview, the Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour provides visitors with an immersive exploration of the neighborhood’s storied past, with a focus on the influential role of organized crime.

The tour highlights the old-world charm of Little Italy while uncovering the dark history of notorious figures like John Gotti. Participants will visit locations featured in iconic films like "The Godfather" and "Gangs of New York", learning about the battles over the liquor trade during Prohibition.

Ideal for families with older children, the tour offers a unique perspective on this vibrant New York neighborhood.

Meeting and Logistics

The meeting point for the Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour is 44 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, located next to the DaSalvio Playground.

Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time, as the tour begins promptly. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers. The tour is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair accessible.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is located near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, with no serious medical conditions required.

Pricing and Booking Information

The Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour is priced from £24.26 per person, with the exact cost varying based on group size. A reserve now, pay later option is available, and free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the tour.

Pricing Information
Price per Person	From £24.26
Group Size	Varies
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours before
Payment Option	Reserve now, pay later
Refund Policy	Free cancellation

Accessibility and Participation

Though not wheelchair accessible, the Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour is stroller-friendly.

Service animals are permitted on the tour. The walking route is located near public transportation, making it easy for travelers to access.

The tour is suitable for most participants, as it does not require any serious medical conditions. Guests should consider their physical abilities, as the tour involves walking for an extended period.

The tour operator emphasizes that the experience is ideal for families with older children who are interested in exploring the history of organized crime in New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood.

Reviews and Feedback

What do the reviews and feedback say about the Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour?

According to the information provided, the tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 92% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.

Guests have highlighted several key strengths of the tour:

• Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide informative historical narratives
• Interesting use of historical pictures and documents to enhance the experience
• An informative and well-curated tour that offers a deep dive into the organized crime history of New York’s Little Italy.

The Rise of Organized Crime in Little Italy

As the Italian immigrant population grew in New York’s Little Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the neighborhood became a breeding ground for the rise of organized crime.

Poverty, limited job opportunities, and discrimination pushed many Italian immigrants towards criminal enterprises like gambling, extortion, and bootlegging during Prohibition.

Powerful crime bosses like Paul Kelly and Lucky Luciano emerged, forging criminal empires and fierce rivalries.

The Mafia’s control over illicit activities and protection rackets in Little Italy was dramatized in popular films like "The Godfather" and "Gangs of New York."

Notable Figures and Infamous Locations

The tour highlights the legacies of notorious Mafia figures who once dominated the streets of Little Italy.

Visitors learn about the infamous exploits of notorious crime boss John Gotti, known as the "Dapper Don" for his elegant attire.

Key sites include:

• The Ravenite Social Club, Gotti’s former headquarters
• The Umberto’s Clam House, the scene of a brutal Mafia murder
• Locations featured in classic Mafia films like "The Godfather" and "Gangs of New York"

The tour also delves into the prohibition-era battles for control of the lucrative liquor trade that fueled the rise of organized crime in the neighborhood.

The Prohibition Era and the Liquor Trade Battles

During the Prohibition era, the streets of Little Italy were the battlegrounds for a fierce fight over the lucrative liquor trade. Notorious gangsters like Lucky Luciano and his associates fought to control the flow of illegal alcohol into the city, engaging in violent turf wars against rival factions.

The tour explores these dramatic confrontations, highlighting how the prohibition policies fueled the rise of organized crime and transformed the neighborhood. Guests learn about the tactics used by bootleggers to smuggle and distribute liquor, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to crack down on the illicit activities.

The Prohibition era left an indelible mark on Little Italy’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Walking Tour?

The duration of the walking tour is not explicitly stated in the given information. However, the tour overview and logistics indicate that the tour starts and ends at the same meeting point, suggesting the tour lasts for an unspecified period of time.

Does the Tour Cover the History of Italian Immigration?

The tour does not explicitly cover the history of Italian immigration. Instead, it focuses on organized crime history and notable figures like John Gotti, as well as locations featured in popular crime films.

Are There Any Food Tastings or Stops Included?

The tour does not include any food tastings or stops. It focuses primarily on the history of organized crime in New York’s Little Italy neighborhood, with a focus on notable figures and locations from popular films.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in English only. No information is provided about availability in other languages. The tour focuses on the history and geography of New York’s Little Italy and organized crime, without food tastings or stops.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

The tour permits guests to take photos throughout the experience. Guests are encouraged to capture images of the historical sites and information presented by the knowledgeable guide during the walking tour.

The Sum Up

The Mafia History in Little Italy, New York City Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the area’s notorious past, delving into the rise of organized crime, the impact of Prohibition, and the legacy of infamous figures like John Gotti. Through visits to significant film locations and insights into the tumultuous liquor trade, the tour provides an engaging and educational experience for participants.