Uncover the gritty underbelly of New York City on the NYPD-Guided Gangs and Mafia Walking Tour. Led by retired detectives, this captivating 2.5-hour adventure delves into the city’s organized crime history as you explore iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy. But the real highlight? Indulging in a hearty spaghetti welcome and a Sicilian cannoli – a unique culinary twist that’ll leave you craving more. With a stellar 4.7-star rating, this immersive tour promises engaging stories and expert insights that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the Big Apple’s criminal underworld.
Key Points

- Insider look at NYC’s organized crime history through a NYPD-guided walking tour in Chinatown and Little Italy neighborhoods.
- Exclusive VIP experience at an iconic restaurant, including a spaghetti welcome and large Sicilian cannoli.
- Engaging storytelling from retired NYPD detectives with firsthand knowledge of the city’s criminal underworld.
- Wheelchair accessible tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highly rated tour with positive reviews on the interactive and informative nature of the experience.
Tour Overview and Details

The NYPD-Guided Gangs and Mafia Walking Tour in New York City provides a unique opportunity to discover the city’s notorious criminal underworld.
This 2.5-hour walking tour is led by retired NYPD detectives with insider knowledge. Priced at $99 per person, it explores the history of organized crime in Chinatown and Little Italy.
Highlights include a visit to the iconic Johns of 12th Street restaurant and a stop for a large Sicilian cannoli.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
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Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Johns of 12th Street in the East Village, the tour takes participants on a journey through Chinatown and Little Italy, uncovering the history of organized crime in these iconic New York neighborhoods.
Highlights include visiting 111 Mulberry St, a notorious mafia location, and enjoying a spaghetti welcome and large Sicilian cannoli at the VIP experience at Johns of 12th Street.
With insights from retired NYPD detectives and the tour guide featured in the film "Life After Goodfellas", attendees get first-hand stories and an insider’s view of the city’s underworld.
Unique Experience

With retired NYPD detectives as guides, the New York Gang and Mafia Tour offers a truly unique experience.
These seasoned investigators provide first-hand stories and insider knowledge about the city’s notorious criminal underworld.
The tour includes:
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A VIP experience at Johns of 12th Street, a restaurant closed to the public, where participants can enjoy a spaghetti welcome.
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Insights from Dennis, a guide featured in the film "Life After Goodfellas," who shares his expertise on the Mafia’s history and operations.
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The opportunity to explore the actual locations that were central to the activities of gangs and the Mafia in New York City.
Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the New York Gang and Mafia Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 74 reviews. The tour’s guides, retired NYPD detectives, have received a staggering 4.9/5 rating, while the transportation and value for money aspects scored 4.6/5 each. Reviewers highlighted the tour’s interactive and informative nature, with first-hand stories from those who investigated the Mafia. The VIP experience at Johns of 12th Street and the insights from a guide featured in the film "Life After Goodfellas" further contributed to the positive feedback.
| Rating | Score |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.7/5 |
| Guide | 4.9/5 |
| Transportation | 4.6/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.6/5 |
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Expect on the Tour

Participants on the New York Gang and Mafia Tour can expect a captivating 2.5-hour journey led by retired NYPD detectives with unparalleled insider knowledge.
The tour’s highlights include:
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Discovering the gritty history of New York’s most notorious crime groups, from the Mafia to street gangs.
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Enjoying a VIP experience at the iconic Johns of 12th Street restaurant, closed to the public, and indulging in a large Sicilian cannoli from a Little Italy pastry shop.
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Exploring the infamous mafia and crime locations that have shaped the city’s underworld.
Hungry for more New York City flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots
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Meeting the NYPD Detectives

The retired NYPD detectives leading the New York Gang and Mafia Tour bring a wealth of firsthand experience to the experience.
Guided by Dennis, a detective featured in the film "Life After Goodfellas," and his colleagues, participants gain insider insights into the notorious underworld.
With years of investigating the Mafia and gangs under their belts, the detectives share captivating stories and reveal the hidden histories of the city’s most notorious crime locations.
This VIP tour provides a rare opportunity to learn from those who were on the frontlines, offering a truly unique and immersive experience for visitors.
Exploring Notorious Crime Locations

As the tour progresses, participants explore the heart of New York’s notorious crime locations.
The group visits 111 Mulberry Street, the former headquarters of the notorious Genovese crime family. Guides share chilling stories of the Mafia’s reign over the neighborhood.
Next, they explore Chinatown, once a hub for Chinese organized crime and gangs.
The tour then concludes at Johns of 12th Street, a local restaurant with a storied history tied to the mob.
Throughout, the retired NYPD detectives provide a captivating insider’s perspective on the city’s underworld.
Savoring the Sicilian Cannoli and Spaghetti Welcome

While exploring the city’s notorious crime locations, participants savor a spaghetti welcome and indulge in a large Sicilian cannoli. At the iconic Johns of 12th Street restaurant, guests receive a VIP experience, closed to the public. They’re treated to a hearty plate of spaghetti, setting the tone for the immersive crime tour. Later, in Little Italy, they enjoy a classic Sicilian cannoli from a renowned pastry shop. This sweet delight complements the afternoon’s gritty mafia and gang discoveries, offering a delicious respite.
| Spaghetti Welcome | Sicilian Cannoli | VIP Experience |
|——————-|—————–|—————-|
| Hearty plate | Large serving | Closed to public|
| Sets tone | Complementary | Exclusive |
| Iconic restaurant | Renowned bakery | Special access |
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The guides encourage capturing the historic locations and learning about the Mafia’s influence in New York City’s neighborhoods.
Is the Tour Wheelchair-Friendly?
The NYPD-Guided Gangs and Mafia Walking Tour is wheelchair accessible. The tour operator ensures the route and stops accommodate participants with mobility needs, providing a fully inclusive experience for all guests.
What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled?
If the tour is canceled, customers will receive a full refund. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so participants can get their money back if they need to cancel their reservation.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a VIP experience at a local restaurant and a pastry shop, so bringing outside items is not permitted.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
There is no minimum age requirement for this walking tour. However, the content may not be suitable for young children, and parental discretion is advised. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Sum Up
This captivating NYPD-guided walking tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into New York’s organized crime history. Retired detectives share insider knowledge as you explore iconic neighborhoods and savor a Sicilian cannoli and spaghetti welcome, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. With a stellar rating, this tour promises engaging stories and expert insights into the city’s criminal underworld, making it a must-do for any visitor or local looking to dive deep into NYC’s fascinating past.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Guided Tours in New York City
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