As Italian and Italian-Americans have left the area in Manhattan known as Little Italy for other neighborhoods and the boroughs of Queens, Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, it has shrunken considerably, with parts being swallowed by Chinatown and NoLIta. Still the area of Mulberry Street between Broome and Canal Streets is the quintessential Little Italy, lined with Italian restaurants and bakeries.

The last two weeks of September is the best time to visit the area. Over 1 million people stop by to take part in the Feast of San Gennaro where street vendors line up to sell merchandise, jewelry, international foods and more. The 11-day festival is capped by the official procession with statue of San Gennaro being carried through the Feast directly after celebratory mass.

If visiting another time of year, you can stop by the numerous bakeries and Italian grocers. Of course, you must dine out at least once in Little Italy to savor the authentic Italian cuisine that the only other place it can be found is Italy itself. Paesano of Mulberry Street, 136 Mulberry St., is one of the areas best restaurants featuring healthy portions that don’t skimp on the authentic Italian taste. You can enjoy traditional Northern and Southern Italian cuisine at Da Nico (212-343-1212), 164 Mulberry St., featuring an outdoor garden area that can be enjoyed during the summer.

The nearby Holiday Inn Manhattan Downtown provides comfortable amenities and close proximity to many of Manhattan’s popular neighborhoods. The Off Soho Suites Hotel features spacious apartment-style guestrooms at an affordable price.