New York City Pizza Walking Tour
Based on some reading online, my own experiences and speaking with friends, I created this four stop, self-guided pizza walking tour in Manhattan. By no means is it comprehensive, and chances are we missed some great spots. If you’re looking to try a few places, I recommend this tour. Get a slice at each place, ‘double cut’ which means cut in half so it is easy to share and happily walk along. Following the tour we walked the High Line, which was nearby after a quick subway ride.
1. Start: Scarr's Pizza Address: 22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Scarr's is known for milling its own flour and its throwback 1970s vibe. They have both classic and unique pies, and the slices here get rave reviews.
While you're here, take note of the Tenement Museum just a block away on Orchard St. It offers a deep dive into the immigrant history of the Lower East Side.
2. Walk to: Williamsburg Pizza Address: 277 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
This walk will take you about 10 minutes.
Williamsburg Pizza is known for its Brooklyn roots, but its Manhattan location serves up the same quality slices. Their artisanal approach means delicious toppings and perfectly baked crusts. This was our favourite slice of the day and it earned this comment “the best pizza I’ve had in my life” from our 15 year old niece.
3. Walk to: Prince Street Pizza Address: 27 Prince St A, New York, NY 10012
This is about a 10-minute walk from Williamsburg Pizza.
Prince Street Pizza is famous for its spicy pepperoni Sicilian slice. The pepperoni cups fill with oil and give it a unique taste.
As you walk, you'll pass The New Museum on Bowery, a museum of contemporary art.
4. Walk to: Bleecker Street Pizza Address: 69 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
This is a longer walk, about 20 minutes, but it takes you through the heart of the Nolita and Greenwich Village neighborhoods.
Bleecker Street Pizza is often hailed as offering one of the best traditional New York slices. Their Nonna Maria slice is especially well-loved. This was our least favourite stop on our list. This restaurant also has a restroom, so it’s a good spot to end at if you are not heading back to your hotel.
En route, you'll walk by Washington Square Park, which is a great spot to take a break, people-watch, and enjoy the iconic arch and fountain. The park is a hub for musicians, artists, and street performers.
Adjacent to the park is New York University (NYU). The area has numerous cafes, bookstores, and shops that cater to the university crowd.
Optional Stops & Sights:
We stopped at Crumbls for a cookie, which was enormous and definitely contributed to making us feel extra full. Overall the slices, in half are light.
St. Anthony of Padua on Sullivan St. is New York's oldest Italian Roman Catholic parish, and the building's architecture is worth admiring.
Father Demo Square is a tiny but pleasant park located where 6th Ave, Carmine St, and Bleecker St intersect. It's a good place to relax if you're in need of a break.
Check out some of the boutique shops in Nolita and Greenwich Village. These neighborhoods have maintained a lot of their local character and have some of the city's most unique shopping experiences.
Remember to pace yourself with the pizza, don't be shy about asking the pizza places for their recommendations on what to try.
Enjoy your pizza walking tour in Manhattan's Lower East Side!
Jakki Prince is a luxury travel advisor with years of experience sending thousands of travellers all over the world. If you’re looking to plan a custom trip to New York City or another place in the world, do not hesitate to reach out today by email, travel@princeadventures.com. Jakki is Forbes endorsed and leads a team of five travel advisors within her agency.
