Once known for its large population of Italian Americans, Little Italy is now best known for its charming streets and delicious food. Today, the area is only a few blocks in size, but its cultural presence is still as large as ever. Centered around Mulberry Street, the closed-off street provides residents and tourists alike with a unique environment from which to enjoy the colorful, rich storefronts and amazing restaurants and bakeries. There are a multitude of traditional Italian restaurants to choose from, and one can buy cannoli or gelato from street vendors. Gift shops give the neighborhood a touristy feel, but it still maintains a quaint, small community vibe. At night, the activity slowly quiets down. A number of subway lines can swiftly take you to other parts of Manhattan and within walking distance, you can find yourself in Chinatown or Soho.