Learn Italian your way with a TakeLessons expert

By Nadia B. - New York City Italian Teacher

New York City is a bustling center of Italian activity. The city is full of options to practice your Italian, experience the culture and increase your knowledge of Italian literature, history and art. New York City holds particular meaning for me in relationship to Italy, as I finished my undergraduate degree in Italian language and literature at New York University and made many Italian friends residing in the city along the way. If you're interested in taking Italian lessons in New York City, then here are a few recommendations of places and events that will inspire your exploration of this amazing language and culture!

1. New York University's Casa Italiana My Italian home in the city will always be New York University’s Casa Italiana. Located on a quiet street in the Village, the residence of the Italian Department is chock full of film screenings, lectures, roundtables, art openings and more. Most of the offerings are totally free and are a way to deepen your understanding of Italian culture and history. It’s also a way to see what it means to be Italian, as the Casa Italiana is staffed by the Italian department, which is largely composed of Italian-born professors, administrators and graduate students. Further uptown, another option in the city is Columbia University’s Casa Italiana, which also features a variety of events.

2. San Gennaro Every September, the streets of Little Italy (which is, itself, a place to visit for a dose of Italian-American culture!) transform into the vibrant street festival San Gennaro (www.sangennaro.org). This is an exciting festival because it is an authentic Italian celebration observed by Italians around the world. You can witness the processional, try some delicious foods and bask in the plethora of events that allow you to explore, learn and discover. I highly recommend this festival as a fun and easy way to become better acquainted with Italian culture.

3. Arthur Avenue In addition to Little Italy, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is is another authentic neighborhood where you can experience the feel and look of Italian culture. Convenient and close to Manhattan, you will see and hear Italians congregating in the streets and the market. You can browse the shops, ask questions and meet the purveyors and creators of authentic Italian goods. These experiences will increase your understanding of typical Italian foods, daily activities and the pride of Italian immigrants, which allows for the creation and sustainability of authentic enclaves of Italian culture.

4. Eataly Traveling back downtown to the Flatiron district, Eataly is a gigantic food emporium and is an eye-widening way to get to know Italy. Enormous, and fully stocked with Italian foods, you can have an espresso, taste traditional dolci (sweets), sit down for a classy meal at one of the several restaurants located inside, and even stop by the Nutella shop, which focuses exclusively on the deliciously addictive Italian treat. Eataly is a unique Italian experience that will educate you on the practices and appreciation of food in Italy. Originally founded in Turin, Italy, it is also connected to the Slow Food Movement, which originated in Italy, as well. Visiting Eataly will give you an experience that is hard to find outside Italy - that of the art of enjoyment, pleasure and shared eating.

These suggestions are only the beginning of exploring Italian culture while taking Italian lessons in New York City. Taste, discover, speak and travel to another world, and, as you meet the individuals in each location, you will make friends, learn new words and discover a whole other experience of Italy, rooted in tradition, authenticity and cross-cultural discovery.