Historic Seaport District New York City

There are many interesting things to do in the Seaport District NYC – or South Street Seaport – for solo, couple, or group travel activities. Seaport District is in downtown NYC on the East River, across from DUMBO, Brooklyn, and adjacent to FiDi, or the Financial District.

The Seaport District is one of many neighborhoods to observe remnants of history in the form of:

• 19th century buildings turned museums, restaurants, cinema, and boutique stores.
• Belgian block streets.
• Decommissioned sailing ships that are now floating museums and private charters.
• The famous Fulton Fish Market which is now the Tin Building.

READ —> 10 Unmissable New York City Experiences

Things to do Seaport District NYC

#Revel in Local History

Museums

The Seaport District NYC is historic with records, plaques, and memorabilia of Dutch and English colonization. The Seaport Museum is home to the history of transatlantic sailing from Europe to New York City and the ships that brought them across the Atlantic.

Some of these are the famous Belgian Red Star Line – which ferried Belgian and European immigrants from Antwerp in the 1800s – and Cunard line, also doing business with transatlantic crossings of the day. In addition, the Wavertree, a decommissioned naval ship docked at Pier 16, is open to view with tickets available at the Seaport Museum.

There is also Bowne & Co. Stationers, the 19th century print shop at 211 Water Street, with shelves of NYC’s maritime and printing history. Some stationery is made in-store and the print shop offers monthly letterhead printing workshops for printing your own stationery.

Cannon’s Walk – 206 Front Street

This hidden historic spot at 206 Front Street was built in the 1790s and home to the Howell family for over a century. It sold groceries and staples to customers and today it serves as a rotating spot for temporary events.

There is a hidden courtyard with benches within Cannon’s Walk and this is the ideal spot for solitude in this ever bustling city. It is very interesting as a local to discover hidden spots in well trafficked areas. 

Black Gotham – 192 Front Street

How many of you know that New York City was once called New Amsterdam and colonized by the Dutch?

The Dutch transported enslaved Africans from West Africa to the Americas and Caribbean and were the middle men for the British, French, and Spaniards.

Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that New York City was full of enslaved and free Africans building and creating many of the structures we see and pass by today, but of course, all that has been lost to history.

Enter the Black Gotham experience that tells stories of the African Diaspora in New York City. One of their popular tours is Sarah’s Fire where Sarah, an enslaved woman, participates in a military rebellion in April 1712.

There are other walking tours within this experience highlighting the role that the African Diaspora played in the history and development of downtown Manhattan and I highly recommend one of these Black Gotham tours.

If you want to know more about the lives of the Black Diaspora in the Netherlands and former colonies, read Africa Diaspora stories in Netherlands and former Dutch Colonies.

#Sail The New York Harbor

1885 Historic Vessel

May through October is sailing season so book tickets for a day or sunset cruise on this historic schooner. Classic NYC sights on this route are the Brooklyn Bridge, Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and more.

1930 W.O. Decker Tugboat

From May to June, this historic tugboat is open for sailing as the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat. It takes 75 minutes and you will see the same iconic NYC sights as you do with the schooner. This departs from Pier 16.

Don’t miss a sunset yacht cruise, vibe to a sunset Jazz sail, or a indulge in a relaxing 2 hour harbor lights cruise. These are perfect for residents and tourists alike and I have taken all of these several times over…including the party boats!

#Eat Your Heart Out

New York City is synonymous with fine dining, fusion food, international cuisine, and more, so what can be supped upon at South Street Seaport? There are a plethora of sushi, Italian, French, and casual dining options and you cannot go wrong with anyone of them.

Restaurants include:

• Tuck Room with crafted cocktails and American fare
  
• Osteria del Porto for Italian cuisine
• Carne Mare for more Italian cuisine
• Gitano NYC for Mexican cuisine (food is delicious and the interior is breath-taking!)
• The Fulton for fine dining and East River viewssss
• T. Brasserie for French bistro fare
• The Frenchman’s Dough for Italian fare
• House of the Red Pearl for delicious fusion Asian fare
• Industry Kitchen underneath the FDR for lobster rolls, pizza, and cocktails.

Tin Building by Jean-Georges is another favorite place of mine to go for fine dining, prepared food, and pastries. They also have imported and artisanal gourmet foods, fresh seafood, meats, and fruit. Be warned…nothing here is affordable but a splurge is acceptable.

… and if you pay attention to New York City Restaurant Week on NYC Tourism, these spots might have lunch and dinner prix fixe.

 

Watch on TikTok

Pound the district and its surrounding area to discover more dining options.

For vegan or plant-based cuisine, don’t fret as there is Plant Junkie, a vegan restaurant on 226 Front Street. It is Kosher certified.

For the tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, there is El Luchador on 87 South Street serving Mexican street food with outside seating.

For ice cream, Van Leeuwen on 224 Front Street is perfect on hot summers for delicious vegan and seasonal flavors.

#Patrol The Piers

If you’re anything like me, my favorite past time is people-watching and this is *the* best thing to do at the Seaport District. Observe different characters, over hear NYC specific chatter, and assist tourists with lost directions.

The best spots to enjoy people watching at the Seaport District NYC are:

Pier 15

This used to have large deck chairs that could comfortably take two people lounging. People would snag one and people watch tourists on cruises and sail boats arriving and departing on the East River while grabbing bites from the Watermark Bar.

You can also climb to the top of the pier to escape any crowds below; the aerial view of the seaport district is scenic from here.

Now, the pier has seasonal decor and chalets that require reservations, weekend brunches with day passes, happy hours, and weekend DJs, and the Watermark Bar. Its summer opening begins on May 3 with the Watermark Beach grand opening!

Bonus. Take the NYC ferry from Pier 11 to DUMBO Brooklyn for a unique day trip.

Pier 16

Ever wonder where to get cruises and party boats from, wonder no more!

From Pier 16, arrange water taxis to Brooklyn and Governors Island; Hornblower and Seastreak cruises around downtown NYC and the Statue of Liberty, sailboat cruises, and nighttime party boats with revelry.

Buy tickets at the pier’s ticket booth.

If you prefer ships that do not move, hop aboard the Wavertree and Ambrose light house ships that are permanently moored at the pier. Tickets to board are from the Seaport Museum, and a guide will regale you with their past in an era of no technology to warn of dangerous waters.

Pier 17

Pier 17 is a Seaport District favorite because of its relaxed ambience, open space, dining for all budgets, and scenic views. People watch on the Heineken Riverdeck overlooking the East River, Two Bridges, and DUMBO.

The Rooftop at Pier 17 hosts annual concerts with niche and main acts with perfect aerial views of the Seaport District and its ships.

But I’m Hungry!

Fret not, brethren. There are food options here like farm-to-table Malibu Farm, The Fulton fine dining, and Mister Dips for waffle fries, burgers, and shakes. In these quasi-recession times, bring your own snacks, drink, and book, to relax to.

What Else Is Here?

The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges aka Two Bridges, are there for your viewing pleasure and night time views are pretty magical. If you squint slightly, you can spy the Williamsburg Bridge further ahead.

#Shop till you drop

Other than NoHo and SoHo, Seaport District NYC with its Belgian block streets and boutique shops is the only other NYC neighborhood that reminds me of Europe.

Pound the Fulton Street blocks for curated Asian goods at Maum, browse for clothes and jewelry at Mure + Grand, grab gluten-free and decorated cookies at Funnyface Bakery, then catch an evening show at the iPic theater across the block. There are more independent stores here so walk the area for these.

For non-fashion, there is Fulton Stall Market on 91 South Street. If you love affordable locally grown and produced fresh produce and artisanal products, you will love this spot, so grab your reusable tote bag and head down to Seaport District NYC.

#Entertainment Galore

Fulton Street

To work off the cocktails, cookies, and carbs you’ve been eating, head to Lawn Club NYC for bocce, croquet, and lawn pong, with more food and drink available. Oh boy…

Pier 17

Pier 17 is an open-air venue and is the ideal place for enjoying the Seaport District NYC. When available, the best things to do here are:

• Outdoor yoga
• Summer concerts
• Winter ice rinks
• July 4th fireworks venue

Movies

Even though the Seaport District NYC has a historic vibe, it has a cinema. Upscale iPic Theaters with plush seating and gourmet bites covers any movie fix you have and it holds less crowds than the larger cinema chains.

Imagination Playground

This is a NYC Parks playground at Burling Slip designed to allow children express their imagination by creating a safe space for themselves. It doesn’t have the usual swings and paraphernalia that regular playgrounds have but it has foam blocks, sand, and mats for children.

#Bookworm Alert

McNally Jackson independent bookstore on 4 Fulton Street is a bookworm’s fantasy. It is two floors with large windows and a bar-cum-cafe downstairs. Upstairs is an expansive book collection with arm chairs, window seats and tables.

The space also holds multiple events covering literature, history, art, and rights, for affordable prices. Highly recommended.

---

I hope that you enjoy these things to do in Seaport District NYC and soak up the history of the area.

Don’t forget to comment, share, and Pin. See you on the social streets!

*Musings and Adventures is a Get Your Guide affiliate member and clicking on the safe links will enable us earn fees. Thank you!xx

Sharing is caring! xx