Historic Seaport District New York City
Updated for global pandemic changes in 2021.
There are so many interesting things to do in the Seaport District NYC – or South Street Seaport – for solo, couple, family, or group travel activities. Seaport District is in downtown NYC right on the East River, across from DUMBO, Brooklyn, and adjacent to FiDi, or the Financial District.
The Seaport District is one of many neighourhoods to observe remnants of history in the form of:
- 19th century buildings now museums, restaurants, iPic cinema, and boutique stores
- Belgian block streets
- Decommissioned commercial and sailing ships now private and tourist charters
- The famous Fulton Fish Market which is now Pier 17.
South Street Seaport is a magnet for locals and tourists, young and old, as it offers unique things to do and ways to enjoy the Seaport District in NYC.
#Things to do Seaport District NYC: Revel in Local History
Museum
The Seaport District NYC is historic with records, plaques, and memorabilia of Dutch and English colonization of the day. The Seaport Museum is home to the history of transatlantic sailing from Europe to New York City, certain immigrants on board the ships and the lines that brought them across the Atlantic that still exist today. 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 to board available at the Seaport Museum. It is free to view the nautical sculptures and history within the Seaport Museum lobby but other sections of the exhibit require paid tickets.
The Wavertree.
Cannon’s Walk
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. For example, Yoko Ono had an art installation in summer 2019 and for the rest of summer 2021, there will be photography exhibitions, flea markets, and temporary pop-ups here as cultural things to do in the Seaport District NYC.
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
How many of you know that New York City was once New Amsterdam and colonized by the Dutch? How many of you also know that the Dutch transported enslaved Africans from West Africa to the Americas and Caribbean? They were the middle men for the British, French, and Spaniard enslavers and they also engaged in their own human flesh trade.
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 is 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 Diaspora in the Netherlands and its former colonies, read Africa Diaspora stories in Netherlands and former Dutch Colonies.
#Things to do Seaport District NYC: Eat Your Heart Out
New York City is synonymous with food, fine dining, fusion meals, international cuisine, haute fast food and the like, 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.
A favourite is 10 Corso Como, an Italian restaurant with the most delicious foccacia bread and a store with unique decor.
Update: 10 Corso Como shut down as a result of the pandemic.
View from 10 Corso Como
Other fine dining restaurants are Barbalu and the Tuck Room, and if you pay attention to New York City Restaurant Week adverts, these spots might have lunch and dinner prix fixe.
Prix fixe lunch during Restaurant Week.
Pound the Belgian block pavements to discover more outdoor dining restaurants of Irish, French, and Brazilian extraction, as well as the popular Cobble & Co garden bar replete with wooden hanging lamps, trailing, ceiling plants, and easy listening music. Make sure to reserve seating especially on weekends as this is a very popular hangout in South Street Seaport.
For vegan or plant-based cuisine, don’t fret as there is something for you in the form of byCHLOE, a plant-based restaurant on 181 Front Street opposite Black Gotham. I always have this whenever I’m in the Seaport District as the food is so good. In addition, seating is hanging bamboo egg chairs that swing and are ideal for eating and people-watching.
byCHLOE burgers are made with identifiable grains and not unpronounceable compounds like some conventional plant-based “meats”. The sweet potato fries, shakes and even vegan mac and cheese are really good. It might take a while to accustom to the taste difference but I’m used to eating plant-based foods. Don’t miss this spot.
For the taco heads, there is Luchadores NYC on 87 South Street serving delicious tacos and quesadillas with outside seating.
Now, on to ice cream which I indulge in all year round. Swing by Big Gay Ice Cream and sit on its rainbow coloured bench for the requisite instapic. Another ice cream fave is Van Leeuwen on 224 Front Street for delicious vegan and unique seasonal flavours.
#Enjoying Seaport District NYC: People Watching
If you’re anything like me, my favourite past time is people-watching and what best thing to do at the Seaport District than lounge and people-watch? Observe different characters solo or in a group, over hear arguments, and help with lost directions. The best spots to enjoy people watching at the Seaport District NYC are:
Pier 15
This spot is a favourite for its large deck chairs that comfortably take two bodies. Grab one on the East River and people watch tourists on cruises and sail boats arriving and departing.
What Can We Eat Here?
Watermark Bar overlooking the East River and Industry Kitchen underneath the FDR have great lobster rolls, sandwiches, pizza, and drinks.
Bonus. Take the NYC ferry across the river to DUMBO Brooklyn for a unique day trip round this historic area.
Pier 16
If you wonder where to get cruises and party boats from, wonder no more! From Pier 16, arrange Hornblower and Seastreak cruises around downtown NYC, the Statue of Liberty, party boats and the Water Taxi.
Pier 17
Ever since Pier 17 opened, it has been a genuine favourite because of its chill ambience, space, food options and views. People watch on the Heineken Riverdeck overlooking the East River, Two Bridges, and DUMBO or better yet, ascend Pier 17 Roof Top for aerial views of the Seaport District and moored ships below.
The rooftop and the Heineken river deck are very chill spots for sunset views, seasonal sculpture displays, reading, or just being in your own thoughts, and it is ideal for families or solitary relaxation.
But I’m Hungry!
Fret not, child. There are delicious food options like Malibu Farm, fine dining in the form of The Fulton, Momofuku, and Mister Dips waffle fries and burger spot.
Mussels and black rice at The Fulton
Heinecken River deck for people-watching
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.
#Things to do Seaport District NYC: Shop till you drop
Other than NoHo and SoHo, the Seaport District NYC with its Belgian block streets and boutique shops is the only other NYC neighbourhood that reminds me of Europe.
If you’re a fan of Sex and the City AND shoes, you’ll love SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker; also Scotch & Soda and Superdry stores blend vintage, British, and Japanese fashion styles and have stores in the area.The pandemic saw many independent stores in the Seaport District NYC permanently close but with the city re-opening, there will be new stores appearing in the area.
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.
#Enjoying Seaport District NYC: Entertainment Galore
Pier 17
Pier 17 at 89 South Street is an open-air venue with a vast roof top that holds seasonal events and is the ideal place for enjoying the Seaport District NYC. The best things to do at Pier 17 are:
- Outdoor yoga
- Summer concerts
- Winter ice rinks
- July 4th fireworks venue
- The Greens socially distanced lawn
Movies
Even though the Seaport District NYC has a historic vibe, it is still in modern America, and where in America does a cinema not exist? 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. This might get Millennials to start patronizing cinemas again. Lol.
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 what-not that regular playgrounds have but it does have foam blocks, sand, fabric and mats for children to express themselves with.
#Enjoying the Seaport District NYC: Public Art
Murals
I love taking photos of street art and murals wherever I spy them and the Seaport District NYC is not left out of these. Look for seasonal art work in these spots:
- Second floor of Pier 17
- Large sculptures on the Heinecken Riverdeck
- On the Belgian blocks in front of the stores
Other interesting art are these nautical artifacts that rightly depict the history of the Seaport District NYC. What else would an anchor and a buoy be doing here? See them on Water Street.
#Things to do Seaport District NYC: Indulge your inner bookworm
McNally Jackson independent bookstore on 4 Fulton Street right on the Belgian blocks of Seaport District NYC is a bookworm’s fantasy. It is two floors with large windows and a bar-cum-cafe downstairs. Upstairs is where the expansive book collection lies with arm chairs, window seats and tables.
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 and pin graphic below. See you on the social streets!
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27 Comments
Liz Cochico
October 7, 2019 at 3:17 amNew York is such an interesting city that I would love to explore one day. I’m definitely bookmarking this.
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:27 amWe’d love to have you soon.
Maysz
October 7, 2019 at 6:16 amNew York City is one of my dream places to visit someday. Your photos look stunning and the food makes me feel hungry 🙂
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:26 amThanks Maysz lol
Dalene Ekirapa
October 7, 2019 at 8:59 amOH Kemi! I would want to eat at Corso Como! The setup alone is enough to have me gt there because it’s so warm, vibrant perfect for brunches or an afternoon tea too. The food must be so delicious! And stopping by the Heinecken River deck afterwards would be so cool to just chill.
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:26 amGirl! That chicken got me eating with my hands and licking them lol. Chilling on the riverdeck or rooftop is everyone’s fave and it doesn’t get crowded at all.
Liz Bayardelle
October 7, 2019 at 7:18 pmThe seaport district is so cool! I love how you can live in NYC for years and still not do all the cool things the city has to offer.
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:25 amThat’s the damn truth! So many fascinating enclaves to discover!
Eric Rafael Gamble
October 7, 2019 at 11:08 pmWow, I have yet to explore the seaport district area in New York City! I love all the cool things to do there but what I really like is all the different type of street art. From the statues to the graffiti it all looks so colorful and unique. Don’t get me wrong I would spend a lot of time there exploring all the amazing food you found there too cause it all looks so yummy. I bet the seafood is off the hook!
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:24 amSeafood is the main thing that I eat here lol
Michael
October 8, 2019 at 4:03 amLooking forward on going back there and trying where you have been! Man, I miss that place already.. it has been years now.
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:24 amYou definitely need to re-visit, Mike!
aisasami
October 8, 2019 at 12:20 pmI have heard of Black Gotham but not the Seaport District. I would love to visit this area for that beautiful view! And I love NYC!
admin
October 9, 2019 at 1:23 amThe Seaport is such a lovely spot to visit and it’s historic too.
Prerna Garg AGARWAL
October 14, 2019 at 5:05 amMissed this side of NY when I visited the last time. Def. going there this time!
admin
October 16, 2019 at 1:58 amDepends on when you were last here. It only started being developed to how it is now after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. You definitely gotta visit next time.
Samantha Donnelly
October 14, 2019 at 3:05 pmI would love to visit here one day, a great post gor those looking to visit New York at some stage soon, I know it is on my list of what to see when we go
admin
October 16, 2019 at 1:57 amCome on down, Sam! Trust me, you need to visit NYC at least 3 times to even experience the tip of the iceberg that is the Big Apple.
Razena
October 14, 2019 at 7:09 pmI knew that New Amsterdam had been a Dutch colony but didn’t realize that they also populated it with African slaves. Some of my ancestors were from Dutch colonies in South East Asia and exiled to Cape Town more than 350 years ago. A Black Gotham tour is now at the top of my NYC bucket list.
admin
October 16, 2019 at 1:56 amOh wow!This is so interesting. Do you know any history of why they were exiled from their own land by foreigners? Ugh. The Dutch were definitely in Java (as Indonesia was called then) and they did similar colonialist things too. Let’s not even start with South Africa as they definitely introduced apartheid to the continent.
F-P
October 15, 2019 at 6:41 amNow you have made me want to come back even quicker. Black Gotham sounds very interesting.
Is this close to chelsea pier?
admin
October 16, 2019 at 1:52 amNo lol. Chelsea Piers is on the far west side by the Hudson. Seaport District is all the way downtown on the East River, a stone’s throw from Wall Street and across from Brooklyn.
Melanie williams
October 16, 2019 at 12:26 pmOh wow looks like you had a fab time for sure. I love the murals and your lunch seemed like very good value for money too xx
pooja
October 17, 2019 at 6:50 amThis was great insight for me!! I don’t know much about this part of the world and would like to travel. I have heard many stories and reading this makes it add to my bucket list.
admin
October 18, 2019 at 8:29 pmYou need to visit NYC, Pooja. You’d never leave. Seriously lol. You can eat food from home and all over the world right here.
Stefan (BerkeleySqB)
December 20, 2020 at 4:42 pmGreat post, Kemi. I had not been aware that this is what this district is called, but Ellie & I stayed very close to it in FiDi during one of our last stays and visited this part of town several times. I took notes on some of the places you mention for our next visit.
admin
December 23, 2020 at 3:05 amThanks Stefan! You’ll enjoy the Seaport, trust. It’s the one NYC spot I highly recommend to everyone to experience.