Seaport District NYC

The Basics

Explore the rich history of the area, formerly known as South Street Seaport, from the original buildings and streets to the historic tall ships. Indulge in some retail therapy at a chic boutique or take in a movie, concert, or other special event. Enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while taking in stunning waterfront views.

Look for guided walking tours of Manhattan that include the Seaport District, or join a private or small-group sightseeing tour by bicycle, vintage taxi, or limo for a more personal and specialized experience. Opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore top city sites at your leisure, or take to the air in a helicopter tour for an unbeatable, bird’s-eye view. Popular add-ons include a sightseeing boat cruise around Manhattan.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Seaport District is ideal for families, shoppers, and foodies.

• Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets.

• Public restrooms are located at Pier 16.

• Free Wi-Fi is available at many spots in the district.

How to Get There

The Seaport District is located at Fulton Street, near the East River. It’s easiest to take the subway here (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 train to Fulton Street or the E train to Chambers Street–World Trade Center). A number of buses also stop at nearby Water Street (intersection of John Street or Maiden Lane). Or you can take a ferry to Pier 11/Wall Street and walk north.

When to Get There

The Seaport District can be visited at any time to enjoy the views. Different establishments will have different opening hours, with restaurant and bars keeping later hours than shops. From May to October, you can set sail on one of the historic ships around Pier 16.

South Street Seaport Museum

Located at Pier 16, the South Street Seaport Museum is a 30,000-square-foot (2,787-square-meter) maritime museum that includes exhibition galleries, a library, conservation lab, historic 19th-century print shop, and craft center. Don't miss the museum’s privately owned fleet of historic ships, some of which are available to take passengers around the harbor in season.

Ways to explore

There are countless ways to explore the Seaport, from soaking up maritime history at the Seaport Museum to picnicking or catching a concert at Pier 17. The area is also a popular stop on guided tours of New York City’s waterfront neighborhoods. Book a private tour by vintage car to tick off all the sights on your list, or join a bike tour that cycles through the Seaport and across the Brooklyn Bridge. For a different perspective, see the Seaport from the sky on a helicopter tour, or admire it from the water on a boat cruise.

Accessibility

Some Seaport District tours are wheelchair accessible—check with the provider before booking.

Age limits

Children under 18 are allowed on most Seaport tours, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, sunglasses

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the Seaport’s cobblestone streets on foot.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow smoking, alcohol, or non-service animals.

Amenities

Public restrooms, drinking fountains, playground, dining options

Address

The Seaport District is located along the East River in Lower Manhattan, tucked in between the Financial District and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can reach it by public transportation, but if you’re up for a long waterfront walk, get there via the East River Greenway that runs along Lower Manhattan.

Driving

Self-navigating around bustling Manhattan can be stressful, and parking isn’t always easy to come by. As a more convenient option, you can get to the Seaport District via taxi or rideshare within 30 minutes from most Manhattan attractions.

Public transportation

Take the subway to Fulton Street—reachable with the A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains—and you’ll have a short walk to the Seaport District. Alternatively, take the ferry to Pier 11/Wall Street near the Seaport.

Best times to visit

The Seaport’s Pier 17 is a great place to photograph the sunrise over the Brooklyn Bridge, though the early evening is also ideal for waterfront happy hours.

Best days to visit

Explore the riverside Seaport District between Monday and Thursday if you want to avoid the weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

The Seaport District is the perfect place to spend warm summer nights in the city—head there for dinner by the river or late-night movies and concerts from June–September.

Special events

Visit in the summer for rooftop movie nights, concerts, and DJ sets, or check out the Seaport during the holidays for its pop-up markets, skating rink, and festive installations.