TriBeCa

The Basics

One of New York City’s oldest neighborhoods, Tribeca was settled by Dutch farmers in the 17th century, though its modern name didn’t arrive until the 1970s (Tribeca, sometimes written “TriBeCa,” is short for “Triangle Below Canal Street”). From its agrarian beginnings, the neighborhood evolved into a bustling shipping hub, and was, for decades, home to the enormous Washington Market. In the latter half of the 20th century, its former industrial lofts were colonized by artists and later renovated into some of the city’s most prized real estate. Today, Tribeca is one of the Big Apple’s safest and most expensive areas and counts celebrities the likes of Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence among its residents.

Tribeca features on numerous New York sightseeing itineraries, from bus and bike tours to private limousine tours. Given its proximity to major landmarks such as the 9/11 Memorial and City Hall, Tribeca is also easy to combine with other independent Lower Manhattan explorations.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Fancy a drink? Tribeca’s Brandy Library, one of the city’s most esteemed bars, is home to a vast collection of rare spirits.

• Tribeca is renowned for its architecture, and former industrial buildings such as the Textile Building, American Thread Building, and Powell Building are local highlights.

• The neighborhood is a popular shopping hub and features a range of independent boutiques and trendy designer flagships, from Shinola to Steven Alan.

How to Get There

Located just north of the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca is easily accessed via numerous forms of transportation. The neighborhood is served by the 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, A, C, E, J, N, Q, R, and W subway lines, as well as numerous buses and even water taxis. It can also be reached on foot, by car or taxi, or by bike.

When to Get There

Tribeca, like the rest of New York, maintains an ever-present buzz of energy, and there’s never a bad time to visit. That said, the neighborhood is at it busiest (and most star-studded) during the Tribeca Film Festival, held late April–early May.

The Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca hosts one of the country’s most revered independent film festivals. Held each spring, the Tribeca Film Festival includes a diverse range of screenings, panels, and other events, many of which are accessible to the public.

Ways to explore

Set aside a couple of hours for exploring the neighborhood, whether you’re looking to window-shop or gallery-hop. Or see a performance at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. A guided tour covers the main attractions of the area, which is ideal for anyone new to the city or short on time. If you’re an architecture aficionado, opt for a walking experience that covers local landmarks, including the firehouse from the hit film Ghostbusters. Other walking tours cover TriBeCa’s art galleries. If you prefer to give your legs a rest, tour downtown Manhattan by bus, van, or even vintage convertible.

Accessibility

Much of the neighborhood is wheelchair-accessible, but it’s best to check with specific sites in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, portable charger, water bottle

What to wear

Hats and sunglasses in summer, layers in the shoulder seasons

Not allowed

Loudly commenting, “My 5-year-old could do that!” in any of the art galleries

Amenities

Cafés and restaurants, many with complimentary Wi-Fi

Address

TriBeCa is short for “Triangle Below Canal Street.” The neighborhood stretches from the Hudson River to the west to Broadway, and from Chambers Street to Canal Street.

Driving

While it’s possible to reach TriBeCa by car, driving in Manhattan is not for the faint of heart. A good compromise is getting dropped off in a taxi or a rideshare.

Public transportation

The nearest subway stops are the 1 at Franklin Station. You can also take the M20 or M55 city buses. TriBeCa is walkable from many other Lower Manhattan neighborhoods.

Best times to visit

At sunset, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular views over the Hudson River. Stick around to grab dinner or drinks in the area.

Best days to visit

Saturdays are best for boozy brunches and mooching around art galleries. Keep in mind that many galleries are closed on Sundays.

Best months to visit

Summer (June to August) and the holidays (November to December) are the most popular times to visit New York City. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the most pleasant, weather-wise, and have fewer crowds.

Special events

The annual Tribeca Film Festival, which premieres many hit movies and draws stars, takes place each year in June.