17 Awesome Things to do at South Street Seaport

What are all the things to do in South Street Seaport and is it worth it?

South St. Seaport is as old as New York City gets and yet with its modern makeover, it’s like a neighborhood that just arrived! South Street is the historic maritime district along the East River that greeted early New Yorkers and traders.

Back when Henry Hudson arrived in 1609, this port became a booming center of trade for the Dutch East India Company.  For hundreds of years, the port was used for shipping everything from fish to printing supplies.

The Seaport has some of the oldest buildings in Lower Manhattan. Many of these buildings are on the National Historic Register and were included in a restoration plan when unfortunately, Hurricane Sandy submerged the neighborhood underwater in 2012. In a short time, the district was rebuilt and is now another reminder of how well New Yorkers like to preserve what is historic & special.

You can spend time at South St. any time of the year and find it bustling with people and activity. While I love visiting South Street during the holidays and Springtime, I’ve got to say, it is so much fun to be there during a NYC summer! We literally spent an entire day there recently. I thought I’d never get my husband to leave!

You’ll find live music, excellent food, museums, boutique shops, and beautiful views right by the Brooklyn Bridge. Honestly, it’s A LOT about the food down here, so arrive hungry!

Here are the 17 Things to do at South Street Seaport

Let this guide take you through a list of everyone’s favorite things to do in South Street. Add this to one of your NYC days, may it be your 1 Day in NYC Itinerary, 2 Day in NYC Itinerary, 3 Day in NYC Itinerary, 4 Day in NYC Itinerary, or  5 Day in NYC Itinerary you won’t be sorry! Some for free, some for the whole family, and all of them, very fun! Add this to your list of FREE things to do in NYC.

#1 Eat & Drink at The Tin Building

96 South Street

Once home to the historic Fulton Fish Market, the newly renovated Tin Building is an homage to the seaport and the marketplace it has been for over 200 years. Now you can explore the beautiful building and its 12 dining choices in addition to an upscale marketplace for fish, meats, and produce. It’s so aesthetically pleasing in there, you’ll want to try everything! There is even a new Malibu Farm restaurant!

#2 Join the Party at the Seaport Public Market

91 South Street
Indoor Market – Mon. – Sat. 11:30AM – 5PM Year Round
Outdoor Market Sat. 11:30AM – 5PM May – Thanksgiving

Chances are you’ll catch a Saturday at the Seaport and you’ll find a giant outdoor party with an incredible farmers’ market, live music, artisans, and vendors with all kinds of great stuff. This is NYC at its best!

#3 Visit the South Street Seaport Museum

12 Fulton Street
Wed. – Sun. 11-5
Pay what you wish

With or without kids in tow, if you’re curious about the historic significance of the Seaport neighborhood and New York’s earliest days, then check out this museum. Dedicated to preserving the artifacts of the area, the museum has art, galleries, books, a print shop, and historic boats on display. And, it’s a “pay what you can” donation!

#4 See a Concert at the Roof Top At Pier 17

89 South St.

The Rooftop at Pier 17, this is South Street’s massive 1.5 acre rooftop music venue. Pier 17 was the port for New York’s entire shipping industry. Now you can look for your favorite artists, sports events, and other epic attractions performing on the rooftop. Talk about a great concert experience!

#5 Find a Book at McNally Jackson Independent Booksellers

4 Fulton St.

This is the jewel of the Seaport in my opinion. Housed in an 1811 brick row building, this book store is historic and peaceful. Roam the two floors, choose a book or some gifts, and then sit in the cafe for a latte and cookie. (They have gluten free chocolate chip cookies!) The store is within the historic landmark Schermerhorn Row buildings.

#6 Visit the Titanic Memorial Lighthouse

Fulton St. & Pearl St.

On April 15, 1913, one year following the sinking of the Titanic, this 60 foot tall memorial lighthouse was erected in honor of those who lost their lives on the Titanic. As you know, the Titanic was en route to New York City when it met its demise. It was placed on the roof of the Seaman’s Church institute on South Street. Until 1967, a time- ball would raise and drop at 12 noon, to signal to ships in the New York Harbor. The ball was activated by a telegraphic signal transmitted from the Washington D.C. Naval Observatory. The Lighthouse was later donated to the Seaport Museum. Stay tuned…There are plans for a full Titanic Museum  to be completed soon!

#7 See the Captain Joseph Rose House

273 Water St.

The oldest building in the South Street Historic District is also the third oldest building in all of Manhattan.Originally built by Captain Rose in 1773, the house was used as a tavern, a place for rat and dog fights, and was damaged in two fires. Eventually, it was abandoned for a couple of decades until it was purchased in the 1970’s for $1!!! Of course it is now luxury condos.

#8 Take a South Street Historic District Architectural Walking Tour

I love me a historic walking tour! This neighborhood is full of stories and legends. I recommend you find a tour that will give you all kinds of info about the waterfront and all the characters who created the Seaport. Here are some options with great reviews:

The Seaport Museum offers a bunch of different cool walking tours.

Big Onion offers a South Street walking tour as well.

#9 Try Lawn Bowling

1 Fulton Street

What? A bocce ball and croquet lawn? Come play shuffleboard, cornhole, and all your favorite games while having a snack and drinks with friends, right here in NYC.

#10  See a Movie at IPIC Theater

11 Fulton Street

This is not your usual movie theater. This Seaport cinema is an upscale movie experience with lounge chairs and a full restaurant!

#11 Take a River Cruise

89 South Street

Enjoy river cruises on the Clipper City, a tall ship refurbished from an 1854 cargo schooner. Some of the cruises provide entertainment and cocktails on board. You’ll sail under the Brooklyn Bridge, pass Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, listen to jazz, and watch the sunset!

Book a tour on the Clipper City here!

#12 East River Greenway

The East River Esplanade or Greenway is a 9.5 mile stretch along the east river designed for walking, biking, and jogging.It begins south of the Seaport at Battery Park and continues through the Seaport all the way up to 125th Street.

#13 Imagination Playground

Front Street & John Street & South Street

This unusual playground designed by renowned architect David Rockwell gives kids the opportunity to explore and create as they run and jump and play. It’s an interactive playground meant to spark creativity and imagination.

#14 Pier 15

South Street & Fletcher Street

Another beautiful renovation of a formerly falling apart pier, into a lovely public park! This is a two story pier with green space, benches for views, and even indoor seating and an observation deck if you don’t want to be outside.

#15 Browne & Co.

211 Water Street

The Brown & Co. a printing press, est. 1775, is New York’s oldest operating business under its original name. Explore this turn of the century printing press and stationery shop. See original letterpress printing presses and other artifacts from the era’s printing heyday.

#16 The Little Shop

252 Front Street

Bodega in the front, speakeasy in the back. Check out this tiny little spot for some of you daily needs, but enjoy its transformation at night into a great little NYC speakeasy.

#17 Brooklyn Bridge

Walk to the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO. This is one of my most favorite NYC adventures! The Brooklyn Bridge is filled with history and offers such a nice stroll and view of the harbor. And exploring the famous neighborhood of Dumbo is an added plus! Click here for all the info you need to know about walking the Brooklyn Bridge!

How do I Get To South Street Seaport?

By Subway – Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.

By Bus – Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street.

By Water – The NYC Ferry, and New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11.

Parking – Parking lots at Front and John Streets, and 294 Pearl Street.

Where should I eat at South Street?

You can’t go wrong at South Street because the options are plentiful! From the choices inside the Tin Building and the restaurants on the water, the pubs, and excellent seafood. As NYC eateries go, this area has got you covered! Like I said, arrive hungry! And because I am a HUGE fan of the Malibu Farm in Malibu, California – I recommend you check out the menu at the Malibu Farm South Street Seaport location.

Where to Stay In South Street Seaport?

33 Hotel NYC Seaport
33 Peck Slip

33 Hotel is a luxury hotel on the cobblestone streets of the Seaport, with 66 rooms, amazing views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. Think modern luxury in a historic neighborhood. The reviews are 10 out of 10 excellent for staff and accommodations.  The hotel boasts all kinds of amenities including a restaurant, fitness center, and breakfast in the lobby.

South Street Fun Facts

• The first pier was built in 1625 when the first Dutch West India Company ship arrived.
• The district’s first street was Pearl Street, named for the many oysters and pearls found in New York’s harbor.
• The Fulton Fish Market opened in 1822.
• The Bridge Cafe at 279 Water St. is the “oldest drinking establishment in New York” used to be a brothel. Rumors are that a lady named Gallus Mag would bite the ears or fingers off of disobedient customers and keep them in a pickle jar behind the counter!
• Hurricane Sandy flooded up to 7 feet deep in some areas of the Seaport.
• The Wavertree ship at Pier 16 was built in 1885.

Get ready to travel downtown and enjoy all the fun things to do at South Street Seaport.

In a nutshell…

Exploring South Street Seaport is like stepping into a little piece of NYC history, mixed with modern charm and endless fun. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, catching a cool event, or just soaking in the waterfront vibes, there’s always something new to discover in NYC.

So, next time you’re downtown, make sure to swing by and see what the Seaport has in store – it’s a spot you won’t want to miss!

Happy exploring!

xx,
Carrie