
NYC’s historic district The Seaport goes way back in time, and to this day continues to be one of our favorite quaint neighborhoods in all of Manhattan! The waterfront area wraps along the edge of the East River, offering some of the best skyline views you’ll find…especially of the Brooklyn Bridge and neighboring borough.
The Seaport is most well known for its maritime heritage, charming cobblestone streets, old-fashioned buildings, and chic boutique shops and restaurants. During every season you’ll be able to find something to do in the area…and we’ve put a list together of the best things to do, see, and eat in The Seaport!
1. Pier 17
Pier 17 is Seaport’s most incredible gem…home to all sorts of restaurants, attractions and of course The Rooftop at Pier 17. Most notably, Pier 17 offers one of NYC’s most scenic concert venues…a rooftop space that welcomes music’s largest names during the summer season! The Rooftop at Pier 17 Concert Series runs during the warmer months and the outdoor concerts offer a great complement to the breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
It also boasts plenty of other features including fine dining restaurants like The Fulton and Malibu Farm, and other seasonal activations like outdoor movies in the summer and ice skating rinks in the winter.
⛵ Learn more about Pier 17 here!
2. The Dead Rabbit Presents Joxer’s
Looking for somewhere to eat and drink in The Seaport? Stop by Joxer’s, a pop-up sports bar on The Rooftop at Pier 17! In collaboration with the world’s most awarded pub The Dead Rabbit comes this limited-time Irish pub that’s serving incredible food and drinks!
The space is decked out in all sorts of sports memorabilia, and games are shown on the TVs throughout the day and night. The menu features Ham and Cheese Toasties, Guinness Glazed Ribs, Baked Mac and Cheese, Corned Beef Tacos, and a classic Irish Spice Bag alongside classic sports bar drinks like highballs, boilermakers, hot cocktails, and more.
Where: The Rooftop at Pier 17
🏈 Learn more about Joxer’s here!
3. South Street Seaport Museum
NYC’s maritime history is evident throughout the entire Seaport, and it all comes beautifully together at the South Street Seaport Museum. The cultural institution features many galleries, ship models, and historic vessels that tell the tale of the city’s maritime history.
New Yorkers can explore many collections and educational opportunities that dive deep into New York’s origins as an original world port. It’s a one-of-a-kind walkthrough of the story of “Where New York Begins.”
⛵ Learn more about the South Street Seaport Museum here!
4. Tin Building by Jean-Georges
The Tin Building is arguably the crown jewel of The Seaport—a massive food hall that is inspired by the travels of Chef Jean-Georges. The culinary marketplace is home to diverse dining options and gourmet food stalls, ranging from a traditional sit-down Italian restaurant to a fish market to a breakfast sandwich counter.
Alongside the 12 dining concepts, four bars, and private dining experiences, there’s also plenty of market-style items you can pick up along the way like farm-fresh produce, hand-selected pantry staples, rare ingredients, and a whole lot more. It’s definitely worth exploring, whether it’s for a sit-down meal or some quick grocery shopping.
🐟 Learn more about the Tin Building here!
5. Lawn Club
Lawn Club is one of our favorite activities in The Seaport, because you can rent your own green space and play…lawn games?! Why yes, this “leisure headquarters” as they call it is home to several individual green areas where you can play bocce, shuffleboard, corn hole, and so many more games. Not to mention, there’s two full bars, a tasty food menu, and plenty of TVs to watch sports too.
Whether you’re looking for a little competition or an alternative to drinking at a bar, why not opt for this fun, sporty option?!
🏓 Learn more about Lawn Club here!
6. IPIC Theaters
Catch a movie at The Seaport location of the popular NYC movie theater, IPIC. The full restaurant-and-movie theater experience resides inside the Fulton Market Building and makes for a fun date night idea or upscale movie outing. The 500 seat theater has luxury seating, full food and drink menus, and even table side waiters.
Online advanced reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome too!
🎥 See what’s currently showing and learn more about IPIC here!
7. Bowne & Co.
What was once New York’s oldest and largest printing firm, Bowne & Co now remains as one The Seaport’s most notable shops. The print shop and emporium dates all the way back to the 19th century, and allows New Yorkers to shop all kinds of books, stationery, and house-printed paper goods.
The curated collection of goodies are all designed and printed using historic presses from Seaport Museum’s working collection. It’s definitely worth stopping by to see their products if you’re in the area!
📖 Learn more about Bowne & Co. here!
8. McNally Jackson Books
Carve out some time in The Seaport to stop by McNally Jackson, one of NYC’s best independent bookstores! With over 65,000 books to thumb through at their waterfront location, the beloved spot is a book worm’s dream.
The two floor shop sits inside the historic Schermerhorn Row building (built in 1811) and is full of many book shelves just waiting to be looked through! They even have a ground-floor bar and café you can grab a drink at while you look for your next read.
9. Manhattan by Sail boat cruises
Ready to set sail?! Manhattan by Sail is one of NYC’s best cruising companies and they push off from the decks of The Seaport. Their daily boardings on the Clipper City vessel are the most incredible sightseeing opportunity…offering close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.
There’s even some speciality cruises as well if you want to up the ante, like the Sunset Jazz Sail with live music and an Afternoon Golden Hour Cocktail Sail with tasty drinks and crisp NYC views.
⛵ Learn more about Manhattan by Sail’s cruise options here!
10. Free events at The Seaport
All year round The Seaport hosts awesome free events that are completely open to New Yorkers! Events can range from free dance nights to live performances to even yoga classes! Plus, there’s tons of fun holiday celebrations throughout the year including Christmas, Lunar New Year, Halloween, Pride Weekend, July 4th, and so much more.
Keep your eyes peeled on The Seaport’s event calendar to see what’s coming up in the district!