A Mini-Guide to the South Street Seaport in NYC

Discover rich history and shopping galore at the South Street Seaport

Written by
Pamela Skillings
Pamela Skillings is a local business owner and author of "Escape from Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams." She has been a resident of Manhattan for over 15 years.
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Pamela Skillings

Updated 03/10/19

NYC's South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport

Visit the South Street Seaport and get in touch with old New York: Several hundred years ago, the district served as the main trade and business center for Manhattan. Now, in the midst of a massive revitalization project, the Seaport is shaping up to once again be an anchor for the growing lower Manhattan community. Visitors today can wander through the quaint cobblestone streets and 19th-century brick buildings and find a shopping mall on Pier 17 offering stunning views of the East River.

Cultural & Historical Attractions at the South Street Seaport

History buffs and high-seas enthusiasts should stop by the South Street Seaport Museum on Fulton Street at Pier 16. Exhibitions display models of past and current ships, narrate tales of maritime life and culture and explore the rich history of New York Harbor. Adventures types can climb aboard stationary ships in the "Street of Ships" exhibit, and experience the daily life of sailors at the turn of the century.

The Seaport is also a popular location for many leisure cruises, with access to Hornblower Cruises and New York Water Taxi embarkations. The Seaport also features an iPic Theater at the Fulton Market and a TKTS ticket center for those wary of standing in line for discounted Broadway tickets at Times Square.

Shopping and Dining Options 

The Seaport touts some 40 eateries these days, including numerous options from the popular Smorgasburg market. Check out the full list of restaurants on the South Street Seaport website: 

Look out for about two dozen shops, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Guess, and unique shopping enclaves like South Street Local Artists, Seaport Studios Design Market, and the Fulton Stall Market. See a full store directory for more options.

Pier 17 Mall Hours

The mall is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

South Street Seaport Location

The South Street Seaport is located in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. It is bordered by the East River, Pearl Street, Dover Street, and John Street.

How to Get There

Take the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, or Z trains to Fulton Street. Walk east on Fulton Street to Water Street.

-- Updated by Elissa Garay 

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