Travel Destination | NYC South Street Seaport

Savvy New Yorkers avoid the Big Apple's tourist traps at all costs. With that being said, South Street Seaport is one of NYC's historic districts nestled away in Lower Manhattan, where locals and visitors co-exist amidst the refreshing sea breeze. Located at the intersection of the East River and Fulton Street, the Financial District sits to the west, the Brooklyn Bridge stretches to the east, with Battery Park City just to the south. Recognized as a designated Historic District  and National Historic Landmark in 1977, South Street Seaport opened the doors to South Street Seaport Museum in 1967. Connecting New York's past and present as an educational historic site by housing an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” The South Street Seaport and 19th-century Schermerhorn Row Historic District are lively, historic locale with much to see and do for all ages. Here are a few tips you need to know before you visit this ideal travel destination- South Street Seaport, NYC.

This content may contain affiliate links.

Travel Destination | NYC South Street Seaport

"Throughout the decades, the Seaport has proved its resilience—coming together with the Lower Manhattan community to rebuild in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in 2001 and in the wake of Superstorm Sandy in 2012."   -The Seaport

Once upon a time, this New York City seaport was a major hub for shipping warehouses, and commerce. Sadly, as time passed the area began to decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as shipping traffic moved to other parts of the city. Opened in 1882, the historic and largest fish market in the United States, Fulton Fish Market was once situated along the South Street Seaport, now has been relocated and is still operational in the Bronx.

During the 1970s, New York City began revitalization projects within the area, and South Street Seaport came to be a designated a historic district in 1976. Today, the seaport stands as a scenic NY Harbor destination. New Yorkers and and Big Apple visitors enjoy the seaport's atmosphere which includes a unique assortment of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural sites surrounded by a spectacular view of the city. Some of the most popular attractions in South Street Seaport include-

The Tin Building by Jean-Georges | A culinary destination designed to delight every palate. Marketplace. Grocery. Retail. Restaurants.

Pier 17 | Flagship destination eventspace with The Rooftop at Pier 17

Bowne & Co., Stationers | A gift emporium and letterpress print shop at the South Street Seaport Museum.

Established by Robert Bowne in 1775, Bowne & Co. holds the distinction of being New York’s oldest operating business under the same name. Today, it is comprised of the Bowne & Co. Printing Office––a workspace that continues the age-old tradition of job (or small batch) printing using seven historic presses from South Street Seaport Museum’s working collection––and Bowne & Co. Stationers, a 19th century-style emporium selling gifts and fine goods. 

South Street Seaport Museum | Preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city.

12 Fulton Street between Front Street +South Street, 10038

General Admission tickets are Pay What You Wish during all regular open hours Wed–Sun, 11am–5pm. 

Please be as generous as you can. As a non-profit organization, the amount you pay for your ticket makes a big difference in helping the Museum continue telling the story of Where New York Begins.

General Admission tickets include access to-

- 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree

- South Street and the Rise of New York

- Millions: Migrants and Millionaires Aboard the Great Liners, 1900–1914

- Seaport Discovery: Exploring Our Waters with Eric Carle

Online General Admission registration begins at $1. To take advantage of free admission, walk up to any check-in station at the Museum.

Free guided tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose, a floating lighthouse, are also available. Selection of timed-entry is required.

As the owner of the digital content published by Creative Learning Center Studios, I am compensated to provide my opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. This content may contain affiliate links. Even though, as the writer/owner of this blog receiving compensation for posts or advertisements, I will always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs or experiences on those topics or products. This content abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in the honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The views and opinions expressed on this site are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.