SOUTH STREET SEAPORT

New York's old harbor is a tourist attraction that is fairly unknown to tourists... which is great when you're looking to get off the beaten path a bit! A few minutes walk from Wall Street, this neighborhood nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge is beautiful and unlike any other in New York. The architecture of the old buildings, the cobblestone streets, and the harbor walk are definitely worth a visit. In addition, large ships are constantly docked at Fulton Street. These include the Wavertree, a cargo ship built in 1885, and the Ambrose Lightship, built in 1907 to guide ocean liners into New York Bay. It is possible to take guided tours of these two ships with the South Street Seaport Museum (tours are included in the price of the ticket), which we recommend you take the time to visit. It looks back at the maritime history of New York and its role as a major port, with collections of photos, objects and paintings dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, including beautiful works by Thomas Birch and James Buttersworth. During the summer months, the museum also offers two-hour trips into New York Bay aboard the Pioneer, an 1885 sailing ship that will take you past Governor's Island, with sublime views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

The port is also a place full of history. Forgotten at the end of the 19th century, it has been rehabilitated by greedy developers, helped by its proximity to Wall Street. These quays are today transformed into a living museum of the past: along the cobbled streets of the fish market (the Fulton Market, one of the historic strongholds of the New York mafia), souvenir shops are lined up today. On weekends, numerous fairs and festivals are often organized. During the passage of hurricane Sandy, the rise of water, of more than 1,50 m, strongly damaged the businesses and restaurants of seaside. After a long period of work, the establishments have reopened and the area has regained its former dynamism. The opening of the Seaport District NYC shopping center, a new pier that houses shops, bars, and restaurants that opened mostly in 2019, has only solidified the revitalization of South Street Seaport. Throughout the summer, Pier 17, which sits on the mall's rooftop, hosts outdoor concerts and performances, while in the winter, the space transforms into an ice rink.