South Street Seaport (Pier 17), New York City

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We spent an evening at the seaport. The views of Brooklyn Bridge are very good and an excellent photo opportunity yet I was not really happy with this place. I thought it was a little scruffy really, the buildings at Pier 17 just looked as if they needed a good clean. A coach party turned up while we were there but all they could have done is wonder around the shopping centre which was geared for tourist tat. There was a good poster shop that I spent ages looking at though nothing quite captured my eye.

The cobbled area across the road offered better restaurants by the look of it.

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South Street Seaport is located south of the Brooklyn Bridge. After walking the Brooklyn Bridge it was time to slow down a bit. South Street Seaport is a nice place to unwind and relax. Here I was sitting on a bench, watching the (many) tourists and the ships. These ships are now museums. The ships are docked along the pier. It’s a great contrast to see the old ships and the modern buildings at the background.

There’s more to see, for example the many shops in the heart of South Street. This cobblestone street is closed to vehicles. I found that very pleasant. The shops has a large variety, from upscale to tourists shops. Shops like Victoria's Secret, Guess, Coach, and more are ready to welcome you.

Pier 17 is a 3 floor building with shops, restaurants and a food court. If you want to give your feet some rest, go to third floor. Here you’ll find lounge chairs overlooking the river. Although it was in December, the temperature was very good. It was very enjoyable to sit in the sun. You can imagine how its like in the summer! Sitting down, with a cool breeze, looking at the Brooklyn Bridge.

There’s a lot activity in the summer, like street performers, live music and outdoor eating. Check the events calendar once in a while for concerts.

During the holiday there is the ‘singing Christmas tree’ performed by the Big Apple Chorus. For years they are performing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the Holiday. All famous Christmas carols are coming by. They climbing up the tree and begin to sing. It’s funny to see these people with their red hats and green coats singing along! It was very crowdie around the Christmas tree.

Personally I think the summer is the best time to visit South Street Seaport, although, you don’t want to miss the singing Christmas tree!

Restaurants:
Heartland Brewery & Beer Hall (Historic Cobble Stone district)
Seaport Cafe (Pier 17)
Pacific Grill (Pier 17)
Cyber Cigar Coffee Bar (Food court)
Haagen Dazs (Pier 17)
MacMenamin's Irish Pub (Pier 17)
And more…

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Go to the South Street Seaport area - some old sailing boats, a museum, shops and a restaurant which serves excellent food - and a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was raining when we visited but it's easy enough to walk up on to the bridge and go across and get some great photos of NYC !

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South Seaport is a great stopping off point for numerous activities. We caught the Ferry to Yankee Stadium here, had some great local brews at Heartland Brewery, bought discounted Broadway tickets at TKTS and tons of shopping and restaurants are nearby. It's a great little area, lot's of fun to be had...

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South Street Seaport near the tip of Manhattan has spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
One third of all merchant tonnage in the world moved by sailing ships from a two-mile stretch of piers, wharehouses and countinghouses at South Street. It was said by New Yorkers that, "All streets lead to South Street." The nations first drydock, the world's first scheduled maritime departure ? the Black Ball Line ? and the world's first steamship all originated here.
The South Street Seaport Museum celebrates America's rich maritime heritage. It has several historic ships on display that reflect the name given this area when South Street was known to the world as the "Street of Ships." Ships can be viewed for free and boarded and explored for a fee or even chartered for an excursion. In addition to the ships on exhibit the South Street Seaport Museum has galleries ? filled with old maps, prints, ship models, paintings, and frequently changing exhibitions ? housed in various buildings within the South Street Seaport area.

This is a great walking tour for your iPod from Sounds for Sights that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the Seaport. Includes Pier 17, Fulton Fish Market and the Federal Resrve. You can't beat the $5 price. It's a great way to see the city at your leisure.

Not one of the 'best' places to shop in New York (I'm comparing it to Macy's and Fifth Avenue) but its a great place to visit, as its near the harbour which looks great on a nice day!!

The souvenir shops are great, and even though there is not a wide selection of shops, there is a large variety!!

I guess if you are in the area, you should visit it!

At the end of the Pier 17 building is an open deck offering great views of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Pier 17's boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll you and your group can grab a bench and relax in the sun while resting those tired feet.
If your hungry or are in the mood for some shopping lets go inside this 3 story pavillion.

Inside, there are several fast food
restaurants with food court seating.
Grab a quick bite to eat before heading out for more sightseeing.

If you can't resist shopping, you'll either love or hate the 3 floors of stores filling Pier 17. From high end designer boutiques to fun tourist shops, it's a browser's paradise.

In nice weather, nothing beats dining
outside. The more formal restaurants line the perimeter of Pier 17.
In the summertime, after 5 p.m., the area is filled with Wall Street's finest.

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