South Street Seaport Walking Tour

Pearl and Fulton Streets
Uncover the historic South Street Seaport district and hear gripping tales of the port's turbulent past on this historical walking tour of New York City. You will explore this seaside neighborhood, which blends the early days of sailing intrigue with... more
Uncover the historic South Street Seaport district and hear gripping tales of the port's turbulent past on this historical walking tour of New York City. You will explore this seaside neighborhood, which blends the early days of sailing intrigue with the vibrant shopping and dining of present. Your knowledgable guide will show you sights and perspectives rarely seen by locals, as well as the hottest places to shop, socialize and soak up the Seaport scene! This New York City walking tour takes you through the South Street Seaport district and its origin of commerce, which includes the once-famed Fulton Fish Market and a 150-year-old working print shop to a now bustling mecca for shopping and dining. The South Street Seaport was a major port for New York between the American Revolution and on through the Civil War, and became a home to numerous moored historical sailing ships, including the Wavertree. You'll have magnificent views of the Brooklyn Bridge while you see places like the Bridge Café, New York's oldest drinking establishment, and the Paris Café, where Thomas Edison planned lower Manhattan's first electrical grid. This area was knows as the gateway to the world, with it's b... more

Uncover the historic South Street Seaport district and hear gripping tales of the port's turbulent past on this historical walking tour of New York City. You will explore this seaside neighborhood, which blends the early days of sailing intrigue with the vibrant shopping and dining of present. Your knowledgable guide will show you sights and perspectives rarely seen by locals, as well as the hottest places to shop, socialize and soak up the Seaport scene!

This New York City walking tour takes you through the South Street Seaport district and its origin of commerce, which includes the once-famed Fulton Fish Market and a 150-year-old working print shop to a now bustling mecca for shopping and dining. The South Street Seaport was a major port for New York between the American Revolution and on through the Civil War, and became a home to numerous moored historical sailing ships, including the Wavertree.

You'll have magnificent views of the Brooklyn Bridge while you see places like the Bridge Café, New York's oldest drinking establishment, and the Paris Café, where Thomas Edison planned lower Manhattan's first electrical grid. This area was knows as the gateway to the world, with it's bars and taverns, shops, ships, houses and old streets. Following the haunted Bridge Café, you will see Jeremy's Ale House, where 9/11 first responders took refuge, and the Titanic Lighthouse, a memorial that was dedicated to those lost their lives when the ship sank and also the origin of New York’s famous New Years Eve Ball Drop!

Among the landmarks in this five-block radius, you will also see the site of George Washington's first presidential mansion, the Federalist buildings from the late 1700s, and the 1830s Greek Revival warehouses and counting quarters.


Drag the street view to look around 360°.
Use the arrow buttons to navigate down the street and around the neighborhood!

Financial District Description

South Street Seaport Walking Tour is located in the Financial District neighborhood of Manhattan. The financial hub of the United States, the seat of New York City government, and home to some of New York's oldest buildings, the Financial District has an illustrious history. 17th century settlers began building here, and given the many seafarers of the time, boats could be conveniently docked at one of the slips right near the settlements of wooden homes. Right nearby, in the heart of the district is Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in 1789, also the meeting site for the First Congress. New York City was both the capital of the United States and New York State at the time. The street names reflect the district's fascinating history: Fulton Street, named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat; Maiden Lane, originally called Magde Platje in Dutch; Beaver Street, recalling the once-significant beaver pelt trade, etc. The area today houses some great economic powerhouses, including the headquarters of major banks, the New York Stock Exchange, in addition to the World Financial Center. Contrasts are extraordinary, from old two- and three-story old brick buildings near South Street Seaport to the nearby modern mega-skyscrapers. Some of the numerous other attractions include Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington bid farewell to his troops (also, they have a museum!); the newly-landscaped City Hall Park; the Museum of the American Indian and the US Custom House at Bowling Green; Trinity Church, the first parish church in New York City and the resting place of Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton, among others; War Of 1812 strong hold Castle Clinton; the Staten Island-bound South Ferry; Battery Park; and the Federal Reserve Bank. Sadly, the biggest attraction since 9/11 has been the former World Trade Center site, although, thankfully, construction has finally filled the long-standing gouge in Lower Manhattan's face, and the stunning 9/11 Memorial and its attendant museum are welcome signs of a healing city. And, of course, soaring a symbolic 1,776 feet over the memorial is the new 1 World Trade Center!

Info

Pearl and Fulton Streets
New York, NY 10038

Editorial Rating

Tour Admission Cost

Adults: From $30
Child: From $25

Tour Duration And Additional Info

2 hours
Inclusions:
- Guided walking tour
- Professional guide

Exclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Gratuities (optional)
- Entrance fees to any museums or ships

Additional Information:
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A moderate amount of walking is involved
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants may join the tour on a stroller

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