view from Pier 17

During the early to mid 1800s, the South Street Seaport was the largest shipping port in the country. Back then merchants and sailors turned this area into a city within a city complete with brothels, saloons, and boarding houses. By the end of the century, however, ships became too large for the seaport and much of the area was abandoned.

In 1967 the South Street Seaport Museum was founded to preserve this historic section of the city. The cobblestone streets are still there and much of the 12 block district has been restored. The 3 story level, Pier 17 is the centerpiece with hundreds of stores and restaurants. While most of the stores in Pier 17 can be found in any other city, be sure not to miss the 3rd floor. From there you can get a spectacular view of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges and Brooklyn Heights on the East River.

South Street Seaport Museum: The mission of the South Street Seaport Museum is to trace the history of the Port of New York, and its commercial and cultural impact on the city, the state, and the nation. The museum fulfills its mission through its galleries and exhibits, living history programs, programs and events, educational programs for children and adults, and the largest privately owned collection of historic vessels (in tonnage) in the United States.

SUMMER HOURS: April - October
10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday;
Closed: Monday

WINTER HOURS: Novenber - March
10am-5pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Closed: Monday - Thursday
Admission

Admission for the museum: $8 adults; $6 students/seniors with ID; $4 children 5-12; children under 5 and Museum Members free.

Getting there: The Fulton Fish Market is located at South St. and Fulton St, downtown. Click here for the Google map. You can take the A, C to Broadway/Nassau or 2, 3, 4, 5, J, M, Z trains to the Fulton Street stop and walk east (downhill) on Fulton St. towards the East River.