New York is made up of neighborhoods that each feel completely different from one another, and that’s one of the reasons I love creating this summer walking series.
In this episode, we’re visiting two neighborhoods that are often overlooked: the Seaport District in Lower Manhattan and Greenpoint in Brooklyn.
One is full of maritime history, cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and beautifully restored historic buildings. The other offers quiet tree-lined streets, independent cafés, vintage stores, incredible Manhattan skyline views, and a much slower pace than Midtown.
If you’re planning a trip to New York, or simply love exploring the city from home, I hope this guide helps you discover somewhere new.
🎥 Watch the full walking tour here:
Seaport District
Located along the East River in Lower Manhattan, the Seaport District is one of the oldest parts of New York City. What began as the city’s original port has transformed into one of the most beautiful waterfront neighborhoods in Manhattan while still preserving much of its historic character.
Although it’s only a few blocks long, there’s plenty to see, especially if you enjoy bookstores, waterfront walks, great food, and architecture.
📍 Explore the neighborhood on Google Maps
Seaport District Highlights
🛍️ Explore the Tin Building
The Tin Building is one of my favorite places to visit in the Seaport District.
Originally built in the early 1900s and completely restored after Hurricane Sandy, today it’s a beautiful food hall featuring restaurants, cafés, bakeries, specialty groceries, and artisan food vendors.
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, coffee, or simply walking around, it’s worth stopping inside.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Tin+Building+New+York
🌉 Walk around Pier 17
Just outside the Tin Building is Pier 17, one of the best places to enjoy the East River.
You’ll find plenty of seating, beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn skyline, and a rooftop that hosts concerts throughout the summer. Even if there’s no event happening, the rooftop is free to visit and offers some of my favorite panoramic views in Lower Manhattan.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Pier+17+New+York
📚 Visit McNally Jackson Books
If you’ve watched my videos before, you already know I can never resist a bookstore.
The Seaport location of McNally Jackson is especially beautiful, with exposed brick walls, cozy reading spaces, and an excellent selection of books. Upstairs you’ll also find seating if you want to stay a little longer with a coffee.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=McNally+Jackson+Seaport
🍪 Stop by Funny Face Bakery
Even if you’re not a huge cookie person (I’m usually not!), Funny Face Bakery is worth visiting.
They’re known for decorating cookies with funny sayings, pop culture references, seasonal designs, and even custom photo cookies. It’s a fun stop and a great place to pick up a unique New York souvenir.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Funny+Face+Bakery+Seaport
🛍️ Browse Mure + Grand
Mure + Grand is one of those stores where I always find something cute.
They carry clothing, jewelry, accessories, home décor, and gifts, making it a great stop whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a present.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Mure+and+Grand+Seaport
🎬 Watch a movie at (the former) IPIC Theaters
If you’re looking for something indoors, especially on a rainy day, IPIC is a fun option.
Instead of traditional movie theater snacks, you can order full meals and drinks directly to your seat while watching the movie.
We’ve been several times and always enjoy the experience.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=IPIC+Fulton+Market
🥪 Eat at the Tin Building
The Tin Building is perfect if everyone in your group wants something different. Inside you’ll find everything from sandwiches and tacos to Asian food, bakeries, coffee, desserts, and sit-down restaurants.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Tin+Building+New+York
Greenpoint
Just across the East River from Manhattan, Greenpoint feels like a completely different city.
Originally settled by the Dutch before becoming one of Brooklyn’s major industrial neighborhoods, today it’s known for its independent shops, cafés, vintage stores, waterfront parks, and some of the best skyline views in New York.
It’s quieter than Williamsburg but just as charming.
📍 Explore the neighborhood on Google Maps
Greenpoint Highlights
🌳 Walk through Transmitter Park
Transmitter Park is one of my favorite waterfront parks in Brooklyn.
It’s still relatively small, but it offers incredible views of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building, and the East River.
It’s the perfect place to slow down for a few minutes and enjoy the skyline.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Transmitter+Park
🛍️ Go vintage shopping
Greenpoint is full of vintage stores, making it a great neighborhood to browse even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
One of the shops I visited during this walk was: Dobbin Street Vintage Co-op. Vintage furniture, home décor, glassware, and clothing all under one roof.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pbL9UFoUCuM5Eypw6
🏡 Browse Teak
If Scandinavian design is your style, you’ll love Teak.
The shop carries furniture, home accessories, notebooks, gifts, and beautiful décor that feels both modern and cozy.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Teak+Brooklyn
✏️ Visit Yoseka Stationery
One of my favorite stops of the day.
Yoseka Stationery specializes in Japanese stationery and has an incredible selection of pens, notebooks, washi tape, stamps, inks, and desk accessories.
If you love stationery as much as I do, don’t skip this one.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Yoseka+Stationery
📚 Browse Word Bookstore
Another stop I couldn’t resist.
Word Bookstore has a fantastic selection of books for both adults and children and is one of my favorite independent bookstores in Brooklyn.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=WORD+Bookstore+Greenpoint
🥑 Eat at Five Leaves
I stopped here for lunch and ordered avocado toast with an iced coffee.
It’s a neighborhood favorite and a great spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Five+Leaves+Brooklyn
Final Thoughts
One of the things I’ve loved most about creating this Summer in NYC series is discovering (and rediscovering) neighborhoods that don’t always make the typical tourist itinerary.
The Seaport District and Greenpoint couldn’t feel more different, but that’s exactly what makes pairing them together so much fun. One tells the story of New York’s maritime past, while the other shows how Brooklyn continues to evolve without losing its character.
Whether you’re planning your next trip to New York or simply exploring from home, I hope this guide inspires you to venture beyond the city’s most famous landmarks.
See you on the next one!
Flor.
