Opened in 1967, this museum dispersed amid the cobblestone streets of the seaport district consists of fascinating exhibitions relating to the city's maritime history, an 18th-century printing press and shop, and a handful of mighty sailing ships to explore on Pier 16. Besides touring the moored 1885 Wavertree and the 1907 lightship Ambrose, in warmer months you can take a harbor cruise on the 1885 Pioneer and the 1930 wooden tugboat WO Decker.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Pier 15

0.13 MILES

For respite from the FiDi hustle, retreat to this striking, breezy, two-level pier, an inviting combo of greenery, deckchairs and spectacular city and…

2. Pier 17

0.13 MILES

Formerly a shopping center, this large pier off South Street Seaport has been redeveloped for dining and entertainment, with several upmarket restaurants…

3. South Street Seaport District

0.15 MILES

The Seaport District is east of the Financial District along the river, but a whole world away. This neighborhood of cobblestone and heritage buildings…

4. Museum of American Finance

0.28 MILES

Money makes this interactive museum go round. It focuses on historic moments in American financial history, and its permanent collections include rare…

5. Federal Reserve Bank of New York

0.29 MILES

The best reason to visit the Federal Reserve Bank is the chance to (briefly) gawp at its high-security vault – more than 10,000 tons of gold reserves…

6. Federal Hall

0.35 MILES

A Greek Revival masterpiece, Federal Hall houses a museum dedicated to postcolonial New York. Themes include George Washington’s inauguration, Alexander…

7. New York Stock Exchange

0.39 MILES

Home to the world’s best-known stock exchange (the NYSE), Wall Street is an iconic symbol of US capitalism. Behind the portentous neoclassical facade,…

8. St Paul's Chapel

0.43 MILES

After his inauguration in 1789, George Washington worshipped at this Classical Revival brownstone chapel, built in 1766 and narrowly avoiding destruction…