A guide of what to do in TriBeCa – this Manhattan neighborhood which is named for being the “Triangle Below Canal Street” is a hub of restaurants, independent boutiques, and impressive architecture.
How to get to Tribeca
The easiest way to get to Tribeca is to take the subway. The 1, 2, A, C, E, N, Q, R, and W trains all stop at Canal Street. This will put you at the north edge of the neighborhood, which is a good starting point. If you want to start in south Tribeca, you can take the 1, R, or W to Cortlandt Street, the 2 or 3 to Fulton Street or Park Place, the 4, 5, A, C, J, or Z or Fulton Street, the E to Park Place, the R or W to Rector Street. You could even take the ferry to Brookfield Place/Battery Park City – there are lots of options.
What to do in Tribeca
Ghostbuster’s Fire Station
This movie landmark is located at 14 North Moore Street (at the intersection of Varick Street).
You can’t go in, but it’s fun to see and there is a Ghostbusters logo spray painted on the sidewalk in front of the station. It’s a fun photo op if you are in Tribeca.
Aire Ancient Baths
If you want to have a relaxing and luxurious day, go here. This candlelit bath house features a variety of pools and steam rooms. It’s the ultimate place to relax – I am a huge fan of the Chicago location!
See the Staple Street Skybridge
This small covered bridge between two buildings on a side street is part of a private residence. If you have $35 million, it can be yours. In addition to the skybridge, the home has over 8,100 square feet of living space.
New York City Fire Museum
This museum is just two blocks north of Tribeca, but I wanted to include it here since it pairs well with seeing the Ghostbuster’s Fire Station. This museum share the history of the NYFD from its start as a volunteer department and the evolution of firefighting technology.
Historic Homes at Harrison and Greenwich
One of the things that I love about NYC is that if you pay attention, you will discover pieces of the city’s architectural past. The row of historic homes along Harrison Street at the intersection of Greenwich Street is a prime example. These Federal Style townhomes date back to the 1820s, the city continued to grow around them, but this small section of the city feels untouched.
Dream House
This light and sound environment is an immersive experience. There is a $10 suggested donation for entry, it has limited hours, and you need to walk up two flights of stairs to get there. Once there you will walk into a light and sound installation that surrounds you. It’s pretty trippy.
Poster Museum
This shop located at 122 Chambers St. claims to have the world’s largest collection of vintage posters many of which are displayed on the walls – others are stacked in high piles. You can also find vintage magazines including issues of Life here.
The Tribeca Film Festival
Probably the most well known annual event in the neighborhood, the Tribeca Film Festival takes place in April and showcases independent films.
Where to Eat in Tribeca
Locanda Verde
An Andrew Carmellini restaurant specializing in rustic Italian food. Start with the fresh ricotta that comes with lightly toasted bread and then try one of the homemade pastas.
This restaurant is great, it’s casual enough for a meal with friends but formal enough for a date. It’s excellent and you should make a point to dine here.
Bubby’s
This restaurant specializes in American comfort food. Think chicken pot pie, burgers, and fried chicken. We loved the General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs, the biscuits, the burger, and be sure to save room for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.
Maman
This coffeeshop/cafe has a few Manhattan locations. The Tribeca location is a bit different since it is located within a Paper Source.
You can get coffee and pastries to go at the counter, or you can stay and enjoy their dine in menu featuring breakfast and lunch items. If you are looking for a weekday brunch, this is one of the best places to go.
Tiny’s & the Bar Upstairs
A casual restaurant and bar serving modern American cuisine located in a 1800s townhouse.
Laughing Man Coffee
Owned by Hugh Jackman, the proceeds from this coffee house go towards investing in programs to help coffee growing families.
Los Taco’s No. 1
This fast casual taco joint has a cult following. This is how it works, first you order, then you get a ticket that you hand off to the person who will make your tacos. You tell them with you want a corn or flour tortilla, and if you want salsa, guacamole, onion, and/or cilantro on top. Think of it as gourmet chipotle.
Where to Shop in Tribeca
The shopping in Tribeca is reason enough to visit the neighborhood. There are lots of independently owned boutiques that sell clothing, housewares, and art that you might not be able to find anywhere else.
Clic
A large store showcasing art prints, furniture, books, and woman’s clothing. The aesthetic is chic without being stuffy.
180 The Store
Very modern men and women’s fashion – you can find things like Japanese natural indigo jeans clothing.
everafter
A store filled with unique and colorful clothing and gifts for kids and teens.
The Westside
A California-inspired women’s shop connected to everafter.
Roller Rabbit
Find colorful patterned pajamas for the whole family here. They also sell patterned bedding and clothing for women and children.
The Armoury
Upscale menswear including suiting and shoes. They also offer custom tailoring.
Pearl River Mart
One of the most fun to browse shops in NYC, Pearl River has a wide selection of Asian imports including ceramics, silk goods, clothing, and other gifts.
Best Made
This store is for the outdoorsman. The place has a bit of a Moonrise Kingdom vibe and stocks men’s clothing, wool blankets, coffee grinders, backpacks and more.
Mysterious Book Shop
I love independently owned book shops, and this one specializes in mystery, crime, and espionage novels!
Western Spirit
You will feel like you have been transported to the Southwest when you walk through the door. You can find collectables, cowboy boots, and suede fringe jackets here.
The Fountain Pen Hospital
The name made me curious. It turns out that it is an upscale pen shop that sells fountain pens and historically significant pens.
