Things to see in TriBeCa

TriBeCa in New York is a neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan. The name is an abbreviation of “Triangle Below Canal Street”. The area, therefore, covers the triangle between Hudson, Canal Street, Broadway and – roughly – Vesey Street. In the northwest of this area, you’ll find the entrance of the Holland Tunnel, which connects New York with New Jersey. TriBeCa is an atmospheric neighbourhood that many celebrities call their home. You can find several things to do and see here.

Things to see in TriBeCa

TriBeCa has been voted as one of the safest areas of New York City and many movie and pop stars call the area home. Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles, to name a few. TriBeCa is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in New York.

Pier 25 in TriBeCa

On the TriBeCa side of Hudson River Park, you’ll find a huge playground paradise: Pier 25. This part of the park has something to offer every age. From the children’s playground with water features to the climbing wall, in addition to the beach volleyball courts. There’s even a miniature golf course and a sun deck with lounge chairs.

From April to October, you also find the oyster bar Grand Banks here, located on a permanently docked sailing boat. An atmospheric place to have a cocktail and a bite amongst the locals, with a nice view of the buildings of Downtown Manhattan.

Irish Hunger Memorial

If you’re a history enthusiast, it’s worthwhile to visit the Irish Hunger Memorial at the corner of Vesey Street. Originally built to pay homage to the Irish famine, this outdoor garden sits on more than a half-acre of land. Facts, quotes and poems are displayed on the walls of the Irish cottage.

TriBeCa walking route

Do you want to explore TriBeCa and the nearby Civic Center? Then download Eric’s New York app and click on ‘routes’. Here you’ll find my self-designed walking route that takes you past all the highlights of TriBeCa, plus many more New York walking tours.

TriBeCa Film Festival

To shift the focus after the 9/11 attacks as well as to support the area’s reconstruction, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the TriBeCa Film Festival. It boosted the reputation of New York as a ‘movie town’ and also became one of the most prominent film festivals in the world.

In addition to the huge number of documentaries, shorts and family films to watch, there are the annual Artist Award and lots of free activities. The next TriBeCa Film Festival will be from ... until ....

See here if there are tickets for the Tribeca Film Festival events.

Where to eat in TriBeCa?

It’s no surprise that a neighbourhood with so many celebrities and expensive lofts is bursting with luxurious shops and restaurants. Takahachi, for example – a Japanese restaurant serving sushi and a la carte dishes.

If you’d like something a little more low-key, go to a non-pretentious bar, Anotheroom. It’s romantic, homey and a great place for a date – especially if your partner loves special beers and good wine! If you’re looking for breakfast or brunch in TriBeCa, Bubby’s is famous for its pancakes, but it also serves other American favourites.

Hotels in TriBeCa

There are several good hotels in TriBeCa. It is a nice, authentic neighbourhood to stay in. And with the many subway lines nearby, you can easily reach other parts of Manhattan. Sheraton TriBeCa is located on the outskirts of the area. Choose a club level room and you have access to the rooftop with a nice view of the neighbourhood. Other good hotels include The Roxy Hotel and Conrad New York Downtown.

How to get to TriBeCa?

There are many subway stations in and around TriBeCa, which makes it an ideal alternative for Midtown to stay at. To reach TriBeCa by subway, you can for example take the 1, 2, or 3 train to Chambers Street, or the A, C, or E train to Canal Street or Chambers Street. From either station, you’ll be within walking distance of the neighbourhood’s highlights.

History of TriBeCa

Although TriBeCa in New York is pretty popular nowadays, it hasn’t always been. The warehouses that now have a mostly residential function, date back to a time when this neighbourhood was still an industrial area.

After a period of vacancy and decay, in the ’80s a group of artists started to squat in the attics of the abandoned warehouses. That was the beginning of the neighbourhood’s revival. Companies moved there, and it took only 10 years before TriBeCa was back on the map. This time as a desirable and thriving neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan.