Visiting Tribeca (“Triangle Below Canal Street”) is a study in contrast where storied cast-iron buildings with ornate facades clash against the soaring skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan. Billed as New York’s bohemian alcove, perhaps no other neighborhood has gone through more substantial change in the past two decades.
Once an abandoned outpost of the Financial District, artists and stalwart neighbors banned together to breathe new life into the neighborhood. Today, Tribeca is considered one of the wealthiest areas in Manhattan best known for the slew of celebrities calling the zip code home, like Robert De Niro, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
Compact and charismatic, the neighborhood is ripe for exploration year-round. If you plan to visit, here’s a roundup of the best things to do in Tribeca, New York City (from a local’s perspective).
Best Things to Do in Tribeca
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
Table of Contents. Visiting Tribeca NYC
- Best Things to Do in Tribeca
- Visit the Ghostbusters Headquarters
- Learn About the Staple Street Skybridge
- Soak in the Views at Grand Banks
- Browse Philip Williams Posters
- Brunch at Bubby’s
- Catch Live Jazz at The Django
- Enjoy a Meal at The Odeon
- Lose Track of Time at the Mysterious Book Shop
- Soak in the Views from Pier 25
- Unwind with a Drink at Brandy Library
- Escape the City at Aire Ancient Baths
- Visit the One World Trade Center
- FAQ – Best Things to Do in Tribeca
- List of Fun Things to Do While Visiting Tribeca (Summary)
- Map of the Best Things to Do in Tribeca
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Visit the Ghostbusters Headquarters
Instagram.Ghostbusters Headquarters
Address. 14 N Moore St, New York
Any Ghostbusters fans in the house? Then the fire station at 14 North Moore Street should look familiar to you, it’s home to Ghostbusters Headquarters! The bright red doors of Hook & Ladder Company 8 have served as a backdrop for thousands of photos over the years, you couldn’t miss them if you tried.
Funny enough, the firehouse was selected for the supernatural comedy franchise because the script envisaged Ghostbusters as a public service (much like a fire department) and one of the actors liked the look of this particular firehouse.
Decades later and the firehouse remains one of the top attractions in Tribeca. Fans make pilgrimages to take photos with the full-size replica Ghostbusters sign (which was donated to the firehouse in 2021). But take note, Hook & Ladder Company 8 is a working firehouse so you’ll need to be mindful of keeping the egress clear if taking photos.
Learn About the Staple Street Skybridge
Address. 9 Jay St, New York, NY
If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
An inquisitive mystery for most people visiting Tribeca, the Staple Street Skybridge suspends three stories in the air and connects two seemingly unrelated buildings. Sound simple enough, but it begs the question.What’s with the bridge?
The cast iron bridge was built in 1907 to serve as a connection between two buildings owned by the New York Hospital (renamed New York Presbyterian in 1998). In the photo above, the building on the left (60 Hudson Street) housed the House of Relief (an emergency room) and the building on the right (9 Jay Street) housed the laundry room.
The hospital closed the House of Relief after World War I, but the footbridge remained. Today, Staple Street Skybridge is the neighborhood’s defining landmark, which is why snapping a photo with it is one of the most iconic it.
The vibe here is reason enough to come back.
Soak in the Views at Grand Banks
Docked inside a historic 1942 wooden schooner-turned-oyster bar, Grand Banks is moored along the southwest edge of Pier 25. The last operable saltbank fishing vessel in existence, it’s the tantalizing oyster menu and breathtaking views that keep the crew busy these days.
She still talks about it.
The floating seasonal restaurant (open May through October 15) specializes in sustainably harvested oysters and wild-caught fish. Warm and inviting, spending an evening with a plate full of oysters and nautical-themed cocktails is one of the best it.
Browse Philip Williams Posters
Website. Philip Williams Posters Store
Address. 122 Chambers St., New York
Home to more than 100,000 authentic posters from 1870 to the present, Philip Williams Posters is one of the largest vintage poster galleries in the world.
A passion project of renowned director and avid collector Philip Williams, the store opened 1973 with the intention of exhibiting (and selling) Williams’ personal collection of vintage posters from around the world.
40 years later and the extensive collection has grown so vast the brick-and-mortar shop expanded to an online presence. Whether you choose to sort through posters online or rummage the racks in person, there’s no denying that visiting Philip Williams Posters is one of the most unique it.
Brunch at Bubby’s
Website. Bubby’s
Address. 120 Hudson St, New York, NY
American homestyle cooking at its best, Bubby’s is named after the Yiddish for grandmother. This aptly-named restaurant has been charming the neighborhood for more than three decades! Dishing out incredible brunch fare, the long line snacking Bubby’s proves that grabbing brunch at this cozy restaurant is one of the best it.
Churning out some of the best pancakes in New York City, Bubby’s biggest draw is the hotcake menu. There’s two varieties to choose from. the chewy sourdough pancakes or award-winning traditional flapjacks (my favorite). Once settled, decide on a topping like blueberry compote, caramelized bananas with toasted walnuts or chocolate chips.
If savory brunch is more your speed, Bubby’s has you covered in that department as well. You can opt for spicy fried chicken sandwiches, creamy cheese grits or huevos rancheros, the variety spans the gamut! Take your time choosing but don’t forget an order of buttermilk biscuits for the table.
Local tip. Here’s something most visitors don’t know. the best time to visit is right when they open.
Catch Live Jazz at The Django
Website. The Django
Address. 2 6th Avenue The Roxy Hotel, New York
Cover Charge & Minimum— $35 per person with 2-drink minimum
Skip the tourist version and do it like a local. here’s how.
Located in the Roxy Hotel, The Django is a popular subterranean jazz club named after renowned jazz musician Django Reinhardt. The brainchild of nightlife virtuosos Vito Dieterle and Joseph Schwartz, the club features vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, and dramatic vintage lighting.
The endearing vibes are reminiscent of historic Parisian jazz clubs, which is why spending an evening at The Django is a highlight of visiting Tribeca. But take note, the food leaves much to be desired so grab dinner beforehand.
Enjoy a Meal at The Odeon
Website. The Odeon
Address.145 W Broadway, New York, NY
Perhaps best known for expertly-crafted martinis, the Odeon has been a neighborhood hangout for stylish New Yorkers and celebrities since 1980.
Consistently great, the restaurant runs like a well-oiled machine every hour of the day, but there’s something special about weekend brunch. Steak frites and french onion soup are subbed for airy omelettes and stunning french toast.
There are other things on the menu, of course, like croque monsieur and avocado toast, but those are just supporting actors. Omelettes put this place on the map with New York City’s brunch crowd, see what all the fuss is about.
If you’re visiting for dinner, the French onion soup is non-negotiable in my book. I can’t recommend it enough.
Lose Track of Time at the Mysterious Book Shop
Website. Mysterious Book Shop
Address. 58 Warren St, New York, NY
The Mysterious Book Shop has an interesting claim to fame. Opened in 1979, it’s the oldest mystery book shop in America. Focusing exclusively on mysteries, thrillers, espionage, crime and suspense, the store’s self-published biblomysteries is a hit with book worms. You’ll find new titles mingled with used and rare books as well.
Soak in the Views from Pier 25
Website. Pier 25
Address— West St, New York, NY
One of the most relaxing it is to hang out on Pier 25, the longest pier at Hudson River Park. Home to miniature golf, volleyball courts and some of the most beautiful children’s playgrounds in the city, the great times are paralleled by the epic views of Lower Manhattan.
Unwind with a Drink at Brandy Library
Website. Brandy Library
Address. 25 N Moore St New York, NY 10013
Specializing in rare spirits, swinging by the Brandy Library is non-negotiable for whisky lovers in search of the best it. Opened in 2004, the bar has become a go-to spot for locals in need of strong libations.
Upscale yet inviting, you’ll find an extensive menu of whiskies from around the world. From rare drams with eye-watering price tags to exciting cocktails expertly tailored to personal tastes, the knowledgeable bartenders are keen to ensure you have a memorable night.
My husband is a whisky enthusiast and considers opting for the approachable whisky flights at Brandy Library one of the best it. Especially if you’re new to the world of whisky and would like some guidance from relaxed experts.
Escape the City at Aire Ancient Baths
Website.Aire Ancient Baths
Address. 88 Franklin St, New York, NY
Channeling ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses, visiting the spa at Aire Ancient Baths is a rejuvenating Tribeca activity perfect for a rainy autumn day. Cell phones are prohibited and there’s a limited number of people allowed in the bathhouse, so it’s never overcrowded. And yes, massages are also offered. Hard to beat a relaxing spa day while visiting Tribeca.
Visit the One World Trade Center
Website. One World Trade Center
Address. 285 Fulton St, New York
Admission. Buy tickets here.
The One World Observatory sits high atop the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center, making it the highest observation deck in New York City (1,268 feet above street level).
The panoramic views of NYC from this vantage have a tendency to shrink the city’s monolithic skyscrapers in a unique way. Although technically found in the Financial District, it’s so close I’d be remiss not to mention this on my list of the best it.
The elevator ride to the observation deck is an experience in itself. You’ll get to see a timelapse of the development of lower Manhattan from pre-colonial times to the present day.
When you reach the observatory you’ll find yourself breathless. The One World Trade Center (previously called the Freedom Tower) offers the most epic views of New York City.
Fun fact — The One World Trade Center stands at 1,776 feet (including the spire), paying tribute to the year America declared independence.
FAQ – Best Things to Do in Tribeca
What is Tribeca known for?
What is Tribeca known for?
Tribeca is known for celeb lofts & SoHo vibes mixed with art-fueled galleries & Michelin-starred bites. Stroll cobblestone streets, catch the annual film fest, or browse chic boutiques. Family-friendly charm meets waterfront beauty.
List of Fun Things to Do While Visiting Tribeca (Summary)
- Visit the One World Trade Center
- Grab dinner at the Odeon
- Check out the Brandy Library
- Enjoy oysters at Grand Banks
- Take a photo of the Skybridge
- Hang out at Pier 25
- Catch a Show at The Django
- Relax at Aire Ancient Baths
- Peruse the Mysterious Book Shop
- Shop for artwork at Philip Williams Posters
- Brunch at Bubby’s
- Snap a picture in front of the Ghostbusters Headquarters
Visiting Tribeca Guides
Best Bars in Tribeca— 15 Tasty Tribeca Bars
Bakeries in Tribeca. 15 Tantalizing Tribeca Bakeries
Cafes in Tribeca. 15 Welcoming Coffee Shops in Tribeca
Map of the Best Things to Do in Tribeca
What’d I miss? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Cheers!
Cheers!
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Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Things to Do in Tribeca, New York City (Local’s Guide). Have a favorite spot we missed?
Have you been here before?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
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