Hi! Welcome back to my blog — and if you’re new here, hello and welcome 🫶🏼
I’m Flor, a content creator and storyteller living in New York City. I share my life, my outfits, my motherhood journey, and my love for this chaotic and magical place I get to call home. And today, we’re heading to a neighborhood that I honestly think deserves way more attention: the Seaport District.
You’ve probably seen the Brooklyn Bridge, the West Village, and the Empire State Building all over your feed — but have you heard of the Seaport District? Maybe not. It’s one of those “hidden in plain sight” areas of Manhattan that locals often overlook and tourists rarely find. But it’s rich in history, incredibly charming, and the perfect mix of old-school NYC and modern vibes.
This blog post is a companion to my latest YouTube vlog, where I take you along for a full afternoon exploring the area. If you’re more of a visual person (or just want to walk through NYC from your couch), you can watch it right here:
A Bit of Seaport History (Because Yes, I’m That Girl)
The Seaport District is located on the east side of lower Manhattan, and it’s actually one of the oldest parts of New York City. Like, we’re talking 1600s. This was originally a port (yep, the name checks out) where boats brought goods in and out of the city — it was basically the beating heart of commerce in early NYC.
As the city evolved, so did the neighborhood. Some of the old ships are now part of a maritime museum (you can literally walk into them!), and the area has gone through several transformations over the decades — most notably after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which devastated this part of Manhattan. Entire buildings were rebuilt or moved, and the neighborhood got a thoughtful glow-up that balances history with innovation.
Where We Went — and Why You Should Too
Like in most of my vlogs, my goal was to really show you what this neighborhood feels like. I want you to get a sense of it — what it looks like, how it moves, what you can do if you ever visit (or if you’re just daydreaming from afar 🥹).
Here are some highlights:
🛍 McNally Jackson Bookstore
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: bookstores are sacred. This one is stunning — warm wood, cozy corners, thick coffee-table books and thoughtfully curated novels. There’s even a little café and wine bar attached. And if you’re a parent like me, they have sturdy board books that toddlers can’t easily destroy. Ask me how I know (RIP to some of Julia’s earlier reads 😅).
🍪 Funny Face Bakery
This place is a vibe. I’m not usually a cookie girl, but I love how cheeky and pop-culture-savvy their designs are. They’ve got everything from Pride cookies to custom pet cookies, and I picked up a “Yes, Chef” one for Tom because The Bear just dropped its third season. Is bringing someone a themed cookie my love language? Possibly.
🛍 Mure + Grand
If you’ve ever browsed a holiday market in NYC, you might’ve seen their pop-ups. Think: colorful accessories, cool prints, and feel-good pieces that feel very “downtown girl who loves journaling and oversized sweatshirts.” It’s one of those small stores that makes you want to browse everything.
Tin Building & Pier 17: Lunch with a View
The Tin Building was probably the most surprising part of this vlog. I walked in and immediately thought, “Okay, this is one of the prettiest places I’ve been to in NYC in a while.” It’s a market-style space with everything from sandwiches and ramen to cheese and wine. The vibe is elevated but approachable, and it’s perfect for a chill lunch date or solo afternoon.
I grabbed an iced caramel latte and a baguette (because I was saving room for dinner), and then walked over to Pier 17 — a dreamy waterfront spot where you can see the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn itself, and the East River.
The rooftop of Pier 17 is free to access (as long as there’s no concert that day), and it’s such a peaceful escape. You can sit in the sun or find shade, people-watch, read, or just exist. It reminded me how important it is to slow down and enjoy — even in a city that never stops.
This Neighborhood Deserves More Love
I’ve lived in NYC for years now, and I still find corners I’ve never explored. The Seaport District feels like a quieter, calmer downtown — perfect for when you want to feel inspired but not overwhelmed.
Whether you’re planning a trip or just love seeing new sides of the city through someone else’s lens, I hope this video and post gave you that little spark ✨
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been to the Seaport District, or if there’s another lesser-known NYC neighborhood you’d love me to visit next. You can also follow me on Instagram at @flopereira for more NYC walks, daily outfits, and lifestyle moments 💕
Thanks for walking with me,
Flor.
Find me on: Instagram
