If you’ve ever dreamed of walking down cobblestone streets with iced coffee in hand, stepping into indie bookstores, or spotting real-life movie locations while wearing a breezy summer dress — this post is for you. ✨
Welcome to another installment of my New York City Summer Series, where I take you along as I explore one NYC neighborhood at a time. Today? We’re heading to Tribeca — a historic, charming, and yes, very expensive pocket of Lower Manhattan.
🎥 Watch the full video here — and don’t forget to hit that like button and subscribe if you’re enjoying the series!
First, What Is Tribeca?
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard of Tribeca from real estate articles, celebrity sightings, or the famous film festival — but what does it actually mean?
Tribeca stands for “Triangle Below Canal Street,” though if you pull up a map, you’ll notice it looks more like a trapezoid. (Naming it Trapezeca didn’t have the same ring to it, I guess.)
This part of the city is one of the oldest — we’re talking Dutch farm in the 1600s old. It evolved over time from farmland to market area, then underwent a huge transformation when the Holland Tunnel was built. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful and upscale neighborhoods in NYC. Think historic buildings with cast-iron facades, quiet streets, and homes with price tags that’ll make your jaw drop. But walking around? Still free. 😉
Ghostbusters and Fashion Week Nostalgia
One of my first stops was the iconic firehouse from the original Ghostbusters movie. If you grew up loving that film like I did, this is a must-see! It’s still an active fire station, but it has become a full-on fan attraction — complete with chalk art and sidewalk tributes whenever a new movie is released. It’s also a great photo op, especially if you have kids (or are just a nostalgic millennial like me).
This area of Tribeca is actually super familiar to me because for years it hosted New York Fashion Week. The main venue used to be at 50 Varick Street — just a couple blocks from the firehouse — so I’ve walked these streets countless times in September and February with heels in my bag and a venti coffee in hand.
Which brings me to the next point…
Where I Ate (And Cooled Off)
Lunch was at Gotan — a cozy, modern café I discovered years ago thanks to its proximity to fashion week madness. I came at peak lunchtime, so it was too noisy to film inside, but their food is so worth the hype. They’ve got all the millennial café staples: grain bowls, avocado toast, matcha lattes… you know the drill.
After lunch, I had a little Panza llena, corazón contento moment. (That’s an Argentine saying that means “Full belly, happy heart.” Honestly? True every time.)
And later, when the heat got real — because summer in NYC is not for the faint of heart — I stopped by Laughing Man Coffee, which has a fun backstory. It was co-founded by Hugh Jackman (!!) after a trip to Ethiopia where he learned about sustainable coffee production. He’s no longer involved, but the café still stands strong. I had an iced caramel latte and sat outside with my book while they streamed the Olympics on a big screen. A perfect little solo summer moment.
Staple Street Skybridge: The Hidden Gem
Next up: Staple Street. This two-block street has one of the most unique architectural features in the city — a narrow skybridge connecting two old brick buildings.
This bridge used to connect a hospital to its laundry facilities back in the day. Now? It’s someone’s actual home. Yes, someone bought both lofts on either side and the skybridge. New York real estate never ceases to amaze me.
The real bonus? The street is still paved with original cobblestones. Slightly hazardous if you’re wearing heels (I’ve learned the hard way), but worth it for the vibes. Staple Street is a must-see if you’re into hidden corners, architecture, or just want to feel like you stepped into a movie set.
Bookstore Magic: The Mysterious Bookshop
You know I couldn’t leave without visiting a bookstore.
The final stop on our Tribeca walk was The Mysterious Bookshop, one of the most unique indie bookstores I’ve been to. As the name suggests, it’s entirely focused on mysteries and thrillers — and the vibe inside is just chef’s kiss. Think: crime scene tape, moody lighting, rows and rows of suspenseful reads.
If you’re a true crime lover, thriller enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a well-curated bookstore, this place is for you.
What I Wore: A Summer Dress Moment
Let’s talk fashion real quick because, hi, it’s me.
In this video, I wore a dress from H&M’s summer collection. It’s a bit outside my usual style (definitely more “Disney princess” than “minimal chic”), but I loved it. The cinched waist was flattering, and the fabric felt breezy enough to survive a hot day in the city. I paired it with budget-friendly sneakers from Famous Footwear that look like Nike Air Force 1s but for half the price.
Pro tip: Size down in this dress — I usually wear a large, but the medium fit me best because of the silhouette.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Tribeca reminded me just how special it is to live in a city where history, pop culture, and everyday life blend together on every street. Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, neighborhoods like Tribeca always have something new to offer — even if it’s just the perfect iced latte or a hidden street you’ve never noticed before.
I hope you loved exploring with me. Don’t forget to watch the full video if you haven’t already, and check out the other two episodes in the summer series: West Village and The Seaport District.
As always, thank you for being here. I’ll see you in the next one. 💛
xo, Flor.
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