Tribeca
Tribeca, although kind of hard to get to, is a super hip hood. Maybe its challenging proximity is what makes it cool? Actually no, it’s probably all the amazing bars and restaurants. It still has a very industrial vibe (as far as architecture and layout are concerned) so it has a very unique atmosphere. You’ll find lots of locals and a plethora of awesome places to eat and drink, which are its draw.
Where.
Tribeca, a portmanteau for TRIangle BElow CAnal street, has a special place in my early NYC days as during college in Baltimore it was an area we studied (both professors grew up in NYC). Literally below Canal Street and north of Vesey Street with the river as its western border and Broadway it’s eastern.
Attractions.
Tribeca is what I would consider a very ‘neighborhoody’ neighborhood, so you get a lot of local residents making up the fabric of the area and not many tourist attractions. What you will find though are amazing restaurants and a gorgeous waterfront park on the river.
Transit.
Manhattan, by design, gets narrower the further down toward the southern tip you go. Therefore most trains converge there. Tribeca is very easy to get to because of this. Simply take the 1/2/3, A/C/E, F or 6 or Q/R/W Trains to gain access.
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park.
Head west to the river and you’ll find Hudson River Park, a greenway that stretches from 59th Street down to the Battery. It’s around 550 acres (The Central Park has 843 acres) technically making it the second largest park in NYC. It is also connected to other greenways along its north and south terminus making it possible to almost completely circumnavigate the island.
From running, cycling, kayaking (there are free places to do this), miniature golf, sunbathing or eating and drinking at some of the many outdoor waterfront establishments, it truly has something for everybody.
Food & Drink
Sometimes the more tucked away and hard to get to, the cooler and more desirable a neighborhood becomes. Not that Tribeca is that hard to get to but you have to purposefully go there. The restaurants are stylish and cool and the bars offer a similar vibe. I have fond memories of running between places on beautiful rainy nights out.
History & Architecture
Tribeca has always had its roots in shipping and industry, which is very clear walking down its western avenues. Washington Market, opening in 1813, is testament to this. The buildings are very old and have lots of character. In my early days in the city I had a friend grant me access to Matthew Brady’s photography studio on Franklin and Broadway, which was something I will never forget.
