Pier 57

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Pier 57 stands as a haven of peace and discovery. Strategically located between Little Island and Chelsea Piers, this unique venue offers an incomparable experience to visitors in search of authenticity and modernity. Pier 57 is more than just a rehabilitated wharf; it’s a true concept combining gastronomy, technology and community spaces.

Imagine a place where you can savour exquisite dishes from an eclectic food court, relax in a rooftop park with breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the history of New York. Pier 57 offers all this and more. It’s a place where the city’s independent culinary culture meets Google’s technological innovations, all in a beautifully preserved historic setting.

A journey through time

The history of Pier 57 is as rich and varied as New York itself. Originally built in 1907, the pier served as a shipping and storage terminal, playing a crucial role in the city’s port activity. But that was only the beginning of its eventful history.

Unfortunately, like many of New York‘s port structures, Pier 57 went through a period of decline and abandonment. For years, this magnificent building sat silent, waiting for a new purpose. This wait came to an end on 1 April 2023, when Pier 57 reopened, completely transformed.

This renaissance was the result of a visionary partnership between the Hudson River Park Trust, Google, RXR Realty, Youngwoo & Associates and Jamestown. Together, they have transformed this historic landmark into a dynamic, multi-purpose space, while preserving its soul and unique character.

The new Pier 57 pays homage to its original design while looking resolutely to the future. It offers technologically advanced and enriching opportunities for the local community, perfectly embodying New York‘s spirit of innovation and resilience.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Pier 57 has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This distinction underlines its crucial role in the history of New York and ensures its preservation for future generations.

What to do at Pier 57

Pier 57 is much more than just a building. It is a microcosm of New York life, offering a multitude of experiences and activities to suit all tastes. Each floor of Pier 57 contains its own treasures, creating a unique environment where gastronomy, culture, technology and relaxation come together.

The ground floor: a hub of activity

From the moment you enter Pier 57, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. The ground floor is the beating heart of this unique venue, offering a variety of experiences for all visitors.

Your first stop could be City Winery, a unique concept combining restaurant, wine cellar and concert venue. It’s the perfect place to start your exploration of Pier 57 with a glass of wine and perhaps an intimate concert.

Next door you’ll find Market 57, Pier 57‘s food court. This gourmet market is a true celebration of New York’s culinary diversity. With 16 stalls representing a variety of cuisines from around the world, it’s the perfect place to satisfy all your culinary cravings.

For those seeking a moment of calm, the lounge area offers a haven of peace amid the hustle and bustle of Pier 57. It’s the ideal place to relax, read a book or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere. And don’t panic if you need to use the toilet: free toilets are available.

But the ground floor of Pier 57 is not only dedicated to relaxation and gastronomy. It houses classrooms and meeting rooms, reflecting the venue’s commitment to education and the community. Among these spaces, the Discovery Tank stands out. This interactive gallery and classroom offers a unique opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of theHudson River. If you’re curious to learn more about the local ecosystem, a visit to the Discovery Tank is a must.

Finally, don’t miss the James Beard Foundation’s open kitchen. With its “Good Food for Good™” mission, this space offers culinary workshops that promise to tantalise your taste buds while raising awareness of healthy, sustainable eating.

The first floor: Google’s kingdom

The first floor of Pier 57 is occupied by Google’s offices. Although these spaces are not accessible to the public, their presence testifies to Pier 57 ‘s importance in New York’s technological landscape. It’s a fascinating reminder of how this historic landmark has reinvented itself to house one of the world’s most innovative companies.

The rooftop: a park with a breathtaking view

The jewel in Pier 57 ‘s crown is undoubtedly its rooftop park. This green space perched above theHudson River offers a unique experience in the heart of Manhattan. Unlike many of the city’s rooftops, this one has no bars or restaurants. It’s a real urban park, a haven of peace where you can relax while enjoying a 360-degree view of the New York skyline.

Market 57: a gastronomic festival

Market 57 is much more than just a food court. It’s a true celebration of New York’s culinary diversity, a place where flavours from all over the world come together in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

What makes Market 57 truly special is its commitment to New York’s independent culinary scene. There are no big fast food chains here. Each stand has been carefully selected to represent the best of local cuisine, with a particular focus on minority and women-owned establishments. It’s a delicious way to support diversity and local entrepreneurship while treating your taste buds.

With 15 different stands, Market 57 offers a culinary tour of the world. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

• Ammi transports you to India with its spicy, fragrant flavours.
• Bessou offers refined Japanese cuisine, with a karaage speciality not to be missed.
• Coffee lovers will love Bird & Branch, a well-known local coffee shop.
• Due Madri by the Butcher Girls takes you on a journey to Italy with its wine bar and authentic cuisine.
• Glizzy’s reinvents the New York hot dog with a modern, multicultural twist.
• Good to Go is a versatile kiosk that regularly changes chef, offering a surprising variety of cuisines.
• Beer lovers will love Harlem Hops, a bar offering a selection of craft brews.
• Little Banchan Shop offers Korean specialities prepared by hand using quality ingredients.
• Local Roots combines traditional Chinese cuisine and bubble tea for a unique experience.
• Lolo’s on the water satisfies barbecue cravings with meats and fish grilled to perfection.
• For authentic Mexican cuisine, Mijo is the place to go.
• Mothershuckers delights seafood lovers with its Cajun cuisine and fresh oysters.
• Nom Wah ‘s dim sum is a must for lovers of Chinese cuisine.
• Sahadi’s takes visitors on a tasty journey through the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
• Finally, Zaab Zaab takes you on a journey to Thailand with its authentic and tasty dishes.

One of the great advantages of the Market 57 food court concept is its flexibility. If you come in a group, everyone can choose the dish they fancy, and then you can all meet up to eat together. It’s the ideal place to satisfy every taste and every craving.

A practical tip: don’t forget your water bottle! Market 57 has a fountain where you can fill it up for free. It’s both environmentally friendly and economical.

Pier 57 Rooftop Park

Once you’ve satisfied your taste buds at Market 57, head to Pier 57 Rooftop Park for a visual feast. This rooftop terrace, affectionately called a ‘park’ by New Yorkers, offers a 360-degree view of the city that’s sure to leave you in awe.

A breathtaking panorama

The view to the south is particularly spectacular. From up here, you can see Little Island, a man-made island that seems to float on theHudson River. In the background, the iconic silhouette of One World Trade Center stands proud, a reminder of New York’s resilience. In the distance, you can see the skyscrapers of the Financial District, testimony to the city’s economic power.

But the view doesn’t end there. If you turn west, you’ll have a breathtaking view of New Jersey on the other side of theHudson River. It’s a vivid reminder of the extent of the New York metropolis beyond Manhattan.

To the north, your eyes will be drawn to Chelsea Piers, an impressive sports complex. You may even catch a glimpse of its famous open-air golf driving range, a curiosity in Manhattan‘s urban landscape.

Rooftop Park is more than just a viewpoint. It’s a real green space, carefully landscaped. Benches and deckchairs are strategically placed to allow you to relax while enjoying the view. Flowerbeds and potted trees add a welcome touch of greenery to the urban landscape.

A fascinating aspect of the Rooftop Park is its seasonal decoration. The Pier 57 teams make a point of transforming the park as the seasons change. DuringHalloween, for example, the rooftop is decked out in pumpkins and themed decorations, providing a unique visual experience and memorable photo opportunities.

To make the most of your visit to Rooftop Park, here are a few tips:

• Sunrise is a magical moment on the rooftop. The first rays of sunlight illuminate the Manhattan skyline, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
• Sunset is no exception. The last light of the day sets theHudson River and New York‘s skyscrapers ablaze, offering spectacular photo opportunities.
• For the best photos, head for the south-west corner of the rooftop. From there, you’ll have the best angle to capture Little Island with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
• Don’t hesitate to climb to the very top of the bleachers for a full panoramic view.

The Rooftop Park is open every day from 6am to 1am, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the view at different times of the day.

Practical information for your visit to Pier 57

To make the most of your visit to Pier 57, here is some practical information to bear in mind:

Location and access

Pier 57 is located at 25 11th Avenue, New York. Its strategic location makes it easy to get to and easy to incorporate into a sightseeing tour of Manhattan’s West Side. It is only :

• 2 minutes walk from Little Island
• 4 minutes from Chelsea Piers
• 6-7 minutes from the High Line and Chelsea Market

This proximity to other major New York attractions makes Pier 57 an ideal stop on a day exploring the city.

Opening times

The different areas of Pier 57 have separate opening times:

Market 57 (the food court):

• Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm

Rooftop Park: open every day from 6am to 1am

These extended opening hours mean you can enjoy Pier 57 at different times of the day, whether it’s lunch at Market 57 or a quiet evening on the rooftop.

Amenities

Pier 57 offers a number of amenities to make your visit more enjoyable:

• Free toilets: available on the ground floor, near the lounge area
• Water fountains: perfect for filling up your water bottle for free
• Free Wi-Fi: available throughout the building

Official website and reservations

For the most up-to-date information and to book certain spaces (such as classrooms), visit the official website: pier57nyc.com. It’s a great resource for planning your visit and finding out about any special events.

Why add Pier 57 to your itinerary

Pier 57 is not just another tourist attraction in New York. It’s a unique place that embodies the city’s spirit of innovation and constant reinvention. Here’s why it deserves a place on your itinerary:

A unique blend of food, technology and culture

Few places in New York offer such a combination of experiences. At Pier 57, you can enjoy cuisine from around the world at Market 57, immerse yourself in local history at the Discovery Tank, and rub shoulders with technological innovation with the presence of Google. It’s a microcosm of New York all under one roof.

An exceptional panoramic view

Rooftop Park offers one of the most spectacular and least known views of Manhattan. It’s the ideal place to take unique photos of the skyline and theHudson River, away from the crowds of the more famous observatories.

A diverse culinary experience

Market 57 is not just a food court. It’s a celebration of New York’s culinary diversity, featuring local and independent restaurateurs. It’s a chance to sample a variety of authentic cuisines in one place.

A place steeped in history

From the maritime terminal of the 1950s to the technological and cultural hub of today, Pier 57 tells a fascinating part of New York’s history. Its renovation and reinvention are a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability.

Perfectly integrated into a tourist circuit

Its proximity to other major attractions such as Little Island, the High Line and Hudson Yards makes Pier 57 a logical and rewarding stop on any exploration of Manhattan’s West Side. Guided tours including Pier 57 are available for those who want a more structured experience.

Pier 57 is not just a place to visit, it’s an experience. It embodies the very essence of New York: a dynamic blend of history and innovation, local culture and global influences. Whether you’re a foodie in search of new flavours, a lover of panoramic views, or simply curious to discover a lesser-known aspect of Manhattan, Pier 57 has something to offer you.

So, on your next trip to New York, take a break at Pier 57. Enjoy a meal at Market 57, relax in the Rooftop Park and soak up the unique atmosphere. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for New York ‘s ability to constantly reinvent its urban landscape while preserving its history.