11 Things to Do on NYC's East River Waterfront

| © Matthias Kinsella / Unsplash
Julia Goicochea

New York is a concrete jungle, but locals are constantly seeking out nature in the city. Its East River has a waterfront where just about everything, from fine dining to exercising, provides opportunities to relax and escape the business of Manhattan without having to leave it.

Dine at an acclaimed waterfront restaurant

Timeless views and a classic New American menu have kept the River Café in demand for 40 years and counting. Come for the rack of lamb with arugula pesto, Hudson Valley Farm foie gras, and milk chocolate Marquise Brooklyn Bridge, and stay for the breathtaking waterfront vistas of downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport visitors may find it hard to believe the attraction traces its roots back to the early 1800s. Though many of its restored buildings date to the 19th century, today’s Seaport District boasts a cutting-edge reputation thanks to businesses such as by Chloe, Scotch & Soda, and the forthcoming Jean-Georges food market setting up shop.

Cruise the East River aboard the NYC Ferry by Hornblower

See the East River up close aboard the NYC Ferry by Hornblower. A swipe of your MetroCard grants you access to scenic views of Manhattan (at the East 34th Street and Wall Street stops), Queens (Hunters Point South in Long Island City), and Brooklyn (North Williamsburg, DUMBO, and more), not to mention conveniences including Wi-Fi and concessions.

Smorgasburg

Each Saturday from April through October, the view from East River State Park in North Williamsburg is eclipsed only by the Insta-famous (and drool-inducing) foods at Smorgasburg. Sought-after stands such as Ramen Burger and John’s Juice are included among the fest’s 100 local vendors, attracting 20,000 to 30,000 people every weekend.

Visit a dog park

Four-legged New Yorkers enjoy a good view of the skyline, too. Treat them to one, plus some quality time with pups their own size, at one of Carl Schurz Park’s multiple dog runs. The 15.2-acre park on Manhattan’s Upper East Side extends to the East River, another hit with local pooches.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the East River and cross a New York City staple off your bucket list when you walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Since its completion in 1883, the bridge has been a preferred subject for New York artists. However, visitors will find the Brooklyn Bridge also makes for an excellent vantage point, from which the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines and the East River are visible.

Take a spin on Jane’s Carousel

Or, do what many do, and just come for the ‘gram. Whatever your style, this beautiful restored 1922 carousel is an underrated New York City attraction worth experiencing. If you manage to tear your eyes away from Jane’s Carousel itself, don’t miss the picturesque view of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State Building are all included in the panoramic view from Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The 1,826-foot-long walkway is one of New York City’s most romantic attractions, a reputation that was solidified by the promenade’s appearances in films such as Annie Hall and Moonstruck.

Go kayaking

Come May 31, city-slickers can do their best impression of an upstate New Yorker when they board a kayak from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. No experience or money is necessary to glide (or if you dare, paddle) along the East River, which this activity puts you as close to as possible.

Roosevelt Island Tram

Another underrated New York City attraction, the Roosevelt Island Tram is the “most modern aerial tramway in the world” and the oldest in the country at 42 years old. Swipe your MetroCard to whiz through the air over the river and Manhattan’s East Side – keep those eyes open so as not to miss the view! – before coming to a stop on the tramway’s namesake Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island

Once you’ve landed on this narrow island in the city’s East River, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. Visit the acclaimed Four Freedoms Park, the spooky ruins of a 19th-century Smallpox Hospital, and historic landmarks like the Blackwell Island Lighthouse and Blackwell House.

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