The Financial District, at the southern tip of Manhattan, is where New York began and where much of its history still stands. In a short walk you can see the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, Trinity Church and the 9/11 Memorial, ride to the top of One World Trade Center and catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. This guide covers the main sights, where to eat and how to plan your day.
Key Takeaways:
- Visit One World Trade Center for views over the city and the harbor.
- Pay tribute at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and walk through the Oculus next door.
- See Wall Street's landmarks: the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall and Trinity Church.
- Take a photo with the Charging Bull at Bowling Green.
- Take a ferry from The Battery to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Eat and drink outdoors on Stone Street.
Getting to the Financial District from the airport
BLADE Downtown, at the Wall St. Heliport, is one of BLADE's Manhattan lounges and sits right in the Financial District. BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK or Newark. Flights take about 5 minutes and start from $195 per seat. BLADE's other Manhattan lounges are BLADE Lounge West at the West 30th Street Heliport and BLADE Lounge East at the East 34th Street Heliport.
BLADE's scheduled airport service covers JFK and Newark. LaGuardia is available by charter only. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
Financial District Overview
The Financial District, or FiDi, is the center of American finance and one of the oldest parts of the city. Modern towers stand next to churches and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is busiest on weekdays during business hours and calmer on evenings and weekends.
Visit the One World Trade Center for panoramic views
One World Trade Center Overview
One World Trade Center rises 1,776 feet and is one of the tallest buildings in North America. Its observation deck, near the top of the tower, gives you a 360-degree view of the skyline, the harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the bridges to Brooklyn. Clear days give the best views. Buy timed tickets ahead in busy seasons.
Explore the Oculus: A unique shopping mall and memorial
Oculus Overview
The Oculus, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a transit hub, a shopping mall and part of the World Trade Center site. Its white, ribbed structure rises like wings, and the skylight fills the main hall with natural light. It is worth walking through even if you do not plan to shop.
Pay a tribute at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
9/11 Memorial Overview
The 9/11 Memorial honors the people who died in the attacks of September 11, 2001. Two reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers, with the names of the victims inscribed around their edges. The memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker.
The 9/11 Museum, next to the pools, tells the story of the attacks and the rescue and recovery that followed. Buy museum tickets in advance. For a quieter visit to the memorial, go early in the morning or in the evening.
Museum-hopping in the Financial District
Lower Manhattan has several museums within walking distance of each other:
- National Museum of the American Indian, near Bowling Green.
- Fraunces Tavern Museum, a short walk from Stone Street.
- Museum of Jewish Heritage, a memorial to the Holocaust and a museum of Jewish history and culture.
Trinity Church: A Gothic revival beauty and the resting place of Alexander Hamilton
Trinity Church Overview
Trinity Church stands near Wall Street. The parish was established in 1697, and the current Gothic Revival church building was completed in 1846. Alexander Hamilton is buried in its churchyard. Inside, look for the stained glass and stonework. The church also hosts concerts.
Visit St. Paul's Chapel with ties to the Founding Fathers
St. Paul's Chapel Overview
St. Paul's Chapel was built in 1766 and is the oldest surviving church in Manhattan. George Washington attended services here. After the September 11 attacks, the chapel served as a place of rest and refuge for rescue and recovery workers, and exhibits inside tell that story.
Quick look at the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall National Memorial Overview
Federal Hall National Memorial, on Wall Street, marks the site where George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States. It also served as an early home of the United States Congress. Today it is a museum with exhibits on Washington and the early years of American government.
A glimpse of the New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange Overview
The New York Stock Exchange traces its history to 1792 and is a symbol of American finance. Its building on Wall Street is a popular stop for photos.
Take a photo with the iconic Charging Bull statue
Charging Bull Overview
Charging Bull, a bronze sculpture by Arturo Di Modica, stands at Bowling Green and represents a bull market. It is one of the most popular photo spots in the neighborhood, so go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Fearless Girl
Fearless Girl, a bronze sculpture by Kristen Visbal, was first installed facing Charging Bull as a statement about women in leadership. It was meant to be temporary, but its popularity made it a lasting part of the neighborhood.
Bowling Green: NYC's oldest park with historical significance
Bowling Green Overview
Bowling Green, established in 1733, is the oldest public park in New York City. It has benches and greenery and is close to The Battery and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Experience European vibes at Stone Street
Stone Street Overview
Stone Street is a short, pedestrian-only cobblestone street lined with restaurants and bars. In good weather, tables fill the street for outdoor dining and drinks.
Dining and Drinking Options
The Financial District has food for every budget, from delis and food carts to cocktail bars and upscale restaurants. Reserve ahead at popular restaurants, especially for dinner.
The Battery: A starting point for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries
The Battery Overview
The Battery is a waterfront park at the southern tip of Manhattan, with gardens, harbor views and monuments. It is also where you board ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Castle Clinton, built as a military fort in 1811, now serves the ferries to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferries
The ferry stops at Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty, and at Ellis Island, which was the entry point for immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Ellis Island now houses a museum of immigration, including the Great Hall where new arrivals were processed.
Ticket Information
- Buy tickets online ahead of time or at the ticket office on the day.
- You can visit both islands on one trip.
- Tickets are limited each day, especially in peak season, so book early.
Plan a day in the Financial District
- Morning: the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, then the Oculus.
- Late morning: One World Trade Center's observation deck.
- Lunch on Stone Street.
- Afternoon: Trinity Church, Federal Hall, the Stock Exchange and Charging Bull.
- Late afternoon: The Battery and a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
If you have more time, cross the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO or walk north to Chinatown.
FAQs about Fun Things To Do Near Nyc'S Financial District
What are some fun things to do near NYC's Financial District?
Visit One World Trade Center, the Oculus and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. See Trinity Church, Federal Hall and the New York Stock Exchange, take a photo with Charging Bull, visit museums such as the National Museum of the American Indian and Fraunces Tavern Museum, and take a ferry from The Battery to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
What should I know about visiting The Battery near NYC's Financial District?
The Battery is a waterfront park with gardens, views and monuments, and it is the starting point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Castle Clinton, inside the park, serves the ferries.