The Financial District (FIDI) is one of the historically rich districts in New York. It is in lower Manhattan, where the Hudson and East Rivers meet. The Financial District offers views of the Statue of Liberty, the Williamsburg Bridges, and the surrounding cities of New Jersey and Brooklyn. You can easily walk around FIDI to view all the historic sites. Below are some of the best things to do and see in New York's Financial District.
9/11 Memorial
A visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum may be an emotional one, but it is well worth it. It allows you to have some fun while paying respect to the victims of the 9/11/2001 attacks.
You can visit the 9/11 Memorial at 180 Greenwich Street. The memorial is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While you are at the memorial, you can enjoy the stunning pools that glitter underneath the sun rays. Note that while visiting the memorial is free, you need to pay to enter the 9/11 Museum.
Westfield World Trade Center
The Financial District has some great options for those who love shopping. When you visit New York City, you are likely to fall in love with shopping. Whether you want to upgrade your wardrobe or go window shopping, you can do so at Westfield World Trade Center, located at 185 Greenwich Street. The shopping mall features beautiful displays from international brands.
Trinity Church
The first Trinity Church is located at 89 Broadway. The church was established in 1697, and it is Manhattan's oldest parish. The current building was completed in 1846. The churchyard serves as a graveyard for a few prominent New Yorkers. The parish's founding father, Alexander Hamilton, is buried here along with his family. The church is also a resting place for Robert Fulton. He advocated the use of the steamboat in New York.
Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Fearless Girl Statue
Image via Flickr by James Cridland
No visit to the Financial District would be complete without visiting Wall Street. The street offers numerous fine dining and drinking options. Wall Street is lined up with many historic landmarks, like the New York Stock Exchange.
At 11 Wall St., the New York Stock Exchange is one of the grand landmarks of the Financial District. You can pose for some photos in front of the building, but the inside is not open to the public. The building is a symbol of finance and commerce across the world. Since New York's Stock Exchange has hosted many financial events that have shaped the global economy, visiting this place is worth your consideration.
While you're near the New York Stock Exchange, you can take photos of the Fearless Girl statue. The statue was moved to this location from its original location on Broadway near the Charging Bull. The statue of a four-foot-tall young girl was originally installed just before International Women's Day 2017. Despite her small stature, the small girl stands for something bigger: the importance of gender equality in the workplace.
The Charging Bull & Bowling Green
Located between 25 Broadway and 26 Broadway, the Charging Bull is a great photo location that symbolizes the spirit of financial optimism. Designed by Arturo Di Modica, the Charging Bull was created in response to the stock market crashes of 1987-88. The bull represents the two types of stock markets: bear markets and bull markets.
The bull represents one of two types of stock markets: bear markets and bull markets. The bear markets are so named because a decline in the prices reminds us of bears attacking with their claws. The bull markets are so named because a price influx reminds us of bulls charging with their horns.
Very close to the Charging Bull statue, Bowling Green Fence and Park is the oldest park in New York City. The park was initially a cattle market but later became a park in 1733. You can enjoy your snack or drink at the park while seated at the benches provided here. The attractive fountain and vibrant tulips make the park a great place to relax.
Stone Street
Stone Street is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Financial District of Manhattan. The street is lined with great dining options to satisfy your taste buds. You will find almost everything on this street, such as traditional Irish bars, wine and whiskey bars, and all types of restaurants that serve different cuisines.
South Street Seaport
One of New York's most historic neighborhoods, the Seaport District is worth your time. It features some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan. The neighborhood is home to numerous outdoor dining areas with views of the Brooklyn skyline, great pubs, shopping outlets, and a movie theater.
While here, you can also check out the South Street Seaport Museum at 12 Fulton Street. The museum is home to New York City's oldest business, Bowne & Co. Stationers.
The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is the patron saint of New York City and serves as the universal symbol of democracy, mercy, and freedom. The statue stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, where you will also find the Statue of Liberty Museum.
While still here, you can visit the nearby Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. The museum consists of large exhibition space, a bookshop, movie theaters, and a restaurant. You can have access to both Ellis and Statue of Liberty Islands by booking a ferry tour with Statue City Cruises, which will take you to both locations.
Battery Park
If you are visiting New York, a visit to Central Park is most likely on the list of things to do. If you find yourself downtown, make sure you visit Battery Park. The park offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty. You can also walk along the waterfront or visit the many monuments and statues spread across the park. It is a great place to unwind after a long walk in the Financial District.
This concludes our list of top spots to visit in New York's Financial District. The list of things to do in FIDI is endless, and regardless of your age, you are likely to enjoy being here. If you have any exciting places to add to the list, feel free to leave a comment. Also, if you are in New York City for whatever reason, you can visit Martin Busch Jewelers and buy exquisite jewels to accessorize your attire.