Packed with history, art, shopping, dining, and some of the best waterfront views in the city, New York’s Financial District (or FiDi) neighborhood is something that you can’t skip on your New York itinerary.
It’s located at the very southern tip of Manhattan and covers a relatively small section but certainly does not have a lack of things to do.
Keep reading for our list of 10 things to do in FiDi.
1. Oculus
It’s hard to miss the Oculus if you’re visiting FiDi. This architectural marvel designed by Santiago Calatrava is meant to represent a dove leaving a child’s hands (but the interpretations are many). The interior is as impressive as the exterior, with light beaming in through the white, curved columns that make up the roof. Inside, you’ll find a shopping center with many stores to peruse and also subway lines and the PATH train.
2. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Right near the Oculus is the 9/11 Memorial commemorating the tragic events of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The foundation of each of the Twin Towers is now hollowed out and has the names of the victims etched into them. There’s a continuous waterfall, and it’s a deeply moving sight. For those looking to learn more about the attacks, see artifacts, and hear about the rescue and recovery process, visit the Museum.
3. One World Trade Center Observatory
Opened in 2014 right near where the Twin Towers previously stood, Freedom Tower is a sign of hope and strength in the Manhattan skyline. It’s the tallest building in the United States and the 7th-tallest building in the world.
From the 100th floor, you can get panoramic views of the city. It’s a breathtaking sight and perfect for New York first-timers!
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4. Brookfield Place
If you’re into high-end shopping, Brookfield Place is for you! Here you’ll find stores like Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Club Monaco, COS, J. Crew, and Theory.
There’s also great dining here too. Downstairs you’ll find a French cafe/grocery store. Upstairs you’ll find many more options, including bagels, pizza, sushi, salads, Thai noodles, barbecue, and more. It’s a nice place for a quick lunch and has spectacular views over the Hudson River.
For a sit-down meal, check out Liberty Bistro or P.J. Clarke’s. There are lots of outdoor tables here, making it a lovely place to people watch or catch the sunset.
5. See the Statue of Liberty
Did you even visit New York if you didn’t see the Statue of Liberty? And Lower Manhattan is the ideal place to see it from.
For the full experience, head to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s a full-day excursion and will take you to the very statue and also to Ellis Island, which was the drop-off point for incoming immigrants. With tours, artifacts, and video components, this is perfect for anyone wanting to get an in-depth history experience.
If you’re content to see the Statue of Liberty from a distance, head to Battery Park, which is the closest point from Manhattan to see the statue.
And the in-between option is to take the Staten Island Ferry, our personal favorite choice if we’re showing the city to people and are pressed for time. The ferry is free and runs between Manhattan and Staten Island every 15-30 minutes. The ride is about 15 minutes and takes you right by the Statue of Liberty. It’s a fairly common tourist trick and you’ll notice many getting off the ferry and running through the terminal to catch the ferry straight back to Manhattan.
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6. Wall Street
This is one of New York’s most iconic streets and you might be surprised to find out there are more attractions than just the famous New York Stock Exchange (although that is a fun stop to add to your list).
On Wall Street, you’ll find the Federal Hall National Memorial, which is the building that served as the U.S. capitol before relocating to Washington D.C. It’s where the Bill of Rights was passed and where George Washington was sworn in as president.
Another famous stop is the Charging Bull which is a large bronze sculpture of a bull. You’ve probably seen it in many movies but it’s worth a visit for a photo and some good luck.
Nearby and directly in front of the New York Stock Exchange building is the Fearless Girl sculpture which represents women’s fight for equal rights and fair treatment in the workplace.
Also on Wall Street is New York’s first-ever church, Trinity Church which was completed in 1846. The Gothic-style church is a critical part of architectural history and is beautiful inside. It’s still an active Episcopalian church and is open every day for visits and tours. In the churchyard are the graves of Alexander Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler, and other notable names.
8. Explore Seaport
Financial District is uniquely located on the very southern tip of Manhattan, making the trip from the East to the West side so quick you might not even realize it. Seaport looks over the East River and dates all the way back to the 1600s as one of the major ports. Now, the cobblestone streets are filled with great restaurants and shops. Stroll through the waterfront piers, which have unique dining experiences and rooftop concerts/events.
9. Tin Building
The newly opened Tin Building is restaurateur Jean-Georges’ latest project. Here you’ll find restaurants and cafes where you can try food from around the globe. There are also food markets where you can get the freshest produce, meat, fish, and more. They claim there are over 5,000 things to eat and drink here. It’s a foodie’s paradise!
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10. Museums
Even though the FiDi neighborhood is small, there are some really amazing museums to explore.
The Museum of Jewish Heritage is a living memorial to the Holocaust. Here you’ll find powerful stories, artifacts, photos, and films that tell the story of Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust.
At the National Museum of the American Indian, which is affiliated with Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian Museum, you’ll find one of the largest collections of Native art and artifacts.
Fraunces Tavern is famous for being the site where George Washington gave his farewell address in 1783. In the museum, you can see some Revolutionary war artifacts as well as some related to George Washington. (And you can enjoy a meal at the still-operating tavern).
As you can see, the Financial District, Battery Park, and Seaport neighborhoods are packed with plenty to do – from dining to history to sightseeing. We hope this list of things to do in FiDi has inspired you!
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