TOP 17 Things to Do in the Financial District NYC
The Financial District is probably the best known part of Lower Manhattan – no wonder, it has many of the famous sights and highlights of New York to offer. Besides the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and One World Trade Center, Wall Street is where the economic heart of America beats.
In New York’s Financial District, important historic sites like Trinity Church meet modern attractions like the famous Oculus. This is exactly what makes the Financial District so appealing. It used to be a business district, but today it offers a great mix of bars, restaurants and hotels. Other attractions like the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge are also within easy reach.
All this makes the Financial District in NYC one of the most beautiful and popular neighborhoods in New York City. What you must see, do and eat there, we tell you in this article!
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My TOP 5 in the Financial District
- One World Trade Center & One World Observatory: enjoy the sensational views from 102nd floor!
- 9/11 Memorial Museum: this is one of New York most important museums.
- Enjoying New York by Air: the helicopter tours starts at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport
- Wall Street & New York Stock Exchange: don’t miss this historic place.
- The Dead Rabbit NYC: This is one of our favorite bars in NYC!
Where is The Financial District located?
The Financial District is bordered by the Battery Park City neighborhood to the west, The Battery to the south and Tribeca, Civic Center and Two Bridges to the north.
How to Get to the Financial District NYC
- Metro: Hop on line and ride all the way to Rector Street or take the lines to Wall Street. The Subway Station “Fulton Station” is in the center of the Financial District – you can get there via
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 11 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 10 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC.
My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York! - By boat: Take the NYC Ferry, which arrives and departs from Pier 11 / Wall Street.
🥇 Look no further: That‘s the only New York Travel Guide you need (300+ pages and 700+ reviews on Amazon)
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The 17 Best Things to Do in the Financial District of NYC
There a so many things to do in this part of Lower Manhattan! These are our favorite things to see and things to do:
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01
Enjoy the breathtaking view from the One World Observatory
Building in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere meaning that is the ultimate place for an observation deck. The One World Observatory offers amazing views over the whole of Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers and of course the Statue of Liberty. As one of NYC’s newest attractions the modern building and its observation deck have many amazing features that make this well worth the visit!
And the best part? With some of the New York Attraction Passes don’t have to pay for an extra ticket!
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02
visits one of the most emotional museums in NYC: the 9/11 Memorial Museum
Museum in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried. Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.
And here you can find the 36 Best Museums in NYC.
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03
Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tour in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour takes you on an areial tour over Manhattan and its many attractions. You wont forget the view of NYC from above or the feeling of flying high above the skyscrapers any time soon. Especially for those of you who like taking photos, this is a guaranteed way to secure some amazing shots of the NYC skyline.
In this article you find the Best Helicopter Tours in NYC – with my recommendations!
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04
Futuristic design and shopping mall: The Oculus
Building in Financial District
With a delay of around 7 years and huge costs, the world’s most expensive railway station was opened in March 2016. The new station next to the One World Trade Center is architecturally amazing and looks absolutely futuristic. It blurs the lines between a railway station, shopping center and pedestrian tunnels and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
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05
Smorgasburg WTC
Food Market in Financial District
The Smorgasburg Food Market is one of the most popular open air food markets in New York City. After the great success of the Smorgasburg concept in Brooklyn, they now can be found at various locations in the city. So also in the Financial District directly at the Ocolus. Every Friday from 11 am – 7 pm you can expect small treats at the corner of Fulton and Church Street, which are super-creative.
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06
Financial Crisis Tour with a Wall Street Professional
Walking Tour in Financial District
On this unforgettable tour of the banking district, you will discover the origins of Wall Street and meet the men who transformed Wall Street from an 18th-century street bazaar into the global center of power and wealth. And you’ll learn how the great financial crisis came about and which institutions in Lower Manhattan were involved. Super exciting!
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07
One World Trade Center
Building in Financial District
The One World Trade Center stands tall right next to where the Twin Towers once stood. It is a symbol of freedom and is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. With its amazing observation deck, the One World Observatory, it is one of NYC’s newest and most popular attractions.
Be sure to take enough time to experience the special atmosphere. I still get goosebumps here today because I was in NYC myself on 9/11.
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08
Wall Street
Other Attraction in Financial District
Wall Street covers eight city blocks in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. It runs between the East River in the east to Broadway in the west over to South Street and is the second most famous street besides Broadway.
Exploring this area can be tricky, but it is a lot of fun. Begin by finding the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street. Though you can no longer go inside, seeing the building is something special itself. Also, be sure to take advantage of the photo op with the famed charging bull statue!
Other activities to partake in this area include Battery Park, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and Stone Street. If you’re hungry when on Wall Street, try out places such as Neapolitan Express, SkyCafe, or one of the many food trucks you’ll find in the area.
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09
The Sphere
Other Art & Culture in Financial District
Beautifully designed the Liberty Park was constructed atop the World Trade Center Vehicle Security Center. From here you can overlook the rest of the World Trade Center site. It is now home to Fritz Koenig’s Sphere, which was placed between the Twin Towers when they opened back in the 1970s. Until 2017 it was placed in Battery Park but then they moved it to Liberty Park.
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10
Eataly
Other Restaurants in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
In 2010, Eataly was opened in New York by master chef Mario Batali. The pizza is very remeniscent of pizza and the wine selection is huge. You will also find a large selection of ecellent pasta, salads, and sandwiches. In terms of price, it has to be said in advance that a pizza starts at $15 and can cost $25. Nevertheless, this Italian food market is for me one of the most beautiful and best in the city!
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11
O'Hara's
Bar in Financial District
O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub is located near the 9/11 Memorial and is especially popular with the financial community – an honest shop with delicious draught beers. The “happy hour” has lasted until today: here you can buy Bud Light Drafts for $3, whereas “happy hour” here actually means ALWAYS. The bar food is also recommendable. The walls are full of Emergency Services badges, making for a very unique atmosphere. With excellent food and relatively cheap beers this is a highly recommended spot to take a break after walking through lower Manhattan.
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12
Pier 17
Pier in Financial District
With Pier 17 in New York near the South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan, a new event location was opened. The Seaport District and also Pier 17 were severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 – but now it has been completely renovated and has a whole new appearance.
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13
South Street Seaport
Building in Financial District
The South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan is located where Fulton Street meets the East River. But with the proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge and areas like Wall Street in beautiful Lower Manhattan, it is the charm of the many old commercial buildings from the old days that make the South Street Seaport in New York City so special.
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14
NYC Ferry
Cruise in Financial District
For the locals, the New York Ferry or NYC Ferry is one of the most important means of transport when it comes to reliability and speed. Unfortunately, the subway is always a problem, which is why you sometimes never know exactly if it is running and if so when. Not so with the NYC Ferry – and the best? For $3 you can take a really great boat tour along the East River!
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15
Enjoy a river view lunch from the Industry Kitchen
American Restaurant in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The restaurant offers typical American cuisine with modern influences. Fresh ingredients form the basis for the dishes. Salads, pizza and freshly grilled meat combined with first-class wines make a visit to the Industry Kitchen highly recommended. Beer lovers and cocktail fans will get their money’s worth here, because the selection is great.
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16
Take photos of one of New Yorks most beautiful skyscraper: New York by Gehry
Building in Financial District
The skyscraper “New York by Gehry” can not be missed by you: its facade is definitely unique! If you are at the City Hall Park directly at the Brooklyn Bridge you have the best view of this residential building.
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17
It is supposed to bring good luck: Rubs the nose, horns and testicals from the Charging Bull!
Other Attraction in Financial District
The Charging Bull of Wall Street was created by the 1998 artist Arturo Di Modica. The 3,200 kilogram “bronze statue” symbolizes the optimism and strength of the people after the stock market crash of 1986 (in English: Charging Bull). For his work Arturo Di Modica has received the famous “Ellis Island Medal of Honor”.
One of my favorite ways to discover the Skyline of Lower Manhattan and the Financial District is by boat. To find out which cruise is the best for you check out my weekly updated list of the Best NYC Cruises Right Now!
Best Attractions in the Financial District
Many of New York’s major New York attractions are located in this part of Lower Manhattan so make sure to add them to you travel itinerary:
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01 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried. Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.
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02 40 Wall St
Opened in 1930, 40 Wall St, also known as the “Chrysler Building of the Financial District,” is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture in office construction. The façade is made of terra cotta, glass and steel, and features typical Art Deco characteristics, such as the vertical articulation that runs throughout the building.
It was made famous by the competition between Craig Severance and William Van Alen, two business partners who fell out and had a head-to-head race to build the tallest building in the world. The result? 40 Wall Street, designed by Craig Severance, was the world’s tallest building for exactly one day, until it was topped by the Chrysler Building one day later. This was planned by William Van Alen and less than a year later there was the next tallest building: the Empire State Building. All three buildings were built in the Art Deco style.
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03 70 Pine Street
The skyscraper named 70 Pine Street is located on the street of the same name in the Financial District of Manhattan and was completed in 1932. It is 290 meters high and is one of the tallest buildings in New York City. The Art Deco style of 70 Pine Street is characterized by its slender silhouette accented with smooth lines and vertical details. The geometric patterns on the facade and the glass doors of the entrance are also typical of the Art Deco style.
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04 9/11 Memorial
Ground Zero has now become a place for quiet reflection. With two huge pools to commemorate the lives lost during 9/11 the beautiful memorial attracts people from far and wide. NYC will never forget 9/11 and the memorial is the perfect embodyment of this spirit.
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05 9/11 Memorial Glade
The 9/11 Memorial Glade is a memorial to all survivors of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and to this day many people are still struggling with the health consequences. The memorial is dedicated to them.
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06 Barclay-Vesey Building
The Barclay-Vesey Building is located at 140 West Street next to One World Trade Center. The building was completed in 1927 and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture in New York. The most distinctive feature of the building is the cantilevered tower on the north side.
It is also a perfect example of the incredible variety of architectural styles that exist in NYC – what a contrast to One World Trade Center, right?
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07 Century 21
If you are looking for THE bargain in New York, you do not necessarily have to go to an outlet. At Century 21 you can find almost all labels at incredibly low prices. A big department store with an even bigger selection. From Tommy Hilfiger to Prada, from Michael Kors to Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste.
After closing all Century 21 stores in 2020, their flagship store reopened at 22 Cortlandt Street in May 2023!
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08 Charging Bull
The Charging Bull of Wall Street was created by the 1998 artist Arturo Di Modica. The 3,200 kilogram “bronze statue” symbolizes the optimism and strength of the people after the stock market crash of 1986 (in English: Charging Bull). For his work Arturo Di Modica has received the famous “Ellis Island Medal of Honor”.
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09 Christmas Tree at Pier 17
Disney’s The Santa Clause’s Winter Wonderland enchants the Rooftop at Pier 17 and transforms it into a North Pole wonderland inspired by the Disney film The Santa Clause. Guests can go ice skating, visit Santa Clause, and enjoy delicious hot drinks. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree sparkles in the middle of the ice rink.
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10 Fraunces Tavern Museum
Fraunces Tavern Museum is a complex of five buildings with nine galleries, including the famous Long Room. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. On the weekend you can take part on one of the free guided tours.
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11 Holiday Tree at The Seaport
The Seaport’s annual holiday tree lighting in NYC is a beloved tradition that marks the start of the festive season. The event features the illumination of a magnificent Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights and festive decorations, accompanied by music, treats, and a strong sense of community. It creates a magical holiday atmosphere against the backdrop of historic streets and waterfront views, inviting people of all ages to celebrate the season together in the heart of the city.
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12 Mercer Labs at Museum of Art and Technology
Mercer Labs presents a groundbreaking transformation of the museum experience through its innovative exhibition. Spanning fifteen experimental spaces, this exhibition is designed to bridge the gap between art and technology in captivating ways. Interactive encounters, immersive installations, and unique listening experiences redefine the viewer’s connection to art.
Within this exhibition, Roy Nachum embarks on a journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between art and technology. ‘Limitless’ serves as a physical embodiment of the artist’s dreams, delving into his psyche, childhood memories, and vision of nature. Viewers are invited to step inside his work, traversing the boundary between narrative and abstraction. By leveraging digital tools and machine intelligence, he challenges human perception and explores the intricate spatial framework of source imagery and technical direction.
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours in the Financial District are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate 👉 New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉 New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
Best Guided Tours
There are a lot of very popular tours where New York guides show you the best parts and the history of this neighborhood:
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01 Hamilton Musical Walking Tour
Did you know that Alexander Hamilton spent most of his life in New York? He is the main character in the musical “Hamilton”, which is one of the most successful shows on Broadway (it won 16 Tony Awards!). This Walking Tour will take you to the most important stages of his life and show you which spots have made an impact on the story.
Highlights of the Walking Tour include many important historical sites such as Thomas Jefferson’s home, Kings College and Trinity Church. It’s the perfect tour for anyone looking to get in the mood for an evening on Broadway – and for all fans of the musical “Hamilton.”
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02 New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour
Learn more about the dramatic history of slavery and its connection to the New York subway. Listen to the stories of those New Yorkers who risked their lives and property to help others escape. During this Walking Tour you will gollow the NYC Freedom Trail, and learn how a group of brave men and women forged the network that became the Underground Railroad. View the former city stations that were included on the Underground Railroad, and discover how New Yorkers risked their lives to help people escape slavery.
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03 Statue of Liberty Pedestal, Ellis Island & Pre-Ferry Tour
A 30-minute English-language guided tour of Battery Park followed by a transfer to the Statue of Liberty with a German audio guide and guaranteed admission to the base of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
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04 Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour
This walking tour is the second tour that deals with the life of Alexander Hamilton. While the first one has a focus on historical sites, here you will learn more about the person himself. From his favorite pub to his grave, everything is included. Nevertheless, the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street are not missing from the program!
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05 Financial Crisis Tour with a Wall Street Professional
On this unforgettable tour of the banking district, you will discover the origins of Wall Street and meet the men who transformed Wall Street from an 18th-century street bazaar into the global center of power and wealth. And you’ll learn how the great financial crisis came about and which institutions in Lower Manhattan were involved. Super exciting!
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!
We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!
Best Restaurants in the Financial District NYC
These are our favorite restaurants in the Financial District:
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01 Eataly
In 2010, Eataly was opened in New York by master chef Mario Batali. The pizza is very remeniscent of pizza and the wine selection is huge. You will also find a large selection of ecellent pasta, salads, and sandwiches. In terms of price, it has to be said in advance that a pizza starts at $15 and can cost $25. Nevertheless, this Italian food market is for me one of the most beautiful and best in the city!
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02 Industry Kitchen
The restaurant offers typical American cuisine with modern influences. Fresh ingredients form the basis for the dishes. Salads, pizza and freshly grilled meat combined with first-class wines make a visit to the Industry Kitchen highly recommended. Beer lovers and cocktail fans will get their money’s worth here, because the selection is great.
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03 Ampia Restaurant & Rooftop
A trip to New York is an awe-inspiring experience, especially as you find yourself surrounded by buildings that stretch toward the sky in a way that few cities can match. That’s the charm and the appeal of Ampia, one of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC.
Located in the Financial District, it features lovely little greenhouses that allow for an intimate evening out even when amongst so many titans of industry.
Given the limited number, you’ll do best to reach out and reserve a greenhouse ahead of time. That effort is worth it because you’ll know you’re setting yourself up for a wonderful Italian-inspired dinner. We’re suckers for the self-named Ampia, a bright salad of Rocket Arugula and Maine Lobster with a Lemon Vinaigrette.
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04 Harajuku Sushi & Crêpe
On the one hand you will find delicious sushi and on the other hand fresh crêpes. The crêpes are filled with avocados, shrimps, pork, eggs and much more. The ingredients are always fresh and you can taste that. Besides savoury crêpes there are also sweet ones. These are filled with chocolate, ice cream, fresh berries and/or homemade Matcha chocolate truffles.
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05 Kesté Pizza & Vino
The best pizza in the West Village – the restaurant is almost always full. But mostly you don’t have to wait long to get a table.
Recommended articles: The Best Restaurants in the Financial District NYC.
Best Bars in the Financial District NYC
These are our favorite bars in the Financial District:
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01 Fraunces Tavern
You must visit Fraunces Tavern in NYC! Steeped in history, it’s been serving pints since 1762. This classic watering hole has hosted American patriots like George Washington and continues to charm with its colonial-era ambience. Perfect for history buffs or anyone seeking a unique, authentic NYC experience!
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02 The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog
Have you ever thought about how to take the Irish Pub into the 21st century? Go check out the Dead Rabbit bar and find out. This modern Irish pub and restaurant, which opened in 2013, is one of our favorite bars of all times. As soon as you enter the bar, you are transported into another world. There is nothing ultra-modern here, but everything is stylishly trimmed to old. From the original cash register, old punch glasses for the drinks to the wooden floors covered with sawdust.
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03 O'Hara's
O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub is located near the 9/11 Memorial and is especially popular with the financial community – an honest shop with delicious draught beers. The “happy hour” has lasted until today: here you can buy Bud Light Drafts for $3, whereas “happy hour” here actually means ALWAYS. The bar food is also recommendable. The walls are full of Emergency Services badges, making for a very unique atmosphere. With excellent food and relatively cheap beers this is a highly recommended spot to take a break after walking through lower Manhattan.
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Photo: Westfield World Trade Center04 Oculus Beer Garden
The Oculus Beer Garden offers you a sensational view of the futuristic looking Oculus and the One Work Trade Center. You can’t miss it as it is very stylishly designed.
Sitting here, eating the delicious Bavarian Pretzel ($12) or a Bratwurst ($12) or the Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($11) while drinking a delicious beer is really awesome. I guarantee there’s no other spot in New York City where you’ll have this backdrop.
Bild: Westfield World Trade Center
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05 The Cauldron
Want to visit an NYC Halloween bar with your fellow witches and wizards? At the Cauldron, you can stop by for an immersive cocktail class, potion making, wizard afternoon tea, and even a spell casting.
Great for adults 21-and-over (with a non-alcoholic version available for younger visitors), the Cauldron invites its guests for a workshop that includes drinks, the brewing of cocktails, and a nearly 2-hour interactive experience.
Cocktails include the Blob, the Serum of Loose Lips, the Bitter Glitter, and more for an enchantingly good time. For more about the bewitching art of potion making at the Cauldron, visit their official website.
Recommended articles: The Best Bars in the Financial District NYC.
Best Hotels in Financial District NYC
Staying in the Financial District has many advantages. You’ll always be surrounded by some of the best atmosphere, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops in NYC. If you decide to stay in the neighborhood please check out these amazing hotels:
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01 Andaz Wall Street Hotel
4 Stars | The Andaz Wall Street belongs to the Hyatt Group and was completely renovated in 2012. The rooms are very clean, modernly furnished, have a rain shower and a very comfortable bed. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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02 Artezen Hotel
4 stars | The Artezen Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offering an intimate and luxurious experience. From the moment you step onto your private balcony, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline, including the towering One World Trade Center and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge.
Situated in the vibrant Financial District, the Artezen Hotel provides easy access to renowned attractions such as Wall Street and the historic South Street Seaport. Indulge in a tranquil moment as you sip your free coffee while overlooking the bustling streets below, or unwind with a glass of wine as the city lights twinkle in the distance.
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03 Aloft Manhattan Downtown - Financial District
3 Stars | The Aloft Manhattan Downtown hotel is located in the Financial District and thus in the immediate vicinity of numerous attractions. In addition to the 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Wall Street can be reached in approximately 10 minutes. A subway station is also just a few steps away.
Rooms feature modern furnishings, and the comfortable beds promise a restful sleep. There’s also a bar, as well as a lounge with a terrace and a fitness center.
Amenities
- 24-hour front desk
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Snack bar
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04 Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
4 stars | The Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center, is a modern and stylish hotel that offers families a comfortable and convenient stay in Lower Manhattan. Each room features modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and ergonomic workspaces.
The hotel also offers a range of amenities for families, including a fitness center and on-site dining options. And with attractions like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum just steps away, as well as the Oculus and Brookfield Place nearby, it’s a good choice for families who want to explore Lower Manhattan and experience the city’s vibrant culture and history.
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05 Conrad New York Downtown
5 stars | This ultra luxurious all-suite hotel is one of the best hotels in the city center. Conrad stands for luxury, comfort and feel-good factor. The hotel has over 2,000 works of art on display and the spectacular lobby alone is worth a visit.
Recommended article: The Best Hotels in the Financial District NYC.
Neighborhoods Nearby
Financial District is bordered by The Battery and Battery Park City to the south and west and by Tribeca, Civic Center and Two Bridges to the north.
Things To Do in Tribeca
Things to Do in The Battery NYC
Things to do in Battery Park City NYC
The Best Things to Do in the Civic Center NYC
Things to Do in Two Bridges NYC
Neighborhoods that are Similar to the Financial District
If you enjoyed the Financial District, below are similar neighborhoods that we think you’ll enjoy:
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