Guide to New York City’s Financial District

By: ROS Team

When people hear ‘financial district,’ most immediately think of the hustle and bustle of Wall Street. But a resident of the Financial District (or FiDi for short) will tell you that their neighborhood is more than just a bustling financial hub.

With many fun attractions and rich history, the Financial District has a lot more to offer, including modern apartment buildings in one of the most historic neighborhoods in Manhattan.

The History of the Financial District

Situated on the southern tip of the island of Manhattan, the Financial District has played a vital role in the economic, cultural, and social development of the entire United States. FiDi remains one of the most historic sectors of New York City and has some of the nation’s most popular landmarks like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the New York Stock Exchange, and Wall Street.

In 1904, Interborough Rapid Transit (the first NYC subway company) began servicing the district and later made FiDi home to business and commerce activities.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods near the Financial District include Williamsburg, East Village, Lower East Side, Battery Park, and Chelsea.

Transportation

There are many transit options available for getting in and out of the Financial District. There are 16 train stations available to commuters, and the Brooklyn Bridge serves as another artery by which residents, tourists, and commuters can access the neighborhood. Ferries are also available to transport people to nearby Governor and Staten Islands.

Lifestyle

FiDi is a mixture of financial hub and residential area, but it offers a relaxed night scene. After 5:00, you can find plenty of hotspots to unwind from the day, either alone or with friends. Battery Park and Stone Street are located in the district and offer a reprieve from the blur of daytime Manhattan.

Bars and Restaurants

FiDi is also known for its diverse food offerings. The district hosts several dining experiences, each home to a unique cuisine type.

Delmonico’s is an iconic restaurant and a historical treasure, with famous historical patrons like Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens. Delmonico’s is located at 56 Beaver Street. Cipriani Downtown offers Italian food in an upscale atmosphere. Or, if you are a fan of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, Nobu is located nearby on Broadway.

Stone Street is another FiDi restaurant. Its cobblestone pathway teemed with picnic tables, umbrellas, and locals give it a quaint and cozy vibe.

Cost of Living

The Financial District is home to all walks of life, from entrepreneurs to CEOs. But that does not mean you can’t afford to live here. The average monthly rent is $3,600, which is less than in neighboring Tribeca.

Shopping

From high-end boutiques to vibrant flea markets to upscale department stores, FiDi has something for every type of shopper. Visit the Hermes store on Board Street, where you can get your hands on trendy fashion pieces. Fulton Centre also offers shoppers a unique experience with its drinks and a sushi bar.

Nightlife

The Financial District features many options to make your night out unforgettable. Stone Street Tavern and Seaglass Carousel are two of FiDi’s most popular nightspots. Stone Street Tavern is a hotspot for beer and Irish whiskey lovers. The Seaglass Carousel is known for its masterfully created carousel, which makes it a unique spot for date night or a family outing.

Architecture

New York City has some of the most stunning buildings in the world. And some of them are in the Financial District. These iconic landmarks include the World Trade Center memorials and the Freedom Tower. Oculus, a transit hub at the rebuilt World Trade Center site, adds a futuristic flavor to the area.

There’s also the Charging Bull statue on Wall Street as well as the Four Trees structure by Jean Dubuffet and Red Cube by Isamu Noguchi. The district features mind-blowing architecture in every direction.

The South Street Seaport is another historic area located in Manhattan, located at the intersection of East River and Fulton Street. This area features colonial-style buildings and cobblestone streets, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle that is New York City. This is also the site for summer concerts and outdoor festivals.

Buildings

The majority of buildings in FiDi contain 50 or more units. Of those buildings, some of which are high-rises, most offer high-end appliances, ceramic tile bathrooms, and finished oak floors.