The Financial District (FiDi) Neighborhood: A Guide to NYC’s Bustling Business and Commerce Hub

By: ROS Team

It is not uncommon for one to instantly think of Wall Street when someone mentions New York City’s Financial District. But a true New Yorker can attest that the Financial District (which locals often call FiDi) is far more than that. The Financial District is also a beautiful place to live and one of Manhattan’s most prestigious neighborhoods. It has a rich history and lots of things to do and see.

A Quick Overview of FiDi

The Financial District is situated near the southeast tip of Manhattan where some of the most famous financial institutions in the country are located. Manhattan also has some of the most well-known and historic sites in the NYC area; it’s the home of the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York City, and the World Trade Center Memorial.

FiDi

FiDi is also where the Federal Hall National Memorial is located. This is where, in 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the nation’s first president.

WHAT TO SEE

World Trade Center Memorial and Freedom Tower

When visiting FiDi, carve out time to see the 9/11 Memorial and Museum–this is a must-see. You’ll also want to visit the two fountains that stand where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood, where you can reflect and pay your respects to those who lost their lives on that historic day. There are different interactive displays and exhibits on display in the museum. Everyone should visit the museum at least once.

One World Observatory

One World Observatory is a popular location for those taking a tour of lower Manhattan to see the stunning views of the city. Regardless of whether you decide to travel during the day or at night, you will not be disappointed by the neverending vista of New York City as its skyscrapers light up the iconic skyline This experience gives you the history of New York City’s infrastructure in just 47 seconds by means of a fantastic elevator journey.

Stone Street

There are many restaurants and bars that line the delightful cobblestone lane known as Stone Street in the heart of the Financial District. In 1658, the stone thoroughfare, which served as the first stone-paved roadway in the city, was paved in the middle of several historic buildings.

The Charging Bull Statue

This renowned sculpture is a significant tourist attraction and has no doubt become the ideological symbol of the Financial District. The statue is located in close proximity to the New York Stock Exchange.

REMARKABLE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

1 Wall Street Court

1 Wall Street Court is a pre-war apartment building that was built in 1904. It’s also the home of the Cocoa Exchange, which was previously located on the building’s 15th floor. The building’s notable amenities include a fitness center, an outside terrace/balcony with panoramic views of the buildings in the district, and manicured terraces and balconies that offer breath-taking views of the city.

5 Beekman

The Beekman Residences are located at 115 Nassau Street near the famous Temple Court. This 10-story, which was built in 1881, offers one to three-bedroom apartment units as well as penthouse suites with unobstructed views of Manhattan. Amenities include a kitchen, a movie room, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness facility.

1 Wall Street

This 52-story apartment building was constructed in 1930 and has 560 units. Miele appliances and full-size washers and dryers are standard fixtures in all units. In addition, the 75-foot pool and fitness center that overlooks Wall Street and the World Trade Center are located on the 38th and 39th floors of the building.

20 Exchange

20 Exchange Place, a building also known as the City Bank-Farmers Trust Building, is one of the city’s most famous skyscrapers. The building is 57 stories tall and has 762 apartment units, The building was also featured in the movies The Social Network, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, and Inside Man. The building features a fitness center, sun deck, and an entertainment lounge.

75 Wall Street

This apartment building offers world-class luxury — you can get a stunning 360-degree view of New York City from the top 24 stories of this 42-story building located at Wall and Water Streets. In addition, the building’s amenities include room service, catering, housekeeping, valet laundry, and concierge service.

75 Wall Street is centrally located to some of the most high-end department stores in the U.S., including Le District, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, and Burberry. It’s also close to Fulton Center, which provides access to the city’s metro lines and large grocery stores. The popular restaurants Dean & Deluca, Eataly, Nobu, El Vez, Blue Smoke, and North End Grill are also located nearby.

PARKS

World Trade Center’s Liberty Park

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is rated #4 on TripAdvisor’s top 130 New York City playgrounds. This park demonstrates New York City’s resilience in spite of extreme heartbreak and loss.

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Cipriani

The Cipriani Club 55 on Wall Street is a terrific choice for organizing a business lunch on weekdays or spending time with family and friends on weekends. This Italian restaurant is an excellent spot to enjoy a beverage while taking in the beautiful city views from its outdoor terrace.

Trinity Place

You’ll find great eating and libation at this trendy spot located in the center of the business sector at 115 Broadway. Built in 1904 as a gift to Andrew Carnegie, Trinity Place serves contemporary American fare and has an atmosphere that makes visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time. There’s even a bar located inside the building’s historic bank vault, which dates back to 1904!

Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall Cafe and Bar has the best breakfast around. This café offers a wide array of entree options as well as smoothies and coffee. It’s a fantastic place to get a quick lunch or to enjoy a lovely brunch with family and friends on the weekend.

Kesté

When in NYC’s Financial District, make sure to visit Kesté’s Wall Street restaurant and get the most excellent pizza in the city. The family-run pizzeria serves over 20 different pies, including authentic New York-style slices. Additionally, when dining in, Kesté offers their standard Margherita pizza for $5. That’s a business deal that is nearly impossible to refuse in New York City.

The Dead Rabbit

This legendary Irish-American bar is located on Water Street. It is home to the most incredible selection of Irish whiskey in the United States — both FiDi residents and tourists from all over the world are drawn to its taproom. The parlor is the perfect place to visit if you want to kick back and relax. You can also grab a small meal upstairs.

Comedy Clubs

Comedy clubs are a great way to share a good chuckle with friends. Fortunately, FiDi is home to some of the best comedy clubs in the country. Take in a show at Dark Horse Comedy Club, Ivy Stand-up, or Caveat while out on the town.

SHOPPING CENTERS

Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place is located just across from the World Trade Center Memorial, and it’s very convenient for Financial District residents to shop there. This shopping center has over 30 stores, including Tory Burch, Omega, Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, and Equinox. Other popular features include an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and a miniature golf course.

Westfield World Trade Center

With over 120 retail spaces filled to the brim with clothes, boutiques, bakeries, restaurants, and more, the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan is the largest shopping complex in Manhattan. But, despite its simple appearance, Westfield World Trade Center is a whole lot more than just a mall.

NYSE Area Boutiques

There are various upscale boutiques, like Hermes and Tiffany & Co., located on Wall Street and near the New York Stock Exchange.

SCHOOLS

Schools

If you’re planning to move to Lower Manhattan with children, there’s no shortage of great schools. Some notable schools in Fidi include:

Stuyvesant High School
Bronx High School of Science
MUSE Academy
Townsend Harris High School
Baccalaureate School for Global Education

Conclusion

The Financial District is a city packed with tourist attractions. But it’s much more than that. It also offers some of the best nightlife, cuisine, and shopping in NYC.