Financial District
To be very blunt, the Financial District isn’t for everyone. It has a very specific vibe that is unlike most of the other hoods in NYC. During the weekdays the Finance District, or FiDi as it’s been dubbed, is bustling with worker bees and very lively. However, on the weekends it clears out and is very quiet. Things are still open, but there are just way less people. I’ve had plenty of friends that lived there though specifically for that reason.
Where.
The Financial District is south of Chambers Street and east of the West Side Highway all the way to the tip of the island. It’s the triangle at the very bottom of Manhattan.
Attractions.
The Financial District is full of historical sights, which is a great reason to visit. Federal Hall, The NY Stock Exchange, One World Trade, Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and the South Street Seaport to name a few. If you want to see high end luxury shopping mixed with super futuristic architecture then you have to se The Oculus, it’s pretty amazing.
Transit.
The Financial District is the narrowest part of the island, so all the subway lines converge there, making it very easy to get to. It’s also right next door to Brooklyn and is only 1 stop away. There is also a major NYC Ferry stop there, Pier 11, which will take you almost anywhere.
City Hall Park
City Hall Park.
City Hall Park is a small bench lined ark where yeah, you guessed it, City Hall sits. It’s not huge, but it’s great to take a break and read a book away from city craziness. Historically it has been the site of many rally’s, protests and movements like The Stamp Act for example. George Washington once read the Declaration of Independence here too, how cool is that?! A sharp contrast to the many people sitting around in the same location on their smartphones today.
The Battery.
At the very bottom of the island lies The Battery, which is a small (25 acre) green space loaded with monuments, making it very fun to wander around. It also affords great views of the harbor. If you’re hungry or in need of a drink Pier A is attached to the park and is a great place to hang out and take in harbor views.
The Battery.
The largest park in close proximity to FiDi is definitely Battery Park City (also a neighborhood). There are a number of footbridges that cross the West Side Highway, making it very easy to access. Once there you will have loads of green space to choose from. My favorite is the South Meadow, which is perfect for a picnic or sunbathing. If yacht spotting is more your thing head to the North Cove.
Food & Drink
Sometimes the more tucked away and hard to get to, the cooler and more desirable a neighborhood becomes. Not that Tribeca is that hard to get to but you have to purposefully go there. The restaurants are stylish and cool and the bars offer a similar vibe. I have fond memories of running between places on beautiful rainy nights out.
History & Architecture
Tribeca has always had its roots in shipping and industry, which is very clear walking down its western avenues. Washington Market, opening in 1813, is testament to this. The buildings are very old and have lots of character. In my early days in the city I had a friend grant me access to Matthew Brady’s photography studio on Franklin and Broadway, which was something I will never forget.
