8 Must-See Attractions in Manhattan’s Financial District

New York City’s Financial District, known by its nickname FiDi, is a booming neighborhood at the southern tip of Manhattan. It is enclosed by the West Side Highway on the west, Chambers Street on the North, Brooklyn Bridge on the northeast, and The Battery on the south.

Historically, this vibrant neighborhood was all about business. It is where the Twin Towers stood and where One World Trade Center is currently located. However, in recent years, it has transformed into a hub of fun and excitement. Many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, parks, museums, and activities are all located in this area, making it a must-visit for travelers. There are playgrounds for kids, shopping centers for adults, cozy food halls for food enthusiasts, public sculptures for art lovers, and more.

Consequently, the good news is that this neighborhood is dense, so you can pack a lot into your visit. Here is a guide to one of New York City’s most buzzy neighborhoods.

01. Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, USA

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Phone: +1 212-312-8800

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The Twin Towers that fell on 9/11 were located in the Financial District, and the entire neighborhood was deeply affected. Therefore, no trip there would be complete without visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to honor those who perished and learn about the impactful history. The memorial’s twin reflecting pools where the towers once stood are particularly moving.

It is advisable to allocate ample time for your visit, as an average excursion takes over two hours. Moreover, downloading the audio guide before you arrive can enrich your experience by providing context to the exhibits. Always check opening hours and ticket prices on the website.

02. Shop at Brookfield Place New York

Address: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281, USA

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Phone: +1 212-978-1673

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Brookfield Place is a state-of-the-art shopping center in the Financial District that offers fun for the entire family. It features a waterfront plaza that changes seasonally. During winter, it transforms into an ice rink with social igloos, and in summer, it becomes a vibrant park hosting fitness classes, outdoor movies, and dining experiences.

Inside, you will find stores catering to children, women, and men, alongside a diverse range of food and drink options. Enjoy a glass of wine and grilled cheese at Le District, a French Marketplace, or indulge in a seafood platter at Seamore’s. The Institute of Culinary Education, home to its own hydroponic farm, is also located within the complex. Regularly scheduled special events add to the excitement at Brookfield Place—check the calendar on the website.

03. Ride a Sea Horse at the SeaGlass Carousel

Address: Water St & State St, New York, NY 10004, USA

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Phone: +1 212-344-3491

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Situated within The Battery, a 25-acre park at the southern tip of Manhattan, the SeaGlass Carousel provides an imaginative family experience. This carousel, inspired by the Battery’s history as the first home of the New York Aquarium, features glass sea horses that rise and fall while changing colors, all set to enchanting music. It’s a visual delight that you shouldn’t miss. Be sure to check the hours on the website, as it often closes for private events.

04. Play Mini Golf and Volleyball Under the Stars

Address: West St, New York, NY 10013, USA

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Phone: +1 212-627-2020

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Pier 25, located along the Hudson River in the Financial District, is filled with activities suitable for the entire family. You can engage in mini golf on a 13,000-square-foot, 18-hole course featuring exciting challenges, including a waterfall and a sand trap.

Moreover, the pier offers beach volleyball courts available for reservation. If sports aren’t your preference, enjoy relaxing in the playground, savor some ice cream, or observe dogs at play in the dog park. The setting is outdoors, making it a perfect destination on a warm summer evening.

05. Kayak in the Hudson River (For Free!)

Address: Pier 26, 233 West St, New York, NY 10013, USA

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From May to October, The Downtown Boathouse provides free kayaks for New York City residents and visitors. They offer everything required for an adventurous day on the water: life jackets, paddles, and boats, along with changing rooms and sunblock. While there may be a queue to rent a boat, the experience is worth the wait. Instructors provide briefings before you are free to paddle around the river for hours, while enjoying spectacular views of the New York City skyline.

06. Stroll through the South Street Seaport

Address: 12 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038, USA

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Phone: +1 212-748-8600

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The South Street Seaport is a historic neighborhood in the Financial District. This is where New York City first emerged as a port city, featuring original boats, bars, and cobblestone streets preserved from that era.

Start your visit at the South Street Seaport Museum, which offers insights into why New York City was pivotal for shipping. Afterward, explore the historic mercantile buildings and ships docked in the harbor. Many of these edifices have undergone renovations and are now trendy venues for shopping and dining, featuring everything from vegan cuisine to innovative ice cream shops. The neighborhood also hosts rotating public art displays, enhancing its charm.

07. Journey Through the Oculus

The Oculus, part of the World Trade Center, transcends its function as a train station; visitors from around the globe flock to see its breathtaking architecture. The city invested $4 billion into this project, with Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava at the helm of the design. Crafted from glass and steel, its structure is said to resemble a dove in flight.

The Oculus connects to half a million square feet of retail space, featuring shops that cater to diverse tastes. Well-known brands like Victoria’s Secret and Reiss London share space with quirky local boutiques unique to New York City. Visitors can enjoy sushi, ice cream, or a cold beer, along with public art displays and pop-up exhibits that occur almost daily.

08. Take a Trip to Italy Without Leaving New York City

Address: 101 Liberty St, New York, NY 10007, USA

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Phone: +1 212-897-2895

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Eataly NYC Downtown captures the essence of Italy without requiring a plane ticket. This sprawling venue features multiple restaurants, each specializing in delightful offerings such as pasta, pizza, meat, and fish. Wine bars, cocktail lounges, and gelato counters provide a full culinary experience. Moreover, you can shop for authentic Italian goods, picking up homemade pasta and genuine olive oil for your own cooking adventures.

Always check the website for updates on special events, including cooking classes, parties, tastings, and talks that take place throughout the year.