Synonymous with Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, New York’s Financial District (known locally as FiDi), is secretly one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods. More than just a hub for high-profile finance professionals, FiDi is also a center for unique bars and hotels, cultural and historic hotspots, and some of the most gorgeous views in Manhattan.
Whether you’re paying your respects at Ground Zero, strolling through the gourmet food stalls at the Tin Building, or having a drink on storied Stone Street, there’s much more to FiDi than meets the eye.
Head over to charming Seaport and take in picturesque waterfront views between client meetings, or get some shopping done at Printemps, the elegant Parisian department store that recently opened and quickly became one of FiDi’s biggest draws. Whether you’re in town for an important business meeting, on vacation, or are looking to take advantage of the Financial District’s convenient location, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by the neighborhood’s abundant history, cultural significance, and, of course, its status as a global financial hub.
Here, you’ll find all the MICHELIN Guide-approved spots for elevating your work trip, impressing important clients, and immersing yourself in the fast-paced energy of this dynamic neighborhood.
Where to Eat
While FiDi isn’t necessarily known for its dining scene, luckily it is conveniently situated within walking distance of the city’s more esteemed culinary landmarks. Restaurant-rich neighborhoods like SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side are all just a stone’s throw from FiDi, and you won’t have to hop on the subway or ferry to Brooklyn to get something decent to eat.That said, FiDi proper does have a few excellent options if you’re not looking to venture outside the neighborhood. For the classic Financial District experience, look no further than Manhatta. This spot from acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer affords dazzling views over the Manhattan skyline from 60 floors above the city. A memorable date night spot revered for its creative cocktails, Manhatta offers fine dining with views to match.
If you’re looking to impress on a business meeting or celebrate a major win, Saga is the place to do it. With Two MICHELIN Stars, this restaurant is just the thing to satiate visitors seeking the true “New York City” treatment, as it’s situated on the 63rd floor of an emblematic skyscraper. Enjoy drinks on the terrace before settling into a more intimate space for a meal to remember – and the view won’t be half bad, either.
MICHELIN-Starred Crown Shy is another must while you’re in the neighborhood. Set in the stunning Art Deco tower, here you’ll enjoy polished American fare in a classic setting.
And if you’re looking for something a bit different, head to Carne Mare in Seaport. In contrast to other FiDi restaurants that feel more mile-high and mile-a-minute, this classic Italian chophouse exudes a distinctly “Seaport” vibe. Guests feel transported to a classic small East Coast town, fit with views of the Seaport harbor, sailboats and all.
Where to Sip
Though non-locals might not equate FiDi as a particularly well-known drinking destination, it has plenty to offer by way of nightlife. Some of the hottest bars in the city are located here, whether you’re looking to network with business magnates in the Bar Room at The Beekman or sip premium cocktails and listen to live jazz music or DJ sets at swanky Laissez Faire downstairs.
For a rowdy night out, head to Old Mates Pub. It’s new in town but has quickly become one of the most happening bars in New York City, and certainly the liveliest spot in FiDi. Its sudden success is no surprise, as the same owners of Chinese Tuxedo and Bluestone Lane are behind the venture. Here you can gawk at 6-foot-5 Australian men while you toss back local Aussie beers, and dance to live DJ sets – the likes of which might even be spun by celebs like Dom Dolla.
For casual drinks with a historic twist, head to Fraunces Tavern, which is rumored to have been the favorite local watering hole of George Washington and several of the other Founding Fathers. Nearby Stone Street serves up more than 400 years of history and features some of the city’s most iconic pubs, and it’s an especially popular destination on St. Patrick’s Day.
Finally, if you’re in the market for after-work drinks with your coworkers, head to P.J. Clarke’s to mingle with smartly dressed young professionals from surrounding offices and take in waterfront views over the Hudson.
What to Do
While many expect FiDi to be nothing but tall buildings swarming with high-powered executives, you may be surprised to discover that there’s so much to do in the Financial District that has little (or nothing) to do with finance.
While this neighborhood is certainly a hub for offices of renowned publishing empires like Condé Nast and Dotdash Meredith and financial powerhouses like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, the southernmost part of Manhattan also boasts some of the island’s best shopping and cultural points of interest.
If you’re looking to flex your wallet, the eye-catching Oculus is packed with everything from Stuart Weitzman to the Apple Store and beyond. From there, you can make your way through the underground pedestrian pathway that leads into Brookfield Place: a major shopping center and office building complex, complete with an upscale food hall, Equinox gym, and all the high-end shops you’d expect of any major shopping mall.
If you’re really committed to getting your shopping in, head to the luxury shops at Printemps and stop in for lunch or coffee at one of their design-forward restaurants or cafes. Finally, just down the street you can stop into Century 21, where you’ll find a great selection at more palatable price points.
Visitors to the Financial District would be remiss if they didn’t pass through the World Trade Center complex to honor the fallen at Ground Zero and visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
And when you’re ready to lighten the mood, head to the top of the One World Trade Observatory for what are, indisputably, the best views in the city.
If you don’t work in the area but are hankering for a true taste of FiDi, make your way to Wall Street and pose with the legendary Charging Bull statue with swarms of other tourists as busy businessmen and women brush past you in a New York minute. After you’ve had your photo opp, proceed down the street to Trinity Church for a dose of integral New York history and time-honored architecture.
In the evening, catch a show at the Perelman Performing Arts Center before heading over to Seaport to stroll along the East River for breathtaking views of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges and Brooklyn skyline. One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Seaport features charming cobblestone streets and the now-iconic Tin Building by Jean-Georges, which is filled with artisanal market stalls, gourmet eateries, and charming retail shops. The Tall Ship Wavertree museum there is also worth a visit to explore the unique history that shaped New York City.
Where to Stay
One area in which FiDi particularly shines is in its hotel offerings. In addition to being some of New York City’s most celebrated hotels, icons like The Beekman (One MICHELIN Key) and The Wall Street Hotel (One MICHELIN Key) are also hotspots for drinking, dining, and rubbing elbows with titans of industry.
Earning an impressive Three MICHELIN Keys, Casa Cipriani is a standout in the New York City hotel scene. Featuring an exclusive private members club, A-list celebrity sightings are common here, including regulars like Drake and Taylor Swift. Pristine, aesthetically minded interiors draw a high-end clientele, and its prime location affords optimal views of the East River.
Another MICHELIN-recognized hotel, Gild Hall, is conveniently situated in the heart of the Financial District – perfect for those looking for a comfortable, luxurious place to unwind after a day of conducting business in the concrete jungle.
If you’re looking for a more charming, boutique hotel feel, consider the quieter Seaport area. Mr. C Seaport features opulent interiors that exude a homey feel; it’s a property that complements the other offerings in the Cipriani collection.
Hero image: Erin Miller / Wall Street Bull
Address book
Bars
Bar Room at The Beekman - 123 Nassau St, 10038
Laissez Faire - 10 Theatre Alley, 10038
Old Mates Pub - 170 John St, 10038
Fraunces Tavern - 54 Pearl St, 10004
Stone Street - New York City, 10004
P.J. Clarke's On The Hudson - 250 Vesey St, 10281
Other
Oculus World Trade Center - 185 Greenwich St LL3110, 10006
Brookfield Place - 230 Vesey St, 10281
World Trade Center Complex - 50 Church St, 10007
9/11 Memorial and Museum - 180 Greenwich St, 10007
Charging Bull Statue - Bowling Green, 10004
Tin Building by Jean-Georges - 96 South St, 10038
Printemps - 1 Wall St, 10005
Century 21 - 22 Cortlandt St, 10007
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) - 251 Fulton St, 10007
One World Observatory - 117 West St, 10007
Tall Ship Wavertree, South Street Seaport Museum - 89 South St, 10038
Trinity Church - 89 Broadway, 10006
