Financial District/Battery Park
The Financial District (also known as Wall Street) and Battery Park comprise the southernmost area of Manhattan. The Financial District is home to major financial institutions including the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Battery Park City is the region at the southern edge of Manhattan, named so due to the beautiful Battery Park that marks the area. Together, these two neighborhoods combine to create one of the most significant parts of Manhattan. The Financial District is home to some of the most important business transactions in the world, as well as the famous South Street Seaport. Along the water in Battery Park, there is access to the world renowned Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Marked by the area of the city south of Chambers Street, the Financial District and BatteryParkCity have fabulous offerings and large appeal to outsiders and New Yorkers alike. With gorgeous, luxury high-rises with incredible water views, as well as historic brownstones along the cobble-stoned walks of Wall Street, living in the neighborhood is the ultimate experience. Many people enjoy the ease with which they can get to work when living there, while for others, an easy travel up to the rest of Manhattan is possible due to the many subways, busses, and the FDR Drive and West Side Highway right nearby. While the WorldTradeCenter once stood in this neighborhood, the inexorable pride and spirit of New York have truly shown through in this area in the aftermath of the tragedy.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE LIVING THERE:
Restaurants
Catering to the many professionals who love a good meal after a long work day, the Financial District and Battery Park have many excellent dining options. For classic New York pizza, try Adrienne’s Pizza Bar (54 Stone Street) while the Bridge Café (279 Water Street) offers delicious American food with an eclectic twist. For a great burger, go to Burger Burger (77 Pearl Street), while famous steakhouse Delmonico’s (56 Beaver Street) is quite the crowd pleaser.
Attractions
There is quite a lot to see in the Financial District and Battery Park. The New York Stock Exchange is a significant landmark, as is the favorite South Street Seaport, which offers food, outdoor concerts, shopping, and various exhibits throughout the year. Ellis Island, the Circle Line Cruise, and the Statue of Liberty are accessible via Battery Park, and the Staten Island ferry is a free way to get a great view of the city. Battery Park itself is a beautiful green space with along the water, with running tracks, playgrounds, outdoor entertainment, and more. The Museum of Jewish Heritage and the SkyscraperMuseum are located in the neighborhood as well. Most notably, the area where the WorldTradeCenter stood is in this area, and is currently being rebuilt.
To find out more about tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: http://www.nycvp.com/statue_of_lib_WalkingTour.htm
Transportation/Getting Around
The 4 and 5 trains make stops throughout the Financial District, including Bowling Green, Wall Street, Rector Street, Fulton Street, and City Hall. The R and the W also travel through the area, stopping at City Hall, while the J, M, Z, 2, and 3 trains stop at Fulton as well. The BrooklynBridge is also in the easternmost section of the Financial District, and the FDR Drive and West Side Highway mark the neighborhood’s outer edges.
Schools
ClaremontPreparatory School, the Little Downtown School, and the New YorkCharterSchool are located in the neighborhood. P.S. 1, H.S. 418, H.S. 425, and H.S. 489 are also in the Financial District.
Nightlife
The Financial District transforms in the evenings to a fun, hip night scene. If you’re looking for a classic tavern for an after work drink, try the Bridge Café (279 Water Street), while if you’re looking for an elegant spot with great views of the water, the Blue Bar at Bayard’s (1 Hanover Square) is the place to be. The Living Room Terrace at the W Hotel offers a fantastic rooftop bar (123 Washington Street), and Vintry Wine and Whiskey (57 Stone Street) is a popular lounge and wine bar in the neighborhood.
Shopping
Great shopping options are abound in the Financial District and Battery Park. The South Street Seaport offers many stores and name-brands, including J.Crew, Coach, and Abercrombie & Fitch. The famous discount store Century 21 is located in the neighborhood as well, and there are also a number of small boutiques, markets, and shops scattered throughout the area.
Other restaurants in the Financial District and Battery Park:
- Au Mandarin (200 Vesey Street)- $$- Chinese
- Cipriani Wall Street (55 Wall Street)- $$$$- Italian
- Harry’s Steak (1 Hanover Square)- $$$$- Steakhouse
- Ise Japanese Restaurant (56 Pine Street)- $$- Japanese
- Pacific Grill (89 South Street)- $$$- Seafood
- Picnick (Battery Place at State Street)- $- Sandwich Shop
- Ruchi (120 Cedar Street)- $$- Indian
- Salud! Restaurant & Bar (142 Beekman Street)- $$- Latin American, Tapas
For more restaurants in the Financial District and Battery Park, go to New York Magazine’s restaurant page: http://nymag.com/restaurants/?f=food
Other bars in the Financial District and Battery Park:
- Bar Seven Five (Andaz Wall Street Hotel, 75 Wall Street)- Bar/Lounge
- The Dubliner (45 Stone Street)- Pub
- Jeremy’s Ale House (228 Front Street)- Pub
- John Street Bar & Grill (17 John Street)- Neighborhood Favorite, Bar
- Raccoon Lodge (59 Warren Street)- Dive Bar
- Warren 77 (77 Warren Street)- Sportsbar
For more bars in the Financial District and Battery Park, go to New York Magazine’s bars page: http://nymag.com/nightlife/?f=bars
Gyms:
- Crunch Gym (90 John Street)
- Equinox (14 Wall Street)
- New York Sports Club (NYSC) (217 Broadway)
- New York Health & Racquet Club (39 Whitehall Street)
Dry Cleaners:
- Mr. Rafael’s Cleaners & Tailors (88 Fulton Street)
- One NY Plaza Cleaners (1 Water Street)
- Downtown Dry Cleaner (116 John Street)
- Pine Street Cleaners (164 Pearl Street)
Liquor Stores:
- Maiden Lane Wines and Liquors (6 Maiden Lane)
- New York Wine Exchange (9 Broadway)
- Famous Wines & Spirits (27 Williams Street)
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