Wall Street District Guide in New York

Are you coming to discover Big Apple soon? So don't miss visiting Wall Street, the famous New York finance district!

Located in the south of the borough Manhattan Wall Street is a well-known New York street around the world. She leaves east of Broadway towards the East River to South Street, crossing part of the Financial District, a business district. And it is thanks to the latter that the street has become famous worldwide. Indeed, Wall Street is now the entire neighbourhood as well as the world’s largest stock exchange: the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). It even refers to the world of New York finance to the global! Visiting Wall Street is an iconic street that houses some of the most important monuments, such as the Federal Hall, the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl.

Are you coming to New York soon? So you can't miss visiting Wall Street during your stay! To help you discover it, you will find in this article everything you need to know about this strong place of New York and global finance!

Wall Street in a few words

The history of Wall Street dates back to the 17th century. At that time, the future city of New York belonged to the Dutch colonial empire of America under the name of New Amsterdam . A wall then stood at the location of the Wall street (signifying) street of the wall English). The street was then named Waal Straat . The latter did not relate to a wall, but to a large group of settlers, the French-speaking Walloons. Later, the British destroyed the wall. Although the original name is a reference to the Walloons, Wall Street took this name in memory of the wall erected in this place once.

At the end of the 17th century, and for a few decades, the place is at the heart of the financial rivalry between New York and Philadelphia . Wall Street will eventually take it away. He then established himself as the center of American finance, then world, with his Wall Street scholarship known as the NYSE.

What to see and what to do in the Wall Street neighborhood in New York?

Street and historical district of New York, Wall Street obviously houses some major and cultural monuments of America. One of them is the Federal Hall, which is with the oldest National City Bank Building. There are also two iconic statues: the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl. Business district, Wall Street is known for its skyscrapers. In short, you should not miss visiting this area during your stay. Here are some of the wonders you will be able to discover and admire:

The Federal Hall

The Federal Hall is certainly one of the most important places in the history of the United States. Built in 1700 to serve as town hall, George Washington was appointed first President of the United States in the same building in 1789. He was the first Capitol in the United States. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed in 1812 and replaced by the current structure. This new building now belongs to the National Park Service under the name Federal Hall National Memorial . This is free museum thus celebrates the memory of the previous building.

You will also discover some famous objects, such as the Bible on which Washington sworn. The building also serves as a tourist information centre. You will also notice its Greek Revival style architecture, which contrasts with the surrounding skyscrapers.

Finally, you can admire a statue of George Washington at its main entrance. If you're visiting Wall Street, you can't miss discovering this iconic place!

The Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl

Among the other must-see attractions of Wall Street, we obviously count the sculptures of Charging Bull and Fearless Girl.

Bronze sculpture by the artist Arturo Di Modica , the Wall Street Bull is located at Bowling Green Park near the New York Stock Exchange. It was installed without prior permission from the city, after the Krach Scholar of 1987. It symbolizes so the strength and power of the people . Faced with the immediate success of the sculpture, New York granted him a temporary permit. She is now one of the city’s most photographed works.

As for the Fearless Girl, the girl without fear , it was installed by Kristen Visbal on the eve of International Women's Day 2017. She then faces with confidence Charging Bull. It symbolizes feminist force and advocates for gender equality. The sculpture was installed with a plate indicating Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference. In December 2018, Fearless Girl was moved to the New York Stock Exchange. So she no longer faces the Charging Bull.

Note that the two statues are taken by tourists all day by storm. To have a photo of Charging Bull or Fearless Girl without anyone, we recommend you go early morning !

Trinity Church

Trinity Church is one of New York’s most famous churches. This episcopal church is located at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street. They offer Free guided tours.

Despite the construction of many skyscrapers in its surroundings, Trinity Church retains very important spiritual values in this heart of Manhattan. It thus always serves as a place of worship and meditation for the local Christians.

The New York Stock Exchange

If you come to visit Wall Street, you will obviously go to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The latter is the world's largest stock market share. However, it is not the oldest in the United States. This place belongs to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately for travellers, the New York Stock Exchange is not more open to the public since the 11 September attacks. However, be sure to come and admire this monument and the city's emblematic place.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum

Of the twelve US central banks, the New York Federal Reserve Bank is by far the most powerful, influential and active. As a reminder, the Federal Reserve Bank implements the country's monetary policy, monitors and regulates financial institutions. So if the economy interests you, you should visit this exciting museum. You will learn more about the monetary policy of the United States and the printing of banknotes.

You will also have the opportunity to borrow the golden tunnel. This is the place of the planet where there is the most gold gathered! Attention, however, this visit does not improvise. You'll have to book a guided tour in advance. Reservations are mandatory and are only made online . We recommend that you do it as soon as you know your travel dates.

The Memorial of September 11

If this place is not really part of Wall Street, it is still just a step away from the iconic street. The Twin Towers were even the strong and unmistakable point of the Financial District. If you’re visiting Wall Street, you can’t miss going to the 11-September Memorial.

You can visit this must-see museum in New York. The latter museum museum pays tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. During this visit, you will relive the events of this funest day chronologically. You can also discover many personal objects, documents and remains found in the World Trade Center's rubble. You will thus have the opportunity to see a fire truck found under the rubble or the remains of the antenna that was truncated at the top of the northern tower.

This visit is particularly moving, but necessary to understand a recent and painful part of New York history.

Guided tours to do in Wall Street

Wall Street guided tours are only quite rare .

Combined tour of uncontournbal neighbourhoods

These visits three to five hours on foot may include various monuments, districts or iconic sites of the city. For example, some will focus on Wall Street, Little Italy and Chinatown. On this occasion you will discover some famous buildings. But you will learn more about the history of New York, its inhabitants and the neighbourhood life.

For these walking tours, usually count on 25 to 70€ per person . The rate obviously depends on the chosen route, the sites visited and therefore the entries included in your guided tour.

Combined tour of iconic monuments

These visits will focus more on monuments and their stories. For example, guided tours will make you visit Wall Street, but also the Statue of Liberty the Ellis Island Immigration Museum or the September 11 Memorial. This option is excellent to quickly and easily discover the iconic monuments and sites of Big Apple.

For these walking tours, usually count on 25 to 70€ per person. The rate obviously depends on the chosen route, the sites visited and therefore the entries included in your guided tour.

The best hotels to stay in Wall Street

To extend your visit to Wall Street and enjoy a central position in New York , we recommend you stay there during your stay! You will obviously find several excellent hotels, high-end and comfortable.

Among them, we can recommend it Gild Hall , a sublime four-star hotel. Located not far from the Federal Hall and Wall Street , this chic hotel is located in a beautiful red brick building, surrounded by office buildings and restaurants. Its comfortable rooms are beautifully decorated. The hotel also houses high-end services and facilities, such as a fitness centre. You will also find a Tuscan restaurant and a vintage tones wine bar. One night at Gild Hall will cost you 230€ on average for two people.

Another establishment we recommend is The Wall Street Inn . Located south of Wall Street, this three-star hotel is located in a building of 1836. The latter once housed the Lehman Brothers bank. The hotel has a gym and a sauna. Its rooms are warmly decorated. One night will cost you an average of 150€ for two people.

Where to eat in Wall Street in New York?

You will find in the Financial District excellent restaurants.

• Among them, we can only recommend you Trinity Place. This restaurant stands close to the church of the same name. Located in an old bank, it offers a typical and delicious American cuisine: burgers, pasta, steaks and oysters of season. Everything is affordable.
• Harry’s NYC, located south of Wall Street, is also an excellent option to recover near Wall Street. This hotel offers typical American grilled dishes. It is also one of the best places to take a brunch in New York!
• New York is known for pizza. You can try many pizzerias like the very affordable Little Italy Pizzeria and Deli, authentic Neapolitan Express or the finest Adrienne’s Pizzabar.

There are many other exceptional restaurants in the area. So don’t hesitate to test several during your stay in New York.

How do I get to Wall Street?

Thanks to its central position, and especially its capital economic importance, Wall Street is well served . You will have no trouble getting there or you moving throughout New York From this neighborhood. In short, you will easily visit Wall Street.

• ♪ metro lines 2 and 3 Thus have a stop on Wall Street, the same name.
• metro line J also stops in Wall Street with its stop Broad Street.
• You can also stop at Bowling Green Station or Wall Street Station with Lines 4 and 5. The first stop is closer to the Charging Bull. Going up Broadway Street north to Wall Street from this first stop, you can see the two iconic sculptures without turning around.