WHY GO: Wall Street, in New York City’s Financial District, represents America’s economic engine. Often neglected by tourists, this part of Manhattan is well worth exploring – at the very least because the original seat of government stands just steps from the New York Stock Exchange. Discover the seeds of our country on this Wall Street Getaway.
Pair this Getaway up with our other Downtown NYC Post that focuses on the World Trade Center area.
Attractions on Wall Street
PHOTO OP: New York Stock Exchange
The NYSE is no longer open for tours, post 9-11. But, you can soak in the ambiance of this financial powerhouse from the outside. Just imagine the frenzy of the trading floor before computers took over.
VISIT: Federal Hall National Memorial
It’s especially ironic to view the NY Stock Exchange from the steps of Federal Hall National Memorial, the seat of our new democracy.
New York was our new nation’s first Capital. The Founding Fathers gathered for the first Federal Congress right here at Federal Hall.
George Washington took the oath of office on this very site in 1789. Inside, you can see the stone balcony that Washington actually stood on when he was inaugurated. The slab was saved during the demolition of the first Federal Hall in 1812.
Perhaps it’s not so ironic that this building, erected in 1842 as the US Customs House, stands across from the Stock Exchange, a symbol of our Capitalist Democracy.
In 1862, the Federal Hall building became one of six U.S. Sub-Treasuries in the county. On a self-guided tour, see the first Presidential inauguration balcony, and the very Bible on which George Washington was sworn into office. Free entry.
Restaurants Near Wall Street and NYC Financial District
EAT: Eataly NYC Downtown
Eataly Downtown, not to be confused with Eataly Flatiron, takes up the whole second floor of the Four World Trade Center.
Even if you don’t intend to dine there, Eataly is an attraction in and of itself. It’s the perfect place to pick up wine, cheese, breads and other picnic provisions.
There’s everything from walls of cheese to charcuterie, biscotti, smoothies, juices, produce – an indoor market to end all markets. Among several more casual eateries, Osteria della Pace is the most upscale.
Osteria della Pace excels in homemade pastas and inventive tweaks on Southern Italy cuisine. Picture windows overlook canyons of commerce. There’s a radiant bar, toothsome wines from Italian family vineyards, and ultra attentive waitstaff. Dining here might put a dent in your wallet. But it’s worth it for the ambiance, food and service.
Where to Stay Near Wall Street
Stay: AKA Wall Street
AKA Wall Street, an extended stay hotel, was carved out of a 19 story brick and limestone office building built in 1907.
In New York City’s financial district, AKA Wall Street is that rare kind of lodging that combines understated luxury for discerning travelers, attentive service, sleek modern design, and a residential feel.
First Impressions of AKA Wall Street
Edward Asfour (Asfour Gurzy Architects) designed the interior in natural materials and light earth-tone palette. The lobby is simple and Zen-like. In fact, it’s quite the shock to walk in from the pageantry outside. Service is personable, whether you’re returning for the 25th day in a row, or for the first time.
Suites at AKA Wall Street
Unlike the more traditionally furnished long-term stay hotels, each suite at AKA Wall Street bears the mark of a Designs Within Reach showroom. Chambers feature white-oak floors, mid century modern furniture, frosted glass sliding doors to gleaming glass-tiled bathroom, abundant space for clothing and personal items in a massive closet, and two large flat-screen programmable TV’s.
Comfy beds are clad in handsome and crisp white duvets.
Aside from one piece of art behind the bed, rooms are minimalistic – right down to the eggshell-colored sheer curtains that swish to the side to reveal the canyons of commerce outside large windows.
Modern Italian-designed galley kitchens feature pots and pans, tableware, cutlery, and glasses. There’s an induction-heating stovetop, microwave oven, Fisher-Paykel dishwasher (dishwashing pods provided!), small fridge, and ample counter prep room. Everything you need to prepare basic meals.
The sitting area can double as a dining room with enough room for 4 or more. If your business meeting expands, you can take advantage of dedicated conference rooms on the 2nd floor. That’s where you’ll also find the laundry room – a necessity in any long stay away from home.
On lower floors, you’ll feel the subway cars rumble beneath these harried streets. It’s just something you’ll get used to, and in fact, acts like a lullaby into the late hours.
Amenities at AKA Wall Street
There’s a good-sized fitness center (also on the 2nd floor).
The rooftop indoor-outdoor lounge features fantastic views, evening wine and morning coffee for guests.
There’s also an outdoor landscaped terrace with living wall and tables for parties. Suites from Studio to 2-bedrooms range in price from $260-$910 per night. Includes wi-fi, use of fitness center, rooftop lounge, morning coffee.
