There are many neighborhoods in New York City that make it as wondrous as it is. So, we’re profiling one of our faves: the Financial District. If you thought it was impossible to see all of FiDi’s must-sees, must-dos, and hidden gems in one go, you haven’t experienced it through our eyes. We laid out the perfect day for you in the neighborhood, from nibbling on breakfast in Aussie fashion to end-of-day drinks at one of the World’s Best Bars.
8 a.m.: Breakfast at Bluestone Lane
Transport yourself to Melbourne at this Aussie import, serving specialities like frothy flat whites and smashed pea and coconut yogurt toast. Plus, the FiDi location is a coffee sanctuary just steps away from Wall Street.
8:30 a.m.: Morning stroll through Stone Street
This short cobblestone stretch has something for everyone. Restaurants and bars, such as Bavaria Bierhaus, Stone Street Tavern, and Adrienne’s Pizzabar, line the historic street. Appreciating a little bit of Old New York is best done before the neighborhood power players crowd the sidewalks during the lunch crunch.
9:15 a.m.: A view from above at One World Observatory
An impressive elevator ride through NYC’s history takes visitors to the top of the tower for spectacular city views. At 102 floors above New York City, this observatory offers more than just stunning views. You will be walked through the history of New York City’s infrastructure in 47 seconds and once atop, you’ll find out even more factoids!
11:30 a.m.: A fully-loaded lunch at Pisillo Italian Panini
Beat the lunch crowd for mouthwatering, traditional Italian sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with ordering the Firenze (made with roasted chicken breast, provolone cheese, roasted peppers, and arugula) or the title sandwich, which is made with prosciutto di parma, porchetta, bufala mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic dressing. WSWD Tip: Plan to take home leftovers; these sandwiches are massive.
12:30 p.m.: Roaming through Le District’s specialty aisles
Burn off those Italian-laced carbs inside this très chic marketplace. This Parisian-style food mecca sells authentic French groceries and is made up of three specialty departments and a few full-service eateries.
2:30 p.m.: Pay Your respects inside the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Pay tribute to the victims and events of 9/11. The memorial is at the site of the former World Trade Center and the reflecting pools are in the same place where the towers used to stand. The museum features a series of interactive displays that allow its visitors to explore the events that unfolded on that day.
5 p.m.: Happy Hour at The Dead Rabbit
Order a cocktail and take a seat at one of the World’s Best Bars. This multi-level spot is a traditional pub with beats and bar bites on the main floor topped with an upscale cocktail lounge. The selection of Irish Whiskey is top-notch and the small plates—particularly the Lobster Deviled Eggs, Roasted Beet Salad, and Crispy Pork Belly Sliders—are delicious.
7 p.m.: A Luxe Augustine Dinner
Venerated restauranteur Keith McNally’s gorgeous brasserie serves perfectly composed dishes and drinks concocted by the legendary Dale DeGroff. All of the food is packed with flavor; menu favorites include the sea urchin spaghetti and the New England-inspired Eggs Cardinal, with layers of lobster and Swiss chard sautéed in brown butter. Also, the pommes frites with homemade mayonnaise are some of the best in the Financial District.
Roam the streets of FiDi like a true New Yorker; let us arrange your plans or get inspired by ours.