1. Federal Hall
Located on Wall Street, Federal Hall is where George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States. Originally built as New York’s City Hall in 1700, it later became the first capitol building of the U.S. under the Constitution. Trivia alert: The original building was demolished in 1812, and the current structure was built as a U.S. Customs House in 1842.
2. New York Stock Exchange
Ah, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall Street! Founded in 1792 under a buttonwood tree, the NYSE is the world's largest stock exchange by market capitalization. Did you know? The famous trading floor bell was first used in the 1870s and used to be a Chinese gong!
3. Trinity Church
The first Trinity Church was built in 1698, but the current Gothic Revival structure dates back to 1846. It's known for its beautiful graveyard where you can find the tombstones of Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton. Fun fact: The churchyard was the only green space in the area for many years.
4. Charging Bull
Installed in 1989, Charging Bull is a 7,100-pound bronze statue originally dropped off illegally by artist Arturo Di Modica. It’s meant to symbolize a strong, bullish market. Hidden fact: The bull was placed in front of the NYSE as a Christmas gift to New Yorkers, and it was so popular that it was allowed to stay.
5. Bowling Green
New York City’s oldest park, Bowling Green has been around since 1733. It was the site of the city's first public park and hosted a statue of King George III, which was torn down by angry colonists in 1776. Little-known fact: The original fence is still standing and is one of the oldest in the city.
6. Museum of American Finance
Located in a historic bank building, the Museum of American Finance offers a treasure trove of financial history, from Alexander Hamilton’s role in creating the financial system to the 2008 financial crisis. Trivia: The museum is housed in the former headquarters of the Bank of New York, founded by Hamilton himself.
7. St. Paul’s Chapel
Built in 1766, St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest surviving church building. It miraculously survived the Great Fire of 1776 and served as a place of rest for first responders after 9/11. Fun tidbit: George Washington worshipped here on his Inauguration Day.
8. Stone Street
This cobblestone street is one of the oldest in Manhattan, dating back to the Dutch era. Stone Street was originally called Hoogh Straet and was the first paved street in New Amsterdam. Hidden gem: The street is now a popular spot for outdoor dining, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.
9. Wall Street
Wall Street itself is named after a wall built by the Dutch in the 17th century to protect their settlement from pirates and Native American tribes. Did you know? The street was once home to a slave market in the early days of New Amsterdam.
10. South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport is a historic area with restored 19th-century buildings and sailing ships. It was once the hub of New York’s maritime trade. Fun fact: It’s home to the Titanic Memorial Lighthouse, commemorating the 1912 disaster.
11. Fraunces Tavern
Dating back to 1719, Fraunces Tavern is where George Washington bid farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War. It’s now a museum and restaurant, still serving up history with a side of ale. Trivia: The tavern was a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty.
12. One World Trade Center
Soaring above the skyline, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It stands on the site of the original Twin Towers, destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. Little-known fact: Its spire brings the total height to 1,776 feet, a nod to the year of American independence.
13. Woolworth Building
Completed in 1913, the Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world until 1930. It’s known as the “Cathedral of Commerce” and was financed in cash by Frank W. Woolworth. Fun fact: It cost $13.5 million to build, paid entirely in cash!
14. City Hall
New York City Hall, built between 1803-1812, is the oldest city hall in the U.S. that still houses its original governmental functions. It’s a National Historic Landmark. Did you know? The building’s exterior is designed in French Renaissance style, while the interior features American-Georgian influences.
15. Brooklyn Bridge
Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. It’s an engineering marvel by John A. Roebling and his son Washington Roebling. Hidden gem: Emily Roebling, Washington’s wife, played a crucial role in its completion when her husband fell ill.
16. Castle Clinton
Built in 1811, Castle Clinton was initially a fort intended to defend New York Harbor. It later became an entertainment venue, then an immigration station, and now a national monument. Fun fact: Before Ellis Island, it processed over 8 million immigrants.
17. The Skyscraper Museum
This museum in Battery Park City celebrates New York’s rich architectural history. The Skyscraper Museum focuses on high-rise buildings and urban development. Did you know? It hosts regular exhibitions about famous skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center.
18. Zuccotti Park
Zuccotti Park gained fame as the epicenter of the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011. Originally called Liberty Plaza Park, it was created in 1968. Fun fact: The park is privately owned but required to be open to the public 24/7.
19. Delmonico’s
Founded in 1837, Delmonico’s is America’s first fine-dining restaurant. It’s credited with popularizing dishes like Eggs Benedict and Baked Alaska. Trivia: It was the first restaurant in the U.S. to allow patrons to order from a menu à la carte.
20. The Woolworth Building
Not to be confused with the Woolworth Building, The Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1913. It’s known for its neo-Gothic architecture. Fun fact: It was nicknamed the “Cathedral of Commerce” because it looks like a Gothic cathedral.
21. The New York Federal Reserve Bank
Located on Liberty Street, The New York Federal Reserve Bank is one of the most secure buildings in the world, with a vault that lies 80 feet below street level. Trivia: The vault holds approximately 7,000 tons of gold, the largest gold repository in the world.
22. The Equitable Building
Completed in 1915, the Equitable Building was one of the earliest skyscrapers and sparked significant changes in zoning laws. It’s known for its massive bulk and lack of setbacks. Did you know? Its construction led to the 1916 Zoning Resolution, which required skyscrapers to have setbacks and reduced shadows cast on the streets.
23. The American International Building
Also known as 70 Pine Street, the American International Building was the third tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1932. Fun fact: It was the last project designed by renowned architect Clinton & Russell.
24. The Trump Building
Formerly known as the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building, The Trump Building at 40 Wall Street was the world's tallest building for less than two months in 1930. Did you know? It was surpassed by the Chrysler Building shortly after its completion.
25. The World Trade Center Oculus
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, The World Trade Center Oculus is a transportation hub and shopping center that opened in 2016. It symbolizes a dove taking flight. Hidden gem: The structure’s skylight opens every September 11th to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.