Guide to a Frigid Financial District

As is becoming more common these days, a polar vortex is settling over New York this week. It's bringing temperatures with highs below freezing and lows near 0 degrees. Add wind chill and the real feel is 10 degrees colder! These are miserable conditions and for some, they can even be dangerous.

At home, you might go into hibernation for the week. But you've come all this way to see New York, not your hotel room! And so many sights are outdoors too! What can you do to make the most of your visit?

In this guide, I will outline tips and tricks for a tour of Manhattan's Financial District.

The Strategy

Gear Up for the Cold

In severely cold weather, you want to cover any exposed skin. That means a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Prepare to dress in layers. Start with as much as you think might be needed and take pieces off as you get a feel for the cold. Avoid sweating. If you get sweaty, that moisture will get cold and you may struggle to get warm again.

If you originally planned on wearing breathable shoes, think about how much those may let the cold in. Consider a light pair of boots ideal for both walking and keeping your toes toasty.

Warm Up Wherever is Convenient

One great thing about New York City is that there are almost always stores around that you can pop into to get warm. No shopkeeper is going to kick you out for simply milling about and even if they did, you can move on to the next one. The same goes for coffee shops, with the added convenience of selling tasty hot beverages.

Later on in this guide, I'll be mentioning my recommended stops in the area.

Outdoor Financial District Guide

Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge

Conditions for waterfront activities are going to be cooler and windier than those further inland. Because of this, even on hot summer days, getting up close to the Statue of Liberty and walking the Brooklyn Bridge can be surprisingly pleasant. However, if it's cold enough to see ice on the river or if there's a thunderstorm, it can really dampen the experience.

As an indoor alternative, I suggest visiting the One World Observatory in One World Trade Center - the city's highest observation deck. You get a birds-eye view of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the rest of Manhattan, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Pennsylvania. Reservations in advance are highly recommended.

Local Tip: On the elevator to One World Observatory, you'll experience a 360° view of the history of lower Manhattan. Keep an eye out for Trinity Church, which stays mostly the same as skyscrapers spring up around it.

9/11 Memorial Pools

The 9/11 Memorial Pools are a sobering reminder of an event that profoundly impacted New York, the United States, and the world. Even in the cold, they are worth stopping to absorb for a few moments.

Adjacent to the memorial is the subterranean 9/11 Museum. It can be difficult to get through for those old enough to remember the attacks or those with personal connections. I highly suggest a guided tour for anyone younger or visiting from abroad. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

Local Tip: In October 2001, the Survivor Tree was found, still alive, in the rubble. It was then rehabilitated offsite before returning to the memorial. It is located on the West side of the South Tower pool, surrounded by fencing.

Wall Street

Wall Street is formerly exactly that: a wall. That wall was the original perimeter of New York, back when it was a Dutch settlement named New Amsterdam. Today, Wall Street is at the center of global capitalism with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as a primary engine. You may see the NYSE building shrouded in banners heralding one of the companies that are going public that day.

On the same small plaza as the NYSE, a Statue of George Washington stands firm with his right hand extended. On this site in 1789, Washington was sworn in as the first US president, as New York City was the capital of the United States at the time.

During the holiday season, roughly early December through early January, the NYSE has its own Christmas tree and holiday display. Although a bit of a little brother to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree uptown, it's still notable in its own right and has one tenth of the crowds.

Fearless Girl

Originally installed face-to-face with the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl sculpture has now settled in across from the NYSE. This was after the Charging Bull's sculptor claimed the girl was "attacking" the bull. It is a symbol of diversity in the workplace and a need to bring in more women.

Skippable Minor Sights

If you're freezing off your tuchus, these are minor sights that are good to know about, but fine to omit from your itinerary.

Charging Bull

You typically find a mob of people around the 3-ton bronze sculpture, with many of them vying for a photo next to its testicles. If you see a crowd down Broadway, you won't miss it.

Trinity Church

The hottest attraction at Trinity Church since his namesake musical is Alexander Hamilton's gravesite. However, you can see his large, pyramid-topped grave equally well outside of the church gates from Rector Street, on the South side of the grounds.

Stone Street

Located a few blocks from Wall Street, Stone Street is quaint and historic. In warmer months, various taverns pack the street with outdoor seating.

Warming Stops

Century 21 NYC

Century 21 is a multi-floor retailer offering discounted brand names that range from American classics to high luxury. That $1000 Versace statement piece (marked down from $2500) may not be in your budget, but maybe $80 designer jeans (originally $250) will make do. If necessary, this is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your cold weather gear.

Not interested in shopping? Right next door to the store's South entrance is Barcade, a bar featuring classic 80s and 90s big-box arcade games. Note: They are typically adults-only, but they run a kid-friendly Family Day on Sundays 12-5pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Conwell Coffee & Cocktail Hall

Originally the headquarters of a predecessor to Citi bank, this Art Deco coffee shop is the perfect place to have an espresso (or a Manhattan), relax, and ponder how many checking accounts were opened here in the previous century.

Local Tip: You can enter a vault room off a hallway to the left of the bar.

Best Sicily Bottega

Around the bend from Wall Street, melt your winter blues with a taste of the Mediterranean. Plenty of options, but limited seating. You may need to take your macchiato a fuori.

The Oculus

While the Oculus is interesting architecturally both inside and out, the mall within is sterile and soulless. It's fine for warming up, but offers practically zero seating.

Be careful on a tight schedule; It can be surprisingly difficult to find your way out.

Lunch in the Financial District

In a town where lunch is often optimized for people on the go, these spots offer a respite from the cold that grants a slower pace.

Omars Mediterranean Cuisine

Omars offers fresh falafel, kebabs, and shawarma in a nook that most tourists miss. Don't skip the baklava for dessert.

Vietspot Pho Noodle and Sandwich

On an icy day, opt for the pho (pronounced "fuh"), a hot and spicy noodle soup. Limited seating, so try to beat the office lunch rush.

Apollo Bagels (John Street)

Indulge in a New York classic with space to sit, albeit with characterless decor.

Hole in the Wall - FiDi

Brunch standards with an Australian flare. They fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.

Kesté Pizza e Vino

Neapolitan pizza with creative toppings and a notable gluten-free option.

Brookfield Place

Look, I don't want to send you to another mall, but for some groups, a food court is the right solution. This one features notable local, national, and international chains. Mah-Ze-Dahr, Dos Toros Taqueria, and All'Antico Vinaio stand out.

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Hi! I'm Joe, a local New Yorker and avid traveler. I specialize in creating unique and personalized city guides like the one in this blog post. Book a call to get started today!