NYC’s Financial District with the Fam

Think New York City’s Financial District is too serious and not enough fun for a family visit? Think again. This low-key New York neighborhood can be ideal for some families seeking fewer crowds. While the Financial District is still close to many favorite attractions, its more residential feel means you won’t have to pull any struggling toddlers through the crowds around Times Square and Rockefeller Center just to get to your hotel.

Stay

The Andaz Wall Street offers a great place to stay during your Financial District explorations. The upscale, luxury hotel comes with an array of desirable amenities, such as free WiFi, complimentary coffee and snacks and a complimentary happy hour with wine. When you check in, you’ll receive a packet of deals and specials, an amenity now offered in exchange for the hotel’s extra destination fee. Likely one of the best deals included in the packet is free tickets for a river cruise.

The guestrooms are spacious, with lots of storage and floor space, in case you need to set up a playpen or cot (totally do-able in a king room, without taking up all of the extra floor space). The bathrooms are equally spacious, but with rain showers and no tub.

For something a little more residential in nature, Q&A Residential Hotel boasts a similarly attractive location, but its spot in a residential building gives it a much more homey feel. The guestrooms include one- and two-bedroom suites perfect for families, and each guestroom includes a full kitchen with all the items you might need to cook a meal. Suites also include two bathrooms, so there’s never a wait, and full living and dining areas.

Play

Popular attractions near the Financial District include the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. While the museum may be a bit time-intensive and serious for younger children, it is still a good, quick visit for the entire family.

SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Photo: Yooran Park | Dreamstime.com

Similarly, The Battery is a great spot to visit for the famous SeaGlass Carousel, popular with kids of all ages, as well as its views of the Statue of Liberty. The Battery is also where you would go to take the ferry over to the statue. Despite this, Battery Park itself is hardly ever crowded.

Eat

Since most travelers visiting the Financial District’s attractions are staying elsewhere, you’ll find the restaurants filled with locals. You have plenteous options just about everywhere you go. For coffee and a breakfast treat, try Financier Patisserie. Get your pizza fix at Adrienne’s Pizza Bar. Mexican fare can be found at Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina.