New York City's financial district is filled with stunning architecture. On a single street we can find intricate 19th Century terra cotta co-existing with a shimmering Art Deco tower. Block after block is filled with architectural beauty unnoticed by hurried pedestrians. Their original owners, stylists and architects are, sadly, long forgotten. They tell the story of the city's history and growth, of booms and busts, of joy and sadness .
It's time to slow down and look up!
Above us we'll see:
We'll learn about owners and events stretching from colonial taverns to 20th century skyscrapers and a lot in between. Finally, we'll end our tour near City Hall among the city's finest public buildings and in the neighborhood of its first skyscrapers.
Some of the great buildings we'll see include:
It's time to slow down and look up!
Above us we'll see:
- Archways decorated with vines and cornucopias
- Gargoyles gazing down on us
- Symbols of wealth, commerce, trade and industrialism
- Fantastic Art Deco ironwork
- Ornate towers reaching into the sky decorated with Gothic carvings and Greek columns
We'll learn about owners and events stretching from colonial taverns to 20th century skyscrapers and a lot in between. Finally, we'll end our tour near City Hall among the city's finest public buildings and in the neighborhood of its first skyscrapers.
Some of the great buildings we'll see include:
- US Customs House
- Delmonico's Restaurant
- Standard Oil
- Cunard
- CIty Services Building
- 20 Exchange Place
- NY Stock Exchange
- Trinity Church
- Woolworth Building
- Potter Building and more.
Meeting Location
Financial District (New York, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I need to purchase a ticket for my child?
- This tour is not recommended for children.
- How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
- The tour is moderately paced. The sites we'll discuss are clustered around a small area, minimizing the walking distance.
- Are there restrooms along the way?
- Yes. Please ask your guide to point them out if needed.
- Are there places to sit and rest?
- Yes. We stop in a number of locations that have benches. You can sit and relax while you listen to the guide.
- Is this tour wheelchair- and stroller-accessible?
- Yes. During the week the area we walk through is often crowded with people and traffic. If you are not comfortable in these conditions it would be better to take the tour on a weekend, if possible.
- Will there be opportunities to get a beverage or a snack while on the tour?
- Yes. We stop in a number of areas where there are street vendors. You're welcome to try the cart fare during those stops.
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour will end at City Hall Park. Subway lines and city and sightseeing buses are nearby, as well as Southstreet Seaport, Chinatown and Little Italy.
- Can I ask questions?
- Yes! Questions are always welcome. Ask away.
- Will we go into any of the buildings along the way?
- We will go into St. Paul's Chapel and Trinity Church, but all other locations we will view from the outside.
- Is picture taking allowed in St. Paul's Chapel and Trinity Church?
- Yes, except when a service is in progress.
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa or Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.
- Are private tours available?
- While private tours can be arranged, most people enjoy the public tours even more! If you have a particular area of interest, just let us know while booking your ticket, and we'll likely be able to talk about that subject on the tour, for the enjoyment of the whole group. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please email us by clicking on the "Contact PatriotTours" link.
- What happens if it rains or snows?
- The tour runs rain or shine, but does not run in severe weather. If we are forced to cancel the tour due to inclement weather, you will be able to reschedule to another date or receive a refund.
Patriot Tours
Patriot Tours, Inc. specializes in daily historic tours that focus on specific eras of New York City's past. We have been conducting tours since Spring, 2005. Meticulous research is done for all of our tours. Every event is true and every person is real. Stories are taken from newspaper and eyewitness accounts, as well as historic texts. Our research is ongoing so that we may continue to refine and improve our tours.
(Our guides are licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and have passed the required Sightseeing Guide Exam.)
(Our guides are licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and have passed the required Sightseeing Guide Exam.)
