Wall Street: the heart of global finance
Wall Street is the center of global finance and the temple of capitalism. The street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and the headquarters of major American banks.
What You Need to Know About Wall Street in New York
- Wall Street runs east from Broadway to South Street, near the East River. The street cuts through the Financial District, New York’s financial hub.
- Wall Street takes its name from a defensive wall built in the 17th century by Dutch colonists to protect New Amsterdam from Algonquin tribes and British forces. The wall proved no match for the English troops, though.
- Today, Wall Street refers to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) itself. You hear about it constantly in the news—the Dow Jones rising and falling, market swings. This is the engine of the American economy and the heart of global finance.
- Screenwriters love this neighborhood. It has been the backdrop for countless films, starting with the classic Wall Street by Oliver Stone. You’ll walk in the footsteps of Gordon Gekko and the protagonist of The Wolf of Wall Street.
What to See on Wall Street
- At the corner of Broad Street and Wall Street stands the New York Stock Exchange, which sets the tone for financial markets worldwide. The stock exchange is no longer open to visitors, but its iconic facade draws everyone’s attention. In front of the building, you can watch brokers come and go, many wearing brightly colored jackets bearing their firm’s name. The exchange operates on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm and is closed on weekends and public holidays in New York.
- Across from the stock exchange, Federal Hall National Monument once housed the U.S. Customs headquarters. Today, Federal Hall has become a museum dedicated to the Constitution. On the steps, you’ll encounter a statue of George Washington, who took his oath of office in this building in 1789. An interesting exhibition awaits inside.
- At the corner of Broadway and Wall Street, you’ll find Trinity Church, a 19th-century church that somehow survived the real estate frenzy that transformed lower Manhattan. The delicate church is dwarfed by glass towers all around it. Take a look at the cemetery and its historic gravestones.
- Walk south on Broadway toward the small Bowling Green park, and you’ll come face to face with the “charging bull,” the Wall Street Bull. This bronze sculpture marks the entrance to New York’s Financial District and symbolizes the aggressive nature of the stock market. A selfie is practically mandatory.
- Another sculpture stands across from the exchange: a young girl facing down the bull. It was installed secretly to highlight women’s role in finance. New York City eventually decided to keep the artwork.
- School groups can also tour the Federal Reserve, which oversees the production of U.S. coins and currency. This tour is available only to school groups and requires advance booking.
Practical Information
- Subway: Wall Street (lines 2, 3, 4, and 5). Note that the stops for lines 2–3 and lines 4–5 are in different locations. There is no direct connection between these lines.
- Tip: To see the best of the Financial District, join our guided tour from Wall Street to the World Trade Center. Our guides are certified by New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Wall Street?
Visit Wall Street on weekdays, Monday through Thursday. That’s when the business district is most active. Avoid weekends—with the stock exchange and offices closed, the area is mostly empty except for tourists. Skip Friday too; many workers stay home, so there’s less energy in the neighborhood.
How much do Wall Street traders earn?
Wondering what those traders smoking outside the stock exchange make? Salaries vary widely depending on experience and trading type. According to industry sources, base salaries start at just over $100,000 per year. Add bonuses, which can reach millions, and earnings climb dramatically.
Visitor Reviews
- Alain Vie: “You have to see everything in New York, and Wall Street is certainly part of that. But there’s more than just the stock exchange and business. Check out Trinity Church and visit the small cemetery next to it. You’ll see some very old graves.”
- Nicole Couturier: “I was surprised by how small the stock exchange building is. I expected something massive!”
- Véronique Poirier: “I was impressed that New York’s business people are so friendly and approachable. Everyone was smiling and genuine!”
- Maryse Chabbert: “The neighborhood feels a bit austere to me, but my daughter and I were glad we walked through it.”
- Caro Vegas: “A must-see, and the bull is its symbol.”
The Wall Street Bull in Video
Wall Street in Photos
