The Financial District which was built in a time when there were no
                         zoning laws is well known for its buildings which often lie right on top or
                         next to each other. Buildings were crammed together to fit as many as
                         possible in the Financial District. However due to the hazards which
                         these buildings created, many of the old buildings have been refurbished
                         or replaced by luxury high rises. Still there is the fascination of walking
                         down the narrow cobblestone streets of early America and visiting the
                         many historic building there.

                         Due to its proximity to Wall Street, the area gets heavily populated
                         during business hours but then clear out almost completely at night. One
                         can find a multitude of places to eat and shop. As the area has become
                         more residential, developers have found that more businesses have been
                         open later and on weekends to meet the needs of the area's residents.

 Perhaps Peter Minuit’s remarkable deal down here in 1626, buying Manhattan Island from the Algonquin Indians for $24, was an omen, since a whole lot of trading has been going on ever since. The financial district is the indisputable center of finance for the United States and much of the world. This is mecca for brokers and bankers dealing in  stocks, bonds, insurance, cash and commodities of all kinds.

While there used to be almost no residential buildings in the financial district, many  have been converted in the last 10 years. Costs are somewhat lower than in many other Manhattan neighborhoods. Additionally, the South Street Seaport provides residents with a great place to shop, eat, or just enjoy the view of the city. It is also home to one of the largest boat museums in the world.
Don't forget to bring your camera along.
The Downtown Alliance-More information about the area

 Subways:
   1.2 and 3 trains at Chambers Street & West Broadway, Park Place 
      and Broadway, Fulton Street & William Street and Wall Street &
      William Street
   2.1 and 9 trains at Chambers Street, World Trade Center, Rector
      Street and Battery Park.
   3.A, C & E trains at Chambers Street and World Trade Center.
   4.4, 5 & 6 trains at City Hall, Fulton Street, Wall Street and Bowling
      Green.
   5.J, M & Z trains at Chambers Street & Centre Street, Fulton Street
      & Nassau Street and Broad Street & Wall Street

 Buses:
   1.Crosstown (#22) goes Westbound on Chambers Street and
      Eastbound on Vesey Street (These buses connect with all uptown
      and downtown buses.)
   2.Hudson Street uptown starts here
   3.Varick Street/Seventh Avenue downtown ends here
   4.Third Avenue/Bowery uptown and downtown and start and end at
      Park Row across from City Hall.
   5.Express buses uptown and downtown on Westside Highway and
      FDR Drive

 High Schools:
   1.High School For Economics & Finance, 100 Trinity Place
   2.High School For Leadership & Public Service, 100 Trinity Place

 Universities, Colleges & Schools:
      Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza

 Dog Run:
      Fish Bridge Park (public), Pearl & Dover Streets

 Parks:
   1.City Hall Park
   2.Bowling Green
   3.Vietnam Veterans Plaza

 Landmarks:
      Wall Street
      J.P. Morgan Bank
      World Trade Center
      Twin Towers
      Trinity Church, at Wall Street & Broadway
      Street Paul’s Chapel
      New York Stock Exchange
      Fraunces Tavern 

South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport was renovated in the early 1980’s. New restaurants, bars and retail stores drew tourists, shoppers and Wall Street brokers at lunchtime and after work. It has become one of  New York City’s most popular sightseeing and dining areas.

 Buses:

   1.Crosstown (#22) goes Westbound on Chambers Street and
      Eastbound on Vesey Street (These buses connect with all uptown
      and downtown buses.)
   2.Hudson Street uptown starts here.
   3.Varick Street/Seventh Avenue downtown ends here.
   4.Third Avenue/Bowery uptown and downtown and start and end at
      Park Row across from City Hall.
   5.Express buses uptown and downtown on Westside Highway and
      FDR Drive

 Landmarks:
      Fulton Fish Market
      Historical Ships
 

The Downtown Alliance