For most, visiting Wall Street is just like visiting any other dreary corporate street in a major city, as people in suits scramble on sidewalks that are promptly deserted after the markets close. But for those truly interested in seeing the center of world finance, The Wall Street Experience can help.

The company’s tours are led by Andrew Luan, a former vice president at Deutsche Bank, and take visitors on an in-depth look at the financial institutions and landmarks of Lower Manhattan like the Stock Exchange and Federal Reserve. Andrew, meanwhile, keeps tourists entertained with insider stories and tales from the world of high finance.

One popular tour offered by the company is the two-hour “Financial Crisis Tour” that takes a close look at the 2008 financial crisis and its relationship to Wall Street. The “Wall Street Insider Tour” is a lighter 90 minute version of the tour.

Finance students might appreciate the company’s special student tours that give participants a chance to learn trading and corporate finance hands on from some of the city’s top bankers.

Another former Wall Street insider, Anneline Dinkelmann who is previously of Morgan Stanley, runs Wall Street Walks and offers similar tours. Anneline’s forte is her storytelling ability and guests on her tours usually leave entertained and informed. One notable specialty tour offered by Wall Street Walks is the “Women of Wall Street Tour.”

Conveniently for guests of The MAve, our boutique hotel in Midtown’s Flatiron District, Wall Street is a simple 15-minute subway ride Downtown from nearby 28th Street and Park Avenue.

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The 25-minute ferry ride is popular with tourists as it travels past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and offers panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, making it a fun and easy way to see the city from the water.

The ferry docks at St George on Staten Island, which is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its historic buildings, diverse restaurants and inviting pubs. Tourists should definitely take the time to explore some of the neighborhood sights and have a meal before returning to Manhattan.

The St George Historic District is located near the ferry pier and is a charming enclave of almost 100 historic buildings and Colonial-era homes. Another historical attraction in the neighborhood is the St George Theatre. Built in 1929, this theater was one of the most extravagant theaters in all of NYC when it opened. It was recently renovated and is now once again hosting big names in music and entertainment.

Before departing on the ferry, stop in at Enoteca Maria for some of the city’s best Italian food. The restaurant is still relatively quiet despite having received critical acclaim from several of the city’s top food critics. The restaurant has a somewhat unique kitchen staff, as the kitchen is manned by a rotating crew of Italian grandmothers. The menu changes nightly, depending on who’s cooking, and the food could not be more authentic or delicious.

It’s incredibly easy to reach the Staten Island ferry terminal from our boutique hotel The MAve in Midtown, just take the train from 28th Street and Broadway to Whitehall Street Downtown. The total journey time on the train is only 20 minutes and the ferry runs 24 hours a day.

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We’ve already mentioned the Empire State Building and it truly is the city’s most iconic skyscraper. It’s a rite of passage for tourists to make the trip to the building’s 86th floor observation deck for bragging rights and the stunning views of Midtown. Tickets start at $25 for adults, but the fast pass that allows visitors to skip the elevator lines costs a whopping $50.

For another iconic, but free, view of the New York skyline take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Departing from Lower Manhattan, this ferry makes the 25-minute ride to Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, all the while providing excellent views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.

Switching things up a bit head over to Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg neighborhood to check out the Ides Bar at the Wythe Hotel. Patrons are treated to fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline and surrounding Brooklyn/Queens boroughs from the rooftop of this fashionable bar. Have a drink and take it all in as Manhattan stretches out before your eyes from across the East River.

Of course, a person can’t spend their entire trip looking at the city’s skyline, they’ll also have to immerse themselves in the city to get a feel for its lively streets. Our boutique hotel The MAve is situated in Midtown’s Flatiron District, which is one of NYC’s most interesting and walkable neighborhoods.

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