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Visiting the New York Stock Exchange

You can't go in but the Financial District is worth a look

Sebastian Bergmann/CC BY-SA 2.0/Flickr

The New York Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in the world, and billions of dollars worth of stocks are traded there every day. The Financial District that surrounds it is central to the importance of New York City. But because of tightened security measures after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which occurred mere blocks away from the New York Stock Exchange  (NYSE), the building is no longer open to the public for tours. 

The History 

New York City has been home to securities markets since 1790 when Alexander Hamilton issued bonds to deal with debt from the American Revolution. The New York Stock Exchange, which was originally called The New York Stock and Exchange Board, was first organized on March 8, 1817. In 1865, the exchange opened in its current location in Manhattan's Financial District . In 2012, the New York Stock Exchange was acquired by InterContinental Exchange.

The Building

You can view the New York Stock Exchange building from the outside at Broad and Wall streets. Its famous facade of six marble Corinthian columns below a pediment sculpture called "Integrity Protecting the Works of Man" is often draped with a huge American flag. You can get there by subway trains 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Wall Street or the R or W to Rector Street.

If you want to learn more about the financial institutions in New York, you can visit the Federal Reserve Bank of New York , which offers free tours to visit the vaults and see the gold with advance booking. It is also in the Financial District and offera insight into the inner workings of Wall Street.  

The Trading Floor

Although you can no longer visit the trading floor, do not get too disappointed. It is no longer the chaotic scene that's dramatized on TV shows and movies, with traders waving slips of paper, yelling stock prices, and negotiating million-dollar deals in a matter of seconds. Back in the 1980s, there were up to 5,500 people working on the trading floor. But with the advance of technology and paperless transactions, the number of traders on the floor has dwindled to about 700 people, and it is now a much calmer, quieter environment if still loaded with daily tension.

The Ringing of the Bell

The ringing of the opening and closing bell of the market at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. guarantees that no trades will take place before the opening or after the close of the market. Starting in the 1870s, before microphones and loudspeakers were invented, a large Chinese gong was used. But in 1903, when the NYSE moved to its current building, the gong was replaced by a brass bell, which is now electrically operated at the start and end of each trading day.

Sights Nearby

The Financial District is the scene of a number of different sights in addition to the NYSE. They include the Charging Bull, also called the Bull of Wall Street, which is located in Bowling Green, near the intersection of Broadway and Morris streets;  Federal Hall ; City Hall Park; and the Woolworth Building. It is easy and free to see the exterior of the Woolworth Building, but if you want to take a tour, you will need advance reservations. Battery Park is also within walking distance. From there, you can take a ferry to visit the  Statue of Liberty  and  Ellis Island .

Tours Nearby

This area is rich in history and architecture, and you can learn about it on these walking tours: History of Wall Street and 9/11, Lower Manhattan: Secrets of Downtown, and the Brooklyn Bridge. And if you're into superheroes, the Super Tour of NYC Comics Heroes and More might be just the ticket.

Food Nearby

If you need a bite to eat nearby,  Financier Patisserie  is a great spot for light eats, sweets, and coffee and has several Financial District locations. If you want something more substantial,  Delmonico's , one of NYC's oldest restaurants, is also nearby.  Fraunces Tavern , which first opened as a tavern in 1762 and was later headquarters to George Washingon and home to the Department of Foreign Affairs during the Revolutionary War, is another historic restaurant where you can sit down for a meal, as well as tour its museum. 

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New York City Tours

New york city sightseeing tours, new york stock exchange.

For visitors, it’s always mind-blowing to see where most of the world’s stocks, bonds and common commodities travel through, and gives a sense of reality to the fragility of currency. It’s just one of those places you always hear about, but never get the chance to see. So, while you’re visiting Manhattan, New York, make sure to stop by, and give the building some time of the day, so you can be the one to return home with a little knowledge of the largest stock exchange.  To make sure you learn all about it, take the NY See It All Tour or the NYC Freedom Tour to see the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street.  The New York Stock Exchange is a popular stop on OnBoard’s sightseeing tours.  Our Tour Guides walk the group off Broadway onto Wall Street and provide the tour group a historical narrative on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the history of Wall Street and Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated.  This brisk walk down to Wall Street takes only 10 minutes.

The NYSE is situated on Broad Street. The Visitor Gallery has been shut down since the terrorist attack in 2001, and there is no sign of whether it will open again. However we get a wonderful perspective of the spectacular Corinthian columns on the front of the building. The Exchange was established in 1792 when 24 New York City companies and suppliers finalized the Buttonwood Contract under a buttonwood shrub.  Since then, the NYSE has expanded to become the international icon it is these days.

From the NYSE, you can head back to Broadway and stroll down to the popular Wall Street Bull, one of the best picture possibilities in the area. Designed by then-unknown artist Arturo Di Modica, this icon since 1989 features a 7,000 pound version of a asking for bull with flaring nose that are touched or rubbed for best of fortune by many investors in the day. The statue was motivated by the 1987 Crash.

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New York Stock Exchange

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the world’s largest stock exchange, located at 11 Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. Each day approximately $150+ Trillion US dollars worth of stocks and market funds are traded. The main building of the exchange is located at 18 Broad Street and was designated a National Historic Landmark, along with the 11th Street location in 1978.

The NYSE is run by NYSE Euronet as part of a merger of the NYSE and the electronic stock management corporation, Euronext. It is considered the “seat” of American Finance and started in 1792 when 24 New York City stockbrokers and merchants signed the Buttonwood Agreement (signed under a buttonwood tree).

The NYSE’s opening and closing bells note the start and end of trading each day at 9:30 am and 4 pm EST. After September 11, 2001, visitors are not allowed to visit the exchange but may tour the exterior and start their tour of the Financial District’s landmarks – including the Federal Reserve Bank, National Museum of the American Indian/U.S. Custom’s House, Museum of American Finance, the Fraunces Tavern Museum, and the Federal Hall National Memorial.

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Our guide was outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable and polite. And kudos to our bus driver for maneuvering effortlessly through NY traffic!

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Wall Street Tour

See the financial district with someone who's worked on the inside.

• When 1:30 PM daily
• Duration 75 minutes
• Meeting Point Outside at 22 Broad Street

$39 per adult €36 per adult £30 per adult C$53 per adult A$59 per adult

$35 per child, €32 per child, £27 per child, c$48 per child, a$53 per child, local experts, worry-free booking.

Check Availability

$39 per adult

€36 per adult, £30 per adult, c$53 per adult, a$59 per adult.

• Meeting Point
• Travel Tips

• Tour the Financial District with someone who’s worked on Wall Street and can share exclusive insider stories.
• Hear true tales from inside the financial trenches that will entertain, inform, and sometimes shock you.
• Discover Lower Manhattan's rich history, architecture, and surprising secrets.
• See famous landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve, and the Charging Bull statue.
• Learn how a Dutch trading outpost grew into the New York Stock Exchange of today.
• Be inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants who shaped some of the biggest U.S. financial institutions.
• Feel the lingering scars of New York’s first terrorist attack and learn about its aftermath.
• Stand on the steps near where Washington was inaugurated as president.

What you'll do

Come explore the beginnings of the Big Apple right here in NYC’s Financial District.

In less than two hours, we’ll cover over 400 years of history, from New York’s earliest days as a Dutch trading outpost to its rise as a global leader on the financial stage. You’ll walk the streets where billion-dollar deals get made and see the hallowed institutions where the fate of our economy hangs in the balance.

There’s history, drama, and more than a few surprises along the way. For example, you’ll learn how a cleanup started with the best of intentions let criminals escape detection for over a century. Each tour is led by a Wall Street insider who can share firsthand stories from “inside the trenches.”

Join us on this educational and entertaining walking tour, and we can promise you’ll never think of Wall Street the same way again.

Wall Street tour itinerary

New york stock exchange.

The largest stock exchange in the world

Wall Street

The eight-block stretch famous as the home of billion-dollar financial institutions

Federal Hall

Where Washington was inaugurated

Site of former investment banks and mercantile exchanges

Where giants like Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers once stood

Stone Street

The first paved road in the United States and now a quaint cobblestone street with memorable dining and architecture

Charging Bull

A bronze sculpture often called the Wall Street Bull, symbolizing American commerce

Trinity Church

Featuring the graveyard where Alexander Hamilton, a main architect of our financial system, is buried

Federal Reserve

The U.S. Central Bank that holds the world’s largest cache of gold in one place

Make this tour private

Book this tour for just your group, starting from $54 Book this tour for just your group, starting from €49 Book this tour for just your group, starting from £41 Book this tour for just your group, starting from C$73 Book this tour for just your group, starting from A$80

Plan your trip

Accessibility.

This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Tour ending point

The tour ends near our starting point at 22 Broad Street.

Refund policy

We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Wall Street tour reviews

Meeting point.

Meet your guide at 22 Broad Street, in front of the Blue Bottle Coffee. Don’t go inside any buildings as this is just our meeting point. Your guide will be out front holding a sign that says “ExperienceFirst.”

Do we go inside any buildings, such as the NYSE?

This tour is mostly an outdoor walking tour with a chance to visit inside a few buildings. The New York Stock Exchange has been closed to visitors since 2001.

How much walking is there?

We cover about 1 mile at a leisurely pace, and the walking route is fairly level.

Do we need to understand finance to enjoy this tour?

We find those who appreciate finance and current events enjoy this tour even more. However, this tour is designed with a general audience in mind, and it’s great for families as well. You don’t need to have a financial background to have fun and learn on this tour. Questions are encouraged!

What is the rescheduling policy?

We understand plans change. You can always change your tour 24 hours or more before you tour. We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.

What if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund.

What about gratuities?

Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.

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Financial Crisis Tour

Wall street insider tour.

• School Groups

Don’t just see Wall Street, experience it!

Guided tours with former traders, bankers, and others with insider knowledge of NYC's Financial District

Seen it all? These tours are for you. (This) would interest even the most highly informed born-and-bred.

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Our wall street tour guides.

Financial experts with firsthand stories from the trenches

New Yorkers who know the Financial District inside and out

Top-rated guides keeping you entertained — and informed

We bring the buildings and landmarks of downtown Manhattan alive. Our goal? To demystify Wall Street. Bring your cameras and your questions!

I was seriously impressed with George’s knowledge and his ability to convey 
it to a mixed group,It is one thing to wander around the buildings in the Wall Street area without knowing what goes on there but quite another to walk around with George and hear about the inside story.

Wendler-Philipp, Germany

We learned so much from Jon White. Not just the history, but the real boots-on-the-ground view of the world of investment. Jon gave us a clear understanding of the financial meltdown and how to avoid the noise of financial information and get to the real indicators.

TommyTTom2003, New York

There are a lot of interesting things that you would never find out about unless you had a knowledgeable guide… His background as a trader allowed him to give an informed and thorough account of Wall Street culture, attitude, and lifestyle.

NeilM646, London

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New York Stock Exchange Tours

This post is a guide and a virtual tour of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) headquarters in Lower Manhattan, with tips on planning your visit.

Click here for a self-guided tour of Wall Street .

HOW TO GET TO THE NYSE

Located at the intersection of Wall Street and Broad Street, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is by far the world's largest stock exchange and is the symbol of American capitalism.  

The massive facade of the building is actually not on Wall Street but on Broad.  

Click here for directions to the NYSE . Or why not stay in the area?

The Financial District has a number of inexpensive hotels with great reviews on TripAdvisor .

Or, let us take you here. Many of our tours of Lower Manhattan include or start at the NYSE.

Calendar of all Lower Manhattan Tours (including our pay-what-you-wish tours)

This includes our GPS-led audio tour of Lower Manhattan, which we offer in English, Spanish, and German. Here's a sample.

As you can see on the map, the NYSE is within walking distance from several New York City subway lines.

For those new to the NYC subway, read the following 2 posts.

• How to Use the NYC Subway
• Which Subway Pass to Buy

NOTE: If you are considering any of the t ourist attraction concession passes when in NYC, then keep in mind that all include one or more hop-on-hop-off bus tours for free. 

HISTORY + DESIGN

When you turn the corner to see the Broad Street side of the Exchange, you will be standing in a location of great historical significance.

Prior to 1792, businessmen who engaged in the trading of goods and money met under a tree to transact business.

It was a sycamore tree but known more commonly as a buttonwood tree.

Thus in 1792, when 24 stockbrokers signed an agreement that would regulate their dealings, they named it the Buttonwood Agreement.

25 years later, the members of the Agreement drafted an official constitution and the New York Stock & Exchange Board was born.

In 1863 its name would be shortened t o the New York Stock Exchange.

The first location of the NYSE was a room rented in a small for $200 a month in 1817 located at 40 Wall Street (now the location of the Trump Building, one of the top 10 skyscrapers in New York City .  

When the original NYSE HQ’s were burned down in the Great Fire of New York (1835), the Exchange moved to a temporary headquarters and then again in 1865 moved to 10-12 Broad Street.

As the Exchange grew in business, a larger, grander building was needed.

Construction of the current NYSE building began in 1901 and George B. Post was the architect (known for his neo-classical buildings around New York including the glorious Customs House at Bowling Green).  

It took two years to complete the Exchange and costs ran over the estimated price. In the end, the final cost was $4 million.  

R.H. Thomas, chairman of the Building Committee justified the what-was-then substantial amount of money by saying,  “Where so many of our members spend the active years of their lives, they are entitled to the best that architectural ingenuity and engineering skill can produce.”  

Little could he know that a century later, the price of the building was no more than a typical trader’s end of the year bonus!

Above the columns is a pediment with a sculpture designed by John Q.A. Ward (who also designed the over-life-size standing statue of George Washington on the steps of Federal Hall diagonally across from the Exchange.

Ward’s sculpture, called “Integrity Protecting the Works of Man” centers on the wing-hatted Mercury, the god of commerce.

To her left are representations of mining and agriculture and on her right, symbols of industry, s cience, and invention, all sources of American prosperity.    

THE TRADING FLOOR

Although you cannot visit the trading floor for security reasons, don’t feel too disappointed.

It is no longer the chaotic scene we’ve become familiar with throw movies and TV shows, with traders waving slips of paper, yelling stock prices, and negotiating million-dollar deals in a matter of seconds.  

Back in the 1980s, there were 5,500 people working on the trading floor.

But with the advance of technology and paperless transactions, the number of traders on the ground has dwindled to a mere 700 people and is now a much calmer, quieter environment.

Click the image for the interactive 360-degree view of the main trading floor.

Discovery Education  offers an online virtual visit to the NYSE trading floor.

If you are missing the good old days, you can see what a typical day of trading used to be like by watching movies like “Wall Street” with Michael Douglas, “ The Pursuit of Happiness” starring Will Smith, and “ Trading Places” starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. 

THE RINGING OF THE BELL

The ringing of the bell at 9 am and again at 4 pm is more than a gesture - it guarantees the marketplace that no trades will take place before the opening or after the close of the market.

Starting in the 1870s, before microphones and loudspeakers were invented, used a large Chinese gong to let traders know to start or stop trading for the day.

But in 1903, when the Exchange moved to its current building, the gong was replaced by a brass bell which is now electrically operated.

Each of the 4 trading areas of the NYSE has its own bell which operates synchronously from one single control panel.  

You can see a detailed video history of the Exchange bell here.  

STUDENT GROUP VISITS

Unfortunately, the NYSE can no longer accommodate private requests for visits by school groups.

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New York Stock Exchange

Travelcurious tip.

You can go during the day when the markets are open, but it is also worth a visit at night when the facade is dramatically illuminated. Less excitement in the air, but beautiful nonetheless

Alexander Hamilton, then First Secretary of the Treasury, first issued bonds in 1790, to consolidate the debts accumulated during the American revolution and thus lend credibility to the new nation. That was when securities trading began: traders would gather under a buttonwood tree and haggle on prices and terms. Once the Buttonwood Agreement was signed in 1792, the predecessor of the New York Stock Exchange was born.

Found on 11 Wall Street, behind a grand Romanesque facade, the New York Stock Exchange remains the heart of world finance. Every day about a billion shares change hands there. It epitomises free trade, power and prestige; and perhaps greed, deception and manipulation too. It was both Gordon Gecko’s stamping ground and where the anticapitalist group Rage Against the Machine were famously arrested for their impromptu, live performance of “Sleep Now in the Fire”. The Occupy Wall Street movement kicked off in the nearby Zuccotti park in 2011. Simply put, the atmosphere is electric.

The Bonfire of Vanities

Prior to 9/11, it was actually possible to visit the Exchange. You could pick up a free ticket and observe the trading floor: people in different colour jackets signifying their roles, the multitude of computer screens, the frenzied waving, the surging roars, the ticker tape and the mirage of riches. Nowadays, admittance to the trading floor for non-employees is no longer allowed and the entrance is better guarded than most airports. However, tours can still be had — so book in if you want to catch a glimpse of where the world is run.

Nearby Attractions

Related tours.

• Learn about  New Amsterdam  in the  Historic District of New York,  settled in 1624;
• Take a stroll down  Battery Park , one of the best areas to live in New York;
• See the  Charging Bull  statue and the  Fearless Girl statue  in  Wall Street , New York's Financial District; 
• Walk past  Saint Paul’s Chapel  in  Trinity Church , the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan;
• Hear about the modern financial system, as designed by  Alexander Hamilton , and walk past several of the area’s main sites, including the  New York Stock Exchange  and the  Federal Reserve Bank ;
• Visit the  National 9/11 Memorial  in  "Ground Zero"  and see how the tragic events of 2001 are remembered;
• Finish your tour at Ground Zero with  entrance tickets to the 9/11 Museum , where you will be able to explore the museum at your own pace. 
• Start your tour at Battery Park and learn about the origins of New Amsterdam, how it became New York, and admire the views of the iconic Statue of Liberty ;
• Pass by Wall Street's famous bronze statues of the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl ;
• See the areas main sites of Trinity Church, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Federal Reserve Bank as you learn about the financial system designed by Alexander Hamilton;
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero where the twin towers of the World Trade Center stood, an incredibly moving tribute to the horrendous events of that terrible day in 2001; 
• Discover the bustling district of Midtown Manhattan - famous for its skyscrapers, shopping on 5th Avenue and Broadway ;
• Tour the interior of Grand Central Terminal - New York's train station famous for its Beaux-Arts architecture, celestial mural ceiling, and for its starring role in films like Men in Black and Armageddon, it is visited by over 20 million people a year;
• Walk through the tranquil Bryant Park , and admire the lions in front of the New York Public Library ;
• Enjoy the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Times Square with its flashy billboards and explore the theatre district of Broadway ;
• Take a stroll down the iconic 5th Avenue and admire the stunning window displays of the Saks department store, 
• See the historic St. Patricks Cathedral from the outside - its neo-gothic splendour is a stark contrast to the surrounding modernity;
• Admire some of New York's jaw-dropping Art Deco skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building ; 
• Pass by Radio City Hall - a historic theatre venue, and home to the Rockettes ;
• Finish your tour with tickets to the 'Top of the Rock' the observatory at the top of the Rockefeller Centre with incredible views over New York City - a perfect way to end the day! 

Your tour begins in the heart of Wall Street , where you'll discover the most famous financial district in the world. Begin with an introduction to the history of New Amsterdam - that became New York in Battery Park - with glorious views out towards the Statue of Liberty, before exploring the highlights of Wall Street, including the statues of the Fearless Girl and Charging Bull, the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Bank - where you'll hear all about the history and formation of the modern financial institutions and systems invented by Alexander Hamilton. Your tour continues to the N ational 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero — the original site of the World Trade Center. Here, your guide will share the history of the World Trade Center and discuss the tragic events of 9/11 when the two terrorist planes crashed into the twin towers, forever changing the modern world. Next, it's time to take a New York metro ride - the most popular - and fastest - way of travelling around the city to Midtown Manhattan! First, you'll explore Grand Central Terminal, the most iconic transportation hub in the United States, with beautiful celestial ceiling murals and stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. It is the setting of many movies and novels and is also famous for its shopping, bars, and restaurants - it is the second most visited landmark in New York after Times Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the area - your guide will be happy to make recommendations. After lunch, explore the iconic area of Midtown Manhattan - famous for its skyscrapers, high-end shopping and of course Broadway theatre scene! Enjoy a tranquil stroll through Bryant Park, a lovely green oasis in the heart of busy Midtown. See the New York Public Library - flanked by two giant lions, and admire the art deco skyscrapers the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, that made up New York's world-famous skyline. Walk along the iconic 5th Avenue famous for its department stores - admire the stunning window displays at Saks, and the historical contrast of St Patrick's Cathedral, an impressive neo-gothic construction that was opened in 1879. Famous for its spires, stained glass windows, and titanic bronze doors - the cathedral has hosted many famous funerals including Babe Ruth and Bobby Kennedy. Head to the amazing Times Square , known as the 'crossroads of the world to see the news ticker on the One Times Square Building, the NASDAQ board, and the myriad of flashing neon signs that lead you onto the bright lights of Broadway! Finally, passing by the iconic Radio City Hall, your guide will give you your tickets to 'The Top of the Rock', the Rockefeller Observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre. Your guide will show you the entrance and leave you to enjoy a perfect end to a perfect day - with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Manhattan and the rest of the Big Apple.

• See the magnificent  New York City Hall , the seat of New York’s political and civic power, it is the oldest city hall in the US, completed in 1812; 
• Explore the historic area of  Wall Street  and  New York’s buzzing financial district in lower Manhattan  - learning its many stories that shaped modern America; 
• Walk through  City Hall Park  and hear about the Liberty Pole, the celebration of the repeal of the Stamp Act, the brutal punishment of slaves, the reading of the Declaration of Independence to George Washington and the Continental Army, and many other landmark historic events that have taken place here; 
• Admire  Saint Paul’s Chapel , the oldest surviving church in New York City built in 1766, where George Washington worshipped, a refuge from the atrocity of 9/11, and an ongoing sanctuary in the heart of the city;
• Stop outside the  Federal Reserve Bank , built in the impressive Italian Renaissance style, it sits on the largest vault of gold reserves in the world;
• Walk through nearby  Zuccotti Park  - where the first coffee house was established in 1696 and where the first mass protests against British taxation, the Tea Act, and the East India Trading Company took place;
• Pass by the beautiful  Trinity Church , the Anglican church at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street built in the Gothic Revival style - and where  Alexander Hamilton  (of musical fame!) is buried;
• Admire the impressive  Federal Hall , a Greco-Roman-style building where George Washington was sworn in as the nation’s first president; 
• Stop outside the  New York Stock Exchange  and learn the Buttonwood Agreement of 1792 that set out the trading rules that underpin this international trading hub to this very day;
• Take a photo with the  Fearless Girl statue and the Charging Bull  and hear about its indomitable symbolism after the 2008 financial crash;
• Walk down  Stone Street  - the quaint, oldest cobblestone street of New Amsterdam, that became New York;
• Pass by the  Fraunces Tavern Museum , the historic building where George Washington gave his farewell speech to his soldiers in 1783;
• Learn about the fascinating and inspirational life of Alexander Hamilton - the man who established the US credit system (made more famous in recent times thanks to the smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton) outside the  historic Custom House ; 
• End your tour at  Bowling Green, the oldest park in NYC  filled with Native American, Dutch, British and Revolutionary histories - and where Revolutionaries tore down a statue of King George III and turned it into ammunition to fight the British!
• See the  Statue of Liberty  up close and learn of her remarkable story, as well as her significance to modern America;
• Explore Ellis Island and the story of  US immigration ;
• Enjoy a breathtaking view over the  Manhattan skyline  from the water;
•  Learn about New Amsterdam in the  Historic District of New York , settled in 1624;
• See several of the area’s highlights, including  Trinity Church, Battery Park , the  Charging Bull  statue and the  Fearless Girl statue ;
• Hear about the modern financial system, as designed by  Alexander Hamilton , and see several of the area’s main sites, including the  New York Stock Exchange  and the  Federal Reserve Bank  from the outside;
• Visit the  National 9/11 Memorial  and see how the tragic events of 2001 are remembered;
• Finish your tour at  Ground Zero  with entrance  tickets to the 9/11Musem , where you will be able to explore the museum at your own pace. 

Please note  that tour guides are not allowed to guide inside the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Your guide will give you full information on each island and then silently accompany you through the museums. He/she will be able to answer questions you may have but not actually “guide” you through the museums. 

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How Money Was Made: Wall Street Walking Tour

Explore New York with The New York Pass®

What you'll do.

This tour of New York’s famous financial district takes in Wall Street, the Charging Bull sculpture, the New York Stock Exchange and more.

Take a Walking Tour of Wall Street with The New York Pass®

• Includes a live commentary exploring the financial and political importance of Wall Street and discussing Lower Manhattan’s rebirth following 9/11.
• Visit the Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, the Charging Bull statue at Bowling Green, and much more.

Your informative guide will take you through a history of Wall Street and introduce you to the pioneers and visionaries who made it the global financial institution it is today.

Experience the Thrill of Wall Street in New York

In the heart of New York City, Wall Street stands as a symbol of economic might. Why not delve into its fascinating history and present-day intrigue?

Discover Wall Street Through Guided Tours

Immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of Wall Street with guided tours, offering insights into this financial powerhouse. Add the NY Stock Exchange tour to your itinerary, providing an exclusive peek into the world of finance.

You’ll hear about the stock market crashes and financial crises, learn of robber barons and their impact on the New York economy, and discover how the effects of aggressive economic growth shaped the local community.

Wall Street Tour highlights

New York Stock Exchange

Visit the place where all the action happens. Behind the Beaux Arts exterior with its colonnaded facade lies the world’s largest stock exchange. Hear about its history and grab a selfie with the Fearless Girl statue who stands defiantly outside.

Charging Bull 

The financial district’s other famous sculpture lies at the tip of Bowling Green, New York’s oldest public park. Arturo di Modica’s imposing 11-foot-tall bronze bull has become a defining image of Wall Street, symbolizing aggressive financial optimism and prosperity. 

Trinity Church

Admire the impressive Gothic Revival-style architecture of this much-loved Episcopalian parish church in the heart of the financial district. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and many of his family members are interred in the cemetery here.

Fraunces Tavern 

General George Washington, who later of course became the first President of the United States, used this tavern as a headquarters as America fought to break free from British rule during the American War of Independence.

Wall Street New York FAQs

Q. How did Wall Street become synonymous with finance? A. Wall Street became synonymous with finance due to its historical role as the location of the first organized stock market in the United States, attracting financial institutions and professionals who contributed to its growth and reputation as a global financial hub.

Q. What is the significance of the Wall Street Bull? A. The Wall Street Bull, also known as the Charging Bull, is a bronze sculpture symbolizing optimism and prosperity in the financial markets, and it has become an iconic landmark representing the resilience and power of the financial district.

Q. Are there any notable landmarks besides financial institutions on Wall Street? A. In addition to financial institutions, Wall Street is home to several notable landmarks, such as Trinity Church, Federal Hall, the historic Fraunces Tavern, and the Museum of American Finance, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area's rich historical and cultural heritage.

Q. Can I take a guided tour inside the New York Stock Exchange? A. Unfortunately, guided tours inside the New York Stock Exchange are not available to the general public, as access is restricted to authorized personnel and invited guests; however, you can still appreciate its grand architecture and learn about its history from the exterior.

Q. Does Wall Street host any events or festivals? A. Wall Street occasionally hosts events and festivals that celebrate finance, entrepreneurship, and the financial district's heritage, such as the Wall Street Decathlon, the Ticker Tape Parade for victorious sports teams, and the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at the New York Stock Exchange.

Q. Are there any museums or exhibitions dedicated to finance near Wall Street? A. Yes, near Wall Street, you can find the Museum of American Finance, which offers engaging exhibits and educational programs exploring the history, culture, and impact of finance in the United States, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Wall Street's significance.

Know before you go

Booking required.

This attraction requires advanced booking.

Getting in: show your pass to the tour guide at the meeting point at the bottom of the steps in front of the Museum of the American Indian (1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004).

For more information, visit the Inside Out Tours website .

Wall Street Walking Tour tickets help

Ask our help team if you have any questions.

Where you'll be

Operating hours.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 1:30PM

The tour runs seasonally, from April to September.

Closings & holidays

There are no tours on Independence Day (July 4) or Labor Day (September 5).

How it works

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Sam Rohn 360° Photography

360° VR Panoramic Photography & Virtual Tours

New York Stock Exchange :: 360° Virtual Tour

360 Degree Virtual Tour of the New York Stock Exchange

The history of the  New York Stock Exchange begins with the signing of the Buttonwood Agreement by twenty-four New York City stockbrokers and merchants on May 17, 1792, outside 68 Wall Street under a Buttonwood tree.

In 1903, the Exchange moved into its present home at 18 Broad st, a building of neoclassic design by architect George B. Post , with a trading floor measuring 109 x 140 feet and marble walls rising 72 feet to meet the ornate gilt ceiling, at the time, one of the grandest spaces in the nation. Today, the NYSE building is considered one of Post’s masterpieces and is a New York City and national landmark .

[sampano file=”new-york-stock-exchange-1″ title=”New York Stock Exchange Bell Podium :: NYC”]

One of the most familiar features of the New York Stock Exchange is the loud, distinctive Trading Floor bell . the Opening Bell signals the beginning of trading each business day and the Closing Bell signals the ending of trading each business day.

Bells were introduced when continuous trading was instituted in the 1870s. Originally, a Chinese Gong was used, but brass bells have been used since 1903.

note – these images of the NYSE trading floor & bell podium may not be used for any purpose without the express written consent of the NYSE and permission from the photographer

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