Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The basics

There are various ways to book a Federal Reserve Bank of New York tour. To join the hour-long, family-friendly Museum & Gold Vault tour and see where tons of gold are stored, reserve your spot 30 days in advance on the New York Fed’s website. Or, consider a Wall Street, Lower Manhattan, or World Trade Center National September 11 Memorial & Museum tour in New York City. These excursions typically pass by the Fed building and discuss finance and neighborhood history.

Things to know before you go

• The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is accessible to wheelchairs.

• Federal Reserve Bank of New York tickets for the Museum & Gold Vault itinerary must be printed.

• Take a government-issued photo ID with the same name that’s on your tour ticket.

How to get there

Enter the Fed building at 44 Maiden Lane, between William and Nassau streets. The easiest way to get there is by public transit. Take the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, or J subway train to the Fulton Street station; the M5 or M15 bus to South Ferry; or the M9 bus to City Hall.

When to get there

The Federal Reserve Bank gives tours Monday through Friday at 1pm and 2pm, except on American bank holidays. Show up 30 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time for security screening. If you’ll be exploring Lower Manhattan as well, consider visiting in spring, late summer, or early autumn—New York’s temperate seasons.

See the Fed’s gold

On your tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, be sure to get a good look at the gold vault—you’ll be able to see some of the 508,000 gold bars inside. Located on the basement level of the Fed building, the vault entry is protected by a 90-ton (81-tonne) steel cylinder.

Ways to explore

You can stroll past the bank on your own and take in its impressive facade, along with nearby Financial District landmarks like Wall Street and the Fearless Girl statue. But for a deeper understanding of this historic neighborhood—the economic heart of the US—consider joining a Financial District walking tour. These guided tours often include stops at major financial institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange and Goldman Sachs, and iconic sights like the Charging Bull. Entry is not permitted to the general public.

Accessibility

The building does not offer access to the general public, but the facade lies above a flat New York City sidewalk.

Age limits

None; when tours are operating, the Gold Vault and other features appeal to kids

What to pack

Financial District map, binoculars to check out architecture

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, your best Wall Street suit

Not allowed

Entering the bank without authorization; recordings of any kind are never allowed, even on school-group tours.

Amenities

The Financial District has plenty of restaurants and public spaces with seating.

Address

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is on Liberty Street, a few blocks north of Wall Street, and is easily accessible on public transportation. Due to traffic and expensive parking, driving in Lower Manhattan is not recommended—taxis and rideshares are more convenient.

Driving

From Midtown Manhattan near Bryant Park, take a straight shot down Seventh Avenue to Varick and West Broadway. Turn left on Warren Street, right on Broadway, and right on Liberty Street.

Public transportation

You have a number of options by subway—take the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, or C train to Fulton Street, or the R or W to Cortlandt Street. The World Trade Center stop on the E is also nearby.

Best times to visit

To avoid crowds, aim for a time between the morning and evening rush hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Best days to visit

Visit on a weekday, when the Financial District comes alive—on weekends it mostly shuts down.

Best months to visit

For the most pleasant weather, visit in the spring or early fall. Summer is a lively time in the city too, but be ready for heat.

Special events

Stone Street in the Financial District hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring steins of beer, live music, and festive activities on a grand scale.