It's on 4 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Costfree
- Address26 Wall St, New York
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Brimming with American history, Federal Hall is, quite literally, the birthplace of our country. This famous building stands where the original 1700s City Hall once did. The original building served as New York City’s first City Hall and housed the first US Congress.
My adviceMost people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
Famous for being the place where George Washington took the oath as the first President of the United States in 1789, Federal Hall now serves as a museum and memorial to the nation’s early history and the birth of American government. Entry is free and tours are offered by the National Park Service (advanced-booking required).
Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts from colonial times and learn about pivotal historic events that occurred in the area. Any way you slice it, swinging by Federal Hall is one of the best things to do in the Financial District for history buffs.
Brimming with American history, Federal Hall is, quite literally, the birthplace of our country. This iconic building stands where the original 1700s City Hall once did. The original building served as New York City’s first City Hall and housed the first US Congress.
She still talks about it.
Known for being the place where George Washington took the oath as the first President of the United States in 1789. Today, Federal Hall serves as a free NYC museum and memorial to the nation’s early history and the birth of American government. As mentioned, entry is free and tours are offered by the National Park Service (advanced-booking required).
Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts from colonial times and learn about pivotal historic events that occurred in the area. Any way you slice it, swinging by Federal Hall is one of the best things to do in the Financial District for history buffs.
Federal Hall is historically significant for being the locale where George Washington took the oath office as our first president in 1789. Hamilton watched the inauguration from the balcony of his home at 57 Wall Street (the building has since been demolished).
Alexander Hamilton practiced law at Federal Hall, including the first tabloid murder trial in America (“This the first murder trial of our brand new nation, the liberty behind deliberation.”). The Federal Hall building that Hamilton worked in was demolished in 1812, the building you see today was built in 1842.
Centrally located in Wall Street, right across the street from the New York Stock Exchange, swinging by is a no-brainer while exploring Alexander Hamilton’s sites in NYC. Federal Hall allows fans to walk in the footsteps of Hamilton and visiting is completely free of charge!
Check out Federal Hall (where Washington was sworn in as president) and Trinity Church (where Alexander Hamilton is buried).