Financial District

The Financial District is downtown Boston's commercial core where glass towers stand beside historic masonry buildings along narrow, winding streets. The architecture mixes periods from the 1700s onward, creating a layered streetscape that reflects centuries of development.

Once a residential neighborhood in the 1600s, this area shifted to become Boston's financial hub during the 1800s when banks and stock exchanges opened. The growth of these institutions anchored the district as the region's commercial powerhouse.

Post Office Square provides a rare green space where workers and visitors gather under trees, creating a social hub that breaks up the office towers.

Multiple subway lines including the Blue, Orange, Red, and Green serve the district, connecting it to all corners of Boston with short travel times. The tight street layout can feel confusing at first, so bringing a map or using your phone for directions helps you navigate without getting turned around.

The Custom House Tower, one of the nation's oldest skyscrapers, stands among much newer buildings and shows what early tall buildings looked like when they were daring. Its roofline topped with a cupola remains visible from across the city and once held the title of Boston's tallest structure.