The Financial District is where New York City’s architectural diversity started, and where it still flourishes thanks to preservation. From West Street east to Water Street, Cedar Street south to Battery Park, it seems that every other building is a past or future landmark. Nothing that I write here even comes close to doing the district justice.

Recycling seems to be a big part of the area’s preservation: Office buildings that might otherwise have been razed have been converted to condos, hotels and even schools.

Photographers will find lots to snap – and lots of challenges. The “canyons” metaphor is so appropriate for the Wall Street area – tall buildings and very narrow streets: Some building facades are in almost perpetual shadow; some of the most interesting architectural details can only be seen from blocks away. Post-9/11 and Occupy Wall Street barricades limit your viewpoints. Last but not least, this is a huge tourist attraction, so resign yourself: A photo of the George Washington statue on the steps of Federal Hall will include goofy strangers in sometimes weird poses.

Included Buildings

• 1 New York Plaza
• 33 Whitehall Street
• 3 New York Plaza
• 60 Wall Street
• American International Building (70 Pine Street)
• ITT Building
• 67 Wall Street (Crest Lofts, originally Munson Building)
• 50 Broad Street
• 80 Broad Street
• 90 Broad Street
• William Beaver House (15 William Street)
• Trump Building (40 Wall Street)
• 18 Beaver Street
• 20 Exchange Place
• 30 Wall Street
• Liberty Tower
• Trinity Building