Fulton Street (A, C, 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z)

This station is a sprawling complex that spans lower Manhattan along Fulton Street.

The large Fulton Street station complex, located on the western side, with underground access to other stations and the Oculus as well.

In general, the Fulton Street expanse of FiDi feels a bit … past its prime, like all the money for the area has been funneled into the World Trade Center area instead of this one. But, perhaps it has to be, to maintain its old-world charm, particularly when it comes to building details.

Let me put it this way. AI isn’t being developed on Fulton Street. Elon Musk isn’t taking a meeting on Fulton Street. We’re not partying on Fulton street.

What is happening, then? Some construction, buildings with facade flourish, and fast-casual food joints. But the cafes are good!

Now, the specifics:

If you pop out on the western side from the 4 or 5 train, close to the World Trade Center, you’ll be close enough to WTC Cortlandt 1 to follow that guide. It’s modern and touristy out here.

Escalators to and from the J and Z trains.

If you pop out in the middle of Fulton from the J or Z train, you’re in the old part of FiDi, with narrow and winding streets surrounded by big office buildings. In fact, you may even end up exiting the subway into a fancy brick, tall-arched station cover.

This is the general street vibe in old-world FiDi.

If you pop out on the eastern side from the 2, 3, A, or C train, you’re now in a slightly grungier part of FiDi, nearby the Southbridge Towers affordable housing complex.

Insider tip: there’s a cafe inside the station, Voyager Espresso, and to access it (or the subway) you actually have to go through the lobby of an office building.

For above ground vibes, though, I recommend MCM Coffee (basement-level, cozy, handmade ceramics for sale) or Remi Flower & Coffee (airy, plants for sale, fancy lattes).

Spot the entrance to MCM Coffee!