Most of the region's financial, legal and government offices are located around the busy community Green that city founders laid out in the center of the original nine-square grid.

A walk around the nine squares today takes you past numerous historic buildings converted to condominiums. For example, the old Southern New England Telephone company headquarters is a preserved Art Deco gem, and the former United Illuminating building features a seven-screen cinema on the ground floor with housing above.

Fans of the performing arts find something to enjoy most nights at Woolsey Hall, The Schubert Theater, the Yale Cabaret and the Yale Rep, which regularly premieres new plays that go onto greater fame. The legendary Long Wharf Theatre is moving downtown soon as part of numerous new developments on the way. In the summer, the performing arts happen outdoors during The International Festival of Arts and Ideas and a concert series on the Green.

Downtown's greatest attraction might be its thriving restaurant scene. A dedicated foodie would never run out of places to try, from the humble birthplace of the hamburger (Louis' Lunch) to a world-famous destination for vegetarians (Claire's Corner Copia) to countless fine restaurants getting rave reviews in The New York Times.

Gateway Community College is moving its campus downtown soon, and the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School is moving to a new Cesar Pelli designed building. Other nearby schools include The Educational Center for the Arts and High School In the Community.