Fodor's Expert Review St. Lawrence Hall

Built in 1850 on the site of the area's first public meeting space, St. Lawrence Hall is Renaissance revival architecture at its finest. The hall was intended for musical performances and balls, and famed opera soprano Jenny Lind sang here, but it's also the spot where antislavery demonstrations were held, and where P. T. Barnum first presented Tom Thumb. Take time to admire the exterior of this architectural gem, now used for everything from concerts to wedding receptions. If you take part in one of the many walking tours of the area, you'll likely see photos (in the lounge on the third floor) featuring notable figures who performed, lectured, or were entertained here.