In "New York Part One- Central Park to 38th St.", I give all the basic travel information relating to travelling to New York. I didn't want to repeat that here, so please check out my New York Part One blog for all the basic information about getting about. The link to go straight there is here.
For all locations, you can plan your route from door to door at this site.
31st to 37th St. Dining and Shops
20 W 38th St.(between Ave. of the Americas and 5th Ave.)
Famous for: showing Australian sports coverage of live games. They have 20 T.V's. Their schedule for sports coverage is here. I can't say their menu is exactly what Aussies eat, but just for the sports coverage, I decided to include it. Their menu is here.
Cute Toonz
372 5th Ave. at W35th St.
Famous for: having a huge range of comic book and pop culture t-shirts and memorabilia. It has an amazing range.
Build A Bear Workshop
350 5th Ave. (at 34th St.)
Famous for: their Build A bear/ animal yourself and customise it to your requirements. They also have New York exclusive accessories for your bear.
Macy's Herald Square
151 W34th St. at 6th Ave.
Famous for: Starring in the film Miracle on 34th St. Store hours are found here.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The Red star in the Macy's logo came from a tattoo that R.H. Macy got during his seafaring years.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-As a tourist, you can get 10% discount voucher. You need to show I.d. The International tourist voucher to be printed off and shown is here. For tourists travelling domestically, your voucher can be found here. Again, you have to show I.D.There are a number of items not included in this voucher, such as perfume. Just show it at every counter and ask. Some locations will make you go to the Customer Service counter first for validation.
-These vouchers can be used all over the USA at Macy's stores. They are valid for 30 days.
Manhattan Mall
Broadway at W33rd St.
Famous for: being an inside 'mall' in the middle of NYC. To see a list of the stores here, look here.
31st to 37th St. Attractions
Maddison Square GardensWhat: This is a World class event venue for concerts, sporting events etc. They say they are the World's most famous Venue! A really good guide to things like seating plans, food outlets FAQ, Atm's etc. can be found here. The actual website for 'The Garden' is here.
Where: 4 Pennsylvania Place (Bordering W33rd St, 7th Ave., W31st and 8th Ave.)
The entrance is on 7th Ave.
How to get there: Penn Station is right next door (W 31st St. side)
The Empire State Building
What: It is no longer the World's Tallest building, but it is certainly one of the World's best known and best loved. It is the building used for films like An Affair To Remember, Sleepless In Seattle, Funny Face, and King Kong. There is an observatory level on the 86th and 102nd levels. You buy tickets on the concourse level, which is one level below Ground level. There is also a simulator ride on the 2nd floor that costs extra. Don't forget to look for it at night to see the outside lit up from street level.
Where: 350 5th Ave. at 34th St.
How to get there: Catch a bus up 5th Ave. and wait for prompting to get off at 34th St.
Don't expect it to stand out as there are too many other tall buildings around it. You will see the entrance from the street.
Cost:For up to date costs including the Express pass (detailed below) go here.
The Travel Concierge tip:
- Children under 6 are free. You cannot take your stroller up though.
- Look into the Express lines which can be purchased on the ESB website before you get there. Every time we have used them, we see other people in very long lines as we pass them quickly up to the express elevator. Well worth the extra money in my books! I book a long way out to ensure I get a time that works for my family.
The Travel Concierge Fact:
The static electricity at the top of the building is so great that under certain conditions if you put your hand through the fence on the observation deck, St Elmo's Fire will stream from your fingers. This will have a hissing sound and look like your finger tips are glowing. Obviously do not try this during a thunderstorm! (I am not telling you to do this, it is just an interesting fact)
To really test the static, try kissing someone up there. (Preferably someone you know!)
Herald Square
What: A green public space in amongst the skyrise buildings. There are relatively clean toilets here so a great toilet stop if you are in this area. There are tables and chairs with umbrellas giving shade if you need to stop and have a feed stop or just to rest and people watch.
Where: In the block on the corner of W34th ST. and Ave. of the Americas.
How to get there: The nearest Metro station is 34 St. Herald Sq. Station. or Penn Station.
Below 37th St. Dining and Shops
NY Yankees Team Store
393 5th Ave. Between E36th and E37th St.
Famous for: top quality genuine NY Yankees merchandise.
Burlington Coat Factory
707 6th Ave. Between W22nd and W23rd St.
Famous for: great designer items at discount prices. Their website is here.
Olive Garden
696 Ave. of the Americas. Between W22nd and W23rd St.
Famous for: reasonably priced Italian cuisine. Their menu is here.
Cosi
700 Ave. of the Americas. Between W22nd and W23rd St.
Famous for: yummy flatbread, pizzas, and salads.
Michael's Craft Store
675 Ave of the Americas (6th) Between W22nd and W21st St.
Famous for: a great selection of crafts and good prices. Their website is here.
Harney and Sons Tea
433 Broome St. (Between Broadway and Crosby)
Famous for: quality tea. The website is found here.
Georgetown Cupcakes
111 Mercer St. Between Spring St and Prince St.
Famous for: their TV show DC Cupcakes. YUMMY cupcakes. This store has their full selection including their seasonal cupcakes. The cupcake menu is found here.
393 5th Ave. Between E36th and E37th St.
Famous for: top quality genuine NY Yankees merchandise.
Burlington Coat Factory
707 6th Ave. Between W22nd and W23rd St.
Famous for: great designer items at discount prices. Their website is here.
Olive Garden
696 Ave. of the Americas. Between W22nd and W23rd St.
Famous for: reasonably priced Italian cuisine. Their menu is here.
Cosi
700 Ave. of the Americas. Between W22nd and W23rd St.
Famous for: yummy flatbread, pizzas, and salads.
Michael's Craft Store
675 Ave of the Americas (6th) Between W22nd and W21st St.
Famous for: a great selection of crafts and good prices. Their website is here.
Harney and Sons Tea
433 Broome St. (Between Broadway and Crosby)
Famous for: quality tea. The website is found here.
Georgetown Cupcakes
111 Mercer St. Between Spring St and Prince St.
Famous for: their TV show DC Cupcakes. YUMMY cupcakes. This store has their full selection including their seasonal cupcakes. The cupcake menu is found here.
Below 37th St. Attractions
Highline
What: Highline is a 2.3km linear park that sits over 9m off the ground. It is re-cycling a disused section of the Metro. In the 1990's, it was cut off from the rest of the rail network. The first section opened as a public space in 2009 and the final section opened in 2014.There are art installments and exhibitions along the way. It is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers via the entrances found here. The list of all its attractions is found on the website here. Family activities are listed here. You can just explore on your own, though. A great Visitors Park Map is found here.
Where: Highline runs from 10th to 12th Ave. and from Gansevoort St (Meatpacker District) to 34th St.
How to get there: Here are Highline's suggested ways to get there. You can also look up a direct route from where you are coming from MTA Trip Planner.
Maddison Square Park
What: A large open public space with sculptures and a fenced in playground.
Where: The block bordering E 26th St., 5th Ave.,Madison Ave. and E23rd St. The lawns in the park are closed seasonally but there are still seats to sit and relax on, or look at the awesome view of the Flatiron building. While you are here, grab something to eat or drink from the Shake Shack. This is the only permanent eating venue in Maddison Square Park.
How to get there: 23rd St. Station is the nearest Metro station.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The playground in Maddison Square Park is dedicated to Police Officer Moira Ann Smith who served in this area. Moira died while saving others on September 11, 2001. She is the only NYPD Female Officer who died that day.
Flatiron Building
What: This iconic architectural designed building draws crowds to see the 1902 triangular design that fit this unusually shaped block. It gets its nickname from the clothes iron similarities.
Where:175 5th Ave.(between E22nd St. and E23rd St.)
How to get there: Get off at 23rd St Metro and walk along to 5th Ave.
Ghostbusters Fire Station
What: The firehouse used in the 1984 film Ghostbusters. Look out for the Ghostbusters symbol on the wall and the ghost within the firehouse logo on the pavement.
Where: 14 North Moore St.
How to get there: The nearest Metro stations are Canal St. and Franklin St.
The Tenement Museum
What: A museum and guided tours that show the history of life in New York city in 1863 for immigrants living in tenement houses. The details of tours and the museum can be found here.
Where: 103 Orchard St. (on the corner of Delancey St.)
Hot to get there: Detailed directions for public transport can be found here.
St. Pauls Chapel
What: This church is famous for being the church that First Responders slept in and rested while on shift clearing the Ground Zero site. Also of interest is The Bell of Hope in the graveyard at the back of the chapel. St Paul's is also the oldest Manhattan church. Trinity church is older, but this is the 3rd Trinity church on this site. This one was built after the 1776 fires.
Where: Church St. Between Fulton and Vesey St.
How to get there: The nearest Metro stations are Chambers St and Fulton St. Station.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The Lord Mayor of London presented the Bell of Hope on the first anniversary of 9/11. It was cast by the same foundry as the Liberty Bell and Big Ben bell.
Trinity Church
What: Trinity Church has a great history in NYC. It is a beautiful church and has the famous tree that saved the church from falling debris during the fall of the Twin Towers. The tree roots have been preserved and sit out the front of the church.
Where: 75 Broadway. Opp. Wall St.
How to get there: Rector St. Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The steeple on the Trinity church at one time was the tallest structure and used to guide ships (until the 1860's)
Wall Street
What: The Financial Capital Of New York.
Where: It is easy to miss Wall St. as from one side it is entered into through a small lane way. If you know that you enter that lane way straight across the road from the Trinity church, it makes it easier to find.
How to get there: Rector St Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church and cross over to Wall St.
The Travel Concierge tip: If you come during M-F business hours you will see the bustling work traffic. On the weekends, it can be extremely quiet and a bit eerie.
The Travel Concierge Fact: Since 9/11, ram guards and armed police have been put up around Wall St. It is interesting to see when a vehicle approaches how the ram guards sink into the ground.
Federal Hall
What: This building is the place where George Washington had the first President Inauguration. It is also the location where the first Bill of Rights was passed.
Where: 26 Wall St.
How to get there: Rector St. Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church and cross over to Wall St.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-This location runs the Junior Park Ranger Program. This is a great program run by National Parks. Your child fills out answers in a booklet (that can be downloaded from here and when they have finished they show one of the park Rangers and get sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger for that location and get a badge and a certificate. Our daughters were sworn in on the actual spot that George Washinton gave his speech. We got our children to research the location before they even left home and fill in as much of the book as possible.This means most of the booklet is completed and they know about the location before they even get there.) Often they tell us interesting facts about the location and become tour guides to us.
-The National Parks Rangers here run free tours. They are very interesting and informative.
The TravelConcierge Fact: In the foyer there are worn out sections on the marble floor. This is where people used to line up and walk in line to pay their taxes.
New York Stock Exchange
What: This is the 'heartbeat' of finance in New York. The building was opened in 1903. There is no public access, however, many people pose for photographs in front of this progressive building. A great angle to take a picture is up the top of the stairs of Federal Hall.
Where: 20 Broad St. Off Wall St.
How to get there: Rector St. Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church and cross over to Wall St. Walk down Wall st. and take your first right which is Broad St. The Stock Exchange is on your right.
World Trade Centre Memorial, Museum and Survivor Tree
What: The former site of the World Trade Centre site that was attacked on September 11, 2001. For the 3 sites, the address and how to get there are all the same.
Where: 200 Liberty St. (where it meets Greenwich St.)
How to get there: Fulton St or Park Place Station.
World Trade Centre Memorial
What: This touching memorial is in the footsteps of where the Twin Towers stood. Around the outside are the names of those that died on September 11, 2001. The water fountains are the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.
Cost: Free to view
The Travel Concierge Fact: As well as the names of people that died during the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, there are also the names of those who died during the 1993 bombing.
Survivor Tree
What: In the aftermath of 9/11, a tree was found- burnt, broken but still alive. It was carefully and painstakingly removed and passed over to Parks and Recreation. It was placed back in 2010 and is a symbol of hope and resilience for all who come to see it. There are guides near the tree that will tell you more of the Survivor Tree's history.
Where: In the forecourt next to the Memorials.
Cost: Free to view
9/11 Memorial Museum
What: The ultimate museum for anyone who watched the Twin Towers were attacked and fell and want to see many of the things they saw on TV first hand. To see the telecommunication tower in front of you, or one of the crushed Fire trucks is very moving. I felt very emotional, but also felt a sense of closure on my feelings about 9/11. My favourite section was the Survivor's steps and the middle section where you get an up close and intimate look into the lives of those who died and were injured- viewing their personal possessions, hearing their last phone calls home recorded on answering machines. For a more detailed description of the exhibition go here.
Cost: For current costs look here.
The Travel Concierge tip:
- If you have children, have one parent take them around the outer area of the museum (bottom floor) while the other parent looks through the inner area to gauge whether you think that it is suitable for your children.
- Look at the Memorial fountains first and choose a name. Take a photo/video specifically of that name. When you go inside the museum, there is an area where you can find out more about each person. You can look up the name you took the photo of and it becomes so much more personal to you.
Freedom Tower and One World Observatory
What: This amazing building is not just awes inspiring to look at , but built to withstand any attack. There are amazing documentaries that outline the measures the architects took to ensure that if this building was targetted, it would not come down. Security is tight here, understandably. For a full list of prohibited items look here. Note only single strollers that can be folded up are permitted. No back-packs/ bags can be taken up either. For a detailed look at what the experience will be, here is a link to the official Freedom Tower experience website.
Where: 285 Fulton St.
The cost to go up in the Observation level: For current prices go here.
Century 21 Department Store
22 Cortland St.(near Church St)
Famous for: Designer clothes and accessories at really cheap prices. Their website is found here.
The Charging Bull
What: This Bronze Bull is representative of a 'Bull Market'It is said to give you good luck if you rub your hand up against this Bronze sculpture. People come at all times to get a photo with the Bull. Some of the positions people pose with the bull are really funny.
Where: on a raised concrete section near 15 Broadway (Bowling Green)
How to get there: Catch the Metro to Bowling Green Station. Walk North up Broadway. Where the 2 roads converge to one is where the statue is.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The sculptor of the Charging Bull delivered his charging bull in front of the NY Stock exchange late one night in December 1989. He said it was to represent the New York people's tenacity after the 1987 Stockmarket Crash. It was removed but later placed in its current spot.
Statue of Liberty
Brooklyn Bridge
What: This amazing bridge is so much more than how stunning it looks up against the NY skyline. The history behind its construction and the true story of 21 Elephants from Barnum's Circus that travelled across the bridge trunk to tail so that the people of Brooklyn and Manhattan would trust that it was strong enough for them to travel across. Look out for the plaque dedicated to Emily Roebling. Her father was the chief engineer on the build, but after he died, her husband was in charge of the construction of the Bridge He developed Caisson's disease (the bends) from the process of checking on the construction of the bridge. She then took over the construction- amazing for a woman to be in charge in the 1870's.
How to get here: I suggest catching the subway to High St. Station in Brooklyn Heights and then after exploring DUMBO walk across the bridge towards Manhattan.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-Before you go, read the books "21 Elephants" and "The Brooklyn Bridge- the story of the World's most famous bridge and the family who built it." This will help you to understand a great history of this bridge.
-When walking across the bridge, be very mindful of the VERY fast cyclists who speed across the bridge in the lane next to the pedestrian lane. They are commuting from one side to the other and are rarely patient if a tourist steps out into their lane. Be extra watchful of children.
If you are walking from Manhattan, take the first exit stairs down to Washington St.
While here check these things out:
-Walk down the historic cobblestone streets in the square around John St., North York, Main St, and Bridge St.
-Get an iconic shot of Brooklyn Bridge by standing on the intersection of Washinton and Water Street looking down Water St.
-Grimaldi's Famous Pizza-
1 Front St. Brooklyn
The Menu is found here.
-Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory-
Pier 11/ Wall St.
The Menu is found here.
-Walk along the foreshore in The Brooklyn Bridge Park. In warmer weather you can hire a bike to ride around this scenic area. Walking gives just as nice a view.
-Jane's Carousel-
In the Brooklyn Bridge Park to the right of Water St. if you are looking towards Manhattan. At only $2 a ride...go on, you know you want to! (closed Tuesdays in Summer and opened Thurs-Sun in colder weather. Check here to avoid disappointment.
-Shopping- there are some great quaint one-off shops to explore in Brooklyn.
-Explore.
Ghostbusters Fire Station
What: The firehouse used in the 1984 film Ghostbusters. Look out for the Ghostbusters symbol on the wall and the ghost within the firehouse logo on the pavement.
Where: 14 North Moore St.
How to get there: The nearest Metro stations are Canal St. and Franklin St.
The Tenement Museum
What: A museum and guided tours that show the history of life in New York city in 1863 for immigrants living in tenement houses. The details of tours and the museum can be found here.
Where: 103 Orchard St. (on the corner of Delancey St.)
Hot to get there: Detailed directions for public transport can be found here.
Downtown
Anne Frank Centre USA
What:This centre explores injustice through the story of Anne Frank. there are displays about Anne Frank and her diary and permanent and visiting exhibitions relating to injustice.
Where: 44 Park Place (near Church St.)
How to get here: look here.
Cost: To see the latest prices and more information, go here.
St. Pauls Chapel
What: This church is famous for being the church that First Responders slept in and rested while on shift clearing the Ground Zero site. Also of interest is The Bell of Hope in the graveyard at the back of the chapel. St Paul's is also the oldest Manhattan church. Trinity church is older, but this is the 3rd Trinity church on this site. This one was built after the 1776 fires.
Where: Church St. Between Fulton and Vesey St.
How to get there: The nearest Metro stations are Chambers St and Fulton St. Station.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The Lord Mayor of London presented the Bell of Hope on the first anniversary of 9/11. It was cast by the same foundry as the Liberty Bell and Big Ben bell.
Trinity Church
What: Trinity Church has a great history in NYC. It is a beautiful church and has the famous tree that saved the church from falling debris during the fall of the Twin Towers. The tree roots have been preserved and sit out the front of the church.
Where: 75 Broadway. Opp. Wall St.
How to get there: Rector St. Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The steeple on the Trinity church at one time was the tallest structure and used to guide ships (until the 1860's)
Wall Street
What: The Financial Capital Of New York.
Where: It is easy to miss Wall St. as from one side it is entered into through a small lane way. If you know that you enter that lane way straight across the road from the Trinity church, it makes it easier to find.
How to get there: Rector St Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church and cross over to Wall St.
The Travel Concierge tip: If you come during M-F business hours you will see the bustling work traffic. On the weekends, it can be extremely quiet and a bit eerie.
The Travel Concierge Fact: Since 9/11, ram guards and armed police have been put up around Wall St. It is interesting to see when a vehicle approaches how the ram guards sink into the ground.
Federal Hall
What: This building is the place where George Washington had the first President Inauguration. It is also the location where the first Bill of Rights was passed.
Where: 26 Wall St.
How to get there: Rector St. Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church and cross over to Wall St.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-This location runs the Junior Park Ranger Program. This is a great program run by National Parks. Your child fills out answers in a booklet (that can be downloaded from here and when they have finished they show one of the park Rangers and get sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger for that location and get a badge and a certificate. Our daughters were sworn in on the actual spot that George Washinton gave his speech. We got our children to research the location before they even left home and fill in as much of the book as possible.This means most of the booklet is completed and they know about the location before they even get there.) Often they tell us interesting facts about the location and become tour guides to us.
-The National Parks Rangers here run free tours. They are very interesting and informative.
The TravelConcierge Fact: In the foyer there are worn out sections on the marble floor. This is where people used to line up and walk in line to pay their taxes.
New York Stock Exchange
What: This is the 'heartbeat' of finance in New York. The building was opened in 1903. There is no public access, however, many people pose for photographs in front of this progressive building. A great angle to take a picture is up the top of the stairs of Federal Hall.
Where: 20 Broad St. Off Wall St.
How to get there: Rector St. Station then walk down Rector St. and turn left towards Trinity church and cross over to Wall St. Walk down Wall st. and take your first right which is Broad St. The Stock Exchange is on your right.
World Trade Centre Memorial, Museum and Survivor Tree
What: The former site of the World Trade Centre site that was attacked on September 11, 2001. For the 3 sites, the address and how to get there are all the same.
Where: 200 Liberty St. (where it meets Greenwich St.)
How to get there: Fulton St or Park Place Station.
World Trade Centre Memorial
What: This touching memorial is in the footsteps of where the Twin Towers stood. Around the outside are the names of those that died on September 11, 2001. The water fountains are the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.
Cost: Free to view
The Travel Concierge Fact: As well as the names of people that died during the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, there are also the names of those who died during the 1993 bombing.
Survivor Tree
What: In the aftermath of 9/11, a tree was found- burnt, broken but still alive. It was carefully and painstakingly removed and passed over to Parks and Recreation. It was placed back in 2010 and is a symbol of hope and resilience for all who come to see it. There are guides near the tree that will tell you more of the Survivor Tree's history.
Where: In the forecourt next to the Memorials.
Cost: Free to view
What: The ultimate museum for anyone who watched the Twin Towers were attacked and fell and want to see many of the things they saw on TV first hand. To see the telecommunication tower in front of you, or one of the crushed Fire trucks is very moving. I felt very emotional, but also felt a sense of closure on my feelings about 9/11. My favourite section was the Survivor's steps and the middle section where you get an up close and intimate look into the lives of those who died and were injured- viewing their personal possessions, hearing their last phone calls home recorded on answering machines. For a more detailed description of the exhibition go here.
Cost: For current costs look here.
The Travel Concierge tip:
- If you have children, have one parent take them around the outer area of the museum (bottom floor) while the other parent looks through the inner area to gauge whether you think that it is suitable for your children.
- Look at the Memorial fountains first and choose a name. Take a photo/video specifically of that name. When you go inside the museum, there is an area where you can find out more about each person. You can look up the name you took the photo of and it becomes so much more personal to you.
Freedom Tower and One World Observatory
What: This amazing building is not just awes inspiring to look at , but built to withstand any attack. There are amazing documentaries that outline the measures the architects took to ensure that if this building was targetted, it would not come down. Security is tight here, understandably. For a full list of prohibited items look here. Note only single strollers that can be folded up are permitted. No back-packs/ bags can be taken up either. For a detailed look at what the experience will be, here is a link to the official Freedom Tower experience website.
Where: 285 Fulton St.
The cost to go up in the Observation level: For current prices go here.
Century 21 Department Store
22 Cortland St.(near Church St)
Famous for: Designer clothes and accessories at really cheap prices. Their website is found here.
The Charging Bull
What: This Bronze Bull is representative of a 'Bull Market'It is said to give you good luck if you rub your hand up against this Bronze sculpture. People come at all times to get a photo with the Bull. Some of the positions people pose with the bull are really funny.
Where: on a raised concrete section near 15 Broadway (Bowling Green)
How to get there: Catch the Metro to Bowling Green Station. Walk North up Broadway. Where the 2 roads converge to one is where the statue is.
The Travel Concierge Fact: The sculptor of the Charging Bull delivered his charging bull in front of the NY Stock exchange late one night in December 1989. He said it was to represent the New York people's tenacity after the 1987 Stockmarket Crash. It was removed but later placed in its current spot.
Battery Park
What:The park area along the Hudson River. You can take a long walk around the park and see the harbour and on weekends and holidays see all the locals out and about. This is where you come to get out to the Statue of Liberty and to go out on the Staten Island Ferry.There are parks and playgrounds as well as a pier with million dollar boats docked.The merchandise carts are a great place to pick up souvenirs. You can buy the famous New York pretzels here, but have a drink handy, as they are very salty.
Where: Right down the tip of the Financial District.
How to get there: Catch the subway to South Ferry station
The Travel Concierge Fact
Battery Park is man-made. It became the solution to what would be done with the incredible amount of landfill from building the Twin Towers. It has been recently upgraded and restored as some of it was starting to sink away.
The Travel Concierge Tip
You will most probably see squirrels here, but treat them the same as you would our possums if you saw them in the wild. Carefully!
Don't forget to look out for the seats where Will Smith sat while contemplating whether to be an MIB agent.
The "Sphere"
What: This sculpture by Fritz Koenig was commissioned to be placed between the Twin Towers.When the Twin Towers came down, it was found damaged but not completely ruined. It now stands in Battery Park to represent that the American people cannot be crushed.
Where: Battery Park
How to get there: If you stand between Castle Clinton in Battery Park and the ocean, it is around to your right.
South Street Seaport
What: This area was once the centre of 19th Century sailing life. It was restored and transformed into a lovely shopping, dining and entertainment quarter. TKTS Downtown location is here.The live feed of the TKTS electronic board showing what shows they have tickets for is found here. The shopping directory is here. The Dining directory is here. There is also a Museum that displays a number of interesting maritime items found in the area. The website is here.
Where: 199 Water St. Near Fulton St.
How to get there: Fulton St Station is nearby. You can then head down Fulton St. in the opposite direction to where the Freedom Towers are. You will get to the end of Fulton St. and be at South Street Seaport.
The "Sphere"
What: This sculpture by Fritz Koenig was commissioned to be placed between the Twin Towers.When the Twin Towers came down, it was found damaged but not completely ruined. It now stands in Battery Park to represent that the American people cannot be crushed.
Where: Battery Park
How to get there: If you stand between Castle Clinton in Battery Park and the ocean, it is around to your right.
South Street Seaport
What: This area was once the centre of 19th Century sailing life. It was restored and transformed into a lovely shopping, dining and entertainment quarter. TKTS Downtown location is here.The live feed of the TKTS electronic board showing what shows they have tickets for is found here. The shopping directory is here. The Dining directory is here. There is also a Museum that displays a number of interesting maritime items found in the area. The website is here.
Where: 199 Water St. Near Fulton St.
How to get there: Fulton St Station is nearby. You can then head down Fulton St. in the opposite direction to where the Freedom Towers are. You will get to the end of Fulton St. and be at South Street Seaport.
Museum of Jewish Heritage
What: A living memorial to the Holocaust depicted through personal artifacts, photos and film. The website with hours and exhibition information is found here.
Where: 36 Battery Pl. near 1st Place.
How to get there: Catch the subway to South Ferry Station and walk north along the water side of battery Park.
Cost: Adults $12Seniors/students $7 Children 12 and under free
The Travel Concierge tip:
-The Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday, so the museum is closed each Saturday.
- Museum entry is free every Wednesday from 4-8pm.
Castle Clinton
What: Castle Clinton has been re-birthed a number of times since its original purpose of being a Cannon post to guard New York from the Brittish. It has been an entertainment quarter, and aquarium and now is the place you buy tickets to go out on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Where: Battery Park
How to get there: South Ferry Station
The Travel Concierge tip:
-Your children can complete their Junior Park Ranger program here and be sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger and receive a badge and certificate. This booklet is not available online.
-We always get our children to research as much about the location as they can before they even leave home.
- Museum entry is free every Wednesday from 4-8pm.
Castle Clinton
What: Castle Clinton has been re-birthed a number of times since its original purpose of being a Cannon post to guard New York from the Brittish. It has been an entertainment quarter, and aquarium and now is the place you buy tickets to go out on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Where: Battery Park
How to get there: South Ferry Station
The Travel Concierge tip:
-Your children can complete their Junior Park Ranger program here and be sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger and receive a badge and certificate. This booklet is not available online.
-We always get our children to research as much about the location as they can before they even leave home.
Statue of Liberty
What: The Famous landmark that welcomed so many immigrants into New York. There is
a museum inside the statue with some moving videos, photos and letters from immigrants
It is well worth spending time in this museum to learn some really interesting facts about
the not so smooth construction of this world famous statue.
a museum inside the statue with some moving videos, photos and letters from immigrants
It is well worth spending time in this museum to learn some really interesting facts about
the not so smooth construction of this world famous statue.
Where: Liberty Island
How to get there: Catch the subway to South Ferry Station and walk through Battery Park to Castle Clinton Ticket Box to get tickets for the return trip Ferry to the island.
Cost: For current costs go here. If you want to go up to the Crown, you can purchase these
tickets 6 months in advance. They do book out weeks and even months in advance during
peak times. I would highly recommend this tour however not if you are unfit or unable to
climb 354 steps and then descend them. Some areas are quite narrow. An easier alternative
would be the Reserve with Pedestal. I would suggest you book via the site in this section as
you ensure you have tickets and don't have to line up for tickets.
The Travel Concierge Fact:
-The Statue is made of Copper, so it should be brown in colour. The salt water turns the copper green.
-The star shaped base that the Statue is on was not made for the statue. It was originally a star-shaped fort that they built the statue on top of.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-Junior Park Ranger Program available here. The booklet can be downloaded here.
-You can hire lockers over on Liberty Island if you are going into the pedestal or up to the crown.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-Junior Park Ranger Program available here. The booklet can be downloaded here.
-You can hire lockers over on Liberty Island if you are going into the pedestal or up to the crown.
Ellis Island
What: Between 1892 and 1954, about 12 million steerage and third class passengers entering the USA at New York were legally and medically inspected on Ellis Island. The island was re-opened in 1990 with the main building having been restored as a museum dedicated to the history of immigration during the 19th and 20th Centuries.
Where: Ellis Island
How to get there: The ferry that takes you out to the Statue of Liberty returns to Battery Park via Ellis Island. You can hop off here and then catch the next ferry back. Ferries leave approximately every half-hour throughout the day.
Cost: Free after you've paid for the ferry (see above)
The Travel Concierge tip:
There is a new tour that is a 'hard hat' tour of Ellis island. It is a 3 hour guided tour through previously inaccessible areas. the details are found here.
The Travel Concierge tip:
There is a new tour that is a 'hard hat' tour of Ellis island. It is a 3 hour guided tour through previously inaccessible areas. the details are found here.
Staten Island Ferry
What: A great way to see the Harbour, city and Statue of Liberty from the water for free.The
island itself is a lovely place to stroll around or take a picnic lunch to eat over there.
Where: The ferry leaves from Battery Park
How to get there: Catch the subway to South Ferry Station and walk down to
Cost: FREE
Brooklyn Bridge
What: This amazing bridge is so much more than how stunning it looks up against the NY skyline. The history behind its construction and the true story of 21 Elephants from Barnum's Circus that travelled across the bridge trunk to tail so that the people of Brooklyn and Manhattan would trust that it was strong enough for them to travel across. Look out for the plaque dedicated to Emily Roebling. Her father was the chief engineer on the build, but after he died, her husband was in charge of the construction of the Bridge He developed Caisson's disease (the bends) from the process of checking on the construction of the bridge. She then took over the construction- amazing for a woman to be in charge in the 1870's.
How to get here: I suggest catching the subway to High St. Station in Brooklyn Heights and then after exploring DUMBO walk across the bridge towards Manhattan.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-Before you go, read the books "21 Elephants" and "The Brooklyn Bridge- the story of the World's most famous bridge and the family who built it." This will help you to understand a great history of this bridge.
-When walking across the bridge, be very mindful of the VERY fast cyclists who speed across the bridge in the lane next to the pedestrian lane. They are commuting from one side to the other and are rarely patient if a tourist steps out into their lane. Be extra watchful of children.
DUMBO
What: DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.If you are walking from Manhattan, take the first exit stairs down to Washington St.
While here check these things out:
-Walk down the historic cobblestone streets in the square around John St., North York, Main St, and Bridge St.
-Get an iconic shot of Brooklyn Bridge by standing on the intersection of Washinton and Water Street looking down Water St.
-Grimaldi's Famous Pizza-
1 Front St. Brooklyn
The Menu is found here.
-Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory-
Pier 11/ Wall St.
The Menu is found here.
-Walk along the foreshore in The Brooklyn Bridge Park. In warmer weather you can hire a bike to ride around this scenic area. Walking gives just as nice a view.
-Jane's Carousel-
In the Brooklyn Bridge Park to the right of Water St. if you are looking towards Manhattan. At only $2 a ride...go on, you know you want to! (closed Tuesdays in Summer and opened Thurs-Sun in colder weather. Check here to avoid disappointment.
-Shopping- there are some great quaint one-off shops to explore in Brooklyn.
-Explore.
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