Lower Manhattan Guided Tour with Skip the Line 9/11 Museum Entry

After arriving at the meeting point you will start your tour with a brief highlight about Castle Clinton, a landmark representing not only the city’s growth but the growth of the nation. Built from 1808 to 1811, it was the first U.S immigration station where more than 8 million people arrived in the United States between 1855 to 1890.

From here, you will see the New York Harbour, part of the port of the New York. Lying at the mouth of the Hudson river, it is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.

Next you will pass the Seaglass Carousel, a fish-themed carousel that represents a symbol of recovery in the area, which suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. You will be able to appreciate the carousel’s design, as design along with construction took nearly a decade.

Next you will visit Bowling Green, New York’s City’s oldest park. According to tradition, this small public park served as the council ground for Native American tribes and was also the site of the sale of Manhattan in 1626 to Peter Minuit.

During the tour you will also visit the Charging Bull, a bronze structure created by the Artist Arturo Di Modica who illegally dropped the sculpture outside the New York Stock Exchange. The sculpture became an instant hit as soon as it was set up at Bowling Green.

Next you will visit Trinity Church, a historic parish church which began in 1696, located near the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway. During your visit you will see the graves of Mr and Ms Hamilton in the Trinity churchyard, along with the monument dedicated to them near their resting place.

You will then walk along the Wall Street, the renowned eight-block-long street running through Lower Manhattan. Known for its role in the international financial system, it is easily one of the most famous streets in the world.

During your time on Wall Street you will see the exterior of the New York Stock Exchange, the world’s largest stock exchange. Founded in 1792, it is now a designated National Historic Landmark.

In front of the New York Stock Exchange, you will see what is known as the Fearless Girl, a bronze statue by Kristen Visbal which depicts a four-foot tour girl. The statue is considered by many to symbolize and promote female empowerment.

Continuing down Wall Street, you will also see the exterior of the House of Morgan, an office building formerly owned by J.P. Morgan & Co. Built in 1913, the building is known for its classical architecture and was designated a New York City landmark in 1965.

You will also visit Federal Hall, the name given to the first of two historic buildings located at 26 Wall Street. While the original Greek Revival structure was completed in 1703, the current structure built in 1842 is one of the best examples of neoclassical architecture in New York.

Afterwards, you will make your way to St Paul’s Chapel, a chapel part of the Parish of Trinity Church Wall Street. It was considered a “chapel-of-ease for those who did not want to walk a few blocks to Trinity. Upon completion in 1766, it was the tallest building in New York City.

From here, you will make your way to Zuccotti Park, formerly known as Liberty Plaza Park. The park was heavily damaged in the 9/11 attacks and underwent subsequent recovery efforts. The plaza is now used as the site of several events commemorating the anniversary of the attack.

Next you will see One World Trade Center, otherwise known as the Freedom Tower. The tallest building in New York, it stands today where the Twin Towers once towered over the city.

You will then pay a visit to the National September 11 Memorial, a tribute of the remembrance and honor of those killed in 9/11. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. Here you will see the names of every person who died in the attack, inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial Pools. Your tour will conclude with skip-the-line entry to the 9/11 Museum (museum will be UNGUIDED, you can explore on your own)