This tour is designed to be a completely free, self-guided experience that puts you in control. Instead of paying for a traditional tour, you can download this innovative software from website https://www.gpsmycity.com/
and activate a three-day trial at no cost. Once activated, the program uses your device’s location to automatically identify and highlight points of interest in your immediate vicinity. With detailed information available in both text and voice format, you can learn fascinating facts about each location at your own pace. The app also provides clear, turn-by-turn directions, guiding you on the most efficient paths to each site, allowing you the freedom to explore at your leisure without the pressure of a group or a rigid schedule.
Or you can take the tour described below and book additional travel companion services, including photography, medical assistance, skill training, and web development.
A Rich Historical Tapestry:
The area’s history dates back to the Lenape Native Americans, who originally inhabited the land. Dutch settlers established New Amsterdam in the early 17th century, and the Dutch West India Company built Fort Amsterdam on a hill overlooking the harbor. By the late 17th century, artillery batteries were constructed along the shore to protect the settlement, giving the area its enduring name.
Throughout the centuries, The Battery has witnessed significant events:
Attractions and Activities:
(30 min)
It is an iconic, fare-free passenger ferry service operated by the New York City Department of Transportation. It runs 24/7, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island. The most significant advantage is that it’s completely free to ride! This makes it a very popular choice for both commuters and tourists. Spectacular Views: The journey, which takes about 25 minutes each way, offers incredible, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and New Jersey’s waterfront. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every 30 minutes from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry), located at the southern tip of Manhattan.
(total time of event with waiting time is 1,5 hours)
The National Museum of the American Indian is located inside the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at One Bowling Green. The museum occupies a portion of the building, which also houses other federal government offices. It’s a great example of historic preservation, as the museum moved into the restored Custom House in 1994. Iconic Sculptures: The exterior is adorned with several notable works of art. Most famous are the four monumental limestone statues titled “The Four Continents” by Daniel Chester French, who also sculpted the Lincoln Memorial. The statues represent America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. There are also 12 marble statues representing major seafaring nations above the columns.
(40 min)
(10min)
This historic Episcopal church, located at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and a peaceful respite from the surrounding bustle. The churchyard is the final resting place of notable historical figures, including Alexander Hamilton.
(30 min)
The name “Wall Street” originated in the 17th century when Dutch settlers built a wooden wall to defend their settlement of New Amsterdam from Native Americans and English invaders. The wall was dismantled in 1699, but the name stuck. The street became a gathering place for merchants and traders, leading to the signing of the Buttonwood Agreement in 1792, which laid the foundation for the New York Stock Exchange. While many of the financial buildings are not open to the public, the area itself is a fascinating walk. Here’s what you can see: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): Located at the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street. While the trading floor is closed to the public, the exterior is a classic photo-op. The Charging Bull: This massive bronze sculpture of a bull, located in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street, is a powerful symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity. Federal Hall National Memorial: Standing on the site where George Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. President, this building is now a free museum and a tribute to the nation’s early government. Fearless Girl Statue: This famous bronze statue of a girl standing defiantly, hands on her hips, was originally placed to face the Charging Bull. It now stands in front of the New York Stock Exchange, symbolizing the power of women in leadership.
(30 min)
The 9/11 Memorial is a public park with no admission fee. You’ll be able to walk around the two large reflecting pools that sit in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. This time allows you to read the names of the victims inscribed around the edges of the pools and to have a moment of reflection.
(30 min)
The main lobby of One World Trade Center and the stunning Oculus transportation hub are free to enter. You can walk through the Oculus to appreciate its unique architecture and shop or get a coffee. You can also see the exterior of One World Trade Center, which is a major part of the skyline.
(30 min)
Built in 1766, it’s the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan and famously served as a relief center after 9/11.
(30 min)
Without reservation you can see The Exterior Architecture: You can admire the beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture of City Hall from the outside. It’s a stunning building with a prominent dome and is surrounded by City Hall Park. The Building’s Surroundings: The area around City Hall is historically significant and offers excellent views. You can walk through City Hall Park, which is a public space and offers great photo opportunities of the building. The Lobby (Potentially): While access beyond the main lobby might be restricted without a tour, you can usually enter the building through security to see the grand rotunda lobby.
Walk towards the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side for a quick view or a short walk onto it.
(1,5 hours)
It is a prominent public square located in the Civic Center district of Lower Manhattan, New York City. It serves as a significant governmental and judicial hub for the city and the state.
It is Civic and Judicial Center: It’s the heart of New York’s judicial system. Surrounding the square are many federal, state, and city government buildings, including: New York County Supreme Court: A major courthouse for New York State. Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse: Houses federal courts and is an impressive example of Beaux-Arts architecture. New York City Office of the Mayor: (though the main executive offices are now at City Hall, the area remains a seat of government). Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Historical Significance: The area has a long history, with colonial-era streets converging here. It’s named after Thomas F. Foley, a Tammany Hall district leader in the late 19th century.
Architectural Interest: The buildings around Foley Square are architectural landmarks, many featuring grand Beaux-Arts and classical designs. The contrast between these historic structures and the modern presence of courthouses creates a visually striking environment.
Monuments and Memorials:
African Burial Ground National Monument: This is a very important site located near Foley Square. It preserves a 6.3-acre burial ground that was used by free and enslaved Africans in colonial New York. The National Monument includes a memorial, an interpretive center, and the historic African Grove Cemetery.
Columbus Park: A nearby park, it’s a lively public space, often filled with people playing chess, practicing Tai Chi, or simply enjoying the outdoors. It’s located on the edge of Chinatown.
(1,5 hours)
12.
56 Leonard St, New York, NY 10013
or
Built in 1887, the Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first grand house of worship erected in the United States by Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Open Sunday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Saturdays and major Jewish holidays. Adults: $15. “Pay What You Wish” days: Admission is often “pay what you wish” on Mondays and Fridays
(20 min)
You can order additional services of a Travel Companion, including photography, medical assistance, learning new skills, and web development.
Photos and videos are taken throughout the tour and delivered by email or uploaded to platforms like Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or a personal website.
We will be able to provide photography and video recording and editing services. The video files will be professionally captured and then carefully edited to create a polished final product. Once the editing is complete, the files will be compressed and prepared for digital delivery. The final photos and videos will be sent to your email address, ensuring the total size of the files remains under 1GB for convenient download and sharing. This process ensures that you receive high-quality video content that is both ready for use and easy to access.
Map Links:
https://visitnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Manhattan-Bus-Map.pdf
https://visitnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NYC-Ferry-System-Map.pdf
Our tours go beyond just walking. We combine guided walks through both famous and hidden neighborhoods with the use of public transportation, providing an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of New Yorkers. Furthermore, we include a unique photography and web developer service to prepare an internet gallery for you, featuring unlimited photos and videos from your tour.
The tours include visits to some of the city's top museums, parks, and exhibitions. Depending on the season and specific tour, you might also have the opportunity to attend special concerts or performances.
It is not included. You will use OMNY. It offers a 7-day fare cap where the 13th ride within a 7-day period is free after reaching $34 in fares by using the same tap-to-pay method. You can use credit card or phone with the OMNY system, as the system automatically calculates when you've reached the $34 weekly cap and then provides free rides for the rest of the week.
Yes! We capture photos and videos for you throughout the tour. We'll send them to you directly via email or upload them to your preferred online platform, such as Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, your personal website, or YouTube. Additionally, we offer a specialized service to prepare a private internet gallery with unlimited photos and videos from your experience.
Your comfort and safety are a priority. We also ensure that your travel insurance is purchased for you once you book a tour. This covers you in case of any medical emergencies or unforeseen events.