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NYC: Downtown Tour & Optional One World Observatory Ticket

1. NYC: Downtown Tour & Optional One World Observatory Ticket

Welcome to New York, the city that never sleeps! Get a real feel for the city as you take to its streets and subways with a local guide and experience what Manhattan has to offer. Your full-day tour begins when you meet your guide in Times Square, at the statue of renowned lyricist and composer George M. Cohan. Hear about the history of Times Square and learn how a horse trading market became the most famous intersection in the world. Head out along New York’s Theater District, which for a hundred years has been the center of the world for actors, playwrights, and artists from around the globe. Visit 30 Rockefeller Center and continue east to Fifth Avenue, the world's most expensive street, lined with elegant storefronts such as Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. Stop to admire Patrick’s Cathedral, the New York Public Library, and the Chrysler Building before stepping beneath the arching dome of Grand Central, where there’s a stop to buy lunch with choices for most dietary restrictions.  After lunch you’ll hop on the subway like a true New Yorker and head downtown to Wall Street, where you can rub the nose of the Wall Street Bull for good luck! Walk through the financial capital of the world and head to Battery Park, where the ferry awaits to show you the Statue of Liberty. The Staten Island ferry will not stop on Liberty Island, but will sail past it for a view of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline. Upon returning, your guide will take you to visit the 9/11 Memorial. At the conclusion of your tour you will be admitted to The Observatory at the One World Trade Center Tower (also know as "Freedom Tower"). This panoramic observation deck is a marvel of engineering and architecture. The program begins in the lobby of the Freedom Tower with "Voices" - a film dedicated to the men and women of the World Trade Towers and the new One World Trade Center. You will then take the "Sky Pod" elevator, which rises 1,250 feet in the air in 60 seconds. The Observation Deck begins on the 102nd floor with the See Forever Theater and moves down to the 100th floor, where the main observation deck is situated. Immersive LED displays, interactive touch screen video, and dining options mean there's plenty to do, but the true draw is the view - hundreds of feet above even the impressive New York Skyline stretching across all of Manhattan. The Itinerary Times Square Broadway Theater District Rockefeller Center St. Patrick’s Cathedral Fifth Ave Shops New York Public Library Chrysler Building Grand Central Terminal New York City Subway Charging Bull Alexander Hamilton Customs House Canyon of Heroes/Ticker Tape Parade Route Brooklyn Bridge Statue of Liberty and NYC Skyline via Staten Island Ferry Trinity Church National 9/11 Memorial Wall Street New York Stock Exchange Federal Hall One World Observatory (ticket included)

NYC Like A New Yorker Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle

2. NYC Like A New Yorker Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle

See everything New York City has to offer at your own pace with a bundled pack of 6 self-guided walking tours. See the Central Park Zoo, stroll through Times Square, and explore the Grand Central Terminal with your Action Tour Guide app. Your tour of Central Park begins at the corner of 5th and 59th and takes you through the best spots in this historic park. Stop at the Central Park Zoo and meander along the famous, tree-lined mall. Visit the famous statues which dot the park, honoring everyone from Shakespeare to Balto. Snap photos at Bethesda Terrace, a beautiful piece of architecture, then head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Begin your Midtown tour at the busy Columbus Circle. Head to the iconic NYC landmarks of Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. Stroll down Fifth Avenue and window shop in the high-end stores. As you tour, learn about the city's history and the wealthy families who built many of its famous buildings. Finish your Midtown walking tour with a visit to New York’s most iconic skyscraper: the Empire State Building. Start the Grand Central Terminal tour outside and marvel at the stunning architecture. Head inside and tour the terminal, from its opulent upper levels to the speakeasy-style Oyster Bar below. As you walk through the vast Main Concourse and admire the constellation ceiling, hear the Station's fascinating history, including the multimillion-dollar rivalry between the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Your tour of Wall Street begins near Fraunces Tavern, a historic building from the revolutionary period. See the Charging Bull statue and the New York Stock Exchange while learning about the financial district’s seedy underbelly. Hear about Ponzi schemes, famous embezzlers, and thieves who faked their own deaths. Finish your tour with a somber visit to the 9/11 Memorial and see the towering One World Trade Center up close. Start your Battery Park walking tour in the park itself and enjoy the stunning view of the Statue of Liberty. As you stroll, learn the history of this iconic American symbol, including how it got here in the first place. Continue through the park and see its other famous monuments, including the SeaGlass Carousel. Discover Brooklyn on a self-guided tour starting in the center of the DUMBO neighborhood. Stroll through the borough, see New York’s hippest spots, and learn their history. Walk past the homes of famous authors Truman Capote and Norman Mailer and the hotel where a famous Godfather scene was filmed. Stop by a pair of pizza joints with a long-lived rivalry and enjoy beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

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What people are saying about Grand Central Terminal

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 240 reviews

This tour was exactly what we were looking for - an experience that wasn't on a bus, but rather something that allowed us to get a feel for NYC. Our guide was Mindy, and we really enjoyed her. She was full of knowledge and fun facts. Our love of theater and movies fit right in with interests too. She made us feel like we were with a relative who was showing us all the touristy highlights - which is exactly what we wanted! Would definitely recommend this tour.

Thank you for a very nice and enjoyable tour with our fantastic guide Rob! Recommend to make this tour early on your trip, to get good tips around the city. Rob has so much knowledge, and is a really good communicator. Thank you!! (From the Norwegians :) )

It was a great experience! For a person traveling to New York for the first time, I recommend this tour. The super friendly and very well explained guide gave us a good time to have lunch and the places seen were really impressive!

Our tour guide Mindy C. was fantastic. She was funny, knowledgeable, and personable. We hit all the highlights of NYC at a good pace. I would highly recommend this tour if you have to day to spare. It took 7 hours, but it flew by!

Good walking, explanations by the tourist guide. We took the subway and enjoy all the experience.