Top 9 Things to Do Near the World Trade Center for Tourists

What are the best things to do around this poignant NYC memorial?
By Casey Makovich

9/11 is one of the most important events in New York's recent history and visiting Ground Zero is a must-do. To help you plan your day, read our round-up of the best attractions in the area.

For tourists in New York City who want to learn more about the events of 9/11 and pay their respects, there are lots of ways to learn about the events leading up to 9/11, the day of, and the aftermath, all right near the World Trade Center.

Plus, there are plenty of non-9/11 related things to do as well. Check out everything from sailing and boating to sculptures and shopping near the World Trade Center.

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9/11 Memorial & Museum

9/11 Memorial and Museum

For an in-depth look at 9/11, visit the National September 11 Memorial Museum. More than 110,000 square feet of space is dedicated to artifacts, displays, and archives depicting the 9/11 attacks. At the museum, the most notable display is part of a retaining wall that survived from the World Trade Center, which is now located in Foundation Hall. At the 9/11 Memorial, you can read the names of everyone who perished due to the terrorist attacks.

9/11 Tribute Museum

At the 9/11 Tribute Museum, tourists can connect with the community of victims who suffered directly during the attacks on the World Trade Center. Read personal stories from everyone from recovery workers and first responders to people who lost loved ones. This is a place to watch videos, read letters, and simply learn more about the loss that occurred in the lower Manhattan community during 9/11. It is an ideal way to begin your personal tour of the area surrounding the World Trade Center. 

Getting in: 9/11 Tribute Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass.

One World Observatory

Man looks out at NYC

After spending time in remembrance of 9/11, it’s time to elevate your mood—quite literally. At the One World Observatory, located within the One World Trade Center, you'll get sky-high views of Manhattan. This is the tallest building in all of the Western Hemisphere, and tourists can see views from the observation deck. Ride the SkyPod elevator all the way to its zenith where you are greeted by three floors of exhibits, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities of the entire NYC expanse.

Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (free)

Now it’s time to regain your land legs with a stroll along the famous NYC Greenway better known as the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. This expansive city park features bicycle rentals for tourists, as well as green spaces for nature walks and picnic opportunities. Highlights at the park include the Grecian Temple, Little Red Lighthouse, and the Battery within view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The Hudson River Park and Stuyvesant Cove are equally impressive for nature lovers.

Brookfield Place (free)

Brookfield Place

Located within the World Financial Center, Brookfield Place is a high-end shopping mall in the heart of Lower Manhattan. It's located near the 9/11 Tribute and 9/11 Museum & Memorial. In addition to window browsing, you can explore a number of amenities at Brookfield. There is seasonal ice skating at The Rink and workout sessions at Equinox. Brookfield Place is also home to dozens of fabulous dining opportunities.

Silverstein Family Park (free)

After all the tasty treats you've eaten at Brookfield, check out Silverstein Family Park. This urban refuge is located at the base of 7 World Trade Center. The artwork displayed here adds to the tranquility of the 5,000 square feet of open plaza, nestled within trees and greenery. It's the perfect place to rest your weary tourist feet after a long day.

St. Paul's Chapel (free)

Trinity Church

If you are looking to feel inspired, just add St. Paul’s Chapel, also known as Trinity Church, to your list of places to see in NYC near the World Trade Center. This chapel, built in 1766, was once used by George Washington for prayers. However, the real reason it is such a wondrous site is because of its location.

The chapel sits across the street from one of the World Trade Center towers. Yet on 9/11, the chapel received no damage, not even a cracked window. St. Paul’s served exhausted firefighters as a place of rest and refuge. Visitors are welcomed in this historic and awe-inspiring chapel today.

Red Cube

As you round out your tour near the World Trade Center, it’s time to take a selfie. What better place to do this than the Red Cube? Situated in Zuccotti Park, which is more of a plaza, the Red Cube is one of the most famous sculptures in Manhattan.

Built in 1968 by artist Isamu Noguchi, the cube sits positioned on a corner. More notably, it features a hole through the center that offers the perfect frame for any tourist’s photo. The surrounding park is regularly the host of food trucks, so it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the vibrant flavors of New York City.

Looking at NYC skyline

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intrepid school trip
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School Trip Attractions in New York

Teachers, assemble! Are you looking to take your kids on a trip to New York? Are you hoping they'll learn more than a textbook will ever teach them? Do you simply need to get out of the classroom before you have a nervous breakdown? Never fear; we're here with our recommendations for the best school trip attractions in New York! Read on, and get inspired; the children are our future, after all. Including: Empire State Building 9/11 Memorial and Museum American Museum of Natural History Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island The Museum of Modern Art and more! Higher State of Learning The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmarks, and that alone may be enough to take your class there. The views from the 86th floor are breathtaking, and let you look down on the entire city. But there's learning to be had there too, thanks to the building's new interactive museum. Over 12 galleries, your kids will learn all about the building's history - when it was conceived, how it was built, and the work that has gone into it over the years to keep it updated. You can even take them to the observation deck on the 102nd floor, but that will set you back extra. And really, are they worth it? That's for you to decide. Never Forget Sometimes, learning can be fun, and other times, not so much. However, that doesn't mean the latter isn't any less important. In the wake of the tragedies in 1993 and 2001, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum was erected, ensuring that future generations never forget. It might not be fun, but it's an important turning point in the history of not just America, but the world as well. The memorial commemorates the nearly 3000 victims who lost their lives during the attacks, as well as the first responders who put their lives on the line to save many more. Then, once your class has paid their respects, you can explore the museum, where they'll experience the entire story of 9/11 through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Awe-inspiring History Nothing fascinates kids quite like the ancient behemoths that used to walk our planet. So why not tickle their curiosity with a trip to the American Museum of Natural History? Over 5 million history fanatics visit every year, so do yourself a favor and let your kids join them! They'll gawp at the 94-foot whale, the 563-carat Star of India sapphire, and the 2000-year-old giant Sequoia tree. But there's plenty more to see too. In the Earth and Space halls, they'll get up close and personal with meteorites while they learn about space exploration. Or head to the Human and Culture halls to help them learn about humankind's origins, and how we spread out across multiple continents way back when. Easily one of the best school trip attractions in New York, as it covers such a massive length of history and species! Lady Liberty Another of New York's most prominent landmarks, and arguably its most famous, is the Statue of Liberty. So why not take your learning clan across to Ellis Island by ferry and explore the beauty up close? Stoll around the Statue of Liberty National Monument and let them take some quick social snaps from ground level. Then, enter the statue itself and learn all about its history - from its construction to its meaning, and where it came from. There are a wealth of interactive exhibits and artifacts for them to enjoy up close, such as a copper model of the lady's face. Then, if you have time, take them to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about how immigrants helped make New York the city is today. After all that, hop on the ferry back to the mainland and pat yourself on the back for an amazing day out they won't soon forget! MoMA Lisa The art teachers out there might want to show your students how contemporary artists get it done. If so, take your class to the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA. It houses one of the best collections of modern art on the planet, including some instantly recognizable pieces. Van Gogh's Starry Night and Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans are arguably the highlights, but there are many more pieces by world-renowned modern artists too. Monet, Gauguin, Seurat, and Cézanne are just some of the many artists celebrated at this magnificent museum. If you're taking your art class on a school trip to New York, this is one of the attractions that should be on top of your list! Image courtesy of Ark Neyman/Shutterstock City History Of course, with all the learning and history available in New York, you may want your class to learn more about the city itself. If so, head to the New York Historical Society Museum & Library, and learn more about this crazy city we call the Big Apple. They'll explore artifacts from throughout the city's history, from 16th-century arrows to 3000-year-old-toys. It's a quirky and disparate collection, for sure, but that's just what New York deserves! Besides all the older historical items, they'll find exhibits dedicated to pop culture, NYC's links to celebrity and cinema, and in the Center for Women's History, how important a role women played in the New York we know and love today. New York has a fascinating history, and you'll find it all here and more! War on the Water And finally, we'll end our list of the best school trip attractions in New York with a floating paradise of information. That's because our final recommendation, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and Space Shuttle, is uniquely housed on an old aircraft carrier! The Intrepid was a WWII vessel that survived torpedo strikes and kamikaze attacks, and now, you can explore the history of America's maritime warfare over its massive 150,000 square feet. Your kids will get up close with 28 aircraft and helicopters from throughout the 20th century, the space shuttle Enterprise, and a submarine called a Growler. Don't ask. And those are our recommendations for school trip attractions in New York! Wherever you take them, we hope they have fun.
Dom Bewley
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10 Things to Do in NYC With Kids on Vacation

Choosing just 10 activities and landmarks to see on your New York City vacation is a challenging proposition, but these 10 tourist venues in Manhattan and around its five boroughs are some of the best things to do in NYC with kids on vacation (that the adults will enjoy, too). From educational museums to amusement parks and one-of-a-kind attractions, your New York City vacation will inevitably include some of the most well-known landmarks in the entire world. Here are a few of the best and brightest attractions NYC has to offer your family. Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Get on the Big Bus New York: Hop-on Hop-off Tour The fully-narrated Big Bus New York sightseeing tour lasts about 2.5 hours and will show your family many of the famous venues of New York City. The access and information it offers about all of NYC's tourist attractions are invaluable for getting the most out of your Manhattan vacation. The bus travels along 25 stops around its New York City loop, and your family may hop-on or hop-off as many times as you want, whenever you're close to one of the NYC attractions you'd like to experience. Some of the sights you'll see on your tour include Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. Getting in: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. Get Goosebumps at the Empire State Building Each year, millions of adventurers travel to the top of the Empire State Building for an unparalleled view of New York City. Fun fact: Did you know that photographers point their cameras at the Empire State Building more often than any other building in the world? Not only is the Empire State Building an iconic part of the Manhattan skyline, but it's also a must-see part of your New York City vacation. The observation deck on the 86th floor will offer your family panoramic views of the city, as well as some of the best photo ops anywhere in town. Getting in: Empire State Building tickets are included on the New York Pass. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum If you only have a few days to spend in Manhattan, a trip across the water to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is a must. Take the ferry from Battery Park to Ellis Island and learn about the 12 million immigrants who came to the United States to live the American Dream. The Statue of Liberty will offer your family memorable photo opportunities, and the Immigration Museum will provide them with a valuable lesson on the history of immigration to America. Adventurous families may wish to climb the 354 steps to reach the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum and ferry tickets are included on The New York Pass. Please note: tickets for access to the pedestal and crown levels in the Statue of Liberty are sold separately and require advanced reservations. You will not be granted admission with The New York Pass. Explore and Learn at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is an important trip for any visitor to New York City. Even though the museum might not be the first place you think of for kid-friendly venues in New York City, the 9/11 Memorial organization does offer age-appropriate activities for children. On Saturdays, the museum features drop-in activity stations to help children understand and discuss the events of 9/11. The museum also offers art activities and self-guided exploration for children in the form of stories and symbolism. The museum also hosts guided programs for children in the summer led by local educators. Getting in: 9/11 Memorial & Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass. Discover the World at the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaurs are a favorite for millions of children, and the American Museum of Natural History is one of the most expansive museums in the world for natural history and dinosaurs. The museum features rotating exhibits from all facets of the planet's history, from human history to the history of the oceans. The museum offers several self-guided tours like the Dino Tour, the Earth and Space Tour, and the Whales Tour. You and your family may choose to wander around the museum exploring, or you may choose to participate in one of the special events occurring at the museum on the day of your visit. Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included on The New York Pass. Ride the Park with Central Park Bicycle Rentals & Tours Central Park covers 843 acres in the middle of Manhattan, and exploring the park from the seat of a bicycle is an excellent way to leave the cement behind for a few hours and enjoy a tree-filled urban adventure. Available bicycles include those sized for adults and children, as well as tandem bikes made for two riders. If your visit to Manhattan occurs in the warm months, consider taking a ride around the park and then eating a picnic lunch on the grass beneath the nearby skyline of Manhattan's skyscrapers. Enjoy a few minutes of sun and relaxation before heading back to the city for more adventures. Getting in: Central Park Bike Tour tickets and rentals are included with The New York Pass. Find Excitement at Luna Park at Coney Island Featuring rides, games, dining, and shops, Luna Park at Coney Island is an excellent way to relive your childhood memories of amusement parks while helping your children make new memories--it's one of the most fun things to do in NYC with kids. Various amusement parks have called Coney Island home since the 1880s. In recent years, the famous Brooklyn neighborhood has also become home to a professional soccer club and a minor league baseball team. After having your fill of classic amusement rides, games of chance, and fair food, take a walk along the beach and put your feet in the water for a few minutes if weather permits. Getting in: Luna Park at Coney Island 4-hour Ride wristband tickets are included with The New York Pass. Visit the First Museum for Kids: the Brooklyn Children's Museum Widely regarded as the first museum offering exhibits meant for children, the Brooklyn Children's Museum offers a rotating selection of exhibits to enjoy, as well as permanent displays for education and adventure. The museum features three whole floors of activities covering topics like science, food, nature, and the senses. The popular neighborhood nature exhibit features dioramas, a greenhouse, and live animals throughout the display. You might consider spending the morning at the Brooklyn Children's Museum for its educational value and then heading over to Luna Park at Coney Island for an afternoon of adventures. Getting in: the Brooklyn Children's Museum is not included on The New York Pass. Tickets are available for purchase upon arrival. Learn the History of New York City at the Rockefeller Center Tour If your visit to New York City will coincide with the winter holidays, visiting Rockefeller Center is all but required. With its famous ice rink and its similarly amazing Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center is the best place to enjoy New York City in the wintertime. The building also features terraces on its upper stories for views rivaling those of the Empire State Building. On the Rockefeller Center Tour, you and your family will learn about the building's 80 years of history through personal headsets, and you can spend some extra time at "Rock Center" exploring the stores, restaurants, and art exhibits throughout the famous NYC landmark. Getting in: Rockefeller Center Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. Staten Island Zoo Do your kids love snakes and reptiles? The Staten Island Zoo features one of the most comprehensive reptile collections in the world, and the zoo also offers special events each month and educational programs for kids. Habitats include the reptile wing, the leopard habitat, and the tropical forest wing. The zoo also features three enclosures housing magnificent birds of prey, a children's center, a "Kids Korral," and an Australia-themed exhibit of kangaroos. Getting in: Staten Island Zoo tickets are included with The New York Pass. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission Lots of the fun things to do in NYC with kids on vacation mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in going on guided tours of the city, going museum hopping, or getting out on the water, an NYC sightseeing vacation that the whole family will enjoy is easy to plan with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Casey Makovich
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Things to Do in NYC Under 21 on Vacation

For anyone that’s ever seen a movie or TV show based in New York City, one of the coolest things about “The City That Never Sleeps” seems to be the legendary nightlife, but don't be fooled; there's plenty of things to do under 21 in NYC. 10 Amazing Things to Do in NYC Under 21 on Vacation What are you supposed to do if you want to have the full NYC tourist experience but you’re under 21? Luckily, New York City is a culturally diverse and welcoming city with fun for tourists and visitors of all ages. So while it may seem like you have to miss out on some of the nightlife action, there’s plenty for you to see and do in the city, you won't even miss it! Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. 1. Big Bus New York   There are few better ways to get to know the city of New York than with the fully guided, comprehensive sightseeing Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour! This is the perfect start to any trip to The Big Apple because you’ll have access to all of the tops sights and iconic landmarks throughout the city. Your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide will be there to fill you in on all the rich history of NYC and make sure you’re ready to get out and explore. Getting in: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. 2. Central Park Bike Tours   Central Park is one of the true jewels of NYC and home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the US. This expansive park has lakes, sculptures, food, live performers and more. So what’s the best way to explore it all? On a bike of course! Choose from a comprehensive guided bike tour or rent a bike for yourself and head out on your own little adventure. Either way, you’re sure to marvel at all the different sights and sounds. Getting in: Central Park Bike Tour tickets and rentals are included with The New York Pass. 3. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum   Visit one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in the US with a trip out to Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty has represented freedom and hope for millions of Americans for decades and is one sight that shouldn't be missed on your trip to NYC. With breathtaking sights and a rich history that will leave you full of hope and awe, this iconic New York City tourist stop will be one to remember. Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum and ferry tickets are included on The New York Pass. Please note: tickets for access to the pedestal and crown levels in the Statue of Liberty are sold separately and require advanced reservations. You will not be granted admission with The New York Pass. 4. American Museum of Natural History This is one of the largest and most interesting natural history museums in the country, if not the world! With a gigantic collection of artifacts and exhibits that will transport you to new worlds, it’s easy to spend an entire day hanging out and learning at the American Museum of Natural History. Whether you’re into animals, plants or different time periods in human history –this museum has it all. Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included on The New York Pass. 5. New York Transit Museum   Have you ever wondered just how New York City’s famous underground mass transit system was developed? Take a trip to Brooklyn Heights to get a closer look at just how the NYC subway was planned and built. With a series of interactive exhibitions and installations, you can see just how the Metropolitan Transit Authority has grown over the years and get a first-hand look at how the trains work. Getting in: New York Transit Museum tickets are included on The New York Pass. 6. The Empire State Building   Take in one of the most breathtaking views of New York City from the observation deck of the iconic and historic Empire State Building. With 360 degree panoramic views of the city, you can get an up-close look at the most famous landmarks in the state and take plenty of snaps of the skyline too! Getting in: Empire State Building tickets are included on the New York Pass. 7. Madame Tussauds New York   Who doesn’t want to take a few selfies with their favorite Hollywood stars in NYC? While you may be able to spot a few famous faces in Manhattan, the best place to get a great snap with your favorite stars is at Madame Tussauds New York. This fun and interactive museum is located in the heart of Times Square and is a guaranteed good time for all. Getting in: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included with The New York Pass. 8. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum   If you’re interested in modern art, then the Guggenheim Museum is one stop that you have to make during your trip to NYC. Featuring some of the 20th century’s finest art pieces and collections, you’ll love spending an afternoon exploring here. In fact, this museum is beautiful inside and out, making it a great spot for a photo op! Getting in: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass (plus Fast Track Entry!). 9. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour   While New York City has plenty of iconic landmarks, one of the most interesting and beautiful has to be the Brooklyn Bridge. With a rich history and gorgeous design, this tour is sure to keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Highlights of this tour include the Brooklyn Bridge, unique views of the Statue of Liberty, and the New York Stock Exchange. Getting in: Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. 10. Rockefeller Center Tour Get to know the history behind one of the city’s most beloved landmarks and enjoy some insight into the mind of John D. Rockefeller Jr. with this fun and interesting guided tour. Get to know the historic Rockefeller Center as well as the surrounding streets to get a feel for one little piece about what life in NYC is all about. Getting in: Rockefeller Center Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. Fall in Love with New York City at Any Age While you may not be able to head out to the city’s hottest nightclubs during your visit if you’re under 21, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have an amazing time getting to know The Big Apple a little better. With great museums, amazing food and so many wonderful landmarks to explore, there are tons of things to do in NYC under 21. Don’t let being underage keep you from enjoying a fabulous and memorable trip to New York City! Instead, take the city by storm and be sure to check out one or more of these fun activities. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission Lots of the fun things to do in NYC under 21 on vacation are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, taking a tour or enjoying art at a museum, an NYC sightseeing vacation is easy to plan with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here. To visit the above attractions all on one pass choose a New York Pass. The more you do, the more you save!
Casey Makovich

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