New York City Travel Forum

Well, thanks to all of you who responded to my other questions, I have now booked flights and a hotel for our 4 day stay in NYC in July. My granddaughter and I are now trying to plan our siteseeing. After reading some of the NYC travel guides about visiting the WTC site, I am wondering what is the best way to do that? Ever since that tragic day, we have seen the countless images of the events but would like to experience the area for ourselves. However, I don't want to be disrespectfull or be just a gawking tourist.
I have booked a tour with Big Apple Greeters but wonder if this is what we should use our tour for. Or, what would be the area to visit to best take advantage with this wonderful service.

We visited the 'Tribute WTC Visitor Center' and we were very impressed.
The site itself isn't very ineteresting any more in my opinion, although we did take a look (of course).
Visited without any tour or guide.

happy travels
Jaap

We visited the 'Tribute WTC Visitor Center' and we were very impressed.
The site itself isn't very ineteresting any more in my opinion, although we did take a look (of course).
Visited without any tour or guide.

happy travels
Jaap

Unless your BAG visit is already set for that area, I would just go alone. The WTC site is an enormous construction area for now, with the building finally above street level. I would urge you to visit St. Paul's, which is a block away. Here's info on their exhibits honoring the rescue workers:
www.saintpaulschapel.org

Have your Big Apple Greeter show you his/her favorite neighborhoods instead. The purpose of the service is to show visitors things they wouldn't ordinarily see on their own, to get a glimpse of how we really live and work here.

The site looks very different now then when I first saw it 9 months after that terrible day. no doubt you will still be moved by the massive footprint of what had once been. In the months folling 9/11 the streets and sidewalks were covered with outpourings of cards and letters and flowers from people from all over the world, including muslim nations,it brought tears to my eyes as an American and a human being. I hope you enjoy this amazing city. When you are down in that part of town hop on the statan island ferry, its cheap and fun, you go right by the statue of liberty and have an amaxing view looking at the city, moreso at night.Dont get off in S.I just stay on and you come right back. Perhaps bring a snack for an onboard picnic. the Marriot Marques in times square has a bar/ restruant lobby level, which is 5th floor, that as unreal veiw, take the glass elevators to the very top to another restarunt for another amazing perspective. Have a great time

I am a lifelong New Yorker. For me, I feel anger and sorrow whenever I must pass by the site, so I try not to pass by it. However, I'd suggest just passing by, without a guide, because, after all, it's now just another construction site. And we already now what happened there. Have a look at my homepages for NYC tips. Don't forget to ride the Roosevelt Island Tram, from 2 Ave & 60 St. The SI Ferry leaves every 30 minutes, except for late nights and weekends, and the ride itself takes 25 minutes. And it's free!

It's a good idea but do not sign up for any sightseeing tours for this one. Just go by yourself, either by subway or taxi or bus. There really is not much to see at the actual site as they have it all fenced for the construction currently going on. There's a little palce around the corner from it called WTC Tribute Center and there's always a line going around it. We opted not to see that and instead we took pics by the wall that had a list of the firemen/port police who died there. Then we walked over towards Wall Streeet and from there to the Seaport Mall where you could get a view of the Liberty Statue. Along the way, we saw a fire station & took pictures with some firemen. Boy... they make firemen HUGE in NYC! I should have those pics on my site sometime today if you want to check them out.

http://www.tributewtc.org/walktours/index.php

Here's a site that will provide a different kind of tour. Looks very good to me and might give you just that little bit extra.

http://www.groundzeromuseumworkshop.com/
There is also this 'museum', which is actually not at Ground Zero, but a bit further north, close to the Hudson river.
Reviews are mixed, but the site looks very moving to me and I'm hoping to visit it.

I think you should definitely visit the site--every American should. The WTC Tribute Center is very moving--people were absolutely silent when we visited, and most were in tears. We walked there after getting off the Statue of Liberty Ferry--it's definitely something you can do on your own. A little tip--we went in the Brooks Brothers store close to the Tribute Center. It became the morgue in the days initially following the attacks. They have a great view of the construction site from their second floor. It's truly a shame that 8 years later the site is still not much more than a controversial hole in the ground. I just want to add that when we visited New York City in March, everyone we met was friendly, helpful and kind. We fell in love with New York, as everyone does. Visiting the WTC site helped us to understand in a new way how the attacks on this great city were so personal to the people of New York, and helped us feel a new sense of empathy, compassion and sadness.

Awesome~THANK YOU SO MUCH for this comment!~>

"" I don't want to be disrespectfull or be just a gawking tourist.""

As for your tour, I say DEFINITELY NOT.
I would however use them for a tour of the downtown area..
I live here, just two blocks shy of the trade-center,
and let me tell you, the trade center pit is not at all the main attraction here..
and imo, was never really the cream of the downtown crop even when the buildings were standing..
A must-see, yes..
Worth more than 15 minutes, no.

Check out the World Financial Centre across the highway..
It's far more attractive than the trade center was (and of course is)..
Plus it has the "best" view of the construction site that is the WTC..
and has water-front property that is a nice refreshing touch to a day stuck in cement canyons.

As for downtown, ask your guide to see "historic lower manhattan"..
Wall St., Stone St., Hanover, South William St., Pearl & Water St., Marketfield.. all the hidden nooks and crannies of the REAL historic New Amsterdam..
Then stop in to Fraunces Tavern and soak it all up with an pint of Old Speckled Hen..

OR if you're a big construction buff.. or some kind of wierdo.. you can just stare at the WTC all day like those gawking tourists! hahah
:) Enjoy NYC!