Description
We will delve into Upper Manhattan, exploring the charming west side of Central Park until we reach the iconic Columbus Circle, home to the famous Christopher Columbus statue. We will continue to the Lincoln Center, home of the renowned New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Here, you can admire the grandeur of the performing arts.
Our first stop will be the iconic Dakota Building, known for its tragic connection to John Lennon's death. At this point, we will step off the bus for a moment to walk to the nearby Strawberry Fields garden in Central Park, where you can photograph the Imagine plaque in tribute to this legendary musician.
We will get back on the bus to head towards the picturesque neighborhood of Harlem, where you can appreciate the fascinating contrast between old architecture and emerging modernity. We will descend down Fifth Avenue, enjoying a panoramic view of the famous Museum Mile, featuring the El Museo del Barrio, the Metropolitan Museum, the Frick Collection, and the Guggenheim. During this part of the tour, you will pass by the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral and the iconic Rockefeller Center, until we reach our third stop: Madison Square, where you can capture a wonderful image of the Flatiron Building and the Empire State in the skyline.
We will continue our journey into Lower Manhattan, exploring the charming neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to admire the majesty of the City Hall, the Court House, and the Federal Reserve.
On the way to our next stop, you will see two architectural gems from the bus: the Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel. The fourth stop takes us to Wall Street, the financial district and the iconic site of New York's Ground Zero. This segment is done on foot, as it is the best way to appreciate the imposing beauty of the area. You will see the impressive Oculus subway station, a masterpiece by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, as well as the towering One World Trade Center, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Accompanied by our guide, we will walk to the 911 Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. Then, we will explore New York's bustling financial district, where you will find the iconic bronze sculpture of the Wall Street Bull and the brave «Fearless Girl» challenging the New York Stock Exchange building.
The tour concludes at Battery Park, where you can enjoy an impressive view of the Statue of Liberty in the background.