Exploring the World Trade Center Site: From Oculus to 9/11 Memorial

While the tract of land in Lower Manhattan known today as World Trade Center has had many identities since the 1600s — including Washington Market, Little Syria, and Radio Row — the tragic events surrounding September 11, 2001 have defined the neighborhood throughout the 21st century. How has the area rebounded since that difficult day, and what landmarks — old and new — help tell the neighborhood's rich history? It's time to hit the streets and explore key sites and stories that define this historic urban pocket of New York City.

Join New York Adventure Club as we traverse the World Trade Center site to learn about one of the most historic areas of New York City, from colonial-era landmarks to the 9/11 Memorial and Oculus transportation hub.

Led by licensed tour guide Dave Gardner, our walking through this impactful neighborhood will include:

• A pre-21 century overview of the neighborhood and why New York City got its start on the southern tip of Manhattan
• A discussion of how surrounding buildings were affected by the events of 9/11, with a look at structures that were saved including St. Paul's Chapel, a firehouse, and the "Survivor Tree"
• A sojourn through a multibillion-dollar shopping complex within The Oculus, a transportation hub that connects the PATH rail system to New York subway system
• A trip inside the newly rebuilt St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine located just steps away from the World Trade Center
• A visit to the 9/11 Memorial, which contains the largest man-made pools in the Western Hemisphere (at the bottom of the largest man-made waterfalls in the Western Hemisphere)

See you there.

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking.

**While there are no services at the Memorial (food, trash disposal, restrooms, etc), many bodegas and coffee shops can be found in the vicinity

***Our experience will conclude at the foot of One World Trade Center

About Dave

Dave is a licensed NYC tour guide with experience on the boats, the buses, and on foot. He is a resident of New York City and was in the area of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. He does general tours of New York as well as focused places like Central Park, the High Line, and Wall Street.

He has also developed his own unique tour of Titanic sites in NY and has successfully performed this for the New York Adventure Club.

Testimonials

"Very knowledgeable guide who shared his personal experiences of the event. Had great photos and visual aids. Learned a lot of little known facts." -Charlotte

"Learning the history of the towers from the tragedy to rebuilding." -Brenda

"The guide was very well prepared, professional and knowledgeable" -Rafael

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours