NYC in a Day: Statue of Liberty, Times Square & 9/11 Memorial

Times Square to the Statue of Liberty in one day, with a guide who knows the stories

You walk about 5 miles through Times Square, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan with a local guide who fills in the history. The day includes the Staten Island Ferry with views of the Statue of Liberty, a self-guided visit to the Freedom Tower lobby, and a guided walk through the 9/11 Memorial with the Survivor Tree and Reflecting Absence pools. One World Observatory is optional but available as an upgrade. Plan for 6 hours total and moderate fitness. The walking is steady but not rushed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Times Square15m
2. Broadway Theatrepass by
3. Rockefeller Center15m
4. St. Patrick's Cathedral15m
5. New York Public Librarypass by
6. Chrysler Buildingpass by
7. Grand Central Terminal15m
8. Brooklyn Bridgepass by
9. Staten Island Ferry1h
10. Trinity Churchpass by
11. Federal Hall National Memorialpass by
12. One World Observatory1h · entry included

Explore NYC landmarks and ferry ride

• Visit Times Square and take selfies
• Pass by Broadway Theatre
• See Rockefeller Center and get tips
• Admire St. Patrick's Cathedral exterior
• Wave to lions at New York Public Library
• Pass by Chrysler Building
• Explore Grand Central Terminal
• Take subway to Lower Manhattan
• See Wall Street bronze sculpture
• Pass by Roosevelt Island
• Walk ticker-tape parade route from Battery Park
• View Brooklyn Bridge from route
• Ride Staten Island Ferry and enjoy views
• Pass by Trinity Church graveyard
• Visit 9/11 Memorial waterfalls plaza
• See New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street
• Pass by Federal Hall National Memorial
• Optional upgrade: visit One World Observatory

The experience

You start in Times Square where the noise hits first (the screens, the crowds, the sheer volume of it), and your guide points out which theaters are dark, which ones are packed, how Broadway actually began a few blocks over. From there it's a walk through Midtown: St. Patrick's Cathedral with its white marble spires, the New York Public Library where you can wave at the lions, the Chrysler Building that was briefly the world's tallest. Grand Central Terminal comes next, and the guide shows you the Whispering Corners trick and the celestial mural on the ceiling that most people miss.

Then you drop into the subway (contactless payment on your phone or card at the turnstile), and ride like a real New Yorker down to Lower Manhattan. Wall Street is smaller than you'd think, but the guide explains why it looks so large on the global financial scene. You walk the ticker-tape parade route through the Canyon of Heroes, pass Trinity Church where Alexander Hamilton is buried, and then the mood shifts. The 9/11 Memorial is quiet. You see the Survivor Tree, walk around the Reflecting Absence pools (the guide provides context about that day and the city's recovery), and there's time to absorb it. The Freedom Tower lobby is self-guided, with a film called "Voices" that you can watch if you want to sit for a moment.

The Staten Island Ferry is the payoff. You board at Battery Park and ride out with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline spreading out behind you. It's genuinely great for photos, and it's the kind of thing New Yorkers do without thinking but tourists remember. If you upgrade, One World Observatory comes at the end: 360-degree views from the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center, which is a clean way to cap the day. If not, the ferry is still the finale. Either way, you've covered the main landmarks, learned the stories, and done it all on foot and transit instead of sitting on a bus.

What’s included

• Your day includes a local expert guide who shares personal stories of 9/11 and the city's recovery, a self-guided tour of the Freedom Tower lobby with the film "Voices," a guided walk through the 9/11 Memorial with the Survivor Tree and Reflecting Absence pools, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline, and walking tours through historic districts including Times Square, Broadway, Wall Street, and iconic landmarks like St.
• Patrick's Cathedral, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
• One World Observatory with 360-degree views from the 102nd floor is available as an optional upgrade.

Options for this experience

2 options

Walking tour of NYC in a DayGuide in English · 09:30Walking-only NYC in a Day tour: the ultimate one-day tour to take in everything. The One World Observatory ticket is not included.

Small-group full-day New York "Must See" tour, including a One World Observatory ticketGuide in English · 09:30

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 6

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ExperienceFirst

Is this one for you?Right for travelers with a day in New York who want the main landmarks, the Statue of Liberty view, and the 9/11 story all in one trip with a guide handling the route and timing. Expect to walk 5 miles over 6 hours at a steady pace. That's what fits everything in without rushing.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

1,818 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,711

4 ★67

3 ★13

2 ★13

1 ★14

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

How long is the tour?

Around 6 hours. You'll walk approximately 5 miles over that time, with the pace set by the guide and the group.

What's included in the tour?

A local guide, entry to the 9/11 Memorial, a self-guided lobby visit to the Freedom Tower with a film, and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. One World Observatory is optional and costs extra.

Do I need to pay for the subway?

Yes. You'll use contactless payment on your phone or a debit/credit card at the turnstile to ride the subway to Lower Manhattan.

Is the Statue of Liberty included?

You see the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, which is included. The ferry itself is the main experience. You don't land on Liberty Island on this tour.

Can I skip the 9/11 Memorial?

The memorial is part of the tour itinerary. If you have concerns about the content or your emotional readiness, contact the operator before booking.

What if I can't walk 5 miles?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness and 5 miles of walking over 6 hours. If you can't manage that distance, this tour isn't the right fit.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather. Dress appropriately for rain, cold, or heat. There's no indoor alternative.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram. Service animals are also allowed.

Is there a group size limit?

The tour is run in small groups for a more intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide.

Can I upgrade to One World Observatory?

Yes, One World Observatory is an optional upgrade available at the end of the tour. It offers 360-degree views from the 102nd floor.