Allegedly, grabbing the bull’s testicles will bring you luck. Don’t worry, you won’t look strange — there’s usually a queue of people waiting to do it
The Charging Bull is one of New York’s most recognisable landmarks. Coming in at 5 metres from nose to tail and made of pure bronze, it weighs a massive 3.5 tons. Pictures do not do its size justice: you have to see it in person, with people all over it like ants on jam, to feels its formidable presence.
It is now located at Bowling Green Park in lower Manhattan, but it was not always so. The bull was initially a piece of guerrilla art: during the night of December 15th, it was loaded into a truck and driven to the New York Stock Exchange by the artist Arturo Di Modica and some co-conspirators. They plonked it unannounced under the NYSE Christmas Tree; the next morning, with throngs of bemused visitors admiring the statue, the stock exchange was far from amused. They had it taken to storage in Queen’s and the NY Post ran the headline: “BAH HUMBUG.. N.Y. Stock Exchange grinches can’t bear Christmas-gift bull”.
Although they refused to release the bull until their expenses for removing it were covered, the New York mayor and the ensuing public outcry eventually persuaded them to let it go and it was relocated to its current location, where it has become an iconic image of New York.
Brazen & Bullish
But why a bull? Take a look at the statue: the muscles are taut, the head is lowered, the nostrils flare and those wicked horns are ready to gore. It captures something of the energy, strength and volatility of a stock market which simply won’t be stopped. It seems to be an ambivalent tribute, both admiring and condemning the aggressive finance and macho posturing of Wall St.
Beginning with views of the Statue of Liberty, you will learn about the history of perhaps the most iconic city in the world as you absorb the truly vibrant atmosphere of the city that never sleeps, from Wall Street to the bustling streets of Downtown Manhattan, the sparkling brilliance of Times Square and end with tickets to see the glorious views from the Top of the Rock - the sky-high observatory at the Rockefeller Centre.
On your private full-day tour of New York City, you will:
Your tour begins in the heart of Wall Street, where you'll discover the most famous financial district in the world. Begin with an introduction to the history of New Amsterdam - that became New York in Battery Park - with glorious views out towards the Statue of Liberty, before exploring the highlights of Wall Street, including the statues of the Fearless Girl and Charging Bull, the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Bank - where you'll hear all about the history and formation of the modern financial institutions and systems invented by Alexander Hamilton.
Your tour continues to the National 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero— the original site of the World Trade Center. Here, your guide will share the history of the World Trade Center and discuss the tragic events of 9/11 when the two terrorist planes crashed into the twin towers, forever changing the modern world.
Next, it's time to take a New York metro ride - the most popular - and fastest - way of travelling around the city to Midtown Manhattan! First, you'll explore Grand Central Terminal, the most iconic transportation hub in the United States, with beautiful celestial ceiling murals and stunning Beaux-Arts architecture.
It is the setting of many movies and novels and is also famous for its shopping, bars, and restaurants - it is the second most visited landmark in New York after Times Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the area - your guide will be happy to make recommendations.
After lunch, explore the iconic area of Midtown Manhattan - famous for its skyscrapers, high-end shopping and of course Broadway theatre scene!
Enjoy a tranquil stroll through Bryant Park, a lovely green oasis in the heart of busy Midtown. See the New York Public Library - flanked by two giant lions, and admire the art deco skyscrapers the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, that made up New York's world-famous skyline.
Walk along the iconic 5th Avenue famous for its department stores - admire the stunning window displays at Saks, and the historical contrast of St Patrick's Cathedral, an impressive neo-gothic construction that was opened in 1879. Famous for its spires, stained glass windows, and titanic bronze doors - the cathedral has hosted many famous funerals including Babe Ruth and Bobby Kennedy.
Head to the amazing Times Square, known as the 'crossroads of the world to see the news ticker on the One Times Square Building, the NASDAQ board, and the myriad of flashing neon signs that lead you onto the bright lights of Broadway!
Finally, passing by the iconic Radio City Hall, your guide will give you your tickets to 'The Top of the Rock', the Rockefeller Observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre.
Your guide will show you the entrance and leave you to enjoy a perfect end to a perfect day - with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Manhattan and the rest of the Big Apple.
Please note that tour guides are not allowed to guide inside the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Your guide will give you full information on each island and then silently accompany you through the museums. He/she will be able to answer questions you may have but not actually “guide” you through the museums.
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