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.
New York is one of America’s oldest cities and most of its rich history over the past four centuries centres around the southern tip of Manhattan. From the legacy of Dutch settlers to the Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks in 2001, it remains a place at the forefront of the human story. Go with your own guide on a journey around the city’s historic heart.
On your private tour, you will:
Your tour starts with the unpretentious tale of the early settlers to the city, from a sleepy Dutch trading post to the dazzling rise of the world's busiest financial capital. You will have the pleasure of visiting Stone Street in the Historic District before moving north, just as the settlers did.
As you make your way through Wall Street, you will discover how an 18th-century street bazaar would eventually become a centre for global commerce. Your expert local guide will give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight into some of the world’s most powerful financial institutions, as you walk by New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. Here you will see the spot where George Washington was inaugurated and enjoy the handsome Federal Reserve. There will also be a chance to pop into Trinity Church, which has roots dating back to 1697.
At the National 9/11 Memorial, your guide will share with you the history of the World Trade Center, discuss the tragic events of 9/11, and walk you through the Memorial’s design.
The area formerly known as 'Ground Zero' is now the site of a moving memorial and has indeed become an important historic landmark. Next to it is the rebuilt One World Trade Center, often referred to as Freedom Tower, it stretches 1776 feet above the ground.
Here your knowledgeable guide will tell you of the events leading up to the untimely destruction of the towers, as well as share some of the heart-wrenching stories of the families, survivors and 9/11 heroes. You will also visit St. Paul's Chapel, which miraculously survived the 9/11 attack.
Your tour finishes with entrance tickets to the 9/11 Museum. Your guide will take you to the queue, and give you your timed tickets before departing with you. Once inside the museum, you are free to explore the museum at your own pace.
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.
A very modern trading hub, it is steeped in American History dating back to the 17th century - both triumphal and shameful. Its iconic skyscrapers are built alongside historic buildings like the Federal Hall. From the American Revolution to the Slave Trade, the founding of the New York Stock Exchange to the Great Depression, becoming the global financial superpower to the tragic events of 9/11, Wall Street is full of the stories that have made, broken, and remade modern America, and the wider world.
On your fascinating private tour of Wall Street you will:
Enjoy an immersive and fascinating private walking tour of New York City’s famous financial district known around the world simply as “Wall Street”. A busy and vibrant area filled with historic buildings and skyscrapers, it borders the bright lights of theatrical Broadway and is steeped in America’s history, both tragic and triumphant.
The name Wall Street is taken from a wall built by Dutch settlers in the 17th Century to keep out the British from New Amsterdam as the city was first called. In 1664 the Dutch surrendered the city to the British who renamed it New York. Wall Street is now bigger than just one street - and around the world refers to the whole of New York’s financial centre.
Beginning at New York City Hall area, your expert guide will show you around this buzzing district and relate the history of this place that has played such a pivotal role in America’s story from the slave trade to the American Revolution, the Great Depression to 9/11, and of course, the establishment of the USA as a global financial superpower.
Explore the most popular landmarks of historic New York City in a day, including the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, and embark on a full-day tour perfect for first-time visitors that want to make the most of their time in the city that never sleeps.
On your private tour you will:
You will begin your tour at Castle Clinton, a former Fort in Battery Park, where you will board the ferry to the famous Liberty Island. Along the way, you will learn about the remarkable history of the Statue of Liberty, as well as its significance to modern America. From here you will also be able to enjoy a breathtaking view over the Manhattan skylines and harbour.
It is estimated that forty per cent of the entire US population can trace at least one relative's arrival to the US, through the port of New York and Ellis Island.
Boarding at Liberty Island, you will hear all about the fascinating history of the Liberty figure, and how this 100th birthday gift to America from France was shipped from Paris to New York, and finally unveiled after 10 years of construction in 1886.
After lunch, your tour continues in the heart of Wall Street, where the history of New York City began as New Amsterdam in the early 1600s. As you make your way through Wall Street you will discover how an 18th-century street bazaar would eventually become a centre for global commerce.
At the National 9/11 Memorial, your guide will share with you the history of the World Trade Center, discuss the tragic events of 9/11, and walk you through the Memorial’s design. The area formerly known as 'Ground Zero' is now the site of a moving memorial and has indeed become an important historic landmark.
Here your knowledgeable guide will tell you of the events leading up to the untimely destruction of the towers, as well as share some of the heart-wrenching stories of the families, survivors and 9/11 heroes. You will also visit St. Paul's Chapel, which miraculously survived the 9/11 attack.
Your tour finishes with entrance tickets to the 9/11 Museum. Your guide will take you to the queue, and give you your timed tickets before departing with you. Once inside the museum, you are free to explore the museum at your own pace.
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