You can go during the day when the markets are open, but it is also worth a visit at night when the facade is dramatically illuminated. Less excitement in the air, but beautiful nonetheless
Alexander Hamilton, then First Secretary of the Treasury, first issued bonds in 1790, to consolidate the debts accumulated during the American revolution and thus lend credibility to the new nation. That was when securities trading began: traders would gather under a buttonwood tree and haggle on prices and terms. Once the Buttonwood Agreement was signed in 1792, the predecessor of the New York Stock Exchange was born.
Found on 11 Wall Street, behind a grand Romanesque facade, the New York Stock Exchange remains the heart of world finance. Every day about a billion shares change hands there. It epitomises free trade, power and prestige; and perhaps greed, deception and manipulation too. It was both Gordon Gecko’s stamping ground and where the anticapitalist group Rage Against the Machine were famously arrested for their impromptu, live performance of “Sleep Now in the Fire”. The Occupy Wall Street movement kicked off in the nearby Zuccotti park in 2011. Simply put, the atmosphere is electric.
The Bonfire of Vanities
Prior to 9/11, it was actually possible to visit the Exchange. You could pick up a free ticket and observe the trading floor: people in different colour jackets signifying their roles, the multitude of computer screens, the frenzied waving, the surging roars, the ticker tape and the mirage of riches. Nowadays, admittance to the trading floor for non-employees is no longer allowed and the entrance is better guarded than most airports. However, tours can still be had — so book in if you want to catch a glimpse of where the world is run.
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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