You don’t need to be Catholic to attend a mass and enjoy some extraordinary organ music
St Patrick’s Cathedral stands directly across the street from the Art Deco Rockefeller Centre, and it cuts a striking contrast. Built during the Civil War, it remains America’s largest Catholic cathedral. On Fifth Avenue, nestled among New York’s grandest skyscrapers, its twin spires make for a strange sight. At night, when the surrounding buildings light up like blinking switchboards, dramatic shadows play across St Patrick’s face — it’s perfectly Gothic.
Fresh from major renovations, now is the perfect time to visit. St Patrick’s is a fine example of Gothic revival splendour, both inside and out. Built of brick clad in marble, it takes up a whole city block and has a seating capacity of over 2,000. Through its colossal bronze doors you can see its intricate alter - designed by Tiffany & Co. - and in the gallery above sits a 7000-pipe church organ, above which gleams the famous Rose Window.
A Manhattan Mystery
For two years following its construction in 1858, one cornerstone was left open so that New Yorkers could leave offerings in it. It was sealed in 1860 — and then it went missing. Today, no one knows exactly where it is. Mysteriously, the then Archbishop John Hughes wrote that the cornerstone “in all probability, will never be disturbed by human agency” at the time it was sealed. Lord only knows what he meant by that.
Liberty Spikes
Just below the altar, a pair of copper doors lead to a basement crypt. It has a black, speckled floor, light grey marble and a small kneeling prayer desk. The crypt holds the coffins of every New York cardinal, as well as the remains of Pierre Touissant, a former slave and philanthropist. He apprenticed as a hairstylist, and eventually became the most sought after hairdresser of high society women in New York before gaining his freedom and becoming a successful entrepreneur — though most of his money went towards the church and the poor. He was among the first African Americans to be declared ‘venerable’, a step towards possible canonisation.
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.
South of Central Park lies one of the world's most important cultural and business centres. With many of the city’s most famous sights, Midtown Manhattan is one of the best places to experience the spirit of New York. Soak up its unique ambience, breathe in its frenetic pace, and seek out its unforgettable highlights.
On your private tour, you will:
Conjure up images of New York City, and it will be Manhattan: the ritzy, glitzy heart of the Big Apple jam-packed with big-name attractions. If there is a per-place limit on iconic landmarks, Manhattan flouts the rules - squeezing Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Met and MoMA, Times Square’s 3,685-square-foot flashing LED screens and Broadway’s bright lights into 22.7 small square miles.
Well known by actors and stage junkies, New York’s dazzling Theatre District has been part of Manhattan since the late 19th century and its rich history provides a glorious mix of greasepaint, star-spotting and backstage gossip. While in the bustle of Times Square, learn how it earned its name when the New York Times opened an office there and erected an electronic news ticker - “The Zipper'' - in 1928.
Though the newspaper office has relocated, the area remains a media hotspot, serving as host and home to the likes of MTV and Condé Nast. Times Square is an icon, a Hollywood backdrop, and the heart of the Big Apple, and where there is proof - should you need it - that New York is the city that never sleeps.
After a long stroll past New York’s Public Library, depart from your guide in front of the Empire State Building, where you will enjoy tickets to the top of the Observation Deck on the 86th floor to retrace your steps and gaze out upon the city that never sleeps.
Please note: your tour guide will finish the tour at the base of the Empire State Building, and will guide you to the correct line with your tickets for the observation deck, where you are free to explore the views at your leisure.
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