If you’re looking to explore New York City or become more familiar with the neighborhood that you live in, then I have a perfect solution for you. Free Tours by Foot offers plenty of tours around New York City! This past weekend, I decided to go on the Lower Manhattan tour, highlighting places like Battery Park and the Financial District.
Our tour began in front of New York’s infamous landmark, “Charging Bull,” and then went to Battery Park through the Financial District and Wall Street. I was not alone during the tour, and I was actually with my parents (who actually thought of this idea). As we walked through Lower Manhattan, our tour guide gave us an extensive history of the area. From Europeans colonizing Manhattan to Ellis Island to the construction of Battery Park; there was a lot of information that I was unaware of. In fact, Trinity Church is one of the largest landowners in New York City. Trinity Church has accumulated six billion dollars worth of real estate over the past three centuries. Also, when walking through Wall St. our guide pointed out where the actual wall used to stand. Furthermore, we learn that Lower Manhattan was truly unique, especially during the 1600s and 1700s. Lower Manhattan has been a melting pot for people all over the world since the Europeans came. Our tour guide mentioned that the island of Manhattan was technically smaller since areas such as Battery Park are actually made out of the landfill. They even gave a detailed rundown about One World Trade and the surrounding area; which is where we also concluded the tour.
If you are worried about city noise or a large group, Free Tour by Foot is the perfect company for you. Our group was small and intimate, and our tour guide had a great voice that could be heard over the loud city noise. Another reason why this is a great activity is because it’s free! No payment is required to sign up or join the tour, but the company recommends that you give the tour guide a tip at the end. Our guide offered options such as Venmo, CashApp, and cash. Free Tours by Foot offers plenty of tour options that vary from Lower Manhattan to DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to Harlem.
Overall, it is a great way to explore the city and learn more about a specific area. I do wish I went on a tour that was outside of Lower Manhattan, however; it still was informative, and a great time with my parents. I’d like to check out a different neighborhood of the city, one with which I am not as familiar. This is a great activity to get out of the house for a couple of hours, and could help you learn something new!