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5 Tips to Save While Touring the World Trade Center Site

Published: Sep 09, 2016 4 min read
A view of the North reflecting pool on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Plaza.
A view of the North reflecting pool on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Plaza.
Amy Dreher—9/11 Memorial and Museum

Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, along with a more uplifting milestone: It's the 5th anniversary of the National September 11 Memorial. The Memorial Park and the Museum (which opened in May 2014) are among the most popular destinations in New York. More than 5 million visitors have paid tribute to the almost 3,000 victims.

As the downtown area has regained its footing, the sightseeing, dining, and shopping options have multiplied. Here are five tips on how to save while touring the World Trade Center, as well as money-saving ideas for visiting the memorial sights.

The Memorial park itself is open to the public

Where the Twin Towers once stood, two reflecting pools feature 30-foot man-made waterfalls disappearing into the center voids. The names of the victims in the 9/11 attacks as well as the 1993 bombing are carved in bronze around the edges of the pools.

The Museum beneath the Memorial charges $24 per adult admission ticket and has discounts for students, youth, seniors, veterans and members. However, if you plan your visit on Tuesday evenings, you might be able to receive free tickets. The Museum gives them out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays for visits from 5 p.m. to close (7 p.m.).

Across Liberty Street is also the 9/11 Tribute Center, which features additional memorabilia as well as tours led by survivors, residents, rescue workers, or family members of 9/11 victims. Admission is $15 per adult, but you can find up to half off tickets on Groupon. Or, if someone hands you a flier in front of the museum, keep an eye out for a 20% off coupon on it.

Lower Manhattan, Fifteen Years After September 11
"Ground Zero" (shown fifteen years later), with Santiago Calatrava's World Financial Center transportation hub, the September 11 Memorial and Museum and 1 WTC visible, New York, September 8, 2016.
"Ground Zero" (shown fifteen years later), with Santiago Calatrava's World Financial Center transportation hub, the September 11 Memorial and Museum and 1 WTC visible, New York, September 8, 2016.
Sarina Finkelstein for Money
The names of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks are engraved into the rim of one of the twin black granite reflecting pools at the September 11 Memorial and Museum, New York.
The names of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks are engraved into the rim of one of the twin black granite reflecting pools at the September 11 Memorial and Museum, New York.
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Completed in 2014, at 1,776 feet tall, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Completed in 2014, at 1,776 feet tall, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
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Santiago Calatrava's Oculus design inside of the World Trade Center transportation hub.
Santiago Calatrava's Oculus design inside of the World Trade Center transportation hub.
Sarina Finkelstein for Money
Shoppers walk through Westfield World Trade Center, which houses stores ranging from Banana Republic to Christian Dior, Kate Spade and John Varvatos.
Shoppers walk through Westfield World Trade Center, which houses stores ranging from Banana Republic to Christian Dior, Kate Spade and John Varvatos.
Sarina Finkelstein for Money
The Kate Spade store inside Westfield World Trade Center.
The Kate Spade store inside Westfield World Trade Center.
Sarina Finkelstein for Money
Westfield World Trade Center shopping mall opened for business August 16, 2016.
Westfield World Trade Center shopping mall opened for business August 16, 2016.
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Banana Republic store windows overlooking Liberty Street, on the second floor of Westfield World Trade shopping mall, New York.
Banana Republic store windows overlooking Liberty Street, on the second floor of Westfield World Trade shopping mall, New York.
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A woman selects fresh produce inside Eataly, Westfield World Trade, New York.
A woman selects fresh produce inside Eataly, Westfield World Trade, New York.
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The wine bar inside of Eataly, Westfield World Trade shopping mall, New York.
The wine bar inside of Eataly, Westfield World Trade shopping mall, New York.
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Street-level entrance to Fulton Center, New York.
Street-level entrance to Fulton Center, New York.
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A view of the interior of Fulton Center featuring Shake Shack, Irving Farm and Wasabi Sushi & Bento, New York.
A view of the interior of Fulton Center featuring Shake Shack, Irving Farm and Wasabi Sushi & Bento, New York.
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The entrance to the subway at Fulton Center, New York.
The entrance to the subway at Fulton Center, New York.
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Tourists on a New York City sightseeing bus take photos in front of the GAP store, 400 Fulton Street.
Tourists on a New York City sightseeing bus take photos in front of the GAP store, 400 Fulton Street.
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Members of NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums practice in Zucotti Park, September 9, 2016.
Members of NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums practice in Zucotti Park, September 9, 2016.
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Liberty Park, an elevated park connected to Brookfield Place, overlooks the September 11 Memorial and Museum, New York.
Liberty Park, an elevated park connected to Brookfield Place, overlooks the September 11 Memorial and Museum, New York.
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A view of West Street, Liberty Park and the September 11 Memorial and Museum from Time Inc.'s 225 Liberty offices, New York.
A view of West Street, Liberty Park and the September 11 Memorial and Museum from Time Inc.'s 225 Liberty offices, New York.
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Commuters on the bustling bike path and corner of Liberty and West Streets, New York.
Commuters on the bustling bike path and corner of Liberty and West Streets, New York.
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Freelancers work outdoors in Waterfront Plaza adjacent to Brookfield Place, New York.
Freelancers work outdoors in Waterfront Plaza adjacent to Brookfield Place, New York.
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People enjoy a sunny day on Waterfront Plaza adjacent to Brookfield Place, New York.
People enjoy a sunny day on Waterfront Plaza adjacent to Brookfield Place, New York.
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High-end retail stores inside of Brookfield Place, New York.
High-end retail stores inside of Brookfield Place, New York.
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Though severely damaged in the September 11 attacks, César Pelli's Winter Garden, a ten-story glass pavillion overlooking the Hudson River, was completely restored in 2002.
Though severely damaged in the September 11 attacks, César Pelli's Winter Garden, a ten-story glass pavillion overlooking the Hudson River, was completely restored in 2002.
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"Air Pressure," a kinetic sculptural installation made out of fabric birds, is shown in the Winter Garden of Brookfield Place, New York. It was created by the Toronto-based artist collective Studio F Minus.
"Air Pressure," a kinetic sculptural installation made out of fabric birds, is shown in the Winter Garden of Brookfield Place, New York. It was created by the Toronto-based artist collective Studio F Minus.
Sarina Finkelstein for Money
Saks Fifth Avenue store inside of Brookfield Place opens in September 2016.
Saks Fifth Avenue store inside of Brookfield Place opens in September 2016.
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The view of 1 WTC and Santiago Calatrava's transportation hub from Brookfield Place, New York.
The view of 1 WTC and Santiago Calatrava's transportation hub from Brookfield Place, New York.
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Tartinery restaurant inside of Hudson Eats food court, Brookfield Place.
Tartinery restaurant inside of Hudson Eats food court, Brookfield Place.
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Le Patisserie inside of Le District, Brookfield Place.
Le Patisserie inside of Le District, Brookfield Place.
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Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar inside of Hudson Eats food court, Brookfield Place, New York.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar inside of Hudson Eats food court, Brookfield Place, New York.
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The entrance to Time Inc. inside of Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty Street.
The entrance to Time Inc. inside of Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty Street.
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Press coffee and smoothie bar inside of Time Inc.'s offices at 225 Liberty Street.
Press coffee and smoothie bar inside of Time Inc.'s offices at 225 Liberty Street.
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The stunning design of Time Inc.'s offices at 225 Liberty Street won CoreNet NYC's 2016 Project of the Year Award and feature a selection of mural-sized photographs from the Time-Life Picture Collection on the walls of each floor.
The stunning design of Time Inc.'s offices at 225 Liberty Street won CoreNet NYC's 2016 Project of the Year Award and feature a selection of mural-sized photographs from the Time-Life Picture Collection on the walls of each floor.
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The view of New Jersey and the Hudson River from Time Inc.'s 225 Liberty offices, New York.
The view of New Jersey and the Hudson River from Time Inc.'s 225 Liberty offices, New York.
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Liberty Park offers a free view, too

For another view of the Memorial and its surrounding, cross Greenwich street from the Tribute Center and climb the gentle flight of stairs to Liberty Park. It provides a peaceful vantage point for looking at the reflecting pools, as well as of the glass paneled Freedom Tower, a.k.a. 1 World Trade Center. There is no admission price.

Learn to cook Italian at Eataly, without paying

The global Italian food marketplace, Eataly, opened a downtown location in August on the third floor of 4 World Trade Center. Everyday, you can learn how to shape gnocchi or pronounce "bruschetta" the authentic way in cooking classes with Eataly's star chefs at noon, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. without advance registration. The free food "university," or Foodiversità, is open to all ages.

Shop for branded clothing, shoes and more at a discount

The Century 21 department store is right across Church Street from Eataly. Century 21 is famous for its bargain-priced luxury items. For instance, a ruby-colored zip-around wallet by Furla is on the shelf for $89.99, compared to its $198 original price.

Take a free ferry to see the Statue of Liberty

Cruising to the Liberty Island on the Liberty Island Ferry costs an adult $18. But if you don't feel compelled to touch the pedestal or get into the crown, you can hop on the commuter Staten Island Ferry, which passes within prime photo distance of Lady Liberty on its 25-minute trip.