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A view of the North reflecting pool on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Plaza. - Amy Dreher—9/11 Memorial and Museum
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.
"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 MoneyThe 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. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyCompleted in 2014, at 1,776 feet tall, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneySantiago Calatrava's Oculus design inside of the World Trade Center transportation hub. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyShoppers walk through Westfield World Trade Center, which houses stores ranging from Banana Republic to Christian Dior, Kate Spade and John Varvatos. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe Kate Spade store inside Westfield World Trade Center. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyWestfield World Trade Center shopping mall opened for business August 16, 2016. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyBanana Republic store windows overlooking Liberty Street, on the second floor of Westfield World Trade shopping mall, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyA woman selects fresh produce inside Eataly, Westfield World Trade, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe wine bar inside of Eataly, Westfield World Trade shopping mall, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyStreet-level entrance to Fulton Center, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyA view of the interior of Fulton Center featuring Shake Shack, Irving Farm and Wasabi Sushi & Bento, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe entrance to the subway at Fulton Center, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyTourists on a New York City sightseeing bus take photos in front of the GAP store, 400 Fulton Street. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyMembers of NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums practice in Zucotti Park, September 9, 2016. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyLiberty Park, an elevated park connected to Brookfield Place, overlooks the September 11 Memorial and Museum, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyA view of West Street, Liberty Park and the September 11 Memorial and Museum from Time Inc.'s 225 Liberty offices, New York. Sarina Finklestein for MoneyCommuters on the bustling bike path and corner of Liberty and West Streets, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyFreelancers work outdoors in Waterfront Plaza adjacent to Brookfield Place, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyPeople enjoy a sunny day on Waterfront Plaza adjacent to Brookfield Place, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyHigh-end retail stores inside of Brookfield Place, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThough 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. Sarina Finkelstein for Money"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 MoneySaks Fifth Avenue store inside of Brookfield Place opens in September 2016. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe view of 1 WTC and Santiago Calatrava's transportation hub from Brookfield Place, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyTartinery restaurant inside of Hudson Eats food court, Brookfield Place. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyLe Patisserie inside of Le District, Brookfield Place. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyBlue Ribbon Sushi Bar inside of Hudson Eats food court, Brookfield Place, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe entrance to Time Inc. inside of Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty Street. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyPress coffee and smoothie bar inside of Time Inc.'s offices at 225 Liberty Street. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe 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. Sarina Finkelstein for MoneyThe view of New Jersey and the Hudson River from Time Inc.'s 225 Liberty offices, New York. Sarina Finkelstein for Money
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.
