Around the WTC
Downtown Manhattan - New York City
PATH-Station WTC
Description: The PATH station (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a rail station that connects trains from New Jersey to the Manhattan subway system. Originally, the station was opened in 1909. After its destruction on 9/11/2001, it was provisionally reopened in 2003. Then in 2016, the new station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, opened its doors. It is centrally located between the new skyscrapers around the One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial.
Our rating: Unfortunately, the opening of the station came a few months too late for us, because when we were here last time in May 2016, there were still construction fences everywhere. But the great station will definitely be on the list for the next New York visit.
One World Trade Center
Description: One World Trade Center stands on the foundation walls of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, which were destroyed in the attacks on 9/11/2001. The new tower is 1776ft high and was opened in 2014. It again serves mainly as an office building. At a height of 1332ft, there are several observation platforms that allow a great view over Manhattan, New Jersey and Brooklyn.
For the GPS: 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
Our rating: In 1992, during our first visit to NYC, we were able to visit the observation deck of the World Trade Center. Unfortunately, we had only a very poor view and so there are unfortunately no useful photos of it. After the towers were destroyed in 2001 during the attacks, you could not admire the great view for a very long time.
Now that the new tower is standing, we'll be sure to go back up on one of our next NYC visits.
9/11 Memorial
Description: On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m. local time, a hijacked passenger plane crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, another hijacked plane crashed into the South Tower. A little over an hour later, the South Tower collapsed first, followed 40 minutes later by the North Tower. Millions of people around the world watched in horror as the collapse killed nearly 3,000 people.
The 9/11 Memorial was opened on the 10th anniversary of the attacks. The memorial has two square basins that stand on the footprint of the original twin towers. The names of the victims of September 11, 2001 are engraved around the basins.
For the GPS: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Our rating: It is a very oppressive feeling to stand here at the Memorial. At the place where so many people lost their lives so senselessly. It is always frightening to realize what people can do to other people. A memorial of inhumanity, but also of hope.
9/11 Museum
Description: The museum is located directly next to the 9/11 Memorial and houses many debris of the former World Trade Center. Some could be saved and so the events around 9/11/2001 are documented here very impressively. You go on a very emotional journey through time and a monstrous attack on humanity.
Our rating: It is very difficult to describe the thoughts and emotions that come over you when you visit this museum. It is oppressive and very frightening. In our opinion, however, the 9/11 Complex has succeeded very well in creating a dignified memorial to the events of 9/11/2001. The hope remains that no human being will ever again do such a thing to another.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 26$/person
- Sunday to Thursday from 9am - 8pm , Friday and Saturday open until 9pm.
Everything you need to know about a visit can be found on the official webpage.
For the GPS: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
St. Pauls Chapel
Description: Built in 1766, St. Paul's Chapel is the oldest church building in use in New York City. It also still retains its old cemetery. Since it was not in the collapse area of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the church, although standing in close proximity, miraculously remained unscathed on 9/11/2001. Not a single pane was destroyed, but here, as everywhere else in the area, everything was buried under a thick layer of dust. After it was cleaned up, it served as an aid station for all the helpers who worked, rescued, dug and rebuilt at Ground Zero. The helpers could eat, sleep and recharge their batteries here. An oasis of peace in all the chaos around.
For the GPS: 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Our rating: The small church is definitely worth a short visit. Even today, there are small exhibitions commemorating the events on and after 9/11/2001.
Brookfield Place
Description: Opened in 1988, the complex is located at the southern tip of Manhattan, next to One World Trade Center. The center is a huge winter garden with palm trees and benches that invite you to linger. Because of its proximity to the Twin Towers, the complex was very badly damaged in the attacks of 9/11/2001.
Following reconstruction, it has been shining in new splendor for a few years now.
For the GPS: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
Our rating: We liked it here very much. A great, huge winter garden that was really fun. The complex offers beautiful photo opportunities and invites you to explore.
