Trip to New York – Day 6

Today the day started from Ground Zero. What is there to say about this area? The massive pools located where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood, the outline of the pools where the names of all those lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are engraved, the Oculus Mall and subway station, the tower One World Trade Center (unfortunately we didn’t have time to go up to the observatory), Liberty Park with the Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos which was designed by the famous Santiago Calatrava, the museum dedicated to the terrorist attacks and many other small or large attractions in the area.

We walked to Liberty Park where we admired the view from above, wandered around the pools and finally entered the Oculus and window shopped.

From there we took the subway to Rockefeller Center where we had the appointment to go up to the Top of the Rock (sightseeing pass). Another experience of the city from above, with the Empire State Building standing proudly in front of us. The plus of this observatory is that it has an area where it is completely outside with no bars or glass to limit the view. After seeing Central Park from above, we descended to the ground and returned to Lower Manhattan again.

We had made an appointment (sightseeing pass) to enter the National September 11 Museum. The National September 11 Museum is dedicated to all those who lost their lives in the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center. In its spaces, which extend to the foundations of the towers, there are objects and relics that were rescued from the wreckage. Many of them are broken up and without restoration to remind of that day. Huge chunks of steel, part of the tower antenna, machinery from the vent, even an entire wrecked fire truck. Also everywhere there are screens showing the events of that day and volunteers take over the tour of the museum premises. Here the smiles are missing and all the visitors pay tribute to the thousands of victims in their manner and seriousness.

And noon arrived. Food at Eataly and boarding the subway to Coney Island, Brooklyn. Another destination not included in the office guides. Endless beach with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, an amusement park, a wooden boardwalk for sailing and the classic pier that goes into the water. The whole area has not unfairly been characterized as the playground of New York.

After an hour’s drive we first headed to the New York Aquarium (sightseeing pass). The New York Aquarium is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the United States, founded in 1896. It covers 56 acres and features more than 270 aquatic animals. The New York Aquarium consists of five exhibits: The Seal Amphitheater, the Fish, Invertebrates, Sharks, and the Seal and Penguin Outdoor Areas. The most impressive of all is the dome with the sharks and stingrays cruising above your head. Equally nice was the room with the huge glass where the seals approached and interacted with young and old.

We then walked up the boardwalk and to the left we had the ocean and to the right one of America’s oldest amusement parks. There, the boys in the group had a blast. Having a daily wristband (sightseeing pass) we did the most popular trains. From the modern Thunderbolt to the classic Cyclones wooden train set dating back to 1927, we’ve got you covered.

Then we sat down to eat at the iconic and well-known Nathan’s with its famous Hot Dogs and soft drinks.

Finally, we walked to Steeplechase Pier, the pier that extends into the sea. From there and having already gotten dark, we headed to the subway station passing through the commercial market of the area.