NYC Day 2: Happy Independence Day Uncle Sam !

It was a bright sunny summer morning in New York City. We were excited to see a few of the great attractions of the city. My first day in NYC was beyond my expectations. So my expectations for day 2 was very high. If you haven’t checked my Day 1, you can check it out . I was also excited because it was Independence day and was excited to see Independence day fireworks. 

As our hotel, World Center was in south Manhattan’s downtown, it was very near to the Battery Park. We thought to start our day while visiting Lady Liberty first. 

Battery Park

We walked down to Battery Park which is like urban oasis. It is 25 acre public park dotted with statues and  memorials including the American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial. Overlooking New York Harbor and Lady Liberty herself is the perfect spot to spend a few hours.

I liked this statue of Sculptor Luis Sanguino which celebrates the diversity of New York and the struggle of immigrants in this heroic-sized bronze group.

The figures expressive poses emphasize the struggle and toil inherent in the experience of the immigrants. The welcome note carved at the bottom of the statue is dedicated to all the Immigrants of the world who came to the United States of America is really overwhelming.

Liberty Island

We took a ferry from the Battery Park to the Liberty Island. Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the United States signifying the friendship between both the countries. The ferry ride offers great views of Lady Liberty and Lower Manhattan.

Statue of Liberty is an absolute treat in such a small ticket price. We were having tickets for the pedestal access and didn’t get the pass for the crown access. But the view from the pedestal was also breathtaking. Lady Liberty is  ginormous and beautiful. Seeing it up-so closely is a memorable experience. 

The Manhattan’s Skyline view from the Liberty Island was amazing and spectacular.

Ellis Island

After Liberty , our next stop was Eliis Island which was the final gateway to a promising new world for millions of immigrants streaming into New York. It is said that as many as 40 percent of Americans can trace their lineage through Ellis Island. So it’s little wonder that Ellis Island is more than a national monument – for many it is “hallowed ground.”

New York Sightseeing Hop-On, hop-Off Bus tour

The best way to see New York is through city sightseeing hop-on, hop off bus tours. It saves your money and gives you the chance to explore the city at your own pace. We took two days tour. The tour consist of vast majority of New York city’s iconic sights like Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, Chinatown, Wall Street and the Financial District, Time Square and the Broadway theater district and many more, located in Downtown. 

We completed the one loop of Downtown and got down at Wall Street. Instantly recognizable from dozens of movies, Wall Street is, of course, home to the New York Stock Exchange. Getting your photo clicked in front of the iconic Charging Bull is the tedious task because it’s always crowded with tourists flocking and getting snapped in front of it. Peeyush wanted to get clicked in front of the bull but I could manage only this. 😀  Though he got little angry later but I couldn’t help.

We strolled around Wall Street for an hour and explored few of the iconic buildings like the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Trinity Church and Cemetery, 14 Wall St./Bankers Trust, Federal Hall National Memorial, The Trump Building, Deutsche Bank etc.

It was already 7:30 PM and we had to move to FDR Drive to see Independence day Fireworks over East River. To find a perfect view of fireworks display was challenging. It was so crowded everywhere and people came to occupy their places much before the scheduled fireworks time.

We walked for almost 4 miles and finally got the place to sit for our perfect view.

Finally the countdown started. It was so happening atmosphere out there. People brought flags, lights, etc. Few of them even wore Uncle Sam’s costumes. Everybody was screaming U.S.A at the top of their voices in synchronization and clapping. There were celebrations all around. The policemen were on their toes in managing the crowd and coordinating the entire event.  The Macy’s fireworks started at 9:00 PM. It was a dazzling and mesmerizing experience.

After the fireworks ended, we walked for almost an hour along with the crowd and reached our hotel. I was so tired while walking in my boots that day that didn’t have strength left to go anywhere for dinner. We ordered dinner inside our room.

My long Day 2 was about to end. I got more than I expected. I saw my first Independence Day fireworks in NYC. It was a great and memorable experience.  I was waiting for morning to explore other attractions.

Do check out my NYC Day 3 in the next post. Let me know your NYC experiences or any memories you would like to share in the comments below.

Happy Traveling!
Ana