Jerry's Grand Tour of NYC

This 14 hour walking tour guides the visitor through NYC with the chance to take in famous sights along with a few hidden treasures   . . . 

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​The very best way to get a reel feel of New York City is to take a full day tour with a local. Jerry's Grand Tour is just that sort of adventure. 

Exploring The Big Apple with a Local Guide

​We left out bright and early one morning from the lobby at Hosteling International located on 103rd street on The Upper West Side. The tour would actually begin much further south, so Jerry directed us to the subway and our journey began. 

​We reemerged from the subway in Brooklyn, where the real walking would start. At the nearby Garden of Eden Market, we grabbed some sandwiches to eat a bit later. With our lunch now in hand, Jerry took us sightseeing through the neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. 

At the end of the street, The East River was now in clear view. An amazing city skyline can be seen from the walkway that traces the river north toward the Brooklyn Bridge. It was at this nice park area that we paused for a bit to enjoy those sandwiches, take a few photos, and rest our feet before the hike that awaited. 

It seemed that getting to the bridge was the real task, but luckily our local expert knew the exact path to take. You can see this thing from a mile away, but it would be very difficult to get up there without someone without someone showing the way. From underneath there are stairs that will get you up top to the pedestrian pathway. 

As we began making our way across, it became apparent as to why we had started this tour in Brooklyn. Walking in this direction provides an amazing view of the city. Be extra cautious of the bicycle lane, and it may not be a good idea to sit on or lean over the railing. 

​Exiting the bridge places you across from City Hall. After hanging out at its adjacent park and watching the street performers, we were soon headed toward The Financial District to visit The World Trade Center Memorial Site.
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Towering now above us was the massive steel and glass giant One World Trade Center. This is the building that was erected after the fall of the original Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The surrounding area contains a museum and memorial to one of the saddest events in U.S. history. 

Here, we spent a bit of time paying our respects at the reflection pools that now represent the footprints of the fallen Twin Towers. Around each basin is the inscription of the names of people who lost their lives on that tragic day. 

Across the street, we would be taking a quick restroom and snack break at the enormous, yet very photogenic Brookfield Place Shopping Mall.

Outside is a marina full of some very impressive looking yachts going about their business, while to the south you will find the beginning of the trail that leads through Battery Park. 

The pier at Battery Park is home to a restaurant and bar where many seemed to be enjoying themselves on this fine day. Just on the other side of the pier you will find The American Merchant Mariner's Memorial, which is a tribute to those aboard a merchant vessel that was sunk during World War II. Sadly, the unfortunate man reaching from below drowns each time the tide comes in.

Battery Park is also where you can get a look at The World Trade Center Sphere. This sculpture was recovered from the 9/11 ruins, and granted a new home for public display.

Edit:  The Sphere has now been returned to Liberty Park just south of its original location.

The nearby East Coast World War II Memorial honors those American Seamen and Army Transport service members who lost their lives in The Atlantic Ocean. Jerry is an expert at local history, and it is locations such as these that would be overlooked by most visitors.

It was now time to board the ferry to Staten Island. Jerry explained that this route was the best way to get a good view of The Statue of Liberty, even better than you would receive on many of those tours to the statue. The ferry ride is free, so its no big deal to hop on and take the ride across with an immediate return. 

Back in Manhattan, it was now time to take on the neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little Italy. Jerry spent the next bit guiding us through these amazing streets, explaining the cultural significance of the area. Throughout this educational experience, we were once again building up our appetites.

It was now time for a proper dinner, and Jerry knew just the place. A bit further north into The East Village, we were being seated in groups in an upstairs dining room of a very accommodating Indian restaurant. This was my first experience with Indian cuisine, which I paired with a Taj Mahal beer. I am now a big fan of both. 

After a nice dinner, it was time to check out New York City's transportation hub, Grand Central Station. Hosting numerous tracks and platforms, this train stations provides service to more areas that I could even attempt to detail. You just have to experience it for yourself. 

After exiting Grand Central Station, we then headed to Times Square to view first hand some of the late night flare that Midtown Manhattan has to offer. By this time of night, things were in full swing with the lights blasting brighter than you can imagine. It was now midnight, and many had not made it to the end of this amazing tour. Those that endured were rewarded with a real sense of accomplishment, having walked NYC like a true local. 

​Jerry's Grand Tour is without a doubt the best way to experience as much of New York as possible within one day. Not only does this local legend provide the visitor with an insiders perspective, but he also highlights many sights would be overlooked by most. If you ever find yourself in The Big Apple, consider taking one of Jerry's tours … if you think you can keep up. 

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If you would like to read more about my time in The Big Apple, you can read all about my "Urban Adventure" here.