Trinity Church Wall Street

The Basics

Founded 70-odd years after Dutch settlers first arrived in what is now New York City, Trinity Church is one of the nation’s earliest places of worship. Granted a charter by King William III, the first church building debuted in 1698. Destroyed in the Great New York Fire of 1776, it was soon rebuilt before being reconstructed again in 1846. The version that stands today was designed by architect Richard Upjohn and is renowned for its grand, Gothic Revival spire (which, for a time, made it the tallest building in the United States).

Trinity Church features on numerous New York City tours, including bus tours, walking tours, and driving tours. It’s also visited on Hamilton-themed excursions and 9/11 memorial tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Trinity Church has been visited by many luminaries over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

• As it’s only a few blocks from Ground Zero, the church was used to shelter people on 9/11, and a memorial pew can be found within.

• The church is undergoing a period of renovation between 2018 and 2020 to modernize its facilities, during which its main nave area is closed to visitors.

• Tours of the Trinity Churchyard are available upon request and weather permitting.

• The neighboring St. Paul’s Chapel, which dates to 1766 and is also part of the Trinity Parish, was once used as a place of worship by George Washington.

How to Get There

Conveniently situated in Lower Manhattan, Trinity Church can be reached via numerous forms of transportation. Take the 1 train to Rector Street, the N, R, or W to Rector Street, the 4 or 5 to Wall Street, or the J to Broad Street. The area is also served by numerous bus lines and can be reached by taxi, by bike, or on foot.

When to Get There

Trinity Church and its churchyard are open daily 7am–6pm. The church hosts a range of services and community events throughout the week, and visitors are welcome to participate, if interested.

The Trinity Church Cemetery

For fans of the Hamilton musical, the Trinity Churchyard has become a popular pilgrimage site. Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Elizabeth Schuyler, are buried in its cemetery, as are their son Philip and Schuyler’s sister Angelica. Their graves are now among the church’s top highlights.

Ways to explore

Trinity Church predates the United States itself, so it’s best experienced on a guided tour that elaborates on its more than three centuries of history. The church features on numerous New York City tours on foot, by car, and by bus, especially those tied to Alexander Hamilton and the area’s Revolutionary history. Because of its location in the Financial District, Trinity Church is often included on tours of Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial. If you don’t join a tour, you’re free to visit the church when it’s open for worship.

Accessibility

Trinity Church is wheelchair accessible, with ramps at the entrance. The church also provides assistive listening devices upon request.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera

What to wear

The church doesn’t have a dress code, so dress comfortably for the weather.

Not allowed

Weapons, dangerous instruments, or outside food or beverages—all visitors undergo a security check with metal detectors.

Amenities

Restrooms, childcare services, augmented reality mobile tours

Address

Conveniently situated in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District, Trinity Church can be reached via numerous forms of transportation, including car, subway, and bus. You can also walk there from nearby attractions such as Wall Street, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and Battery Park.

Driving

Driving in New York City isn’t recommended—it’s more convenient to hail a cab or use a rideshare app to get to Trinity Church, which is within a half-hour drive of most Manhattan attractions.

Public transportation

To reach the church by subway, take the 1, N, R, or W trains to Rector Street, the 4 or 5 to Wall Street, or the J or Z to Broad Street. Numerous bus lines serve the area.

Best times to visit

The church gets most of its visitors starting at midday, so go in the morning for a calmer atmosphere.

Best days to visit

Trinity Church is open daily, so you can visit any time you’re exploring the Wall Street area.

Best months to visit

Visiting Trinity Church is a great activity year-round, though the site provides a respite from both crowds and uncomfortable temperatures in summer and winter.

Special events

Trinity Church boasts a renowned music program—check the website for upcoming events, including the twice-monthly Tiny Concerts series.