Zuccotti Park
New York City, NY
With its benches and tables, rows of trees, and open-air artworks like Mark di Suvero’s towering red Joie de Vivre sculpture, Zuccotti Park has been catering to New Yorkers since the late 1960s. Office workers often take their lunch break here, but the space is most famous as the setting of the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011, when activist encampments took over the park.
The basics
Providing a respite in the bustling Financial District, Zuccotti Park is a great place to rest your legs when visiting Lower Manhattan. It’s included as a stop on multiple walking tours, with some focusing on the history of the Financial District, from Dutch Settlers to the life and career of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father buried at nearby Trinity Church. Other tours concentrate on September 11, including its devastating impact and rebuilding efforts.
Things to know before you go
- Visiting New York City involves a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support.
- The park is outfitted with electronic charging stations, in case your phone battery is running low.
- On summer days, Zuccotti Park makes for a welcome break from the sun, as the park’s trees give it shade.
- Food carts and trucks operate here, so the park is a great option if you’re looking to grab an inexpensive lunch on the go.
How to get there
Zuccotti Park is in the Financial District, close to landmarks such as the World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial and Museum (a 5-minute walk away), and a 12-minute walk from Battery Park, with views of the Statue of Liberty. By subway, take the 2, 4, or 5 train to the Wall Street stop, or the A, C, J, or Z to the Fulton Street station.
When to get there
Zuccotti Park is pleasant year-round. In the spring and summer, there’s a buzzier atmosphere, with buskers and larger crowds. In the fall you’ll catch the changing leaves, and during the holidays the park twinkles with festive lights. For a quieter experience, head here in the morning; afternoons and evenings are busier.
Paying tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11
Like other Financial District landmarks, Zuccotti Park was damaged during the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Visitors can listen to the stories and memories of first responders and the families affected at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Reflecting pools feature the names of nearly 3,000 people who died in the attack, lined by a grove of white oak trees. The memorial is open to the public seven days a week, 24 hours a day, while museum exhibits keep regular business hours.
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