Union Square, New York
Union Square derives its name from its historical significance as the intersection of two major roads in New York City鈥擝loomingdale Road (now Broadway) and the Eastern Post Road (now extinct). Throughout its rich history, the square has served as a gathering place for various social, political, and cultural events. Initially, it functioned as an entrance to the city and a residential neighborhood. However, following the Civil War, it transformed into a bustling commercial hub.
The square witnessed notable rallies and demonstrations that shaped American history. One such event was the patriotic rally held after the fall of Fort Sumter during the Civil War, where a quarter of a million people gathered to support Union troops. Additionally, it was the site of the historic Labor Day March, one of the earliest workers' demonstrations in the world, which served as an inspiration for labor movements worldwide. In more recent times, the square became a central gathering point for mourners in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Today, Union Square remains vibrant and bustling, particularly during the summer months. Visitors can find people relaxing on the steps, enjoying lunch, and observing captivating street performances. Adorned with remarkable statues paying homage to prominent figures such as Gandhi, Washington, and Lincoln, the space hosts a remarkable year-round farmers market, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, which showcases the talents of local chefs and offering an abundance of fresh produce.
Exploring Union Square offers a sweet experience of leisurely strolls, shopping, and indulging in delectable meals. To make the most of your visit, plan your itinerary around a satisfying meal or multiple dining experiences. It's worth noting that weekends tend to be crowded, so for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays when the crowds are smaller.
Why You Should Visit:
Many interesting things worth checking out here, including: the central fountain, subway kiosks, the equestrian statue of George Washington, the Abraham Lincoln statue, a sculpture of Marquis de Lafayette and another of Gandhi, plus a year-round greenmarket where you can sample goods from local farmers. It also has several playgrounds, a lively holiday market, and benches you can sit on and watch a slice of New York go by. Cafes and restaurants also abound, so no need to worry about food.
Tip:
Stop by the Union Square station to read messages on the sticky notes left by passers-by, and feel free to leave one of your own!
The square witnessed notable rallies and demonstrations that shaped American history. One such event was the patriotic rally held after the fall of Fort Sumter during the Civil War, where a quarter of a million people gathered to support Union troops. Additionally, it was the site of the historic Labor Day March, one of the earliest workers' demonstrations in the world, which served as an inspiration for labor movements worldwide. In more recent times, the square became a central gathering point for mourners in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Today, Union Square remains vibrant and bustling, particularly during the summer months. Visitors can find people relaxing on the steps, enjoying lunch, and observing captivating street performances. Adorned with remarkable statues paying homage to prominent figures such as Gandhi, Washington, and Lincoln, the space hosts a remarkable year-round farmers market, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, which showcases the talents of local chefs and offering an abundance of fresh produce.
Exploring Union Square offers a sweet experience of leisurely strolls, shopping, and indulging in delectable meals. To make the most of your visit, plan your itinerary around a satisfying meal or multiple dining experiences. It's worth noting that weekends tend to be crowded, so for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays when the crowds are smaller.
Why You Should Visit:
Many interesting things worth checking out here, including: the central fountain, subway kiosks, the equestrian statue of George Washington, the Abraham Lincoln statue, a sculpture of Marquis de Lafayette and another of Gandhi, plus a year-round greenmarket where you can sample goods from local farmers. It also has several playgrounds, a lively holiday market, and benches you can sit on and watch a slice of New York go by. Cafes and restaurants also abound, so no need to worry about food.
Tip:
Stop by the Union Square station to read messages on the sticky notes left by passers-by, and feel free to leave one of your own!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in New York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Union Square on Map
Sight Name: Union Square
Sight Location: New York, USA (See walking tours in New York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: New York, USA (See walking tours in New York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in New York, New York
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Midtown Manhattan Walking Tour
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They say if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, and Times Square, Broadway, is definitely a part of that slogan. Day time or night time, it鈥檚 one of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
They say if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, and Times Square, Broadway, is definitely a part of that slogan. Day time or night time, it鈥檚 one of the... view more
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Best of Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
Every part of Manhattan is terrific, but if you are looking for one that showcases the best overview of New York City鈥檚 history and architectural styles, it鈥檚 Lower Manhattan. This is where it all started, where New Amsterdam was founded, where Canal Street used to be a canal, and where Wall Street used to be a wall marking the end of town. It鈥檚 also where the city has seen the most tragedy,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Grand Central Station to Union Square
Despite being smaller than almost everything around it, including the humongous MetLife Building that dwarfs it from behind, the Grand Central Terminal is just so gorgeous and palatial-looking that it still manages to be the centerpiece of the whole East Side of Midtown Manhattan. Passing from here to Union Square, our self-guided tour is bound to introduce you to some of New York City鈥檚 most... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
George Washington's New York
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Brooklyn New York Walking Tour
Named after the Breukelen village in the Netherlands, Brooklyn, one of New York City鈥檚 five boroughs, occupies the western tip of Long Island. Its history began in the 17th century as a small Dutch settlement on the East River shore; Brooklyn Heights, or Clover Hill, is where the village was founded, in 1646.
By the 19th century, Brooklyn had grown into a sizable town. The iconic Brooklyn... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
By the 19th century, Brooklyn had grown into a sizable town. The iconic Brooklyn... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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