New York City Warnings Or Dangers Tips by goingsolo

Ground Zero is the former site of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed tragically on September 11, 2001, causing a substantial loss of life and a profound sense of loss. Many people feel the need to visit Ground Zero for many reasons. While this is permissible, albeit highly controversial to New Yorkers, it is important to remember that this is a gravesite and a place of loss and not a tourist attraction.

I visited Ground Zero in 2004 and was shocked at the t-shirt sales, panhandling and, worst of all, tourist smiling and posing for pictures in front of the closed off site. It is likely that this activity will dissipate with time and, especially, once construction on a new building begins. But this scene is offensive to many New Yorkers, for reasons which seem pretty obvious. Those visiting Ground Zero should keep in mind that this area is the place where many people's loved ones are buried as the result of a tragedy. Pictures should be taken elsewhere.