Religious Studies trip to New York: 6 days, 4 nights
A Religious Studies educational trip to New York offers students a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich tapestry of religious diversity and interfaith dialogue. Home to numerous historic churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples, New York provides insights into how various faiths coexist and contribute to the city’s cultural landscape. Students can visit iconic sites like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and engage with different religious communities, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary religious practices and the role of faith in a globalized society.
Suggested itinerary
Day one
- Arrival day
- Times Square
Day two
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- 9/11 Memorial Museum
- St Paul’s Chapel & Trinity Church
Day three
- Reform Temple Emanu-El
- St Patrick’s Cathedral
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Day four
- The Tenement Museum
- Chinatown & Little Italy
Day five
- Morning free for sightseeing/shopping
- Travel home
Day six
- Arrive in the UK
Tour gallery
Excursion Ideas
Time Square
Subject range: Cultural, Bsuiness Studies, Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: Times Square in New York is a vibrant and iconic destination known for its bright billboards, bustling crowds, and electric energy. As the home of Broadway, Times Square is also a symbol of entertainment and creativity, offering a glimpse into the dynamic spirit of New York City.
Statue of Liberty
Subject range: Business Studies, Cultural, History, Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is one of the most recognizable symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. Gifted by France in 1886, the statue represents the ideals of liberty and the welcoming of immigrants seeking a new life in America. Standing at 305 feet tall, it has become a beacon of hope, with its torch lighting the way to freedom. Visitors can explore its rich history at the nearby museum with an audio guided tour.
Ellis Island
Subject range: Business Studies, Cultural, History, Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, was the primary immigration station for the United States from 1892 to 1954, where over 12 million immigrants passed through in search of a better life. Today, it serves as a powerful symbol of America’s immigrant heritage and is home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the stories of those who journeyed to the U.S., reflecting the challenges and hopes of people from all over the world. The island offers a poignant connection to the nation’s history and its diverse cultural roots.
9/11 Memorial
Subject range: Religious Studies, Cultural, History
What you’ll experience: The 9/11 Memorial in New York is a deeply moving tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Located at the site of the former World Trade Center, the memorial features two large reflecting pools set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, with the names of those who perished inscribed along the edges. Surrounded by a peaceful plaza of trees, it serves as a place of reflection and remembrance, honoring the lives lost and the resilience of those affected. The adjacent 9/11 Museum provides further insight into the events of that day and their lasting impact on the world.
9/11 Memorial Museum
Subject range: Religious Studies, Cultural, History
What you’ll experience: The Museum’s 110,000 square feet of exhibition space is located within the archaeological heart of the World Trade Center site. It tells the story of 9/11 through multimedia displays, archives, narratives and a collection of monumental and authentic artefacts. It serves as the country’s principal institution for examining the implications of the events of 9/11, documenting the impact of the events and exploring the continuing significance of September 11, 2001.
Further Information: The museum’s website has an excellent interactive timeline for pre tour work and post tour follow up/discussion.
LINK: 9/11 Memorial Timeline (911memorial.org)
St Paul's Chapel & Trinity Church
Subject range: Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: St. Paul’s Chapel and Trinity Church in New York are two of the city’s most historic and spiritually significant landmarks. Trinity Church, located at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, dates back to 1697 and is renowned for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and historic cemetery, which includes the graves of prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton. Just a few blocks away, St. Paul’s Chapel, built in 1766, is Manhattan’s oldest surviving church building. It famously served as a place of refuge for recovery workers after the 9/11 attacks. Together, these churches reflect the deep historical and religious roots of New York City.
Reform Temple Emanu-El
Subject range: Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: Temple Emanu-El in New York City is one of the largest and most significant Reform synagogues in the world. Located on Fifth Avenue, the synagogue is known for its magnificent Romanesque-Revival architecture, grand sanctuary, and stunning stained-glass windows. Established in 1845, it has long been a center for Jewish worship, culture, and community in the city. Temple Emanu-El continues to play a vital role in New York’s Jewish life, offering services, educational programs, and cultural events that celebrate and preserve Jewish traditions within a modern, inclusive framework.
St Patrick's Cathedral
Subject range: Religious Studies, Cultural
What you’ll experience: St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and one of the most iconic religious landmarks in the United States. Located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The cathedral, completed in 1878, features striking spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and a vast, serene interior that offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustling streets. St. Patrick’s is a symbol of faith and history, attracting millions of visitors and worshippers from around the world each year.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City is an awe-inspiring observation deck offering breathtaking, panoramic views of Manhattan’s skyline. Located on top of the iconic One Vanderbilt skyscraper, this immersive experience combines glass-enclosed spaces, mirrored floors, and outdoor terraces to create a unique perspective of the city. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park, while interactive elements enhance the experience, making Summit One Vanderbilt a must-visit destination for those seeking a modern, elevated view of New York.
The Tenement Museum
Subject range: Cultural, Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: The Tenement Museum in New York offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of immigrants who settled in the Lower East Side during the 19th and 20th centuries. Housed in restored tenement buildings, the museum provides guided tours that explore the personal stories, struggles, and resilience of families from diverse backgrounds. Through immersive exhibits and recreated living spaces, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience and the role these communities played in shaping the cultural fabric of New York City.
Chinatown & Little Italy
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: Chinatown and Little Italy in New York City are two vibrant, historic neighborhoods that reflect the rich cultural heritage of immigrant communities. Chinatown, with its bustling streets, traditional markets, and authentic Chinese restaurants, offers a deep dive into Asian culture and traditions. Nearby, Little Italy preserves the charm of Italian heritage with its quaint cafes, Italian eateries, and annual festivals like the Feast of San Gennaro. Both neighborhoods showcase the diverse immigrant history of New York, offering a unique blend of culture, food, and history in the heart of Manhattan.
Religious Studies Trip to New York: 6 Days, 4 Nights Accommodation
MOXY Hotel NYC
Location: Midtown - Times Square
Capacity:
Situated in the heart of Midtown, under the shimmering lights of Times Square, offering guests close access to Manhattan must-sees like Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Find fast and free Wi-Fi, oversized rain showers, smart streaming TVs and design-forward decor in boutique style accommodations.
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York
Location: Times Square
Capacity:
This prime location puts you right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and walking distance to the Javits Center, Rockefeller Center, Penn Station, the Port Authority, and Grand Central. Legendary parks like Central Park and Bryant Park are a short distance away and the lavish Hudson Yards is right around the corner.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Our guest rooms all have ample workspace, highspeed WiFi and Smart TVs.
Gallivant New York Times Square
Location: Times Square
Capacity:
The hotel is 200 metres from Restaurant Row, 650 metres from Rockefeller Center and 1.4 km from Central Park. The 49 Street underground station is a short 3 minutes' walk from the property.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: At The Gallivant Times Square you will find a 24-hour front desk and a bar. Other facilities offered at the property include a vending machine.
HI New York City
Location: New York
Capacity:
This uptown New York hostel is 1 block from Broadway Street and a 10-minute walk to Central Park. HI NYC Hostel is a 2-minute walk from the 103rd Street Subway Station, a 12-minute walk from Riverside Park, and an 18-minute train ride to Times Square.
Rooms: Shared bathroom facilities.
Facilities: This accommodation offers a games room with pool tables, free Wi-Fi, a movie lounge, and a large patio. Guests have free access to the large community kitchen and can get beverages and snacks from the café.
West Side YMCA
Location: Manahttan - Upper West Side
Capacity:
Located 50 metres away from Central Park, this hostel is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, just 5 minutes’ walk from Columbus Circle. Lincoln Center is just 300 metres from the hostel, while Carnegie Hall is 700 metres away. The American Museum of Natural History is 15 minutes’ walk away.
Rooms: A desk, a TV and air conditioning are provided in each room at West Side YMCA. Linens and towels are included as well. All rooms have access to a shared bathroom down the hall.
Facilities: WiFi access is provided free of charge to guests.
Freehand New York
Location:
Capacity:
Freehand NY is on Lexington Avenue between 23rd and 24th street, within walking distance of Union Square, Midtown, and Flatiron. The 6-subway train is 160 metres away. The Flatiron building is 644 metres away and Madison square park is 483 metres away.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities:
Hotel Cambria
Location: New York
Capacity:
At Cambria Hotel New York - Chelsea you will find a 24-hour front desk. The hotel has over 597 square feet of meeting space for small events. The hotel is 500 metres from Empire State Building, 500 metres from Madison Square Garden and 500 metres from Penn Station.
Rooms: Each room here will provide guests with a cable TV, air conditioning and a seating area. Complete with a microwave, the guest rooms also have a refrigerator and a coffee machine. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathrooms also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Facilities: Free WiFi access is available. Featuring a rooftop bar and lounge with a city view.
