to Fulton Street — Transit Center,
or r to Cortland Street.
9/11 Ground Zero Tour With 9/11 Museum
Our insider-led tour followed by skip-the-line admission to the 9/11 Museum
Highlights
- Learn about the events of 9/11 from a New Yorker with firsthand experience of that day.
- Visit the various sites of Ground Zero, from the Oculus to the 9/11 Memorial.
- Discover the symbolism of the large pools filling the footprints of the former Twin Towers.
- Hear stories of hope and heroism during the tragedy and in the days that followed.
- Enter the 9/11 Museum fast with your skip-the-line ticket to see the exhibits and artifacts.
“All around my neighborhood, I saw people walking to the nearby park, which led to the bridge, hoping to get out of Manhattan…”
- Mary, Ground Zero tour guide
What you’ll do
September 11, 2001, was an ordinary morning in New York until it was shattered by the deadliest attack in U.S. history. In the days that followed, the city came together — neighbors helping neighbors as we began to rebuild.
Read more
September 11, 2001, was an ordinary morning in New York until it was shattered by the deadliest attack in U.S. history. In the days that followed, the city came together — neighbors helping neighbors as we began to rebuild.
Today, you’ll walk those same streets with a local New Yorker who experienced that day firsthand. Our guided Ground Zero tour offers a personal lens on the tragedy and the resilience that emerged from it.
Together, we’ll visit the 9/11 Memorial, where two waterfalls mark the footprints of the Twin Towers. Learn how the names of nearly 3,000 victims were placed beside friends, family, and colleagues. Your guide will share stories connected to other sites at Ground Zero. Each guide is unique and so is each tour, but additional stops may include the Survivor Tree, the FDNY Memorial Wall, St. Paul’s Chapel, the Brooks Brothers building, and the Millennium Hotel.
This tour also includes skip-the-line entry to the 9/11 Museum, where artifacts and exhibits shed even more light on the story of September 11th. Your skip-the-line ticket can save you an hour waiting in the general admission line, and your guide will share tips in advance for you to make the most of your self-guided visit.
Itinerary
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Oculus
The wing-shaped transit hub and shopping center that symbolizes renewal at Ground Zero -
FDNY Memorial Wall
Dedicated to the New York firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001 -
Liberty Park
A peaceful elevated greenspace overlooking the 9/11 Memorial -
9/11 Memorial
Featuring large pools built in the footprints of the original Twin Towers -
9/11 Museum
With your skip-the-line ticket for faster entry
Reviews
Meeting point
We meet inside the Oculus, a mall and transportation hub at Ground Zero. Go to Level C2. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat and standing by the L'Arte del Gelato stand.
Getting here
Nearest Subways
1
2
4
5
A
C
J
Z
Ending point
The guided portion of our tour ends at the 9/11 Memorial (about four blocks from the meeting location). Your self-guided visit to the museum will be after the tour.
FAQs
Does this tour cover the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory?
This tour includes admission to the 9/11 Museum, which your guide will prepare you for. Your tour of the museum is self-guided. If you want to visit the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower as well, try our 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour.
How does the 9/11 Museum visit work?
You’ll visit the 9/11 Museum after your tour with a skip-the-line ticket that can save you over an hour in line. Your guide will also share helpful information about the museum to prepare you for your self-guided visit. There’s a security checkpoint, and all large bags must be checked. The museum reserves the right to deny admission if you miss your timed entry, but you can stay as long as you like after entering.
Is the tour good for kids?
Yes, our Ground Zero tour is appropriate for all ages. The subject matter is covered sensitively, and we’ve had many families enjoy our tours over the years.
How much walking is there?
We cover less than a mile at a leisurely pace, and the walking route is fairly level.
Is this tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, this tour, including the museum and observatory, is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Are gratuities included?
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.