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.
“What we all went through is beyond words, hard to describe, and almost seems like another lifetime…”
What’s Included
9/11 Memorial
Experience Ground Zero through the eyes of a New Yorker who lived through 9/11 and its aftermath on this emotional but inspiring insider tour. Begin at the Oculus — a white, wing-shaped building symbolizing hope — and walk to the 9/11 Memorial. Pause to pay your respects and learn about its meaning, including a massive waterfall in the Twin Towers’ footprints.
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More at Ground Zero
Each guide’s experience of 9/11 is unique, and so is every tour. You may also visit other nearby sites, like St. Paul’s Chapel, which survived the collapse and served as a rescue center, the Survivor Tree, reborn from the wreckage, and the FDNY Memorial Wall, honoring the firefighters lost in the rescue effort.
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9/11 Museum
Next, visit the 9/11 Museum. You’ll enjoy a docent-led guided tour of the exhibits, providing context for the artifacts, firsthand accounts, and historical records on display. After the guided portion, you’re welcome to explore further on your own. We recommend allowing 1.5–2 hours to see it all.
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One World Observatory
End your visit at One World Observatory in Freedom Tower. Ride the SkyPod elevator for a time-lapse view of NYC before reaching the three-level observation deck, featuring interactive displays, dining, and sweeping panoramic views over Manhattan.
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Our tour was absolutely brilliant — Maya was a fantastic tour guide, giving us a fascinating and very moving insight into 9/11 and life after.
Cindy (October 2025)
We had the best guide you could have hoped for, Jim Quinn. Very knowledgable and informative. The museum and One World Observatory were well worth visiting as well.
Elaine (October 2025)
Jaclyn was a wonderful guide to lead us thru the 9/11 story. The museum was incredible. So many artifacts and memories from that day.
Lauren (October 2025)
FAQs
Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Is the tour appropriate for children?
Yes, our guided tour of Ground Zero is appropriate for all ages. The subject matter is covered sensitively, and we’ve had many families enjoy our tours over the years. Kids 4-12 can join our tour at a reduced rate.
Does this tour cover the 9/11 Museum or Freedom Tower?
Yes, this tour includes a guided tour of the 9/11 Museum and your ticket to the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower. The museum guided tour is an hour, but you can stay longer in the museum after your tour. We recommend allowing about an hour for Freedom Tower.
How will I get my tickets for the museum and observatory?
Your tour concierge will give you your tickets for the 9/11 Museum and the One World Observatory when you check in for your tour, so it’s important to arrive early to make sure you don’t miss the experience.
What perks are available with this tour?
With our All Access Tour, you can also take advantage of special perks, including a free eSIM card loaded with 1 GB of data plus discounts at select Westfield World Trade Center shops inside the Oculus. The current Oculus retailers offering discounts include Eataly, Moleskine, and FragranceNet.com. We’ll email you instructions to claim your offers.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late. When you arrive, just tell the guide your name at check-in. No need to print out anything.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
Getting Here
Meeting point
Nearest Subways
2
3
4
5
A
C
J
Z
to Fulton Street,
R W to Cortland Street,
or 1 to WTC Cortland
By car
NYC traffic can be unpredictable. Be sure to allow plenty of extra time so you don’t miss your tour.
Open in Google Maps.Tour 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 and observatory are after the tour.
Policies
Arrival
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early as we start on time. We can’t guarantee latecomers will be able to catch up and join the group.
When you arrive, just tell the guide your name at check-in. No need to print out anything.
Refunds and Rescheduling
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
Weather
Our tours take place outdoors, rain, snow, or shine. Please check the forecast and dress for the weather. In rare cases of serious inclement weather, we may cancel the tour and offer you the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund.
from $139
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