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Guided tours led by New Yorkers with personal connections to the events of 9/11
When the planes hit the Twin Towers on September 11th, the world watched as one of the most recognizable symbols of power and freedom fell. From the smell of fire to the sound of sirens, New Yorkers still recall the moments of tragedy and heroism that tested and ultimately strengthened our city.
Walk with us as we explore Ground Zero, New York. Hear firsthand accounts from guides who remember 9/11. Learn about the new World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It’s an opportunity to not only honor the lives lost but also to celebrate New York City’s resilience.
Private tours of Ground Zero
From $50 per adult From €43 per adult From £37 per adult From C$69 per adult From A$70 per adult
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Firsthand Accounts
As longtime New Yorkers, we'll never forget September 11, 2001, and the days that followed. We each had different experiences, but together they tell a shared story. Here, our guides relate a few of their memories from 9/11.
Read more firsthand accounts from our guidesOn September 11, I awoke to a delightful break from the sweltering heat and humidity we had endured all summer long. I was singing at a nursing home, a distance away from the Financial District, and had begun engaging with the residents in the dementia unit when a nurse ran in saying, “A small plane just hit the twin towers!” We ran to the TV and watched in horror, along with 2 billion other people, as the second plane hit. This was no accident. All I could think was “Wow, it’s going to take a long time to repair this damage.” My heart broke in a thousand different ways as I watched what happened over the next hour or so. The Activities Director said I could go home if I wanted to and that the residents on the Dementia Unit would not really know the difference. Those words struck a nerve in me. I wanted to stay. I wanted to have a few more hours in a room full of people who did not know the world just changed.
Linda
I was sleeping in on September 11, 2001, and was awakened at around 9:15am by the sound of fire engine sirens- lots of them. I looked out of the apartment window, out into the gorgeous Indian summer day, and saw a stream of firetrucks racing downtown. A big plume of thick smoke was visible in the sky as I looked south from 24th street. Judging by its size, I figured it must have been in a nearby neighborhood.
Jon
I went to bed in my Hell’s Kitchen apartment about 6am and didn’t wake up until the phone rang at 11:30am. My wife at the time answered and, from the conversation, I could immediately tell that something terrible had happened, the extent of which I couldn’t fathom until I turned on the TV and witnessed the nightmare that had happened just three miles to the south of me. The World Trade Center had been attacked and was now gone.
Tom
Reviews
I have visited the memorial and museum before, but Sean brought the awful events of that day to life. He introduced us to some of the heroes of that sad day in history. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Caroline, United Kingdom 2026
Our guide Jacklyn brought a lot of depth and humanity to our visit. The context has given us some closeness to the victims and more generally to the American people in the long-term impact of this tragedy.
Lulu, France 2026
Jimmy, as a native New Yorker, with very personal and significant memories of this awful day made it all much more immediate and meaningful. Thanks, Jimmy. Highly recommended.
Garreth, United Kingdom 2026
As an eye witness in NYC during the attack, our guide’s views and stories about the day itself as well as the aftermath and chaos were eye opening. I recommend the tour as well as the museum.
David, United States 2026
A fantastic and moving experience. Jason was very passionate about the tragic event which really moved us. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Kly, United Kingdom 2026
Sean was absolutely wonderful. My family and I were deeply moved by his personal touches and descriptions from that fateful day. So thankful for this experience. It will last with us for a lifetime.
Jeannine, United States 2026
Fantastic visit. The Ground Zero Memorial and Museum Tour is a fantastic experience that I recommend to everyone. Guide Tim Douglas made the visit unforgettable.
Dmitri, Italy 2025
Very good tour, and Arun was an excellent guide. He explained the memorial to us in an exciting and respectful way and gave us insight into some stories of that tragic day. He also shared his personal experiences.
Nicole, Switzerland 2025
This is the second time I took the tour. Had different tour guides each time, but both added their unique experiences of what happened on 9/11. I highly recommend this tour.
Ray, The Netherlands 2025
Plan Your Trip
Accessibility
The tour is wheelchair accessible. However we do not provide wheelchairs.
The 9/11 Memorial is also designed with accessibility in mind, including chamfered corners so that someone who is seated can experience the same views as someone standing.
Restrooms
During our tour, there are restrooms in St. Paul’s Chapel. There are also bathrooms inside the 9/11 Museum and Freedom Tower if you have tickets for those attractions.
Duration
Our guided tour is 90 minutes. You can also add on a visit to the museum, the observatory, or both. Your self-guided 9/11 Museum NYC experience will take about two hours. A visit to the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower takes about an hour.