As a New Yorker, I can tell you that some sights in New York City are an absolute must when you visit: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, and Central Park, for starters. Ground Zero is also one of these must-visit landmarks. It’s a special place to experience and understand a moment in New York’s history of both tragedy and rebirth.

Ground Zero — the site where the Twin Towers stood until two planes crashed into them on Sept. 11, 2001, sending them tumbling to the ground — looks quite different from how it did two decades ago, and it provides history, education, and a quiet place of reflection for anyone who cares to explore it, including tourists.

Next time you visit New York City, consider a stop at Ground Zero. Here are 10 reasons it should be on your must-see list.

1. It’s a quiet place to reflect

Despite the hustle and bustle of New York City, there’s a sense of calm at Ground Zero, especially at the 9/11 Memorial.

The North Pool and South Pool are both surrounded by trees and stones where you can sit and just be. The sound of the water in the pools provides a calming place to sit and take a break during your travels. It’s surprising and rare to find such a place in the middle of Manhattan’s urban jungle.

2. Ground Zero teaches kids about history

On the grounds where the current World Trade Center sits, families will find a number of places to learn about the history of the area and the tragedy that occurred there. There are plaques around Ground Zero with information on the preservation of the site as well. 

This is a great teaching moment for children who didn’t live through the 9/11 attacks but who should know what the country went through during this time in American history.

3. You’ll see stunning art and architecture

While some of the grounds at the World Trade Center remains as it was decades ago, a lot has been rebuilt since 9/11.

At Ground Zero, you’ll find plenty of incredible architecture to admire, including the new One World Trade and the Oculus. The grounds are also still under construction as more buildings are put in. If you have an interest in beautiful buildings, Ground Zero is worth checking out.

The memorial itself is also an art piece, particularly the fountains (the largest artificial waterfalls in North America). And you can often find installation art close by.

Local tip: I wrote a guide to some of the best free art near Ground Zero if you’re looking for more to see nearby.

4. There’s a sense of togetherness

During 9/11 and after, the United States as a whole experienced a great tragedy together. More specifically, New York City went through something incredibly sad but came together to get through it and rebuild.

By walking through Ground Zero, you feel the togetherness and tenacity of New York and the New Yorker spirit.

This is especially true if you join one of our insider-led tours. You’ll meet fellow travelers and hear from a New Yorker with a personal connection to the events of 9/11, making your experience that much more vivid and memorable.

5. You can learn about America

Visiting Ground Zero teaches kids who weren’t yet alive during 9/11, as I mentioned above, but it also invites those from other countries to experience a piece of American history. Watching 9/11 on TV and reading about it in newspapers back in 2001 is a completely different experience from walking through the sights and monuments of this area of New York.

Our guided tour of Ground Zero covers not only the history of that day but also how New York came together afterward to rebuild. September 11th is about more than just that day. Our tour shares the whole story with a theme of hope through it all.

6. Touring the museum is fascinating

At Ground Zero, you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial Museum, which provides a heart-wrenching look at the events of Sept. 11.

The museum also includes pieces of the original Twin Towers that were recovered from the rubble, as well as tributes to those who died and those who dedicated their time and energy to rescuing as many people as possible.

Local tip: At the museum, make sure to walk through the hallway of all the rescue dogs who were part of the team. There are tributes to the pups who went into the wreckage to look for survivors.

7. You’ll see how tough New York really is

As a local, I know how much New York is a strong city that seems to always bounce back from adversity. Coming back from the rubble of the fallen Twin Towers sums this up in a way nothing else really does.

The beauty of Ground Zero now shows how resilient the city is, and visiting makes you a part of it.

8. It’s a place to remember victims from both tragedies

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, and almost all of those people were in New York City. At Ground Zero, the two reflecting pools, which mark where the Twin Towers once stood, hold the names of those who died during 9/11 as well as a previous attack in 1993.

If you’re on the grounds and notice a white rose stuck into an engraved name at the reflecting pool, it’s to signify that it’s that person’s birthday. Someone places those flowers, which are donated, in the memorial every morning.

9. You can honor the survivors

Thousands of people were injured in the September 11 attacks but survived, and visiting Ground Zero is a way to celebrate those people. There were so many first responders who worked tirelessly to find survivors who you can also honor during your visit.

Perhaps the best place to honor survivors is with a moment of reflection at the Survivor Tree. The tree was left standing after the Twin Towers fell and was removed from the area to rejuvenate before being brought back and replanted. The tree now stands on the World Trade Center grounds, and people often tie notes on the surrounding fence or share photos of loved ones.

10. There are many other sights in the area

Once you’ve arrived at Ground Zero, there are other things in the area that are good to check out too. 

• Battery Park: This popular park is just a short walk away. It’s where you can board a ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Staten Island. If you choose to go to the Statue of Liberty, take a guided tour of Liberty Island. Touring Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island are three of the best things to do in New York!
• The Oculus: This transit hub at the World Trade Center is right beside the reflecting pools of the 9/11 Memorial and it’s a great place to find shopping and food options. Since the subway is here, too, this is a convenient first or final stop on your visit to Ground Zero.
• Brookfield Place: On the other side of the 9/11 reflecting pools is another mall. Brookfield Place is on the water and provides gorgeous views of New Jersey. Even if you don’t plan to shop, bring your camera!

More reasons to visit Ground Zero

Truth be told, there are actually more than 10 reasons to visit Ground Zero.

No, Ground Zero doesn’t have the cool vibes of SoHo or the panoramic views of Edge, but it’s an essential part of any New York visit. That’s especially true if you’ve never been before. Even though I live nearby and have been multiple times, each time still shows me something new.

If you do decide to visit Ground Zero, go with a local, preferably someone who was here during 9/11 and can share the story of the site with some perspective (like our tour guides do). Wondering what it’s like to visit?

Speaking of which, check out this first-person account of what you can learn while touring Ground Zero, written by a tour guide.