to Fulton Street — Transit Center,
or r to Cortland Street.
9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour
The full experience, including the memorial, 9/11 Museum, and One World Observatory
Highlights
- Hear about the events of 9/11 from a New Yorker with firsthand experience of that day.
- Visit the various sites of Ground Zero, from St. Paul’s Chapel to the 9/11 Memorial.
- Pause at the largest manmade waterfalls in the U.S. as you learn about their symbolism.
- Explore the 9/11 Museum, featuring artifacts and narratives from September 11th.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower.
“I got a ride over to Manhattan in an ambulance that was heading over from a local hospital, as thousands were crossing the opposite way into Brooklyn to escape the chaos…”
- Rob, Ground Zero tour guide
What you’ll do
Begin with a guided tour of Ground Zero, hearing firsthand stories from your guide and learning about the events of 9/11.
We start at St. Paul’s Chapel, which miraculously survived the falling debris, even though it’s only a block from where the Twin Towers collapsed. The church was a landmark e...
Begin with a guided tour of Ground Zero, hearing firsthand stories from your guide and learning about the events of 9/11.
We start at St. Paul’s Chapel, which miraculously survived the falling debris, even though it’s only a block from where the Twin Towers collapsed. The church was a landmark even then, known as the city’s oldest continuously used public building. But in the aftermath of 9/11, it became even more — a rescue center for victims, a bulletin board where families posted notices of their missing loved ones, a gathering place for recovery workers. Today, it stands as a living memorial.
Follow your guide to the 9/11 Memorial, where you’ll pause to pay your respects and learn about its many symbolic elements. One of the most famous of these, Michael Arad’s “Reflecting Absence” is the largest manmade waterfall in the country, pouring endlessly into the empty footprints of the Twin Towers and inscribed with the names of those who died in the attacks.
After your tour of the 9/11 Memorial, continue for your self-guided visit to the 9/11 Museum, with its vast collection of artifacts and narratives.
No place covers the events of Sept. 11, 2001, as extensively as this museum. The 9/11 Museum includes firsthand accounts, artifacts, historical records, and more relating to the events of that tragic day. Before your museum visit, your guide will tell you about the exhibits to help you prepare. You’ll receive a timed entry ticket, included with this tour. We recommend allowing two hours to see everything.
Finally, visit the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower, built after the destruction of the World Trade Center. In the Freedom Tower lobby, watch “Voices,” dedicated to the men and women of both the old and new WTC.
Then climb aboard the SkyPod, an elevator that shows you a time-lapse of NYC while whisking you 1,250 feet in the air to the One World Observatory. This three-level observation deck features a theater, interactive displays, dining, and the highest panoramic views in the city. The incredible views overlooking Manhattan are the perfect way to end your visit to Ground Zero.
Each guide’s experience of 9/11 is unique, and so is each tour. In addition to the stops above, you may visit other sites at Ground Zero. These include the FDNY Memorial Wall, the Survivor Tree, the Brooks Brothers building that served as a temporary morgue, and the Millennium Hotel, where the FBI thwarted another attack on New York. Your guide may also stop into the Oculus, the grand entrance to the WTC Transportation Hub.
Itinerary
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St. Paul’s Chapel
A historic church at Ground Zero that miraculously survived the falling debris -
9/11 Memorial
Where you can pay your respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11 at the World Trade Center -
9/11 Museum
A self-guided tour through collections of media, memorabilia, and more -
Other sights at Ground Zero
May include the Oculus, FDNY Memorial Wall, and more -
One World Observatory
The 360-degree observation deck at Freedom Tower
Reviews
Meeting point
We meet outside St. Paul’s Chapel at 209 Broadway. The cross streets are Fulton and Vessey.
Getting here
Nearest Subways
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A
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Ending point
The guided portion of our tour ends at the 9/11 Memorial (about 4 blocks from the meeting location). Your visit to the museum and observatory will be after the tour.
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 admission to the 9/11 Museum and the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower. Your visits to these attractions are self-guided. We recommend allowing about an hour for Freedom Tower and two hours for the museum, but you may stay as long as you wish at either landmark.
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 your tour.
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.