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 the 9/11 Memorial to the Survivor Tree.
- 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
Your guided tour of Ground Zero includes firsthand stories from your guide as you learn about the events of 9/11.
Together, we’ll walk from the Oculus — a gleaming white, wing-shaped building created to inspire hope — to the 9...
Your guided tour of Ground Zero includes firsthand stories from your guide as you learn about the events of 9/11.
Together, we’ll walk from the Oculus — a gleaming white, wing-shaped building created to inspire hope — to the 9/11 Memorial. Learn about the many sights along the way, from Liberty Park to the FDNY Memorial that commemorates the firefighters lost during the rescue effort.
Just as each guide’s experience of 9/11 is different, so is each tour. You may visit 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 became a rescue center for victims and a makeshift bulletin board where families posted notices of their missing loved ones. The Survivor Tree is another spot many guides visit. Here, you’ll hear the story of a Callery pear tree that was almost destroyed in the attacks — and yet lived.
At the 9/11 Memorial, pause to pay your respects and hear 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.
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 skip-the-line ticket that can save you an hour (or more) in line on busy days. 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. You’ll board 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.
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
A skip-the-line ticket to visit the collections of media, memorabilia, and more -
One World Observatory
The stunning 360-degree observation deck at Freedom Tower
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 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.