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4.9
436 Reviews

Private tours of Ground Zero

A dedicated guide for just your group, perfect for 1-15 guests

Details Gallery Itinerary Meeting Point

Highlights

  • Hear stories of 9/11 and its aftermath from a New Yorker with firsthand experience.
  • Visit the many sites of Ground Zero with a private guide who will share their meaning.
  • Pay your respects at the largest manmade waterfalls in the country.
  • Be inspired by the heroism and resilience that shone through despite the tragedy.
  • Enhance your visit by upgrading for the 9/11 Museum, Freedom Tower, or both.

"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, Tour Guide

What you’ll do

This private guided tour of Ground Zero includes firsthand stories from your guide as you learn about the events of 9/11 and how New Yorkers came together to heal and rebuild. 

 

We cover the key sites like the FDNY Memorial ...

This private guided tour of Ground Zero includes firsthand stories from your guide as you learn about the events of 9/11 and how New Yorkers came together to heal and rebuild. 

 

We cover the key sites like the FDNY Memorial Wall, which honors the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the rescue effort. And you’ll learn about the symbolism throughout the 9/11 Memorial, from the two giant waterfalls of “Reflecting Absence” to the names inscribed in the monument.

 

We highly recommend adding a visit to the 9/11 Museum and the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower. Both will enrich your experience of Ground Zero in different ways. You can add on tickets for one or both attractions with your booking.

 

Each guide’s experience of 9/11 is unique, and so is each tour, especially for our private tours. Your tour can include stops such as St. Paul’s Chapel, the Survivor Tree, and more. If there’s something you’re interested in seeing or learning about, just ask your guide.

Itinerary

  • 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

  • Optional upgrade: 9/11 Museum

    A skip-the-line ticket to visit the collections of media, memorabilia, and more

  • Optional upgrade: One World Observatory

    The stunning 360-degree observation deck at Freedom Tower

Private Ground Zero tour reviews

Michael Cohen was our private tour guide for the 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour. Mike was an impressive guide, very well informed and so in tune with the respect and emotion this area deserves.
— Barbara
We send our valued members to the 9/11 Ground Zero Tours both as group and private and our clients ALWAYS come back with raving reviews. This is above par for a tour company.
— Lucinda
Our guide, Paul who lived in NYC now for 35 years, was intimately familiar with the area. His stories brought a face to the event, much more than we as individuals could experience on our own.
— Chip
Robert Maass provided a fantastic tutelage of NYC back to the Revolutionary War and events that took place throughout history all the way up to current times. He provided a very thorough insight to our group of high school students.
— David
We are a group from a Danish business school, and we had the pleasure of a tour of the 9/11 site and memorial by Jim Q. My colleague and I would like to praise Jim for an amazing tour as he was able to make the experience personal, interesting and inspiring for our students.
— Maya
We took the private guided 9/11 Ground Zero Tour with Daniel. Daniel was absolutely fantastic in his knowledge, presentation, and pace of the tour. It was hands-down the best tour of any sort that I have ever been on.
— Nicole
We booked a private tour for 7 people through 9/11 Ground Zero tours and were extremely happy with all aspects of the process from start to finish. It was also powerful to relive the days' events and see them through the eyes of a New Yorker.
— Kim
My husband booked a private tour of Ground Zero. We both loved it. Our guide Len Rella was the best. He is a New Yorker who witnessed the devastation after the collapse of the towers. His vivid description of the neighborhood was mesmerizing.
— Gioia
We are travelling with a big group of teenagers as part of a study trip, and they can be a difficult age to engage with. However, Jim really managed to get everyone’s attention through his own personal story. It was a very interesting, enlightening and respectful experience.
— Marie
We had a private tour with tour guide Rob Maass. He is a lifelong New Yorker and was working as a photojournalist during 9/11. Even though we have seen numerous documentaries on 9/11, he provided us with details we had never heard.
— Tara

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.

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?

If you upgrade to add them on, your private tour will include tickets to the 9/11 Museum and the One World Observatory at Freedom Tower. You can add one or both options when you book.

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?

This tour starts promptly. Plan to show up 15 minutes early so we can make the most of our time together. 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.

Large group tours

Perfect for schools, company team building, and more! Multiple guides available per group.

Contact Us

From $328 per group From €280 per group From £242 per group From C$454 per group From A$493 per group

  • NYC insiders
    Personal stories of September 11th
  • Award-winning
    In the top 1% of tours on Tripadvisor
  • Worry-free booking
    Flexible scheduling and refunds
Check Availability

Large group tours

Perfect for schools, company team building, and more! Multiple guides available per group.

Contact Us