All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory

4.9 (5,186 Viator reviews) 2 hrs – 5 hrs New York City area

All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
The impressive Oculus is more than just a subway station but rather the transportation hub of the One World Trade Center.
All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory, photo 3
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is best experienced with a tour guide who can set the horrific events of 9/11 into perspective and give you more background information.
All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory, photo 5

Photos: Viator · 7 more on Viator

About this activity

Don't just see the landmarks; understand the legacy. This all-encompassing experience provides a chronological journey through one of history’s most significant days and the resilience that followed. Led by a local guide with personal ties to the events, you will explore the hallowed grounds of the Memorial, gain skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum, and end your journey 102 stories up at the One World Observatory.

The Experience Highlights:

The Guided Walk: Visit St. Paul’s Chapel, the FDNY Memorial Wall, and the Survivor Tree. Your guide provides the human context that plaques alone cannot convey.

Priority Museum Entry: Avoid the massive public lines. Once inside, you have the flexibility to explore the 9/11 Museum’s poignant exhibits at your own pace (or upgrade to a VIP guided museum tour).

The Ascent: Conclude with a 47-second elevator ride that shows the evolution of NYC’s skyline before stepping out into the highest panoramic views in the Western Hemisphere.

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1 · 15 min

    Explore this transportation hub and shopping center to admire its striking architecture and learn how it symbolizes renewal at Ground Zero after 9/11.

  2. Stop 2 · 75 min

    Pay your respects to those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Your guide will explain the meaning behind all the symbolic places in the memorial plaza, including the Survivor Tree and Reflecting Absence, which are the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent.

  3. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum · 60 min

    Enhance your experience by visiting the 9/11 Museum. We offer two upgrade options: either a skip-the-line ticket for a self-guided visit or a one-hour VIP guided tour through the collections of media, memorabilia, and more.

  4. One World Observatory · 60 min

    Ride the "SkyPod" elevator up 1,250 feet to see breathtaking views of Manhattan from This 360-degree observation deck. The deck spans three levels and includes the See Forever Theater, immersive LED displays, touch-screen video, and dining.

What's included

  • 9/11 Museum small-group guided tour with a Docent (if you choose the VIP option)
  • Skip-the-line entry ticket for the 9/11 Museum
  • See meaningful sites of Ground Zero, including the Survivor Tree, Memorial Pools & St Paul's Chapel
  • A local guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
  • Entry ticket to One World Observatory

Not included

  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

We meet inside the Oculus, a mall and transportation hub at Ground Zero. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat and standing by the L'Arte del Gelato stand on the main level.

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour operates rain or shine. A large portion of this tour is outdoors, so please dress appropriately and be prepared for the weather. The tour may be rescheduled in the event of poor conditions; in the rare case of downpours or unreasonable weather, the tour will be canceled and you will be offered a refund. However, the One World Observatory and 9/11 Museum tickets cannot be rescheduled since they are date/time specific
  • We offer two upgrades for the 9/11 Museum. You can either tour the exhibits with a guide or get a skip-the-line ticket to visit on your own. If you choose the ticket option, be sure to arrive during your timed entry window as the museum reserves the right to deny admission if you miss this. With both options, you can stay as long as you like after entering. There’s a security checkpoint, and all large bags must be checked.
  • Freedom Tower policy: Tickets are only available for a specific date and time and cannot be used at any other time. The date will be the same date as the selected tour date. Typically, the entry time for the 10:30am tour is 2pm; the 1pm tour typically has an entry time of 4:30pm. The actual entry time may vary based on availability. In the case of no availability, you will be notified by the local tour operator to select another date, another tour, or a refund
  • Also note, in case you are approached by street sellers, they are not affiliated with us.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9/5

5,186 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star4,787
  • 4 star242
  • 3 star78
  • 2 star40
  • 1 star39

Read the reviews on Viator

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of New York City (Viator lists this tour under New York City; it has no meeting-point coordinates).