World Trade Center 911 and Ground Zero Walking Tour

New York City , United States of America

World Trade Center 911 and Ground Zero Walking Tour

Active

(189 reviews)

2h - 5h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

[Best Valued 2-Hour Experience. All tour guides use large 11" x 17" photos to add richness to your experience.] This tour details the heroism of New York City's firefighters and the survivors of Stairwell "B." Walk in their path and learn how 16 people withstood the collapse of the north tower. Discover the miracle of the 911 surfer, who rode down with 88 stories of falling debris. In addition, grasp how the new World Trade Center was designed and constructed. This is the definitive walking tour of Ground Zero and the 911 Memorial Plaza. A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to the Non-Profit FDNY Foundation. Optional upgrades available for preferred tickets to the 911 Memorial Museum and One World Observatory. All guests must go through security if Museum or Observatory options are chosen. All tours are in small groups with a maximum of 25 adults.

Available options

Tour w/Museum and Obs. Entry

TRVWTCTRI: Tour with Museum and Observatory Entry Guaranteed to Skip the Ticket Lines

Walking Tour Only

TRVWTC: No Museum or Observatory Entry

Tour with 911 Museum Entry

TRVWTCMUS: Tour with 911 Museum Entry Guaranteed to Skip the Ticket Line

Tour & Observatory Entry

TRVWTCOWO: Tour with One World Observatory Ticket with Skip the Ticket Line Entry

What's included

One World Observatory Preferred Access (Upgrade Available)

All Fees and Taxes

Narrated 2-Hour Walking Tour using Extra Large Visuals

911 Memorial Museum Preferred Access (Upgrade Available)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The experience starts at the Starbucks across the street from the Oculus, the most expensive subway hub in the world. The tour also introduces FDNY Captain John Jonas and his team "the Dragon Fighters."

Stop 2

There we'll continued to an overlook of the World Trade Center Memorial Plaza. From this vantage, one could see the entire complex which includes One World Trade Center, the Reflecting Pools, and the 911 Museum.

Stop 3

The tour proceeds to the World Financial Center. Here you learn about the little known Operation Aegis. The largest rescue by sea in history. Where over 500,000 civilians were evacuated by watercrafts of all sizes.

Stop 4

Next we'll visit the reconstructed Winter Garden, the $60 million 10 story glass pavilion that was devastated during the attacks of September 11th. Next we'll visit the Eleven Tears Memorial, dedicated to the eleven American Express employees lost on that day.

Stop 5

Concluding at the new World Trade Center complex, your guide will detail its design and construction. The guide will also cover the mystery of the lost gold and silver reserves of Building Four. In addition, you'll learn about the Survivor Tree, its resilience, survival, and rebirth.

Stop 6

For those who select the 9/11 Memorial Museum Package, you'll be granted entry into the venue. This museum contains historical artifacts and donated personal items from the World Trade Center attacks. This is a self-guided tour where guests are invited to leisurely explore until closing.

Stop 7

For those who select the One World Observatory Package, you'll take the HyperSpeed Elevators to the Observatory on the 100th floor. During the 47-second elevator ride, you'll watch a timeline transformation of Manhattan. At the Observatory, be astonished by the amazing views of four different states. This is a self-guide experience where guests are invited to enjoy the Observatory until closing.

What's not included

Gratuities are welcomed and appreciated

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

132 reviews

5★

122

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

57 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Well organized

This tour is copyrighted

Meeting point

This tour meets at the 9/11 Memorial's Starbucks Café located on 20 Dey Street between Broadway and Church Street. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour to check-in with your host at the Starbucks.

Important notes

The tour's meeting place is at the Starbucks Cafe at 20 Dey Street, New York, NY 10007. The entrance is located on Dey Street between Broadway & Church Street.

Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information