Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade

5.0 (13 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

13 reviews

5.0

Walking tour of 9/11 Ground Zero — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This moving and evocative tour of Ground Zero begins at the site of what served as a rescue center for victims and place for mementos after the attacks: St. Paul's Chapel. This historic church was miraculously unharmed when the Twin Towers fell despite being only a block away.

You'll then walk to the 9/11 Memorial where we'll reflect on the lives lost in the World Trade Center attacks. See "Reflecting Absence," the largest artificial waterfalls on the continent. Your private guide will share the meaning behind the memorial, stories from the day, and how New Yorkers came together in the aftermath.

From there, begin a self-guided tour in the lobby of the Freedom Tower by watching "Voices," a film dedicated to the men and women of the Twin Towers and Freedom Tower.

Upgrade your experience to take the "Sky Pod" elevator 1,250 feet up to the One World Observatory, where you can see the NYC skyline stretching across Manhattan.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: ExperienceFirst

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”
Included: Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero
Included: A private guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
Included: Optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NYC
Included: Moment of reflection at the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability)

Itinerary

St. Paul's Chapel

15 min

The tour begins one block from Ground Zero at a historic church, built in 1766, that miraculously survived the falling debris from the attacks. Your guide will explain how this beautiful church served the community in the wake of the tragedy.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

one hour

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

one hour

Upgrade your experience to take the "Sky Pod" elevator up 1,250 feet to see breathtaking views of Manhattan from the 360-degree observation deck. It spans three levels and includes the See Forever Theater, immersive LED displays, touch-screen video, and dining.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide at the Broadway entrance to St. Paul's Chapel (209 Broadway between Fulton and Vesey Streets). The guide will be there 10 minutes before the tour starts and will be wearing an orange hat AND/OR blue top or jacket.

End point

The tour ends at the 911 Memorial. If guests have purchased the One World Observatory upgrade they will enter after the tour and can explore as long as they like on their own.

Using your ticket

Please meet your guide at St. Paul's Chapel (209 Broadway between Fulton and Vesey Streets). They will be there 10 minutes before the tour starts and will be wearing an orange hat or holding an orange paddle. If the One World Observatory option is selected the guide will have the tickets on the day of the tour.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

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
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
One World Observatory admission is NOT included unless option is selected at time of booking
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Airport style security screening will take place at the One World Observatory. All bags are subject to search.