All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Explore this transportation hub and shopping center to admire its striking architecture and learn how it symbolizes renewal at Ground Zero after 9/11.
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.
What‘s Included
Views from 150 feet up in the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NYC
Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”
Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero
Moment of reflection at the “Reflecting Absence” fountains
A local guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
Skip-the-line ticket for the 9/11 Museum, featuring historic artifacts, art, and themed exhibits
9/11 Museum small-group guided tour (if you choose the VIP option)
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
All Access Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Self-Guided Tickets: A guided tour of Ground Zero, plus a ticket to the One World Observatory and a skip-the-line ticket to the 9/11 Museum.
All Access + VIP Museum Tour
VIP Guided Museum Tour: A guided tour of Ground Zero, plus a VIP guided tour of the 9/11 Museum and a ticket to the One World Observatory. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Reviews
4,994 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Honoring Souls of 9/11
Kim P,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a moving tribute to a very tragic time in history. The reflecting pools are a magnificent way to to honor and memorialize the souls lost. The museum was mind blowing, plan to spend at least 2 hours there. We also walked along NYFD Station 10, it's the fire department closest to WTC and St. Paul's Chapel - "The Little Chapel That Stood" and served as a 24-hour sanctuary for recovery workers at Ground Zero. James, our tour guide, was wonderful. Balancing the tough conversations of what happened on 9/11 with uplifting stories of heroism, people and animals helping those in need. Very good tour, museum, & memorial.
Walking New York, My Way
726262444,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exploring New York with Neo was a great way to see different neighborhoods, learn some local history, and experience the city beyond the main tourist areas.
Amazing Discoveries
Sharrah W,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jason was amazing and connected with each participant. He was knowledgeable, exciting and gave a lot information.
Very respectful
Rebecca B,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was Tim Douglas, I have no idea how, but he remembered everyone's name in our group... He was very knowledgeable and linked areas to films. His personal account was mesmerising and we loved how he encouraged everyone to share where they were (if they were comfortable to do so). The tour is part inside and part outside, the white roses are heart breaking, but adorable for the memories of those lost. The fountain areas were quite busy (we did the 10:30 session). The museum was very respectful, and parts were very hard to watch and listen to. Allow more time than you think here... A wonderful experience which we recommend whole heartedly.
It was well worth the vip...
Eric P,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was well worth the vip tour. It was a small group and the tour guide had allot of knowledge. I would recommend this tour and would do it again.
The tour guide was very...
Tamra K,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was very informative and friendly; it ran on time without feeling rushed, it was overall a fantastic tour.
Comprehensive, informative, so glad to go!
juliedimeo,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with Ray. He was low key in his demeanor which was spot-on given the emotional nature of the tour, particularly the reflecting pools. He was also humorous at a couple of points, but the humor was welcome and appropriate. We bought the all inclusive VIP tour since we are from elsewhere in the US and rarely travel to New York. Glad that we got to access all the portions of the site including the Observatory. All terrific!
Fantastic experience, it let us see all of the pieces of 9/11 that we could not have connected without Paul’s tour.
Departure68604424691,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul was fantastic. He was allowed us to connect all the building back to how they were impacted on 9/11 and how they are today. Everything he said was connected to the next part of the tour and to something you could actually see. He allowed our entire family to learn about the day and the aftermath of it.
Very insightful 9/11 tour
DenKin70,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amy was great. The weather wasn’t the best for it, but she made the experience enjoyable and insightful. She had a great breadth of knowledge about the history surrounding 9/11. She was very personable and relatable. I would have her again as my tour guide.
Definitely worth the visit!
Allan A,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Parts are a little heavy for younger kids. Good walking tour. Museum was interesting as tman adult who witnessed the event but much was lost onmy 13 year old
From US$109.00
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