New York City: 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour

The 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour offers a profound look into the tragic events that unfolded in New York City on September 11th, 2001. Guided by knowledgeable locals with personal connections, this comprehensive tour provides skip-the-line access to key sites like the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory. From the historic St. Paul’s Chapel to the reflective 9/11 Memorial Pools, the tour immerses visitors in the somber history and resilience of the city. What visitors discover may surprise and move them in unexpected ways.

This experience made our article of The 16 Best City Tours In New York City.

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Key Points

5-hour tour of the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory in New York City, priced from $39 per person.
Offers skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory, providing an immersive experience.
Key highlights include St. Paul’s Chapel, 9/11 Memorial Pools, Survivor Tree, and panoramic views from the One World Observatory.
Guided by local experts with personal connections to 9/11, offering historical context and insights.
Includes a visit to the 9/11 Museum to explore poignant exhibits and the "Voices" film presentation.

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Overview of the Tour

The New York City: 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic 9/11 sites in Lower Manhattan.

Priced from $39 per person, the 5-hour tour provides skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory.

Highlights include visiting St. Paul’s Chapel, the 9/11 Memorial Pools, and the Survivor Tree. Guests can also watch the film "Voices" at the Freedom Tower and enjoy panoramic views from the One World Observatory.

Led by local guides with personal connections to 9/11, the tour ensures an immersive and meaningful experience for participants.

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Starting Locations

The tour begins at one of two starting locations in Lower Manhattan – either outside St. Paul’s Chapel on 209 Broadway, or at 220 Broadway.

The meeting point is identifiable by an orange hat worn by the tour concierge. Guests gather at the starting point, ready to embark on their immersive 9/11 Ground Zero experience.

From here, the knowledgeable local guide leads the group through the area’s key landmarks, providing personal insights and historical context.

With skip-the-line access, the tour efficiently navigates the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as the One World Observatory for panoramic city views.

Key Stops

The tour first stops at St. Paul’s Chapel, a historic church that miraculously survived the 9/11 attacks. Visitors spend 15 minutes exploring the chapel and its role as a sanctuary and relief center in the aftermath.

Next, the tour heads to the Oculus Center, a striking transportation hub with a distinctive white wing-like structure. After a 15-minute photo stop, the group proceeds to the 9/11 Memorial Pools, the twin reflecting pools marking the footprints of the original towers. Guests spend 30 minutes paying respects at this powerful site.

The tour then visits the Survivor Tree, a resilient tree that endured the attacks.

St. Paul’s Chapel

St. Paul’s Chapel is the first stop on the tour. Visitors spend 15 minutes here learning about its role after the 9/11 attacks.

The chapel provided refuge and support for recovery workers. Miraculously, it withstood the collapse of the Twin Towers next door. It’s a poignant reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of tragedy.

Guests can explore the chapel’s memorials and exhibits that honor those who perished. The chapel’s simple elegance and historic significance set an evocative tone for the rest of the tour’s immersive 9/11 experience.

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Oculus Center

After departing St. Paul’s Chapel, the tour group heads to the Oculus Center, a striking transportation hub designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

Guests spend 15 minutes exploring this architectural marvel, taking in its majestic design and snapping photos.

The Oculus features a giant skylight that allows natural light to flood the cavernous interior, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

With its sweeping curves and gleaming white steel, the Oculus isn’t only a functional transportation center but also a work of art that stands as a testament to the resilience of New York City.

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9/11 Memorial Pools and Survivor Tree

Departing the Oculus Center, the tour group next visits the 9/11 Memorial Pools, built on the former footprints of the Twin Towers. The pools feature recessed waterfalls cascading into a center void, with victims’ names inscribed around the edges. Adjacent to the pools stands the Survivor Tree, a callery pear tree that endured the 9/11 attacks and was nursed back to health, becoming a symbol of resilience.

| Location | Time |

| — | — |

| 9/11 Memorial Pools | 30 minutes |

| Survivor Tree | 10 minutes |

The tour allows visitors to reflect on the tragic events while appreciating the memorial’s powerful design and the tree’s inspirational story.

9/11 Museum

Visitors then explore the 9/11 Museum, spending approximately 2 hours immersed in the museum’s poignant exhibits.

The museum’s multimedia displays and artifacts provide a powerful and emotional narrative of the tragic events. Visitors can see the Last Column, which was the final steel beam removed from Ground Zero, as well as watch the film "Voices" that offers personal accounts from survivors.

The museum’s mission is to honor the victims and educate future generations about the 9/11 attacks. Guests leave the museum with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this pivotal moment in history.

One World Observatory

The tour then takes guests to the One World Observatory, where they can spend an hour exploring the panoramic views of New York City from the top of the Freedom Tower.

Travelers ride the SkyPod elevator to the 102nd floor, where they can take in the immersive LED displays and see the See Forever Theater.

The observatory offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city skyline, allowing visitors to witness the transformation of the Ground Zero site.

This stop provides a poignant conclusion to the tour, offering a chance to reflect on the resilience of New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the 9/11 Museum?

Visitors can take photographs inside the 9/11 Museum, except in certain sensitive areas. Photography is generally allowed, but some exhibits may have restrictions to respect the solemnity of the space.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

Yes, there are discounts available for the tour. The tour website offers a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, and there may be discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel. Visitors should check the website or contact the tour operator for the latest offers.

How Much Time Should I Allow for the Whole Tour?

The tour duration is 5 hours, which includes 2 hours for the self-guided 9/11 Museum visit and 1 hour for the self-guided One World Observatory experience. Visitors should allow the full 5 hours to complete the tour’s itinerary highlights.

Is There a Dress Code for the One World Observatory?

There is no strict dress code for the One World Observatory. However, visitors are advised to dress comfortably as they’ll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing during the tour. Casual attire is generally acceptable.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Itinerary?

Yes, participants can leave the tour group at any point during the itinerary. However, they’re responsible for making their own way to the remaining tour stops and may miss key parts of the experience if they do so.

The Sum Up

The New York City: 9/11 Ground Zero All Access Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that allows visitors to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. With skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory, this tour provides a profound and impactful way to learn about and reflect on this pivotal moment in history.