VIP 9/11 Ground Zero Tour With 9/11 Museum

New York City , United States of America

VIP 9/11 Ground Zero Tour With 9/11 Museum

Active

2h - 4h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit the landmarks of Ground Zero on this VIP small-group guided tour led by a New Yorker with a personal connection to the events of that day. This tour offers an intimate encounter with history as you hear the stories of not just tragedy but also heroism and resilience.

After visiting the 9/11 Memorial and other sites at Ground Zero, tour the 9/11 Museum with a guide as you discover its vast collections of media and memorabilia. The museum covers not just the tragedy but also the rebirth of Lower Manhattan. This option includes a skip-the-line ticket, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like after the guided portion of your museum tour.

You can also add on a visit to Freedom Tower for the 360-degree views of NYC from the spectacular One World Observatory.

Available options

VIP All Access Tour

Includes One World Observatory: A guided tour of Ground Zero, a guided tour of the 9/11 Museum, and a ticket to the One World Observatory.

VIP Walking Tour + Museum Tour

Does Not Include Observatory

What's included

Optional upgrade to the One World Observatory

9/11 Memorial guided tour

NYC guide with a personal connection to 9/11

9/11 Museum guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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

Stop 2

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.

Stop 3

Explore the museum with an expert guide who will explain the exhibits and the stories they contain. This guided tour covers the collections of media, memorabilia, and more. You're welcome to stay as long as you’d like after the guided portion of your museum tour.

Stop 4

Enjoy stunning views from the 360-degree observation deck at the top of Freedom Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. This self-guided upgrade includes your ticket to all three floors of the One World Observatory.

What's not included

Gratuities

Guided tour inside the One World Observatory

Available languages

Guide guide

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

Our Ground Zero tour is appropriate for all ages. The subject matter is covered sensitively, and we’ve had many families enjoy our tours over the years.

Your guided tour of the 9/11 Museum will begin at 12:30 p.m., after your outdoor walking tour. There’s a security checkpoint to enter the museum, and all large bags must be checked. You may stay as long as you like in the museum after your tour.

Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we'll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund.

Meeting point

We meet inside the Oculus, a mall and transportation hub at Ground Zero. Go to Level C2. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat and standing by the L'Arte del Gelato stand.

Important notes

We meet inside the Oculus, a mall and transportation hub at Ground Zero. Go to Level C2. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat and standing by the L'Arte del Gelato stand. Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

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