Private 9/11 Memorial and Museum Insider Tour
Highlights
- Hear firsthand accounts from your guide, a New Yorker with a personal connection to 9/11.
- Walk through Ground Zero and learn about its history and rebirth.
- See the largest man-made waterfalls in North America at the 9/11 Memorial.
- Visit the Survivor Tree, a symbol of resilience.
- Upgrade to skip the line and visit the 9/11 Museum, featuring artifacts and narratives from that day.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the One World Observatory with an optional Freedom Tower upgrade.

















What you'll do
Visiting Ground Zero is emotional but also inspiring as you hear about the stories of heroism on the ground and the spirit of rebirth after 9/11.
This private walking tour, led by a New Yorker with a personal connection to the events of September 11th, begins inside the Oculus, a striking hub of architecture ...
Visiting Ground Zero is emotional but also inspiring as you hear about the stories of heroism on the ground and the spirit of rebirth after 9/11.
This private walking tour, led by a New Yorker with a personal connection to the events of September 11th, begins inside the Oculus, a striking hub of architecture and history. From there, you’ll walk to the 9/11 Memorial, where your guide will explain the symbolism behind the Survivor Tree and Reflecting Absence, the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent.
Next, your guide will prepare you for a self-guided visit to the 9/11 Museum, available with our upgrade that includes your skip-the-line ticket. Inside, you can explore artifacts and first-person stories at your own pace.
You can also upgrade to add on a visit to the One World Observatory. For this, you’ll head to Freedom Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, built at Ground Zero after 9/11. With your included ticket, you’ll ride the Sky Pod elevator to the top to visit the See Forever Theater and the 360-degree observation deck at 1,250 feet, offering unparalleled views of Manhattan.
Itinerary
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Oculus
A transportation hub and shopping center built after 9/11, symbolizing rebirth and renewal at Ground Zero
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FDNY Memorial Wall
Dedicated to the New York firefighters who sacrificed their lives during the rescue effort
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9/11 Memorial
Where you’ll learn about the World Trade Center attacks and NYC’s rebirth through personal stories
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More Ground Zero sights
Such as the Saint Paul’s Chapel, the Survivor Tree, and more
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Optional upgrade: 9/11 Museum
A skip-the-line ticket to visit the collections of media and memorabilia
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Optional upgrade: One World Observatory
Stunning views from the 360-degree observation deck at the top of Freedom Tower
Upgrades
9/11 Museum
This upgrade includes a skip-the-line ticket to enter the museum fast.
One World Observatory
Visit Freedom Tower to see New York from 1,250 feet up.
Reviews
Meeting point
Where we meet
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.
End point
9/11 Memorial & Museum, Greenwich Street, New York, NY, USA
9/11 Memorial (If you’ve purchased the 9/11 Museum upgrade, your guide will take you to the skip-the-line entrance.)
FAQs
How much walking is there?
We cover less than a mile at a leisurely pace, and the walking route is fairly level.
Is the tour good for kids?
Yes, the subject matter is covered sensitively.
Is the 9/11 Museum visit guided?
If you choose our upgrade for a visit to the 9/11 Museum, your tour is self-guided. Your ExperienceFirst guide will share helpful information about the museum to prepare you for your visit, and you’ll get a timed entry ticket to the museum. Depending on availability, your ticket may be for immediately after the tour conclusion or some time later. The museum reserves the discretion not to admit you if you are early or late, and you can’t exit and reenter the museum, though you can stay as long as you like after entering.
What can I bring inside the museum?
There is a security checkpoint before entering the 9/11 Museum. All large bags will need to be checked at the coat check. You can bring your camera, but only photos without flash are allowed.
If I miss the tour, can I still get my ticket for the museum or observatory?
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour, including the museum and observatory, is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
What if it rains?
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.
Are gratuities included?
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! If you want to give the gift of New York (or any of our destinations) to someone else, you can purchase a tour gift card. Our gift cards are good for any of our tours, and they never expire.