Ground Zero Walking Tour: Heroism and Reconstruction
4.8
135 Ratings
New York
Experience the heroism and reconstruction of Ground Zero on this engaging walking tour. Learn about the survivors of Stairwell 'B' and the 911 surfer, and discover the design and construction of the new World Trade Center.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Oculus - The experience starts at the Starbucks across the street from the Oculus, the most expensive subway hub in the world.
    The tour also introduces FDNY Captain John Jonas and his team “the Dragon Fighters.”

  • World Trade Center - There we’ll continued to an overlook of the World Trade Center Memorial Plaza. From this vantage, one could see the entire complex which includes One World Trade Center, the Reflecting Pools, and the 911 Museum.

  • Brookfield Place / Battery Park City - The tour proceeds to the World Financial Center. Here you learn about the little known Operation Aegis. The largest rescue by sea in history. Where over 500,000 civilians were evacuated by watercrafts of all sizes.

  • Winter Garden - Next we’ll visit the reconstructed Winter Garden, the $60 million 10 story glass pavilion that was devastated during the attacks of September 11th. Next we’ll visit the Eleven Tears Memorial, dedicated to the eleven American Express employees lost on that day.

  • World Trade Center - Concluding at the new World Trade Center complex, your guide will detail its design and construction. The guide will also cover the mystery of the lost gold and silver reserves of Building Four. In addition, you’ll learn about the Survivor Tree, its resilience, survival, and rebirth.

  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum - For those who select the 9/11 Memorial Museum Package, you’ll be granted entry into the venue. This museum contains historical artifacts and donated personal items from the World Trade Center attacks. This is a self-guided tour where guests are invited to leisurely explore until closing.

  • One World Observatory - For those who select the One World Observatory Package, you’ll take the HyperSpeed Elevators to the Observatory on the 100th floor. During the 47-second elevator ride, you’ll watch a timeline transformation of Manhattan. At the Observatory, be astonished by the amazing views of four different states. This is a self-guide experience where guests are invited to enjoy the Observatory until closing.

What's Included
  • Preferred Access to One World Observatory (Upgrades available)
  • 2-Hour Narrated Walking Tour with Extra Large Visuals
  • Inclusive of all fees and taxes
  • Preferred Access to 911 Memorial Museum (Upgrades available)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities are welcomed and appreciated
Additional Information

Unbeatable value for a two-hour exploration. All our guides utilise big 11’ x 17’ visuals to enrich your journey. This expedition delves into the bravery of New York City’s fire department and the escapees of Stairwell ‘B.’ Follow in their footsteps and uncover how 16 individuals survived the north tower’s collapse. Unearth the remarkable story of the 911 surfer who descended amidst 88 floors of collapsing rubble. Gain insight into how the new World Trade Center was planned and built. This is the ultimate pedestrian tour of Ground Zero and the 911 Memorial Plaza. A share of the revenue from this tour contributes to the non-profit FDNY Foundation. Optional premium tickets available for the 911 Memorial Museum and One World Observatory. All visitors must pass through security if they choose museum or observatory options. All expeditions have a small size limit, capped at 25 adults.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Well organized
  • This tour is copyrighted
Location
20 Dey St
Dey Street
This tour meets at the 9/11 Memorial's Starbucks Café located on 20 Dey Street between Broadway and Church Street. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour to check-in with your host at the Starbucks.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(135 Ratings)
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Michele_j
May 21, 2024
Every person has an impact in this life. - The walking tour provides a greater perspective on how all lives intertwined that day and everyday. Every person has an impact in this life.
Review provided by Viator
Emily_f
May 20, 2024
Passionate Tour Guide - Our tour guide was awesome and quite passionate. Very engaging! A worthwhile tour and highly recommended. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Travelinggentleman1
Apr 24, 2024
Do not miss this! - Touching, powerful and celebratory. Not an eye was dry after visiting the memorial museum. It knows how to celebrate its heroes! Gripping stories and a common thread throughout the event. Worth the money? Undoubtedly!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_m
Apr 22, 2024
My walking 9/11 tour with my daughter - I really enjoyed this tour, and I was with my daughter who was only 2 when 9/11 happened. We both learned so much about the day, the timeline (with photos). The tour was a fast paced moving tour, our guide was attentive, informative and very knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting NY and wanting to learn the timeline of that day. Also, I would purchase the museum ticket in addition. I only purchased the walking tour, but you should definitely do both. Bummed I did not. Our guide was so excellent, I would loved to hear more.
Review provided by Viator
Dennis_h
Apr 21, 2024
Well worth the time and money! - Christopher was a wealth of knowledge and humor. He knew many facts about 911 and many details that led up to the attacks, during and after. He allowed time for questions, restroom breaks and kept the tour moving. He shared many insights about the buildings around the World Trade Center area and was very prepared. The photos he shared brought greater context to his presentation. I felt bad that I didn’t get a chance to tip Christopher. He got us to the entrance of the 911 Museum in a sea of people and before I realized I was already in the line queue, he had vanished into the crowd. He was an outstanding tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Helen_s
Apr 6, 2024
Unforgettable tour - We took this tour in March with Andrew, who was a fantastic guide. With a detailed and passionate delivery he helped us to visualise what it was like before and during that terrible day, and to understand the impact it has had on locals ever since. For us, this was an unforgettable tour. Thank you Andrew.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_n
Mar 26, 2024
Hoshristopher t was very... - Hoshristopher t was very knowledgeable and the personal accounts of that day really added to experience.
Review provided by Viator
Shannon_d
Mar 21, 2024
Great tour for insider information on the events of 911 - Great opportunity to learn about the events of 911 from someone that lived through it. Andrew was a great guide! We are so happy we did this along with touring the museum.
Review provided by Viator
Lori_b
Mar 15, 2024
An incredible experience! - Richard, our tour guide was amazing! He was so knowledgeable and a wonderful communicator. He was excited about sharing his knowledge with us and was completely engaged. He was also kind, funny and used laminated color photos to bring his narrations to life! Many, many thanks!
Review provided by Viator
Sherpa34399230473
Mar 9, 2024
Better than two previous tours I had taken. - This was my third visit to the World Trade Center, and the first with a trip advisor advertised company. It was by far, the BEST tour! I learned more than the other two tours before. Our guide Christopher was amazing! He was knowledgeable, and prompted us to ask questions. He added anecdotal information that personalized the experience. I highly recommend this tour. Well done!!! My husband noted Christopher was most professionally presented and best dressed tour guide he has ever met.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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