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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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
Shelley_f
Feb 22, 2024
Amazing Tour !! - Richard was an amazing tour guide with so much information but made the experience not overwhelming either. Very considerate and polite to all in the group and added personal stories as well. Fabulous tour
Review provided by Viator
Linda_h
Jan 20, 2024
Great Tour with Richard! - Richard was very professional but made everyone feel welcome to! On a very cold day he was very conscious of trying to keep us inside as much as possible! Great tour! Thank you Richard!
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_a
Dec 30, 2023
Very knowledgeable and interesting - Alex is amazing! He is very knowledgeable and professional. He gave interesting insight, as well as sharing his own personal experience during 9/11 and afterwards. We used Viator in several cities- domestic and international- and Alex is the best guide we’ve ever encountered.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_l
Dec 23, 2023
Pure perfection! - This was by far one of the best tours I’ve taken. Richard was an absolutely amazing tour guide. A true professional! He was extremely knowledgeable about everything that took place on that tragic day. Things that I had never heard about. It was a small group and he even took the time to take photos of us separately. I highly recommend that you book this tour if you’re in New York!
Review provided by Viator
Marlena_f
Dec 9, 2023
Incredible experience and Richard was an amazing tour guide! - Richard was an amazing guide and shared personal stories and information that we don’t believe we would have gotten with another guide. Amazing yet very heavy experience, would recommend! You get entry to the 9/11 Museum and Can spend hours in there at your own leisure.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_r
Dec 1, 2023
Passionate tour and guide - Andrew was a professional and personable guide. We felt his passion for NYC and the events of 9/11. He had many stories and pictures, and took us to many different areas of the memorial.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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