Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade
Overview
This moving and evocative tour of Ground Zero begins at the site of what served as a rescue center for victims and place for mementos after the attacks: St. Paul's Chapel. This historic church was miraculously unharmed when the Twin Towers fell despite being only a block away.
You'll then walk to the 9/11 Memorial where we'll reflect on the lives lost in the World Trade Center attacks. See "Reflecting Absence," the largest artificial waterfalls on the continent. Your private guide will share the meaning behind the memorial, stories from the day, and how New Yorkers came together in the aftermath.
From there, begin a self-guided tour in the lobby of the Freedom Tower by watching "Voices," a film dedicated to the men and women of the Twin Towers and Freedom Tower.
Upgrade your experience to take the "Sky Pod" elevator 1,250 feet up to the One World Observatory, where you can see the NYC skyline stretching across Manhattan.
What's Included
- Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero
- Optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NYC
- Moment of reflection at the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent
- A private guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
- Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”
- Gratuities
- 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability)
Meeting Location
205 Broadway
New York, NY 10007, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
117 West Street
New York, NY 10007, USA
The tour ends at the 911 Memorial. If guests have purchased the One World Observatory upgrade they will enter after the tour and can explore as long as they like on their own.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
St. Paul's Chapel
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
One World Observatory
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- One World Observatory admission is NOT included unless option is selected at time of booking
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Airport style security screening will take place at the One World Observatory. All bags are subject to search.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5250P33
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 13 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero.
- Optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NYC.
- Moment of reflection at the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent.
- A private guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11.
- Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”.
- Gratuities.
- 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability).
The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero
- Optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NYC
- Moment of reflection at the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent
- A private guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
- Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”
- Gratuities
- 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- One World Observatory admission is NOT included unless option is selected at time of booking
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Airport style security screening will take place at the One World Observatory. All bags are subject to search.
