Magpie
5.0(17 reviews)

9/11 Memorial Tour with Priority Entrance Observatory Tickets

2 hours
Max 20 people
Commentary: Guide · en
New York City, USA

About this activity

Discover how New York was rebuilt following the devastating 9/11 attacks, then enjoy breathtaking views over the city with priority entrance tickets to the One World Observatory.

Highlights

  • Spend time with a local New York guide visiting the most important sites and memorials of September 11th, 2001
  • Get priority access into One World Observatory avoiding long entrance lines
  • Visit the churches of St. Peter's and St. Paul's integral in the relief effort for first responders and their families
  • Pay homage at the Reflection Pools, the NYFD Memorial Wall, and the Survivors Tree
  • Hear first account stories of tragedy, heroism, and community cohesion from your dedicated guide
  • Join a small group of no more than 20 others to maximize the intimate nature of this topic

Full description

Immerse yourself in the memorial sites and new beginnings behind the tragedy of September 11th, 2001 on this poignant tour with a priority entrance ticket into One World Observatory. In the company of a licensed New York City guide, visit the most important sites from the events of 9/11 including St. Peter's Church, the Oculus, the FDNY Memorial Wall, and the many memorial structures at the 9/11 Memorial along with the reflection pools and survivor tree. Cap your time with priority entrance to the top of One World Observatory - the tallest building in the United States built upon the former footprint of the World Trade Center.
Take an (incredible!) "skypod" to NYC's most impressive panorama

Standing as a beacon of strength in the ashes of past events, One World Observatory is a testament to a city and its people. On (and around) the site of the former Twin Towers, pair a poignant walking tour through the intricate sites integral to the events of September 11th, 2001 with a closing visit to the coined, "Freedom Tower" - the tallest building in the United States with endless views across New York City and its environs.

Led by a local New York City licensed guide, embark on a two-hour walk through the places integral and spaces memorialized for the events of September 11th, 2001. This intimate tour begins on the steps of St. Peter's Church, where New Yorkers gathered for news of missing loved ones in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.

Visit St. Paul's Chapel, so close in proximity to the original World Trade Center every day as the sun headed west, this small church was encompassed by the shadows of the Twin Towers. Hear of the incredible support this small, historic place offered for the victims and their families as a round-the-clock relief station for a full 9-months after the tragedy. See the messages and offerings that arrived here from across the globe. Entering the space spread across 8-acres of the World Trade Centers former complex, now known as the 9/11 Memorial, pause before some of the most moving tributes including the FDNY Memorial Wall, the Survivor Tree, and the reflecting pools - arguably the most recognized element of the Memorial, each element paying tribute to the almost 3,000 lives lost in connection to the site. Step into the Oculus, the city's former and now revived World Trade Center Transportation Hub, where light and architecture mingle in magnificent ways in dedication to the events of 9/11.

After some time visiting the exterior spaces, bid farewell to your guide at the entrance of One World Observatory. As the tallest, and said to be strongest building in the United States (and 6th tallest in the world) you will benefit from pre-reserved tickets, bypassing any line, and gaining priority access. Prior to entrance, your guide will give you a good overview in order for you to make good use of your time and not miss any must-see sites. In the "skypod", the elevators created in association with Universal Studios, whisk to the top amongst LCD screens allowing you to watch the adaption of New York from the 1600s to the present, all while ascending 102 floors in a short 42 seconds. Truly a magnificent way to end a day of looking back at the past while experiencing the future.

We’ve kept our groups small to ensure a level of intimacy befitting such a visit, and have chosen only the best local guides to give your tour a personal touch, giving the 9/11 Memorial and its surroundings the humanity and reverence it deserves.

Sites Visited
  • St. Peter’s Church and Tribute Cross
  • St. Paul’s Chapel and Cemetery
  • Oculus
  • FDNY Memorial Wall and Ten House
  • Anne Frank Tree
  • St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine
  • The Reflection Pools
  • The Survivor Tree
  • One World Observatory

Included / Excluded

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Pre-reserved, priority access ticket to One World Observatory
  • One World Observatory is at your leisure and does not include a guide inside.
  • Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

22 Barclay Street, (St. Peter's Church), New York City, US

22 Barclay Street (St. Peter's Church) Meet at the front steps of the church.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

  • The One World Observatory portion of this tour is self-guided to give you time on your own.
  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to New York government guidelines for the most up to date information

Know before you go

  • This tour is conducted in English only.
  • This is a walking tour. While there are stops along the way, guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • You are required to go through airport-style security on this tour. No luggage, weapons, or food (except for water in a clear container) is allowed.
  • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • The One World Observatory portion of this tour is self-guided to give you time on your own.
  • No food or beverages may be brought into One World Observatory.
  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to New York government guidelines for the most up to date information

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Reviews

5.0(17 reviews)
Matthew
Jun 2026
5.0

If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

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