
Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade worth booking?
Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade is a 3.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $190 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $190 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”
- Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero
- A private guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
- 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
Not included
- Gratuities
- 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability)
What you'll see and do
St. Paul's Chapel
The tour begins one block from Ground Zero at a historic church, built in 1766, that miraculously survived the falling debris from the attacks. Your guide will explain how this beautiful church served the community in the wake of the tragedy.
15 minutes here
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Pay your respects to those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Your guide will share the meaning behind all the symbolic places in the memorial plaza, including the Survivor Tree and “Reflecting Absence,” which is the largest man-made waterfall on the continent.
60 minutes here
One World Observatory
Upgrade your experience to take the "Sky Pod" elevator up 1,250 feet to see breathtaking views of Manhattan from the 360-degree observation deck. It spans three levels and includes the See Forever Theater, immersive LED displays, touch-screen video, and dining.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
Please meet your guide at the Broadway entrance to St. Paul's Chapel (209 Broadway between Fulton and Vesey Streets). The guide will be there 10 minutes before the tour starts and will be wearing an orange hat AND/OR blue top or jacket.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
Tour + Observatory Entry
One World Observatory Entry
Tour Only
911 Ground Zero Tour Only
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ExperienceFirst
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Walking tour with Arun
Arun was super knowledgable, patient and brought the tour history across to the kids and teens in our group in an engaging manner. Highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Informative and sincere
The walking tour was very informative, organized and sincere. Our tour guide, Jaclyn, was lovely, very knowledgeable and friendly. I recommend this tour if you are able.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Excellent tour with Jaclyn ! Lots of useful info, overall great experience ! We will definitely recommend this to friends and family
via Tripadvisor
N/A
Our guide Dana was great! Informational, personable and experienced. She kept us wanting more history and more time to learn. Even our 15 year old son stayed engaged throughout the 90 minute tour!
via Tripadvisor
Don’t miss this tour! Private or not, so good.
Maya was an incredible guide. We all loved the tour! The guide spoke with such eloquence and intention as if it were her first tour. Don’t miss this if in NYC, our best tour by far. The personal experiences make it so touching and memorable.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $190 to $410
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by ExperienceFirst, who run 35 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.9 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything ExperienceFirst runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade cost?
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Prices start at $190 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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Included: Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”; Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero; A private guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11; Optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NY; and Moment of reflection at the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent. Not included: Gratuities; and 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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Please meet your guide at the Broadway entrance to St. Paul's Chapel (209 Broadway between Fulton and Vesey Streets). Th. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour + Observatory Entry, Tour Only. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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