Description
This 9/11 Memorial tour is a respectful walk through the day and its aftermath, and the person leading it is a New Yorker with a personal tie to that day. You meet at City Hall, close to Ground Zero, and the stories you hear come from someone who lives in the city.
The first stop is St. Paul's Chapel, nicknamed the "Little Church That Stood", which stood through the fall of the towers and sheltered first responders. Nearby, FDNY Ten House is the firehouse nearest the World Trade Center, and the guide tells of courage and loss there. You also pass through the Oculus, a transport hub that stands for renewal, while you learn how Lower Manhattan was rebuilt.
At the 9/11 Memorial two reflecting pools mark where the towers stood, and the names of almost 3,000 victims are engraved around them. The guide explains what the design means, and the Survivor Tree, a living symbol of resilience, is part of the story.
- The guided walk, about 90 minutes
- Timed entry to the 9/11 Museum, with the option selected: objects, displays and first-hand accounts, explored at your own speed
- Visit to One World Observatory, with the option selected: skyline views from the top
With both extras the day grows to roughly five hours. Gratuities for the guide are not included.