New York 9/11 Memorial Tour with Optional One World Observatory

ExperienceFirst
4.8
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
P7067TJnickl
11 days ago
We just got back from an amazing weekend in New York, and one of the highlights was our visit to the new One World Trade Center Observatory. When we purchased our tickets, we were pleasantly surprised to learn they included a 90-minute guided tour. Paul was our tour guide, and he did an absolutely incredible job. His knowledge, storytelling, and ability to paint a vivid and respectful picture of the events of 9/11 were truly moving. He shared the history in a way that was informative, emotional, and deeply impactful without ever feeling rushed or scripted. If you are considering this tour, we highly recommend requesting Paul. He made the experience unforgettable and added so much meaning to an already powerful place.

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 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.

Departure Point

  • We meet inside the Oculus, a mall and transportation hub at Ground Zero. Go to Level C2. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat and standing by the L'Arte del Gelato stand.
Return Details
  • You will go to the One World Observatory on your own after the tour. You can spend as long as you like at the top but most people spend about an hour.
Duration3 hoursLanguages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: St. Paul's Chapel209 Broadway, b/t Fulton Street & Vesey Street, New York City, New YorkThe 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.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum180 Greenwich St, World Trade Center, New York City, New YorkPay 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. PLEASE NOTE: Museum entry is not included in this tour. Duration: 1 hourStop At: One World Observatory117 West St, One World Trade Center, New York City, New YorkUpgrade 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.Duration: 1 hour

Additional Information

  • 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
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Tour is wheelchair accessible
  • Please dress appropriately and bring layers in case of cold weather
  • One World Observatory entrance is NOT included unless option is selected at time of booking
  • Children 5 and under free with paid adult ticket
  • Also note, in case you are approached by street booksellers, they are not affiliated with us
Inclusions
  • Visit to the meaningful sites of Ground Zero
  • Self-guided tour of the lobby of Freedom Tower with the film “Voices”
  • Optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory with the highest panoramic views in NYC
  • A local guide who shares stories about their personal connection to 9/11
  • Moment of reflection at the largest man-made waterfalls on the continent
Exclusions
  • Gratuities
  • 9/11 Museum (upgradable on site depending on availability)
Redemption Instructions• If you bought the observatory ticket option, your physical tickets will be given to you at check in at the start of the tour.• We do NOT meet at the 9/11 Memorial. Tour meets Inside the Oculus by L'Arte del Gelato • The tour concierge will be there 15 minutes before the tour starts wearing an orange hat and holding an orange sign. • NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED IF YOU MISS YOUR TOUR • You will go through an airport-style security check, so please be advised that some items are not allowedVoucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the ExperienceFirst in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Customer Reviews

4.8
based on Groupon 635 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
P7067TJnickl
We just got back from an amazing weekend in New York, and one of the highlights was our visit to the new One World Trade Center Observatory. When we purchased our tickets, we were pleasantly surprised to learn they included a 90-minute guided tour. Paul was our tour guide, and he did an absolutely incredible job. His knowledge, storytelling, and ability to paint a vivid and respectful picture of the events of 9/11 were truly moving. He shared the history in a way that was informative, emotional, and deeply impactful without ever feeling rushed or scripted. If you are considering this tour, we highly recommend requesting Paul. He made the experience unforgettable and added so much meaning to an already powerful place.
I8422ZBerinl
Arun was amazing! He had photo prompts with detailed, emotional stories. Very knowledgeable New York native! Highly recommend; loved him!!!
Vladimir K
Arun was excelnent. His iterpretation surprised us very plesantly. We are very happy Arun told us a lot of details about the 9/11 attack. Thank you very much.
John_P
This was a very heartfelt and rewarding experience. The destruction of Tower One and Tower Two, and the other five buildings, was explained from the very personal viewpoint of the tour guide who experienced 9/11. With his press credentials as a photographer, he was able to get close enough to feel the devastation and take memorable pictures. Touching the two beautiful memorial pools was very emotional. I was able to locate the name of a man who had been a local student in my hometown who had died in Tower One while working on the 104th floor. It was an emotional experience to place my hand on his name. The visit to the museum is a “must do” experience. The artifacts, the pictures of those who perished, the drawings from children, and all the exhibits made you feel that you were experiencing 9/11 all over again. I certainly recommend this tour.
rebeccabK3181MW
Our tour guide, Paul Kelly, was excellent. I lived in NYC but moved just before this happened. I returned about a year after and couldn't believe the devastation and work to be done. I had a lot of emotions about the memorial which I think is so special, and his added information about he buildings that remained, the rebuilding, the architectural features and reasons behind them, etc. made it that much more special. I have to bring my husband back who hasn't been back since he was a firefighter that went to NYC to help afterwards and I would definitely try to get Paul as my tour guide again. God bless all those involved in preserving the memory of what happened on that tragic day.

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