10 Things to Do at Ground Zero in New York City

Ground Zero is, sadly, a Manhattan landmark that will always remind us of the 9/11 attacks. Here's what you can see and do

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

13 min read

10 Things to Do at Ground Zero in New York City

The 9/11 memorial | ©Hellotickets

Ground Zero was the scene of one of the most shocking events in the city's recent history and is one of the most emotional places to visit in New York. Here's what to see when you're in the area.

1. Climb One World Observatory, New York's highest observation deck

The views from One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets
The views from One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets

The top floors of One World Trade Center, from 100 to 102, are home to one of the newest observatories built in the Big Apple. With a height of 386.5 metres, it is the highest observation deck in New York. From here you can enjoy spectacular 360º views of the city.

However, the One World Observatory does not have an outdoor area unlike other observation decks such as the Top of the Rock or The Edge, but is all glass and indoors, so the perception is somewhat different, as you cannot feel the wind in your face or the sensation of vertigo as in the others. Also, for those who want to take photographs, this may be a problem.

In any case, I recommend a visit to One World Observatory if you like skyscrapers and modern architecture as I do, as the design of this observation deck allows you to see up to 80 kilometres of the city in all directions: the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge... and even the Statue of Liberty.... and even the Statue of Liberty.

The experience starts from the moment you enter the lift, which is covered with LED panels that show the development of New York from its origins. In just 47 seconds! It is also a symbol of the new World Trade Center after Ground Zero that New Yorkers are proud of.

Practical information

  • Where: The observatory is located in the One World Trade Center skyscraper at 285 Fulton Street.
  • Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 8PM.

Book tickets to One World Observatory

2. See the 9/11 Memorial dedicated to the victims

Tribute to the victims| ©Hellotickets
Tribute to the victims| ©Hellotickets

The 9/11 Memorial is one of the most moving places to visit in New York. Located at Ground Zero, it pays tribute to all those who died in the terrorist attacks of 2001. This and the 9/11 Museum are the two monuments that struck me the most at Ground Zero and that leave your emotions running high.

On the same site where the Twin Towers once stood imposingly, there is now the Memorial Plaza, two huge fountains fed by waterfalls that are lined with bronze plaques on which the names of all the victims have been engraved.

They in turn are enveloped by hundreds of beautiful oak trees brought from Washington and Pennsylvania, also the scenes of 9/11. The result is a magnificent oasis of recollection in the midst of the bustle of the city that invites us to take a stroll to remember the past and to fill the future with hope and illusion.

Book tickets to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

3. See the surviving tree

09/11 Surviving Tree| ©David Brooks
09/11 Surviving Tree| ©David Brooks

Among all these trees stands out one called the Survivor Tree, the only tree that survived the tragedy. The employees of the recovery works at Ground Zero in New York found it a month after the attacks and although it was still alive, it was in very poor condition, so it was removed so that it could be cared for and recovered.

Years later, in 2010, the surviving tree was returned to its original location and is now a symbol of hope and resilience for all New Yorkers and even the world. It is truly a wonderful sight to behold today.

Book a tour of Ground Zero

4. Visit the striking 9/11 Museum

9/11 Museum Exhibit| ©LA Times
9/11 Museum Exhibit| ©LA Times

The 9/11 Memorial is also a museum with a collection of more than 10,000 items recovered from the rubble that belonged to the victims and the people who tried to help them after the attack.

For those of us who witnessed 9/11 in one way or another, visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a very emotional moment during a trip to New York. It opened in May 2014 and documents the history and significance of the attacks on the World Trade Center through an extensive collection of exhibits that bear witness to that tragic date.

What does the 9/11 Museum look like inside?

That the 9/11 Museum is located underneath the Memorial Plaza, within the remains of the original World Trade Center structure, was amazing to me. There is nothing that can prepare you for what you will see inside the 9/11 Museum after passing through the security arch as it arouses so many emotions.

It is impossible not to have a lump in your throat throughout the tour, learning so much about the terrible event and the heroic response of New York City.

I was so shocked to see the remains of the original columns of the Twin Towers, the artifacts of the victims recovered from the rubble, the testimonies of the survivors and above all the stairs by which hundreds of people tried to flee for their lives amidst the chaos.

The museum even has the remains of a fire truck that was involved in the rescue efforts on that fateful day. It is truly shocking. Many people sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others and thanks to all those unsung heroes, hundreds of people survived that morning.

Practical information

  • Where: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is located at 180 Greenwich St, Lower Manhattan.
  • Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM (with last admission at 6 PM) and Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM (with last admission at 7PM).

Book a guided tour of the 9/11 Museum

5. Stroll through 9/11 Memorial Glade, the memorial to the heroes

Strolling through Ground Zero| ©Hellotickets
Strolling through Ground Zero| ©Hellotickets

The Glade Memorial located in Memorial Plaza, near the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, is dedicated to the rescue teams and those who died as a result of the indirect consequences of the attack.

Many firefighters, police, ambulance and other workers lost their lives while trying to help the victims or clearing the rubble. Others died of various diseases after being exposed to the harmful toxins in the air at Ground Zero.

They were all part of this tragedy, along with the nearly 3,000 direct victims and their families. The 9/11 Glade Memorial is a tribute to all these people.

What is the 9/11 Glade Memorial like?

The story behind this memorial is very moving because of the beautiful significance it holds. It is a four-metre long pathway with six monoliths that seem to sprout out of the ground and run through it. Each has steel from the One World Trade Center and was designed using a traditional Japanese technique called kintsugi, which involves repairing broken ceramic pieces by filling the cracks with gold.

Kintsugi represents the idea that no scars should be hidden. On the contrary, they have to be shown because it is a symbol of damage but at the same time of strength. A concept that comes to signify New York City's capacity to overcome adversity without ever forgetting what happened on 9/11. A beautiful lesson in resilience.

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6. See One World Trade Center, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world

Image of One World Trade Center| ©Hellotickets
Image of One World Trade Center| ©Hellotickets

After the attack, the area had to be completely rebuilt. The Twin Towers gave way to four large, modern skyscrapers, of which the One World Trade Center stands out, a building that has become one of New York's main landmarks.

Initially it was christened Freedom Tower, but this name was later discarded because of its emotional weight. Thus, One World Trade Center was finally chosen as the name of the tallest building in the complex with 104 floors and 541 metres high, that is, 1,776 feet, a symbolic number that refers to the year of the Independence of the United States. Curious, isn't it? This makes it the sixth tallest building on the planet and the first outside Asia.

It is accompanied by other skyscrapers of glass, steel and concrete called 2 WTC, 3 WTC, 4 WTC and 7 WTC, intended for offices and other purposes, which replaced several of the buildings affected after the collapse of the Twin Towers.

Book tickets to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

7. Discover The Oculus and go shopping in the mall

Inside the Oculus in Black and White| ©Hellotickets
Inside the Oculus in Black and White| ©Hellotickets

Where the PATH Station once stood, destroyed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the WTC Central Station has been built by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

It is a huge and spectacular central station that connects numerous underground lines, trains and large buildings in the Financial District. What struck me most is that it is crowned by a glass and metal dome called The Oculus through which light can easily flow, illuminating the entire complex.

For its design Calatrava was inspired by the way in which a child releases a dove he is holding into the sky, but some say it looks like a big eye with eyelashes or that it is like being inside a whale...

The truth is that it is very different from Grand Central Terminal, the most important railway station in Manhattan and, in my opinion, one of New York's architectural jewels, which dates from the 19th century. Although it is difficult to compare them, as they are very different in style. Each has its own charm, don't you think?

The Westfield World Trade Center Mall

Just below the structure of The Oculus, which serves as a roof over the huge central lobby, is the Westfield World Trade Center Mall, a shopping centre with more than 50 shops (Apple Store, Lacoste, H&M, Pandora...) and several restaurants (Eataly, Shake Shack, Starbucks...) that replaced the old mall.) that replaced the World Trade Center Mall when it was destroyed in 9/11.

Westfield World Trade Center Mall is a great place to shop or take a snack break after a visit to Ground Zero in New York. How about a coffee, ice cream or a burger to get your strength back and continue your tour of the city?

Book a tour of Ground Zero

8. Take a tour of the Financial District

New York Stock Exchange Building| ©Hellotickets
New York Stock Exchange Building| ©Hellotickets

Lower Manhattan has a number of tourist attractions such as Battery Park, Wall Street and its Charging Bull, City Hall, the New York Supreme Court and Trinity Church, among others. But if there is one thing that attracts thousands of tourists to this area, it is New York's Financial District. Here, among hundreds of suit-wearing executives, you'll discover imposing buildings such as the New York Stock Exchange and the famous buffalo, which you'll have to pet for good luck.

In this area, the streets get narrower and the skyscrapers are even taller (if that's possible), so much so that you'll struggle to make out the blue of the sky between the tall buildings. Everyone is in a hurry here, so you'll also find plenty of fast food joints where workers take a break from their day to grab a bite to eat.

Book a tour of Wall Street

9. Mix culture and shopping at Brookfield Place

The entrance to the Oculus mall at Christmas time| ©Hellotickets
The entrance to the Oculus mall at Christmas time| ©Hellotickets

Speaking of shopping, the 9/11 attacks also damaged the former Winter Garden Atrium shopping mall which was then part of the World Financial Center. Although its structure withstood the attack, it was damaged under the rubble and the building had to be reconstructed to restore it to its former splendour and appearance.

In 2002, almost a year after the event, it reopened under the name Brookfield Place and we were able to walk again through the galleries and marble staircases, enjoying the beautiful windows through which the natural light penetrates and the huge palm trees located inside the mall.

This mall is a lovely place to take a break and have a snack or to browse in its luxury shops (J. Crew, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Louis Vuitton...). There is even a food market called Le District specialising in French cuisine where you can order what you like and sit down to eat at the tables scattered around the premises.

What else to do at Brookfield Place?

Throughout the year, Brookfield Place hosts cultural activities such as exhibitions, concerts, performing arts and children's programmes for the whole family. If you're travelling to New York with children, it's a good idea to check out the cultural offerings on the official website because there's always something to do.

In addition, during the winter there is an ice rink outside Brookfield Place which is not as crowded as others in the city. I recommend you visit it at Christmas if you like skating as they also organise a beautiful light show in the central square.

Practical information

  • Where: 230 Vesey Street.
  • Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM.

Book a tour of Ground Zero

10. Visit St. Paul's Chapel, the miracle of 9/11

Saint Paul's Chapel| ©Austria Forum
Saint Paul's Chapel| ©Austria Forum

This chapel is a miracle. Despite being located very close to where the Twin Towers stood, it suffered no damage during the attack, unlike other more modern buildings in the area. Not a single pane of glass was broken. That is why Saint Paul's Chapel is known as "the chapel that stood".

It is the oldest religious building in Manhattan. Georgian in style, it is the only one from the colonial era on the island known because it was here that George Washington made his speech as the first president of the United States in 1789.

Centuries later, by surviving 9/11, it became a symbol of the triumph of life over unreason and barbarism. Because of its proximity to the area of the tragedy and the good condition it was in, Saint Paul's Chapel was used as a shelter for the police, firefighters and volunteers who worked for months at Ground Zero to help clear the rubble and search for victims.

Saint Paul's Chapel Memorial

In fact, to remember those who died on 9/11, a room inside the church was dedicated to them as a memorial. Saint Paul's Chapel is another of the places at Ground Zero in New York that I recommend you visit. Not only for its historical value but also for its emotional value to the city.

There you can see some photographs of the people who sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others and messages of support from the international community. There is also a board for those who disappeared on that fateful day and you can even see the bed on which the volunteers rested during their endless days of work at Ground Zero. Without a doubt, it is a visit that will make you shudder and give you pause for thought because of the significance it holds.

Practical information

  • Where: 209 Broadway, between Vesey and Fulton Streets.
  • Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The chapel is open Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from 7 AM to 9 PM.

What was the World Trade Center?

Twin Towers at the World Trade Center| ©Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Twin Towers at the World Trade Center| ©Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

It was a complex located in Lower Manhattan where the iconic Twin Towers, symbol of the American financial world since its inauguration in 1973, were located.

The 9/11 terrorist attack devastated the World Trade Center and took the lives of thousands of people. The area where the tragedy occurred became a huge crater that was eventually rehabilitated to build a memorial to the victims.

Today it has become a symbol of resistance in New York and Ground Zero has been refurbished with several monuments that are well worth a visit. What can you see at the World Trade Center?

Practical information

about Ground Zero in New York

  • Where is it: In Lower Manhattan, next to Wall Street.
  • How to get there: By public transport you can take the Broadway - Fulton St underground (lines 4 and 5) or Cortlandt Street - World Trade Center (lines N and R); or the M05 and M20 bus.

Book a tour of Ground Zero

Other interesting experiences near Ground Zero

Views from the water along the Hudson| ©Hellotickets
Views from the water along the Hudson| ©Hellotickets

The tour of Upper and Lower Manhattan

Manhattan is the heart of New York, one of those places you can't get enough of exploring. If you enjoyed your visit to Ground Zero, you may be interested in the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour, where you won't leave any important places undiscovered.

With this tour you'll see from a bus all the sights of downtown New York, its emblematic neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Chinatown or Little Italy, as well as the streets that make Manhattan world famous like Fifth Avenue.

If you want to know more about this experience in New York, I recommend you to read the article about the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour where I explain in detail everything you'll see, give you some useful tips and tell you more about other interesting experiences in the city that you won't want to miss.

Hop on one of the Hudson River Cruises

Lower Manhattan is a key location from where you'll find several piers where you can hop on the Hudson River cruises. There are tours to suit all tastes and budgets, from daytime tours to see the Manhattan skyline in all its splendour to luxury dinner cruises that depart every night and serve a gourmet dinner to enjoy the illuminated city.

Get to the Statue of Liberty

From Battery Park, just off Ground Zero, ferries depart to the Statue of Liberty. A ferry ride will give you the best views of Manhattan and Lady Liberty. Once you get to Liberty Island, you can visit her Pedestal and even her Crown, but it's best to buy your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance.

Take the opportunity to visit Brooklyn

If you cross the Brooklyn Bridge, which I 100% recommend, you'll arrive in the Brooklyn borough, one of the trendiest areas of the city. Take the opportunity to walk its streets and avenues, take the legendary photo from DUMBO and have lunch or brunch in one of its hipster cafés.

Book a tour of Ground Zero