Ground Zero Self-Guided Walking Tour

Use this interactive map to follow the walking route and explore landmarks

Highlights

1) FDNY Memorial Wall

This 56-foot bronze mural, installed in 2006 at Ten House Fire Station, honors the heroes of the New York Fire Department who were the first responders to the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

2) St. Nicholas National Shrine

Consecrated on July 4, 2022, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine replaced the original church of the same name. It was the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11.

Tip: The new church is situated in Liberty Park. Nearby is the Anne Frank tree, grown from the tree Anne Frank admired while in hiding.

3) Koenig Sphere

A bronze sculpture by German artist Fritz Koenig that miraculously survived the 9/11 attacks. It was originally located between the Twin Towers and was pulled out from the rubble with minimal damage.

4) America's Response Monument

Unofficially known as the Horse Soldier Statue, it is the first publicly accessible monument that commemorates the members of America's Special Operations forces and their response to 9/11, including those who fought during the first stages of the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan.

5) 9/11 Memorial Pools

Titled "Reflecting Absence," there are two massive, one-acre reflecting pools set within the original footprints of the Twin Towers. They feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America, with water cascading 30 feet down into a center void, symbolizing the loss of life and the void left by the attacks

Tip: The last living thing rescued from the rubble was a Callery pear tree. Restored, it now stands as the Survivor Tree and blossoms beautifully each spring.

6) 9/11 Museum

A profoundly moving, multi-level tribute to the 3,000 lives lost in the WTC attacks. Inside the museum, exhibits tell the story of the attacks, the heroism of first responders, and the ongoing impact on the world.

Tip: If planning to visit, book your museum entry tickets in advance.

7) Brookfield Place

A luxurious complex overlooking the Hudson River that combines shopping, dining, and art installations. It was heavily damaged during 9/11, and large portions of the complex had to be rebuilt.

Tip: The memorial Eleven Tears in the lobby of the adjoining American Express building honors the 11 Amex travel agents who lost their lives in the attack

8) One WTC

Unofficially known as the "Freedom Tower," One WTC is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It stands proudly at 1,776 feet, gracefully honoring the year of America’s independence, and features an observatory on 100-102 floors.

9) Perelman Performing Arts Center

A cultural venue with an award-winning design conceived as part of the broader redevelopment of Lower Manhattan post the 9/11 attacks. This multi-space performance center hosts a variety of events, from theater productions to concerts.

Tip: Visit Mercer Labs nearby if you're into technology and art.

10) The Oculus

Designed by Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus is an architectural marvel symbolizing a dove in flight. This futuristic building serves as both a transportation hub and a shopping center.

Tip: Visit The Stranger's Project to read some poignant life stories

11) Mural Project (2 WTC)

Vibrant street murals at 2 WTC that celebrate New York’s history and diversity. All the mural pieces make an excellent backdrop for photo shoots with 1 WTC and Oculus in the background.

Tip: 2 WTC is the site of an up-and-coming skyscraper.

12) St. Paul's Church

Nicknamed “The Little Chapel That Stood,” St. Paul's Church survived without even a broken window after the collapse of the Twin Towers. Built in 1766, it is Manhattan’s oldest surviving church and served as a place of rest and refuge for recovery workers at the WTC site.

The churchyard has a "Bell of Hope" that is rung every 11 September as a symbol of the triumph of hope over tragedy.