See Ground Zero up close with an expert, licensed New York City guide. Pay your respects and experience where this terrible event in modern history happened.
On this guided walking tour of lower Manhattan and Ground Zero, you'll view:
Heading over to Wall Street, we visit Federal Hall, where you can stand on the spot where George Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, Cesar Peli's spectacular World Financial Center complex built on 97 acres of landfill, and much more!
On this guided walking tour of lower Manhattan and Ground Zero, you'll view:
- The World Trade Center 16-acre site from all angles possible, including upstairs, downstairs, above and all 4 sides
- The only remaining section of the World Trade Center, where you'll be able to walk around
- St. Paul's Chapel: the chapel that stood while the towers fell, and where George Washington worshipped
- The perfect cross made of steel beams found in the WTC wreckage of Tower 1
- The first of the new World Trade Center towers---already up and occupied!
- NYPD Policemen's & Firemen's Memorials
- The Winter Garden, with palm trees and a peaceful atmosphere completely destroyed on 9/11 and now completely rebuilt.
- Architect's models and renderings of the new World Trade Center & memorial!
Heading over to Wall Street, we visit Federal Hall, where you can stand on the spot where George Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, Cesar Peli's spectacular World Financial Center complex built on 97 acres of landfill, and much more!
What Is Not Included?
A metrocard good for traveling downtown together on the New York City subway system. Each ride is $2.00 per person. It is recommended (although not required) that each tour participant already have a metrocard prior to the tour's start time.
We will also have a break during the tour at the Winter Garden where you'll be able to purchase something to eat or drink. Please bring extra cash with you, if you're interested in buying a snack during this time.
We will also have a break during the tour at the Winter Garden where you'll be able to purchase something to eat or drink. Please bring extra cash with you, if you're interested in buying a snack during this time.
Meeting Location
Rockefeller Plaza-West 49th St. (New York City, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
- Where does the tour end?
- On Broadway near Wall Street and the famous statue of The Charging Bull where you are welcome to take pictures. If you would like to get back to Midtown via subway or explore Battery Park, etc. we'll guide you in the right direction.
- How much money do I need on my metrocard?
- You need at least one ride per person (usually $2) to use during the tour. The first subway ride going from midtown to Ground Zero is part of the tour and includes narration about the history of the subway etc. The tour ends in downtown and at that point you can either take the subway back to Midtown or go to another landmark in the area. Your tour guide will direct you further.
- Is this a celebrity themed tour?
- No, unlike the other Rich and Famous tours, this tour has a historical and informative focus. We will be pointing out sites of interest that are not necessarily related to celebrities.
- What is the difference between the various Rich & Famous Tours?
- The Rich & Famous Bus Tour is an overview of both the Upper East and Upper West Side neighborhoods where many celebrities live. The Central Park West Walking tour is only a tour of the Upper West Side between Columbus Circle and West 86th St. The Ground Zero/Wall St. Walking Tour is not a celebrity themed tour, but rather an exploration of New York City's extreme historic downtown areas where the city originated 350 years ago and is now the financial district.
- Will we be able to go inside any of the locations?
- Yes, we spend a fair amount of time exploring Ground Zero, including the only remaining section of the World Trade Center where you can walk around. We also go inside the World Financial Center and at least one church.
- Are small children welcome on the tour?
- Small children are welcome on the tour, but may not be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Please use your discretion when bringing non-paying children ages 4 and younger.
- Do the tours operate rain or shine?
- Yes, the tours go out rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the day's weather!
- Will we see any celebrities on the tour?
- There is always a very good chance, however, that is not the theme of this tour. Ground Zero and the Wall Street area is mostly a busy commercial district but many celebrities live in nearby neighborhoods such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johanssen, Kirsten Dunst, and many others.
- If we see celebrities on the tour, may we approach them?
- No. Unless the celebrity approaches our group, it's advisable to view them from a distance. Your purchase of a Rich and Famous Tour ticket is your agreement not to approach celebrities on the tour or after the tour is concluded.
- How far will we walk on the tour?
- Although we walk at a casual pace, you will be able to sit a couple times. Mostly, you'll be on your feet for the entirety of the tour. The route is about 1.5 miles
- Will there be refreshments available on the tour?
- Along the way we may pass a vendor who sells water and soft drinks. There will also be a rest stop where you may purchase snacks and drinks at your own expense. We will stop for approximately 15 minutes at the Winter Garden, where you can purchase something from a few coffee shops, as well as a deli.
- Can I bring food or beverages with me?
- You are welcome to bring snacks with you, but please keep in mind that you will have to carry them for the duration of the tour. You'll also be able to purchase snacks during our 15 minute rest stop in the Winter Garden.
- Will there be a restroom stop on the tour?
- Yes, we will stop at a hotel or another public place if necessary.
- Is this a good sightseeing tour of New York?
- This is a good sightseeing tour of a specific area of New York City...the bustling, historic financial district called Wall Street and the World Trade Center area of Manhattan.
- Does this tour have anything to offer a native New Yorker?
- Definitely! We have given many tours to native New Yorkers and they are always astounded at the information they never knew about one of the most famous areas in Manhattan.
- Can I meet you at Ground Zero?
- No, the tour is structured so that your guides provide you with just as much information during the subway portion of the tour, as during the rest.
- Are cameras allowed?
- Absolutely! However, some churches and other establishments may have a stipulation on photos which we should respect.
- Is this tour wheelchair- and stroller-accessible?
- Mostly. But the area surrounding Ground Zero is still very bumpy and since it is a construction site, there may be an occasional obstacle (steps, large curbs, etc.) We are also taking the subway and the subway elevators do not always work.
- Can I purchase a gift certificate?
- Yes! Gift certificates for Rich and Famous Tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact RichFamous" link.
- Can I arrange a private tour?
- Yes! We offer tours for private events and large groups. We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please use the "Contact RichFamous" link to inquire further about special group rates and customized syllabi.
Rich and Famous Tours
Jim Dykes & Mike Brennan, founding guides of New York's Rich & Famous Tours are MORE than just dedicated New Yorkers and NYC guides--they are true professionals with over 50 years between them of experience showing visitors the best New York City has to offer!
Rich & Famous Tours are truly filled with much insider's information! History, architecture and details you can't get from the guidebooks!
Rich & Famous guide and co-founder Jim Dykes once found Steven Spielberg was so interested in his tour, he tagged along--for several blocks! After Liz Smith and other showbiz columns mentioned this, Joan Rivers introduced Dykes as "the Celebrity tourguide--just fabulous!"
Rich & Famous Tours are truly filled with much insider's information! History, architecture and details you can't get from the guidebooks!
Rich & Famous guide and co-founder Jim Dykes once found Steven Spielberg was so interested in his tour, he tagged along--for several blocks! After Liz Smith and other showbiz columns mentioned this, Joan Rivers introduced Dykes as "the Celebrity tourguide--just fabulous!"
for RichFamous

